The government plans to acquire Bitra Island in Lakshadweep for defense, citing its strategic location. An SIA has been initiated, causing concern among residents.
The central government is considering to acquire Bitra Island, one of the 10 inhabited isles in the Lakshadweep archipelago, for defence purposes.
Lakshadweep Revenue Department has also issued a notification for a social impact assessment (SIA) for the Bitra island.
The notice, issued last week, stated that the purpose of the assessment is to transfer the entire island to defence and strategic agencies owing to its “strategic location” and “national security relevance”, news agency PTI reported.
“The initiative is necessitated by the strategic location of the island, its national security relevance, and the inherent logistical and administrative challenges associated with civilian habitation,” the notification issued by the department on July 11 stated.
It added that the territorial administration would take over the island and an SIA is required under the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
SIR To Be Completed In 2 Months
District Collector Shivam Chandra, in the order, said all stakeholders, including grama sabhas, would be consulted as part of the Social Impact Assessment initiatives.
As per the notification, 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.
MP Opposes Move
Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Syeed strongly criticised the administration’s move and called it an attempt to disrupt peace in the region.