Residents, outfits challenge Lakshadweep Administration’s midweek vehicle ban

The Lakshadweep Administration has declared every Wednesday as “No Vehicle Day” across all islands to “promote health” and “reduce pollution.” The order will come into effect from February 25.

The directive, issued by District Collector and Lakshadweep Administration Secretary R. Giri Sankar, has not gone down well with large sections of residents, with resentment spilling onto social media. A resident of Kalpeni island, who also practises law in the archipelago and Ernakulam, has approached the Kerala High Court challenging the order dated February 17.

According to the order, no motor vehicles — except those used by persons with disabilities or for security and emergency medical purposes — will be permitted on roads on Wednesdays. Motorists found violating the directive will be fined ₹500. “The above measure is being implemented to promote the health of islanders by encouraging walking and cycling, while reducing pollution from vehicular emissions. All concerned are requested to co-operate and ensure compliance with this order,” it stated.

Incidentally, on the same day, the Administration issued another order permitting liquor to be served in eight government guest houses under the Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS), the nodal agency for tourism promotion in the Union Territory, to “promote tourism.” Lakshadweep has remained a dry region since the late 1970s.

Lakshadweep has far fewer vehicles compared to the mainland, with two-wheelers dominating its roads. Islanders have taken to social media to voice their opposition to the “No Vehicle Day” directive. Filmmaker and Lakshadweep resident Aisha Sultana took to Facebook to mock the order. “Since the order is applicable to everyone, hopefully government employees will also walk and pedal their way to their offices on Wednesdays.” Another social media user urged residents to protest by taking out their vehicles on Wednesdays, while another exhorted that fines imposed be contested in court.

The CPI(M) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Lakshadweep, have also registered their protests against what they termed a “strange” order. In its objection submitted to the District Collector, DYFI raised concerns over its impact on livelihood and passenger connectivity. The directive, the outfit said, carried legal and fundamental rights implications and was issued without public consultation.