Government plans Defence takeover of Bitra Island in Lakshadweep

KOCHI: Bitra Island, one of the ten inhabited islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago, is now at the centre of a controversial move by the government to transfer it entirely for defence purposes. The decision has sparked outrage among residents and local political leaders.

According to a notification dated July 11 by the Lakshadweep Revenue Department, a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) will be conducted, marking the first official step toward the proposed acquisition. The notification cited the island’s strategic location and national security relevance as the primary reasons for the planned takeover.

Bitra Island is home to 105 families, many of whom have voiced strong opposition to the plan. Locals fear displacement and loss of indigenous land without any clear rehabilitation or consultation process.

Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed has emerged as a vocal critic of the move. In a public video message, he reassured the people of Bitra that he stands with them and will oppose the acquisition “politically and legally.”

“We held a conference with Bitra and Lakshadweep leaders. We have decided to fight this — this is not just about land but about the rights and future of the people,” said Sayeed.

The MP criticized the administration for failing to consult with the residents and for choosing Bitra, a historically indigenous settlement, when other lands had already been acquired for defence on different islands.

The notification mentions that the SIA will be completed within two months and will include consultations with all stakeholders. However, it also adds that consent from gram sabhas or landowners is not mandatory, triggering further concern among residents.

The SIA will be carried out under the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The Department of Revenue has been named as the project developer.

While no official timeline for the transfer has been confirmed, the islanders and local representatives remain firm in their stand against what they call an undemocratic move.

The situation continues to develop as protests build and legal routes are being explored to safeguard the rights of the islanders.