New airport at Minicoy Island , Lakshadweep

The Island Development Agency (IDA) on Wednesday decided to develop an airport at Minicoy Island in an effort to unlock the potential of tourism and the tuna fishing industry in Lakshadweep.

The ministry of home affairs (MHA) said in a statement that the decision would help improve livelihoods in Lakshadweep. Stressing on the need to promote the tuna fishing industry there, it said: “The Union home minister directed everybody concerned to expedite the implementation of ongoing key infrastructure projects on the islands and develop community-based tourism in consultation with local stakeholders.”

“Enhanced connectivity has been recommended as one of the key priorities, considering the unique maritime and territorial bio-diversity of the islands,” the statement said.

The meeting was attended by Andaman and Nicobar lt governor Admiral DK Joshi; cabinet secretary PK Sinha; NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant; Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba; Environment, forests and climate change secretary CK Mishra; and representatives of the tourism, power, defence, health, telecommunications and civil aviation ministries.