Lakshadweep's smallest island Bitra to be taken over for defence agencies, residents rise in protest

Concerns over eviction have surfaced among the residents of Bitra, the smallest inhabited island in Lakshadweep, over a proposal to acquire the entire land area and transfer it to the defence agencies of the Union government. Panic set in following a gazette notification issued by the Department of Revenue, Lakshadweep administration, for conducting a social impact assessment prior to land acquisition. As per the notification, the entire land area will be acquired and handed over to the relevant defence and strategic agencies of the Government of India.

It notes that the initiative is necessitated by the island's strategic location, its national security relevance, and the inherent logistical and administrative challenges associated with civilian habitation. Land measuring 91,700 sq m, spread over 180 survey numbers, has been proposed for acquisition.

At 0.57 km long, the coral island is home to over 300 residents and is situated 483 km from Kochi. A large lagoon surrounds the island and is inhabited mostly by fishermen. "I was born and raised here. I have spent my entire life on this island. Now it seems like we have to move out. We will not let it happen," says Ahamed Thajil, retired Head Master, Government Senior Basic School, Bitra Island.

Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed has strongly opposed the Lakshadweep administration’s attempt to take over Bitra Island. In a statement, he expressed his strong protest against the move, which he said is intended to displace the indigenous population, and demanded that the administration withdraw the decision immediately.

"The government has already acquired the land required for defence purposes in several islands of Lakshadweep. Targeting Bitra, which has had a permanent population for decades, without considering any of these alternatives, is completely unacceptable," he said.

He further criticised the administration for initiating such actions without consulting the indigenous residents, elected representatives, especially at a time when there are no functioning local Panchayats on the islands. He stated that this kind of unilateral action undermines the democratic system and violates the constitutional rights guaranteed to citizens.

Ali Akbar, Youth Congress President ( Lakshadweep) said that plans are afoot to take legal recourse. "This has come as a sudden decision without holding any discussions with the stakeholders. We held a meeting with the residents yesterday and understand their concerns. There had been similar decisions to acquire part of islands in Agatti, Kavaratti earlier. What makes this serious is that an entire island is being acquired," said Akbar.

A three-member panchayat committee used to run the island earlier, which has now been disbanded. Hyder Baleli, former chairperson of the Bitra Island Panchayat Administrative Committee, said that the livelihood of the people of Bitra is dependent on the lagoon. "This island has been inhabited for nearly 100 years. The people here cannot be moved to other places. Even if they wish to acquire land, they can do so in many islands which are not inhabited by people," said Baleli.

The island has a school with classes from 1st to 8th grade. After class 8, parents take their children to Chetlat Island to complete their schooling until 12. Onmanorama sought a response from Shivam Chandra, Collector (Land Acquisition), Lakshadweep, but he did not comment.