Bitra Island in Lakshdweep

Bitra Island in Lakshdweep

Why in News? 

The Lakshadweep administration has recently planned to use Bitra Island for defence-related activities. This quiet island may soon see major changes.

Information related to Bitra Island in Lakshadweep

• About: Bitra Island, though the smallest in Lakshadweep, holds strategic and environmental importance as a coral atoll. It holds a unique place among the archipelago as it is the least populated inhabited island. It plays an important role in Lakshadweep’s cultural, ecological, and now strategic identity. 

• Location: Bitra lies in the Arabian Sea, about 483 kilometers west of Kochi, Kerala. This island belongs to the Amindivi subgroup and lies quietly within the vast stretch of the Indian Ocean. 

• The atoll includes two separate land pieces—one is the main Bitra Island, and the other is a smaller southern cay.

• Bitra Island sits at 11°33′N 72°09′E and covers only about 0.177 square kilometers, while the southern cay is even smaller at around 0.009 square kilometers. 

• Historical Background: For many centuries, Bitra remained uninhabited. People from nearby islands like Kiltan and Chetlat would visit occasionally, mainly to gather seabird eggs. These visits were seasonal and did not result in permanent settlement. In 1945 a woman from Chetlat decided to make the island her home. Over time, others followed, forming a small yet close-knit community.

• Geographical Features: The island’s highest elevation is only about 2 meters above sea level, making it highly vulnerable to sea level rise and climate change. It is located 33 kilometers north of Perumal Par and around 41 kilometers southeast of Byramgore Reef. The island’s structure is fragile and built on corals.

• Weather Conditions: Bitra experiences a tropical maritime climate, similar to other parts of Lakshadweep. The average summer temperature is around 32°C, while winters are milder at about 28°C. The island receives significant rainfall during the southwest monsoon season, typically from June to September. 

• Demographics: According to the 2011 Census, Bitra had a population of 271, making it the least inhabited island in Lakshadweep. The island’s population density is quite high due to its limited land size—about 1,570 persons per square kilometer. 

• • • The literacy rate stands at 84.4%, showing that education remains a priority despite the island’s remoteness. 
    • The sex ratio shows a male dominance with 57% males, reflecting possible migration patterns for employment or traditional social structures.

• Ethnic Groups: The residents of Bitra belong primarily to the Malayali and Mahls communities. These groups have retained their cultural identity over generations. Most people engage in small-scale fishing and farming, which are primarily meant for personal or community use.

• Connectivity: A small jetty on the southern shore connects the island to boats from nearby areas. There is also a helipad located on the western point of the island.

• Administration: Administratively, Bitra falls under the Aminidivi Tehsil of the Lakshadweep district. It is part of a Union Territory, so its governance comes under the central government of India. 

• Biodiversity: Bitra is known for its rich biodiversity, both on land and in the surrounding waters. The surrounding coral reefs create a natural shelter for marine life such as fish, crabs, and other ocean species. Seabirds regularly visit the island. The island also has a fragile vegetation cover, consisting mainly of coconut palms and native plants adapted to the saline environment. The nearby lagoon and coral beds are vital breeding grounds for marine life.

Strategic Significance of Bitra Island in Lakshadweep

• Proximity to International Shipping Routes: Bitra Island is located in the Arabian Sea, close to several international maritime trade routes. These sea lanes are crucial for India’s trade and energy imports. Monitoring this zone allows India to track vessel movements and respond to any irregular activity. The island’s position offers a forward observation point.

• Natural Barrier for Coastal Defence: Due to its coral reef formation and wide lagoon, Bitra acts as a natural frontline against potential threats from the sea. Establishing defence facilities on this island would help India create a layered coastal defence structure. It can serve as an early warning post during surveillance missions across the region.

• Surveillance of Western Seaboard: With modern technology and radar systems, Bitra can be developed into a strategic surveillance hub. The island’s remote location allows continuous monitoring of the western Indian Ocean, helping detect any intrusion, smuggling, or unauthorized fishing. This enhances India’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

• Supporting Naval and Air Operations: Bitra has an existing helipad, which can be upgraded to support naval and aerial operations. Its transformation into a military outpost would allow India to station quick-response teams, refuel patrol aircraft, and maintain supply chains. This will strengthen India’s ability to secure its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).