Bitra is a small island among the many Lakshwadeep Islands, masking roughly 91,700 sq. metres (0.091 sq. kilometres) and is residence to round 350 residents.
The Lakshadweep administration is planning to accumulate Bitra island, one of many inhabited islands within the archipelago, for defence functions. A authorities notification issued final week proposes the switch of the island’s whole land space to central defence and strategic companies, citing its strategic location and nationwide safety relevance, information company PTI reported on Saturday.
Based on the notification, the transfer is being initiated below the provisions of the Proper to Honest Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The notification additionally famous the logistical and administrative challenges posed by civilian habitation on the island. A Social Impression Evaluation (SIA) might be undertaken, and all stakeholders, together with grama sabhas, might be consulted as a part of the method. The survey of the proposed acquisition space might be accomplished inside two months from the date of notification, which was printed on July 11.
About Bitra Island
Bitra is a small island masking roughly 91,700 sq. metres (0.091 sq. kilometres) and is residence to round 350 residents. Locals have expressed severe issues over the proposed acquisition, warning that it may considerably have an effect on the fishing communities throughout the Lakshadweep atolls. Bitra Island is surrounded by a forty five sq. kilometre lagoon, which is an important fishing floor steadily used not solely by residents of Bitra but in addition by fishermen from neighbouring islands. The group fears that dropping entry to this space may disrupt their conventional livelihoods and the area’s broader fishing financial system.
Sturdy opposition from native MP
The proposal has triggered a pointy response from Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed, who condemned the transfer and declared full help for the residents of Bitra. In a press release issued by his workplace, Sayeed criticised the administration’s determination to focus on Bitra island, calling it an try and displace its indigenous inhabitants below the pretext of defence necessities.
Sayeed identified that the federal government has already acquired land for defence use in different islands and questioned why Bitra, the smallest inhabited island within the Union Territory, was being singled out. He emphasised that the administration did not seek the advice of the native inhabitants, particularly at a time when native panchayats should not functioning.
The MP additionally raised issues concerning the violation of democratic norms and constitutional rights, arguing that the unilateral transfer by the administration undermines the spirit of democratic governance. He accused the authorities of bypassing due course of and appearing with out correct public engagement.
Sayeed demanded that the proposal be withdrawn instantly and promised to boost the problem in the course of the upcoming session of Parliament. He assured the residents of Bitra that he would discover each political and authorized avenue to problem the proposed acquisition and defend their rights.