Place In News
Bitra Island
- 23 Jul 2025
- 2 min read
The government has initiated the acquisition of Bitra Island in Lakshadweep for defence purposes.
Bitra Island:
- About: It is the smallest inhabited island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
- Geography and Location: 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.
- Climate : The climate of Bitra closely resembles that of Kerala.
- Hot period: March to May, temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C.
- Annual Rainfall: 1600 mm.
- Lagoon and Marine Ecosystem:It is surrounded by a vast lagoon area of 45.61 sq km, supporting rich marine biodiversity.
- Population and Lifestyle: As per the 2011 census , it has a population of 271, mostly dependent on fishing and coconut cultivation.
- Strategic Significance: 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).
| Read more: Lakshadweep Islands |
