Belapuram in Andrott Island awaits facelift

Kochi: The Lakshadweep administration is looking forward to develop Belapuram area in Andrott Island, which is close to mainland Kerala. They have decided to prepare a master plan to develop the area, which is a congested government land called ‘Katchery Pandaram'.
The Lakshadweep Public Works Department (LPWD), which has invited an expression of interest (EOI) for preparing the master plan, said that they have chosen the area "as it is possible to berth medium or small vessels there."
The LPWD Kalpeni division said that they were looking forward to develop it as a commercial centre.
According to Lakshadweep administration, Andrott Island is the largest island in all of Lakshadweep with an area of 4.90 sq km. The island has a population of 10,720.
"Despite being close to the Kerala coast and the largest island, tourism potential of Andrott Island has not been explored. At Belapuram area, there are run-down government buildings. These can be completely removed and a commercial centre can be constructed," said an engineer with LPWD Kalpeni division.
The department said that architects working on the master plan should not ignore the "eco-sensitive" nature of the island.
Under Costal Zone Regulation (CRZ) norms, it is mandatory that the design and construction of buildings should be consistent with the surrounding landscape and local architectural style and should be in line with the building bylaws of Lakshadweep administration.
It is pointed out that Andrott Island falls under CRZ IV category, and the width of the no-development zone is stated as uniformly 50 metres from high tide line.
Construction of new buildings and extension of existing buildings are not permitted in the no-development zone. In case there is a requirement to widen or lengthen any jetty in the lagoon, prior approval should be obtained from the ministry of environment and forests through the department of environment of Lakshadweep administration.