Online permit for visiting Lakshadweep islands soon

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 27, 2015 :  Lakshadweep MP P P Mohammed Faizal, Aug 26,  said the Union Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to put in place online issue of permits to visitors to Lakshadweep in about six months.

Interacting with media on the sidelines of an event organised for signing of a memorandum of understanding between Karnataka and Lakshadweep authorities for the construction of a dedicated jetty for Lakshadweep vessels, MP  Faizal said at present permits are issued at Kochi in a conventional format, either in person or by post.  Issue of online permits is expected to boost tourism in Lakshadweep. 

The Lakshadweep administration has been operating seven passenger vessels from the islands, one each with 150 seating capacity to Mangaluru and Kozhikode and five to Kochi.

The vessel to Mangaluru is used by residents of Lakshadweep as tourists cannot board the same for lack of issue of permits in Mangaluru.    Meanwhile, MP  Faizal urged the Karnataka Ports Department to provide certain basic amenities at Mangaluru port for passengers going to Lakshadweep, like shelter, toilets etc., till the dedicated jetty is constructed.  Hundreds of residents of Lakshadweep visit Mangaluru regularly for different reasons and the long followed practice is  increasing due to the ancient links with Kanara.