In an order dated 11 July, the administration proposed the complete transfer of the island's land to central defence and strategic agencies.
Published Jul 20, 2025 | 11:30 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 20, 2025 | 11:30 AM
Lakshadweep. (X)
Synopsis: The Lakshadweep administration issued a notification to take over Bitra Island, citing national security and strategic importance. However, the move has sparked opposition, with MP Hamdullah Sayeed criticising it as an attempt to displace the indigenous population.
The Lakshadweep administration issued a notification to take over Bitra Island, the least populated among the 10 inhabited islands in the Union Territory, for defence use, citing national security and strategic importance.
The 11 July order proposes the complete transfer of the island’s land to central defence and strategic agencies.
“This is the proposal for the acquisition of the entire land area of Bitra Island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep by the Department of Revenue, UT of Lakshadweep, with the intent of transferring the same to relevant defense and strategic agencies of the Government of India. The initiative is necessitated by the strategic location of the island, its national security relevance, and the inherent logistical and administrative challenges associated with civilian habitation,” the order said.
However, the move has sparked opposition, with MP Hamdullah Sayeed criticising it as an attempt to displace the indigenous population.
Speaking to South First, Sayeed claimed that several islands have already seen defence land acquisition and slammed the administration for acting in the absence of elected panchayats, calling it a violation of constitutional and democratic rights. He vowed to raise the issue in Parliament and explore both legal and political channels to resist the plan.
Bitra, with just 271 residents (Census 2011), has had a permanent population for decades. Sayeed argued that the administration failed to consider alternatives before targeting a civilian-inhabited island. The administration stated that the process will follow the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, including a Social Impact Assessment (SIA).
District Collector Shivam Chandra said grama sabhas and stakeholders would be consulted, and the SIA is expected to be completed within two months. However, the order mentions that the consent of the gram sabhas and landowners is not mandatory for the land acquisition.
If implemented, Bitra would become the third island in Lakshadweep to host a defence establishment, following INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti and INS Jatayu in Minicoy.
Meanwhile, the islanders have initiated a campaign on social media named “Save Bitra Island” and organised a protest in Kochi against the administration. The protestors burned a copy of the order and an image of Administrator Praful Khoda Patel.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
