The central government has mooted the acquisition of Bitra, one of Lakshadweep’s smallest inhabited islands, for strategic defence operations, a move that has prompted widespread local opposition and alarm.
Presently inhabited by approximately 105 families, Bitra Island has been issued a notification by the Lakshadweep revenue department declaring a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. According to the notification, the whole island is under consideration for transfer to defence and strategic agencies because of its “strategic location” and “national security relevance.”
The alert mentions the Department of Revenue as the developer of the project and ensures stakeholder consultations, including with the gram sabha, to be conducted as part of the SIA process.
Local Opposition Swells
The planned purchase has not been well-received by residents and political representatives in the area. Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Syeed has opposed the move vocally and reassured residents that action is being initiated to stop it.
As your MP, I organised a conference in which leaders from Bitra and Lakshadweep participated and debated in detail. We have decided to battle along with the people of Bitra, politically and legally,” said Syeed in a public release.
He also pointed out that the central government has already taken over land on other islands of Lakshadweep for defence needs and feared that additional acquisitions would uproot people and disturb the ecological balance of the chain of islands.
Strategic Significance of Lakshadweep Increases
Bitra’s mooted takeover is part of the Centre’s broader military strategy for the Indian Ocean Region. The strategic location of the island provides logistical as well as surveillance benefits, and thus it would be useful for defence and maritime security purposes.
The development also indicates increased national interest in strengthening India’s coastal and island capabilities in the wake of changing regional dynamics.
INS Jatayu: The Defence Precedent
The initiative follows growing strategic development within the region. The Ministry of Defence last year commissioned a new naval base, INS Jatayu, on Minicoy Island, converting the current Naval Detachment Minicoy into a full-fledged naval base. The upgrade will involve the development of infrastructure such as airfields, residential accommodations, and increased personnel capacity pending environmental and regulatory approvals.
INS Jatayu and the mooted acquisition of Bitra mark a heightened military interest in the Lakshadweep island chain, spurred on by the strategic importance in the Indian Ocean.
With the government going ahead with the SIA, the fight for Bitra’s destiny will continue to sharpen politically as well as legally, with powerful voices coming forth from within the close-knit community of the island.
