Israel on Monday (Jan 8) joined the bandwagon in promoting Lakshadweep's tourism, hailing its "pristine and majestic" beaches and underwater marvels.

Amid the India-Maldives diplomatic row, the Israel Embassy, in a posting on its official X account, announced that it will start the desalination programme in the islands on Tuesday (Jan 9).

"We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government's request to initiate the desalination programme. Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow," Israel in India said in a post on 'X'.

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We were in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakshadweep?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lakshadweep</a> last year upon the federal government's request to initiate the desalination program. 
 
Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow. 
 
For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lakshadweepislands?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lakshadweepislands</a>, here… <a href="https://t.co/bmfDWdFMEq">pic.twitter.com/bmfDWdFMEq</a>
— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelinIndia/status/1744286803992150091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The embassy, further sharing photos of the white beaches, said, "For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here are a few pictures showing this island's enchanting allure."

The announcement by Israel comes against the backdrop of diplomatic tensions between India and Maldives after some ministers in the Mohamed Muizzu-led government made derogatory comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They also made disparaging references to PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit, inferring that the pictures he posted on X were aimed at projecting the archipelago as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

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For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list. 
 
During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was! <a href="https://t.co/rikUTGlFN7">pic.twitter.com/rikUTGlFN7</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1742831497776951361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Following this, notable film celebrities and cricketers encouraged people on their respective social media accounts to explore local tourist destinations rather than going to the Maldives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-search-interest-for-indias-lakshadweep-skyrocket-after-pm-modis-visit-677924">Global search interest for India’s Lakshadweep witnesses record surge after PM Modi’s visit</a>

<h2>These opinions are personal, says Maldivian government</h2>

Earlier on Sunday, the Maldivian government, in its response to the row over the minister's remarks, said that the opinions shared were "personal" and that they do not represent its views.

In a statement, the government said that appropriate action would be taken against the minister at the centre of the storm. Male said it is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals.&nbsp;

"These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives," read an official release by the Maldivian Foreign Ministry.

The government added it believes that freedom of expression should be exercised in a "democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners".

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Israel on Monday (Jan 8) joined the bandwagon in promoting Lakshadweep's tourism, hailing its "pristine and majestic" beaches and underwater marvels. Amid the India-Maldives diplomatic row, the Israel Embassy, in a posting on its official X account, announced that it will start the desalination programme in the islands on Tuesday (Jan 9).

Israel on Monday (Jan 8) joined the bandwagon in promoting Lakshadweep's tourism, hailing its "pristine and majestic" beaches and underwater marvels. Amid the India-Maldives diplomatic row, the Israel Embassy, in a posting on its official X account, announced that it will start the desalination programme in the islands on Tuesday (Jan 9). "We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government's request to initiate the desalination programme. Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow," Israel in India said in a post on 'X'. We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government's request to initiate the desalination program. Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow. For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here… pic.twitter.com/bmfDWdFMEq — Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) January 8, 2024 × The embassy, further sharing photos of the white beaches, said, "For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here are a few pictures showing this island's enchanting allure." The announcement by Israel comes against the backdrop of diplomatic tensions between India and Maldives after some ministers in the Mohamed Muizzu-led government made derogatory comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They also made disparaging references to PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit, inferring that the pictures he posted on X were aimed at projecting the archipelago as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives. For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list. During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was! pic.twitter.com/rikUTGlFN7 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024 × Following this, notable film celebrities and cricketers encouraged people on their respective social media accounts to explore local tourist destinations rather than going to the Maldives. Also read: Global search interest for India’s Lakshadweep witnesses record surge after PM Modi’s visit These opinions are personal, says Maldivian government Earlier on Sunday, the Maldivian government, in its response to the row over the minister's remarks, said that the opinions shared were "personal" and that they do not represent its views. In a statement, the government said that appropriate action would be taken against the minister at the centre of the storm. Male said it is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. "These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives," read an official release by the Maldivian Foreign Ministry. The government added it believes that freedom of expression should be exercised in a "democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners". (With inputs from agencies)

Israel to begin desalination programme in Lakshadweep, hails its ‘pristine and majestic’ underwater marvels

Lakshadweep to get Israeli desalination plant. Israel is one of the leading players in the desalination process. The announcement comes amid India-Maldives tensions.

Israel's desalination project to help India's Lakshadweep Islands

A sea water desalination plant has caused controversy in Senegal. Several fishermen and restaurant owners in Dhaka see the new plant as a necessary evil, fishermen fear that the fish will become scarce because of the waste from the plant, take a look at this report for more!

Sea water desalination plant causes controversy in Senegal

Egypt has now rolled out a 2.5 billion dollars plan to build 17 desalination plants that will be powered by solar energy. The government has been offering concessions to attract private investors, it aims to set up the plant by the next five years.

Egypt to build 17 desalination plants, invites private bidders in clean energy push

"Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake... 
when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified 
'it's a ghost' they said, and cried out in fear... 
but Jesus immediately told them: 'take courage, it is I. Don't be afraid'."

It is a passage from the Holy Bible, Matthew 14:22-36. It tells the story of one of Jesus's most famous miracles.

Some 2,000 years ago, Jesus walked across the Sea of Galilee - the water body between Israel and the occupied Golan heights - according to the Bible. Today, that doesn't require a miracle.

The Sea of Galilee, one of the holiest places in Christianity, is Israel's largest freshwater reserve. But long periods of drought and over-pumping have brought the lake low. A reedy island has materialised at its southern edge, and will soon be a peninsula. Holiday-makers and fishermen teeter over expanding boggy beaches to reach the waterline.

"Because last years we did not have enough rain and also we have a big exploitation water, the water is going slowly down, down, down and we don't know where it will stop," said Meir Sternberg, a local.

<img alt="galilee" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a95813a7-23c8-43d7-aa25-98bb0886324c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sea-of-galilee-rocks-reuters.jpg" />

Rocks are seen above the low-water level of the Sea of Galilee. (Reuters)

The Sea of Galilee was last full in 2004. Today, its shores are six metres wider, just two centimetres from the lowest level ever recorded. If the lake shrinks too much, its water would become saltier and negatively affect animals and plants relying on it.

It is a largely man-made disaster. Drought and overpumping have hit the Sea of Galilee hard.

Israel sees a solution in desalination, in which it is a world leader. It plans to double the amount of Mediterranean seawater it processes and pipe half of it 75 kilometers (47 miles) to the Sea of Galilee.

"(We) are doing it in order to save our nature, to fight global warming, I mean to prevent the effect, the devastating effect of global warming on the Sea of Galilee and also to create a very significant water storage for the entire state of Israel for time of emergencies," said Yuval Steinitz, Israeli energy and water minister.

"If he (Jesus) is coming back, we will make sure that he will have to make a real effort to walk on the water once more," Steinitz joked.

The project requires an investment of more than $600 million.

The problem is larger than Israel - all the fresh water reserves in the region are currently at a 100-year lows.

Finding a common solution is imperative.

<img alt="island-galilee" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a8714b9-2b83-495c-acff-6f1edd528483" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sea-of-galilee-island.jpg" />

Man walks towards an island that has materialised at the southern edge of the Sea of Galilee. (Reuters)

The Sea of Galilee is not isolated, it is part of a water basin comprising the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, too. If it shrinks, everything else shrinks faster.

"We need this water, not only for us but also for the Jordanians, because they are in a very very tough conditions now from the water problems point of view," said Giora Shaham, Israel's Water Authority Director.

Until now, desalination and water recycling have been enough to keep the situation under control.

But as Israel enters the sixth year of drought and temperatures keep rising, new efforts are required. Israel's meteorological data shows that the country has become warmer by two degree celsius since the 1980s. When it rains, it rains too little, and the dry and cracked land finds it difficult to absorb rainfall.

Preserving the lake would free Israel to offer Jordan more water under a 1994 peace treaty.

"If there is irreversible damage done to the Sea of Galilee, to the Jordan, to this whole ecosystem, Israel's enemies could use it against her," said David Parsons, vice president of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, which oversees evangelical outreach to Israel.

"It could also affect Christian tourism to the land. It's very good to see Israel taking responsible steps now to address this, finally."

<img alt="sea-of-galilee" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fff09637-35c7-4d1b-86cc-e197a2bccf7a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sea-of-galelee-shells-reuters.jpg" />

Mussels and shells are seen on the ground at a shore of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. (Reuters)

Israel's plan provides for piping in 120 million cubic metres annually. Steinitz hopes to see that almost tripled in a cabinet vote next month. Such capacity, he said, would replenish the Galilee by 2026.

He predicted a small bump to consumers' water tariffs, to help defray the $622 million infrastructure cost.

Still, with a national election due in 2019 and an unusually wet winter looming, some worry the Sea of Galilee could be again neglected.

"Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake... when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified 'it's a ghost' they said, and cried out in fear.

"Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake... when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified 'it's a ghost' they said, and cried out in fear... but Jesus immediately told them: 'take courage, it is I. Don't be afraid'." It is a passage from the Holy Bible, Matthew 14:22-36. It tells the story of one of Jesus's most famous miracles. Some 2,000 years ago, Jesus walked across the Sea of Galilee - the water body between Israel and the occupied Golan heights - according to the Bible. Today, that doesn't require a miracle. The Sea of Galilee, one of the holiest places in Christianity, is Israel's largest freshwater reserve. But long periods of drought and over-pumping have brought the lake low. A reedy island has materialised at its southern edge, and will soon be a peninsula. Holiday-makers and fishermen teeter over expanding boggy beaches to reach the waterline. "Because last years we did not have enough rain and also we have a big exploitation water, the water is going slowly down, down, down and we don't know where it will stop," said Meir Sternberg, a local. Rocks are seen above the low-water level of the Sea of Galilee. (Reuters) The Sea of Galilee was last full in 2004. Today, its shores are six metres wider, just two centimetres from the lowest level ever recorded. If the lake shrinks too much, its water would become saltier and negatively affect animals and plants relying on it. It is a largely man-made disaster. Drought and overpumping have hit the Sea of Galilee hard. Israel sees a solution in desalination, in which it is a world leader. It plans to double the amount of Mediterranean seawater it processes and pipe half of it 75 kilometers (47 miles) to the Sea of Galilee. "(We) are doing it in order to save our nature, to fight global warming, I mean to prevent the effect, the devastating effect of global warming on the Sea of Galilee and also to create a very significant water storage for the entire state of Israel for time of emergencies," said Yuval Steinitz, Israeli energy and water minister. "If he (Jesus) is coming back, we will make sure that he will have to make a real effort to walk on the water once more," Steinitz joked. The project requires an investment of more than $600 million. The problem is larger than Israel - all the fresh water reserves in the region are currently at a 100-year lows. Finding a common solution is imperative. Man walks towards an island that has materialised at the southern edge of the Sea of Galilee. (Reuters) The Sea of Galilee is not isolated, it is part of a water basin comprising the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, too. If it shrinks, everything else shrinks faster. "We need this water, not only for us but also for the Jordanians, because they are in a very very tough conditions now from the water problems point of view," said Giora Shaham, Israel's Water Authority Director. Until now, desalination and water recycling have been enough to keep the situation under control. But as Israel enters the sixth year of drought and temperatures keep rising, new efforts are required. Israel's meteorological data shows that the country has become warmer by two degree celsius since the 1980s. When it rains, it rains too little, and the dry and cracked land finds it difficult to absorb rainfall. Preserving the lake would free Israel to offer Jordan more water under a 1994 peace treaty. "If there is irreversible damage done to the Sea of Galilee, to the Jordan, to this whole ecosystem, Israel's enemies could use it against her," said David Parsons, vice president of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, which oversees evangelical outreach to Israel. "It could also affect Christian tourism to the land. It's very good to see Israel taking responsible steps now to address this, finally." Mussels and shells are seen on the ground at a shore of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. (Reuters) Israel's plan provides for piping in 120 million cubic metres annually. Steinitz hopes to see that almost tripled in a cabinet vote next month. Such capacity, he said, would replenish the Galilee by 2026. He predicted a small bump to consumers' water tariffs, to help defray the $622 million infrastructure cost. Still, with a national election due in 2019 and an unusually wet winter looming, some worry the Sea of Galilee could be again neglected.

Jesus walked on this biblical lake - now it needs a saviour

desalination

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