Kochi: The Lakshadweep administration has issued an order requiring prior permission to pluck coconuts from roadside trees. The directive applies to Andrott and Kalpeni islands and was issued by the Andrott Deputy Collector.

According to the order, individuals must seek approval at least 24 hours in advance before climbing a roadside coconut tree. Applications are to be submitted in the prescribed form to both the Station House Officer (SHO) and the Assistant Engineer (AE) responsible for the road.

The order has been issued considering that dropping coconuts from roadside coconut trees often leads to traffic congestion and other issues. The order states that despite earlier verbal instructions, they were not being followed, so a formal directive was required.

The order has therefore been issued under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which addresses public nuisance.

The directive further specifies that coconuts may only be plucked while adhering to strict safety protocols. Implementation of the order has been entrusted to the concerned SHO and AE.