Bitra Island : In News
The government has initiated the acquisition of Bitra Island in Lakshadweep for defence purposes.
- Bitra Island is the smallest inhabited island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
- It is Situated at 11°36′N, 72°11′E, Bitra lies about 483 km (261 nautical miles) from Kochi, the gateway to Lakshadweep.
- It is part of the Aminidivi subgroup and spans 0.57 km in length and 0.28 km at its widest.
- The climate of Bitra closely resembles that of Kerala.
- :It is surrounded by a vast lagoon area of 45.61 sq km, supporting rich marine biodiversity.
- As per the 2011 census , it has a population of 271, mostly dependent on fishing and coconut cultivation.
- Bitra is strategically located near major shipping lanes and is set to host a defense establishment, complementing naval bases at Kavaratti (INS Dweeprakshak) and Minicoy (INS Jatayu).
