The government of Lakshadweep is set to take over Bitra island, an atoll in the UT, to make use of it for defence purposes.
Govt Wants To Take Over The Lakshadweep Island
The Indian government has announced plans to take over Bitra Island, one of the ten inhabited islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago, citing its strategic location and national security relevance as reasons for the proposed acquisition. Bitra is the smallest inhabited island in Lakshadweep, home to around 105 families and roughly 300-350 residents, most of whom depend on traditional fishing and coconut cultivation for their livelihoods. The island is also significant for its large 45-square kilometre lagoon area, a vital resource not only for Bitra’s residents but also for fishermen from neighboring islands.
Reasons for the Takeover
According to official notifications issued by the Department of Revenue in Lakshadweep, the government’s intention is to transfer the entire land area of Bitra Island to agencies relating to defence and strategy. The notification justifies the move based on:
- Strategic location: Bitra’s position in the Arabian Sea, over 480 km from Kochi, is considered critical for national security, especially given India’s growing maritime interests.
- Defence infrastructure: If realized, Bitra would become the third island in the archipelago to host a defence installation, following Kavaratti (INS Dweeprakshak) and Minicoy (INS Jatayu).
- Administrative challenges: The government has cited the logistical difficulties posed by the continuation of civilian habitation.
The government plans to follow procedures outlined under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been initiated, which mandates consultations with stakeholders, including the gram sabha. However, the administration has clarified that consent from local residents or gram sabhas is not mandatory under the law.
Local Opposition and Response
The proposal has triggered significant resistance:
- Livelihood fears: Residents are alarmed about losing access to their ancestral lands and fishing grounds, which are central to the local economy and cultural identity. The Bitra lagoon is a key fishing site yielding tuna and groupers, serving not just Bitra but the entire Lakshadweep fishing community.
- Political pushback: Hamdullah Sayeed, the Member of Parliament from Lakshadweep, has strongly opposed the move. He described it as a way to disrupt the region’s peace and has vowed to fight the takeover both politically and legally. Sayeed also highlighted the existence of defence installations on several other islands, questioning the need for acquiring Bitra.
- Legal response: There are ongoing or planned legal challenges. Community leaders and residents have stated their intention to contest the acquisition in court to protect their land rights and way of life.
Implementation Status
- A Social Impact Assessment is underway and is expected to be completed within two months of the July 11 notification.
- Residents have already begun organizing legal action. Past attempts to reclaim so-called “pandaram” lands (lands leased for agriculture but ultimately owned by the government) have also been contested legally, with an interim stay from the Kerala High Court on one such measure.
Wider Context
This move comes at a time of increased national focus on maritime security. The Indian government has in recent years expanded naval infrastructure across strategic points in the Arabian Sea, including Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. However, local opposition is robust, with many Bitra residents and political representatives declaring they will not give up their rights “at any cost”.
In summary, the government’s proposed acquisition of Bitra Island for defence purposes has been justified on national security and strategic grounds, but it faces staunch opposition from residents, local leaders, and the region’s MP, who cite threats to livelihood, local rights, and lack of meaningful consultation.
