Lakshadweep Declares No Vehicle Day Every Wednesday
Lakshadweep’s new No Vehicle Day plan to cut pollution has raised concerns from MP M. Hamdullah Sayeed over public inconvenience.
On 6 April 2022, the Lakshadweep Administration announced that every Wednesday would be observed as Cycle Day for government employees. The aim of this rule was to reduce pollution and promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging staff to use bicycles instead of motor vehicles.
The administration explained that cycling would be convenient because the islands are small and mostly flat. Officials also said that walking or cycling would help create a cleaner and more eco-friendly environment. While some employees welcomed the move, others said they were not ready at first because they did not own bicycles and needed time to arrange one. The order also gave exemption to employees with physical disabilities or serious medical conditions.
Recently, the Lakshadweep Administration issued a new notice stating that every Wednesday will now be observed as No Vehicle Day across all islands, starting from 25 February 2026. As per the new order, motor vehicles will not be allowed on roads on Wednesdays, except for vehicles used by persons with disabilities, for security duties, and for medical emergencies. Anyone violating the rule will have to pay a fine of Rs. 500. The notice has been signed by the District Collector and Secretary of General Administration and Protocol and circulated to all departments.
By combining the earlier Cycle Day initiative with the new No Vehicle Day order, the administration aims to strengthen efforts to reduce pollution and keep the islands green and healthy.
However, on 18 February, Lakshadweep MP Adv. M. Hamdullah Sayeed wrote a letter to the District Collector raising concerns about the decision. In his letter, he appreciated the intention behind the initiative but pointed out that Lakshadweep is already known for its cleanliness and has a low number of vehicles.
He argued that banning all motor vehicles for a full day may be impractical. He highlighted that parents need vehicles to drop children to school, and flights and jetties run on fixed schedules even on Wednesdays. Air and ship passengers depend on transport to reach airports and jetties. He also noted that elderly people, women, children and those carrying luggage may face difficulties. People with heart problems or other medical conditions may also find it unsafe to walk or cycle long distances.
Because of these concerns, he has requested the administration to reconsider the decision and introduce more practical and community-friendly alternatives.
