New Delhi: The Central Government has decided to acquire Bitra, one of the inhabited islands of Lakshadweep, for defence purposes. Currently home to 105 families, several residents have voiced their opposition to the move.

The Revenue Department has issued a notification for conducting a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for the proposed acquisition of Bitra Island. The notice states that the objective of the study is to facilitate the complete transfer of the island to defence and diplomatic agencies, considering its strategic location and national security significance.

The assessment is intended as a preparatory step for ensuring fair compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement in connection with the land acquisition. The Revenue Department has been designated as the implementing agency for the project. The notice also mentions that consultations will be held with all relevant stakeholders, including the gram sabha (village council).

However, the move to turn Bitra into a defence outpost has not been welcomed by local residents, including Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed. Reassuring the people of Bitra, Sayeed stated that there was no need for undue concern over the notification. He pointed out that the government has already acquired several other islands for defence-related needs.

Last year, the Ministry of Defence had announced the commissioning of a new naval base, INS Jatayu, on Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep. Currently, the Minicoy Naval Detachment, under the control of the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep), is set to be commissioned as INS Jatayu.

Bitra is the smallest inhabited island in Lakshadweep, with an area of just 0.105 square kilometres. Human settlement on the island is believed to have begun around 1945.