Regarding cancellation of all diversion certificates issued for construction in private and Pandaram lands in Lakshadweep

Regarding cancellation of all diversion certificates issued for construction in private and Pandaram lands in Lakshadweep SHRI HAMDULLAH SAYEED (LAKSHADWEEP): Madam, Chairperson, thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak. I rise to draw the attention of this House to the serious difficulties being faced by the residents of Lakshadweep, following the recent administrative order issued by the Lakshadweep Administration on th 14 March, 2026, cancelling all divergence certificates issued for construction in private and Pandaram lands across the islands. Madam, the divergence certificates were issued by the competent authorities in Lakshadweep after due verification, enabling many families to construct houses and small buildings on their own land. Over the years, numerous residents have relied on these certificates in good faith and have invested their life savings to build or expand their homes. However, the sudden decision to cancel all such divergence certificates has created widespread uncertainty and distress among the islanders. Madam, the construction work that was already underway has reportedly been stopped through stop memos, leaving many households in a difficult situation. Several families who have taken loans or mobilized resources for house construction are now facing severe financial and social hardships. Lakshadweep has very limited land availability and the traditional landholding system in the islands includes private lands as well as Pandaram land used by local residents for their habitation. Any abrupt cancellation of their previously granted permission without adequate consultation on transition arrangements, disproportionately affects the ordinary people of the islands. Madam, I urge the Government of India, especially the Ministry of Home Affairs - ours being a union territory - to kindly look into this matter with urgency and ensure that the genuine interests of the residents of Lakshadweep are protected. The Administration may consider reviewing and withdrawing this order, regularizing the bona fide construction and evolving a practical and people-friendly mechanism so that families who have acted in good faith are not penalized. I request and urge the Union Government to take this seriously, intervene and provide immediate relief to the affected households in the Lakshadweep islands. Thank you, Madam.