The government has initiated the process to acquire Bitra Island in Lakshadweep for defense purposes, a move that has sparked opposition from local residents and political leaders. The Lakshadweep revenue department issued a notification on July 11 announcing a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) as part of the land acquisition process.

Bitra Island, one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago, is located approximately 220 to 440 kilometers off the coast of Kochi, where the Indian Navy's Southern Naval Command is based. According to the official notification, Bitra Island's "strategic location" and "national security relevance" are the key reasons behind its proposed acquisition. The island's location in the Arabian Sea, close to major international shipping routes, makes it significant for surveillance and defense.

The acquisition is part of a larger national plan to boost the defense presence on India's critical island territories. With growing geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean, strengthening maritime defense capabilities has become a priority. Lakshadweep islands can serve as a naval outpost for Indian Naval assets deployed in the Arabian Sea. They can also be used as a base to monitor smuggling, tackle piracy, and keep a close watch on shipping lines.

The government's decision has triggered concerns among Bitra's residents, who fear displacement and the loss of their ancestral land. Bitra Island is home to approximately 105 families who have resided there for many decades. Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed has opposed the proposal and criticized the administration's approach. He has assured the islanders of his support and has urged them to remain calm. Sayeed believes that targeting Bitra without considering any alternative is unacceptable and that the decision is being made without regard for the people who live on the island.

The notification mentions that consultations will be held with stakeholders, including gram sabhas. However, it clarifies that their consent is not mandatory under the existing land acquisition laws. The SIA is expected to be completed within two months. The SIA and Consent Society of Lakshadweep will handle the Social Impact Assessment. The Revenue Department will carry out the full land survey, and the whole island will be studied for possible takeover.

The acquisition of Bitra Island is driven by its strategic location, national security relevance, and the logistical and administrative challenges posed by civilian habitation. The island's strategic importance outweighs the challenges of relocating the residents, according to government sources. The government is committed to providing fair compensation and rehabilitation to those affected by the acquisition, in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

The proposed acquisition of Bitra Island highlights the importance of Lakshadweep in India's maritime strategy. The islands can be developed as a "strategic strongpoint" to counter China's growing influence in the region. Enhancing the defense infrastructure in Lakshadweep will enable India to protect its maritime interests, monitor activities in the Arabian Sea, and respond effectively to emerging threats.