Indian Government Acquire Entire Bitra Island in Lakshadweep for Strategic Defence Use

The Government of India has initiated proceedings to acquire the entirety of Bitra Island—one of the smallest and most remote inhabited islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago—for strategic defence purposes. The move, formalized through a notification issued on July 11, 2025, by the Lakshadweep Administration’s Revenue Department, cites the island’s critical location in the Arabian Sea as the primary rationale for the acquisition.

Located approximately 483 kilometers west of Kochi, Bitra Island spans a mere 0.187 square kilometers in land area but holds strategic value due to its proximity to key sea lanes and its expansive 54.6 square kilometer lagoon. The island is home to a small population of around 250–350 residents across 105 families, most of whom depend on fishing and coconut farming for their livelihood.

The administration’s notice has sparked concern among locals, who fear displacement and the loss of their ancestral homes and means of sustenance. Bitra is not only a place of residence but also a cultural and economic hub for the islanders. Community leaders argue that the lagoon, often used by fishers from across the Lakshadweep group, is vital for tuna and reef fish harvesting and should be protected from militarization.

Speaking out against the decision, Lakshadweep’s Member of Parliament, Hamdullah Sayeed, has pledged to oppose the move both legally and politically. He expressed frustration over what he called a lack of consultation with the local community and warned that such decisions, made without public engagement, could lead to significant unrest.

“This is not just about land,” Sayeed said in a statement. “It is about the very identity, culture, and survival of our people. We will not allow an entire island to be taken over without a fight.”

Despite the opposition, the administration has moved forward with a Social Impact Assessment (SIA), a procedural requirement under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act of 2013. However, the process does not require the explicit consent of the affected community, a loophole that critics say is being exploited in this case. The SIA is expected to be completed within two months.

Currently, Bitra is equipped with minimal infrastructure, including a school, a health sub-center, a helipad, and a jetty. It also hosts the shrine of Malik Mulla, a revered figure believed to have brought Islam to the island. The island’s peaceful isolation has until now shielded it from large-scale development or disruption.

This move follows broader efforts by the Indian government to reinforce its strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region. Earlier this year, the Navy commissioned INS Jatayu, a forward operating base on Minicoy Island, signaling a larger plan to turn Lakshadweep into a key node for maritime defence and surveillance.

While the central government has maintained that national security concerns must take precedence, locals continue to argue for a more inclusive approach that balances defence imperatives with the rights and welfare of indigenous communities. As the process unfolds, Bitra Island may become a flashpoint for a growing debate over the intersection of security, environment, and human rights in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive territories.