Neduntheevu Island : Indian Fishermen Arrested
As many as 17 Indian fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing near the Neduntheevu island recently.
- The Neduntheevu, sometimes known as Neduntivu, is the largest island falling in the Palk Strait in the northern parts of Sri Lanka.
- This is known as Delft Island also, as it was so called by the Dutch colonials.
- The island’s area is 50 sq.km. Its length is 8 km, and its maximum width is about 6 km.
- It happens to be the biggest of the seven inhabitable islands in the region.
- A unique feature of this island is that it is flat and oval-shaped, which is wind-swept at almost all times, which makes the place very soothing.
- There are no streams on the island. The major source of freshwater is surface water, which is collected in natural depressions and artificial ponds.
- On the island there are varied kinds of dry shrubs and semi-arid tropical plants. This island also has tall palm trees, which add to the overall beachy feel of the island.
- A Dutch fort made of dead coral chunks is also located on this island.
- It is home to a population of 4,800 Tamil people, living in compounds only in the northern half of the island.
