Lakshadweep Administration Considers Acquiring Bitra Island for Defence Purposes

The Lakshadweep administration is considering acquiring Bitra island for defence purposes, citing its strategic location and national security relevance. A government notification has outlined the proposal, with the aim of transferring the island to relevant defence and strategic agencies of the Centre. The acquisition will be done under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resetlement Act, 2013, with a Social Impact Assessment study to be undertaken for the affected area.

The Lakshadweep administration is considering acquiring Bitra Island for defense purposes, citing its strategic location and national security relevance. A government notification has outlined the proposal, aiming to transfer the island to relevant defense and strategic agencies of the Centre. The acquisition will be conducted under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, with a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study to be undertaken for the affected area.

Bitra Island, one of the 10 inhabited isles in the Lakshadweep archipelago, is home to 105 families. The notification, dated July 11, states that the intention is to transfer the entire island to defense and strategic agencies. The Lakshadweep revenue department has ordered a social impact assessment, which includes consultations with all stakeholders of the proposed area, including the gram sabha. The notification also mentioned that the consent of gram sabhas and/or landowners is not mandatory.

Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed has alleged that the move is aimed at disrupting peace in the area and has vowed to fight for the Bitra islanders. He criticized the administration for not holding any consultation with the islanders and said that the government had already acquired land required for defense purposes on several islands. Sayeed stated that targeting Bitra, which has had an indigenous population for decades, without considering any alternative, is unacceptable.

The notification also mentioned that the SIA and Consent Society, UT of Lakshadweep, will complete the survey of the proposed area under acquisition within two months from the date of the notification.

The move has sparked opposition from residents and MP Hamdullah Sayeed, who has vowed to fight for the Bitra islanders. The administration has stated that the island's strategic location and national security relevance are the primary reasons for the acquisition.

References:
[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/govt-plans-defence-takeover-of-lakshadweep-island/articleshow/122772936.cms
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/report-warns-a-little-known-microsoft-program-can-expose-us-national-security-secrets-to-chinese-hackers/articleshow/122764188.cms