NEW DELHI: The Central Government has initiated the process to acquire Bitra, one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago, for defense and strategic purposes. This move has sparked strong opposition from the island’s approximately 105 resident families and local political leaders.
According to a notification issued by the Lakshadweep Revenue Department on July 11, the entire land area of Bitra is proposed to be taken over by the Department of Revenue for transfer to central defense and strategic agencies. The notification cites the island’s “strategic location” and “national security relevance” as the primary reasons for the proposed acquisition. It also mentions the logistical and administrative challenges posed by civilian habitation.
The acquisition process will be carried out under the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. As part of this, a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study will be undertaken for the affected area. The District Collector, Shivam Chandra, has stated that all stakeholders, including Gram Sabhas, will be consulted during the SIA process, which is expected to be completed within two months from the notification date.
However, the notification also clarifies that the consent of Gram Sabhas or landowners is not mandatory for such acquisitions under the existing land acquisition laws.
Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed has vehemently opposed the proposal, criticizing the administration for not consulting with the islanders before issuing the notification. In a video statement, Sayeed assured the residents of Bitra of his full support and vowed to fight the acquisition both politically and legally.
He questioned why Bitra, a historically indigenous settlement, was chosen when land had already been acquired for defense purposes on other islands.
The move comes amidst a broader push to strengthen India’s maritime defense capabilities and enhance surveillance in the Arabian Sea, particularly in light of growing geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean region. Recent strategic upgrades have been made to Indian Navy bases on other Lakshadweep islands like Minicoy and Androth.
The residents of Bitra fear displacement and loss of their ancestral land, and local leaders have expressed concern over the perceived lack of local participation in the decision-making process. The acquisition of an entire inhabited island is a significant step, and the debate surrounding it highlights the delicate balance between national security interests and the rights of local communities.
