Prelims Bits
Context
The Lakshadweep Administration has notified the transfer of Bitra Island to central defence agencies under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.
About Bitra Island:
- Smallest inhabited island of Lakshadweep – 0.105 sq. km.
- Part of the Amindivi subgroup, located ~483 km from Kochi.
- Surrounded by a 45.61 sq. km lagoon—the largest in Lakshadweep.
- Population (2011): 271; livelihood depends on fishing and coconut farming.
- Climate: Tropical monsoon, ~1600 mm rainfall annually.
Strategic Significance:
- Close to shipping lanes linking Hormuz to Malacca Strait.
- Will become Lakshadweep’s 3rd naval outpost after Kavaratti and Minicoy.
- Enhances energy security and strengthens India’s IOR (Indian Ocean Region) strategy.
- Lakshadweep hosts INS Dweeprakshak (Kavaratti) and INS Jatayu (Minicoy).
- The Union Territory comprises 36 coral islands with reefs, atolls, and lagoons.