Bitra Island, the smallest and one of the 10 inhabited islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago, is at the centre of a growing controversy after the Union Territory’s administration issued a notification for its full acquisition by the government for defence purposes. The July 11 notification, issued by the Lakshadweep Revenue Department, stated that the island was being earmarked for transfer to “defence and strategic agencies” in view of its “strategic location” and “national security relevance.”
The order marks the beginning of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The proposed takeover has triggered alarm among Bitra’s small population of around 105 families, who now face the prospect of losing their land and being displaced from their ancestral home.
Bitra residents fear displacement
Local residents and community leaders have expressed strong opposition to the move, arguing that there has been no prior consultation or attempt to explore alternatives. “Targeting Bitra, which has had an indigenous population for decades, without considering any alternative, is unacceptable,” Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Syeed said, as quoted by TOI.
The notification does acknowledge the need for a Social Impact Assessment, which includes holding stakeholder consultations, including with gram sabhas. However, it also notes that the consent of landowners or gram sabhas is “not mandatory” for acquisition. Thus, further aggravating concerns about lack of local participation in the process.
The Lakshadweep administration has issued a notice to acquire the entire land area of Bitra Island for strategic defense purposes. Bitra is one of the 10 inhabited islands in the Lakshadweep.
— Dinkan (@Dinkan_) July 18, 2025
Residents may lose land & face displacement. This isn't in the news yet. #Lakshadweep pic.twitter.com/bryTJyTQWQ
Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed has strongly criticised the administration’s move, calling it an attempt to disrupt peace in the region. “This decision will be opposed tooth and nail. The government cannot just take over an entire inhabited island without proper consultation or sensitivity to the lives of its residents,” he said.
Sayeed has pledged to raise the issue in Parliament and mobilise political and legal opposition. “We will not allow Bitra to become a ghost island for the sake of strategic optics. This is not just about land, it’s about the identity and livelihood of our people,” he added.
Social Impact Assessment to be complete in two months
The Social Impact Assessment will be conducted by the SIA and Consent Society, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, and is expected to be completed within two months of the notification. The Department of Revenue has been named the project developer, and the survey will cover the full extent of land proposed for acquisition.