Bitra Island – Lakshadweep Administration Considers Acquisition for Defence Use

IN NEWS: Bitra Island – Lakshadweep Administration Considers Acquisition for Defence Use

Analysis

Why Bitra Island in News?

• The Lakshadweep administration is considering acquiring Bitra island, one of the inhabited islands of the archipelago, for defence purposes.
• A recent Government Notification proposed that the Department of Revenue take over the entire land area of the island.
• The move aims to transfer the land to defence and strategic agencies of the Centre due to its strategic maritime location and national security relevance.

What is Bitra Island?

• A small inhabited island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
• Located in the Arabian Sea and part of India’s coral island group.
• Strategically positioned, making it suitable for maritime security installations.

Objectives Behind the Proposal

• Strengthen national security infrastructure in the region.
• Establish a permanent strategic/defence setup for better oceanic surveillance.
• Centralised control to address logistical and administrative challenges caused by civilian presence.

Role and Functions of Administration in the Process

• Department of Revenue will acquire the land under legal provisions.
• Acquisition will follow Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
• Implementation of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) to evaluate effects on affected population.
• Stakeholder consultations, including grama sabhas, will be undertaken.
• Survey of the proposed area to be completed within two months from 11 July (Publication date).

Legal and Procedural Highlights

• Acquisition procedure anchored under LARR Act, 2013.
• Measures related to fair compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement will be mandatory.
• Administrative order issued by District Collector Shivam Chandra.

Concerns and Challenges

• Possible impact on local inhabitants if relocation required.
• Socio-cultural displacement concerns of island community.
• Environmental sensitivity of coral islands requires careful handling.
• Balancing civilian interest vs national security priorities will be key.

Strategic Importance

• Enhances India's footprint in the Arabian Sea maritime zone.
• Potential to support naval logistics, monitoring and surveillance operations.
• Contributes to broader maritime security framework in western waters.

Static Information (Prelims Utility)

• Union Territory: Lakshadweep
• Type of Island: Coral island
• Relevant Act: LARR Act, 2013
• Survey Deadline: Two months from 11 July notification

Way Forward

• Ensure transparent and consultative implementation of land acquisition.
• Provide adequate compensation and rehabilitation to residents.
• Adopt eco-sensitive planning while establishing defence infrastructure.
• Maintain community confidence through inclusive policy execution.
  
  Updated – 19 July 2025 ; 1:38 PM | News Source: The Hindu