Kavaratti

History

The city is one of the hundred Indian cities competing in a national level competition to get the funds under Narendra Modi's flagship Smart Cities Mission. Kavaratti will be competing for the one of last 10 spots against 20 cities from across India.

Geography

The island of Kavaratti lies 360 km (190 nmi) off the coast of the state of Kerala at 10.57°N 72.64°E / 10.57; 72.64. It has an average elevation of 0 metres (0 feet).

The closest island is uninhabited Pitti islet, located 24 km (13 nmi) north of Kavaratti. The inhabited island of Agatti lies 54 km to the NW and Suheli Par 53 km to the SW.

Kochi is the closest major city on the Indian mainland at a distance of 404 km (218 nmi). It has a lagoon area of 8.96 km² (3.46 sq mi).

Demographics

The 2011 population for Kavaratti was 11,210 based on the 2011 census of India. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Of the 1797 families on the island, 57 (about 3%) are below the poverty line.

The literacy was 88.6% for Kavaratti. This was an increase from 44.4% in 1971. The male literacy rate was 94.1%, while the female literacy was 81.66%. In Kavaratti, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

The most commonly spoken languages are Malayalam, Mahl and English.

Administration

The island belongs to the township of Kavaratti Island of Kavaratti Tehsil.

Climate

Kavaratti has a tropical monsoon climate. March to May is the hottest period of the year. The year-round temperature ranges between 25-35 °C. Humidity range is 70-76%.

The monsoon rains usually start at the end of May and continue through early September. The island receives an average of 1600mm of rain during the year.

Economy

Tourism is one of the primary industries on the island. The island has pristine white sand beaches, favored by tourists for sun bathing. The calm lagoons on Kavaratti island are ideal for water sports and swimming.

A number of hotels and resorts have been developed on Kavaratti in recent years. The waters around the coral atoll are rich in diverse marine life. The Kavaratti Aquarium has a rich collection of corals and a vast collection of tropical fish specimens.

The other major industries on the island are fisheries and agriculture. Coconut is the dominant crop on the island. With the ascent of tourism, the fishing industry has seen a major decline.

Transportation

Among the most popular means of travel to Kavaratti from the Indian mainland is via an overnight voyage by passenger ships. A number of passenger liners operate from Kochi to Kavaratti and other Lakshadweep islands.

The nearest domestic airport is on Agatti Island 54 km (29 nmi) away, followed by helicopter or boat transfers from Agatti to Kavaratti. Commercial flights usually operate from Kochi to Agatti.

The closest international airport is the Cochin International Airport in Kochi on the mainland.

Education

There are 2 primary schools and 2 secondary schools on the island. In addition there were 14 anganwadis.

Healthcare

Kavaratti hosts a co-operative hospital. There is also a Krishibhavan and an associated veterinary hospital on the island.

Water supply

Ground water is the major source of water supply to Kavaratti. The island has 190 ponds to collect monsoon waters and 1325 wells.

With increasing population, the Government of India commissioned a low temperature desalination plant (LLTD) in Kavaratti in May 2005. The desalination plant established at a cost of ₹50 million has a capacity to supply 100,000 litres of drinking water every day.

Military

Kavaratti island is home to INS Dweeprakshak, the main Indian Navy base of the Southern Naval Command in the Lakshadweep islands.

INS Kavaratti (P80) was an Arnala class corvette of the Indian Navy named for the island.