Dear Editor,
I want to publish my view through columns of your leading newspaper in Kashmir on change in the alcohol rules in Lakshadweep. Below mentioned are my views on the subject:-
Tourism Wins Local Voices Lose
The government is changing the alcohol rules in Lakshadweep to bring in more tourists. Tourist numbers jumped 47% to over 68,000 in 2024. However, 95% of the local people belong to Scheduled Tribes, and they do not want alcohol on their islands.The government is putting huge taxes on these drinks, like 400% on foreign liquor. This shows the move is just about making money, not helping the locals.Trying to copy the Maldives for tourism is a mistake. The government is ignoring the worries of the local residents. Changing the rules for resorts harms the peace and unique culture of these beautiful islands.
VijayKumar H K
[email protected]
Raichur, Karnataka
Environmentalist
