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New Delhi: The central government's move to take over Bitra Island in Lakshadweep for defence-related activities has stirred resistance among residents and political leaders. The island, home to around 105 families, has been identified for strategic military use. The notice clearly states that the purpose of the assessment is to transfer the entire island to defence and strategic agencies owing to its “national security relevance”.
The notification calls for a Social Impact Assessment (SIA), a step under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. This assessment will evaluate the potential consequences of transferring the entire island to defence agencies. It will also involve consultations with local stakeholders, including the gram sabha.
Locals, including Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Syeed, have opposed the decision to convert Bitra into a defence base. Syeed has assured residents that they should not be concerned about the notification. The move has sparked tension among the islanders, who fear displacement and disruption of their livelihoods.
"As your MP, we have already held a detailed conference with leaders from Bitra and Lakshadweep. We stand with the people and will fight this attempt politically and legally," Syeed stated. He also added that the government has acquired land for defence purposes on several other islands.The announcement comes a year after the Ministry of Defence commissioned a new naval base, INS Jatayu, at Minicoy Island. The base, converted from the existing Naval Detachment Minicoy, is now under the operational command of the Naval Officer-in-Charge for Lakshadweep.
