The Ministry of Law and Justice (MoLJ) on July 28, 2026, issued the Lakshadweep Town and Country Planning and Development Regulation, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The Regulation establishes a comprehensive framework for planned development, land use, infrastructure and environmental management across the Union Territory. It provides for the preparation of Regional Plans, Master Plans, Town Planning Schemes, Land Pooling Schemes, and Local Area Plans, with planning based on economic development, carrying capacity, infrastructure requirements, environmental conservation, and waste management. Regional Plans may have a 20-year horizon and are subject to review every 10 years, while Master Plans generally operate for 10 years.
• The Regulation assigns responsibilities to the planning authorities to ensure GIS-based spatial budgeting, synchronization of fiscal budgets with spatial plans, infrastructure and waste-management planning, environmental conservation and periodic assessment through key performance indicators. Development plans are required to remain within the carrying capacity of the concerned area, with studies by reputed institutions where necessary. The Regulation also provides mechanisms for challenging Master Plans before the District Court on specified grounds and permits their suspension in cases of emergency. Land reserved for public purposes or planned development may be acquired in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
• The framework further provides for enforcement, penalties and legal procedures. Unauthorised alteration of plans or schemes can attract a penalty of up to ₹50,000, while companies and persons responsible for contraventions may be held liable, subject to the prescribed due-diligence defence. Authorities are empowered to summon witnesses and require production of documents in proceedings.
[Act no. 8 of 2026]
