Source: TH
Subject: Mapping
Context: India is set to increase military presence in Lakshadweep, with a new naval detachment on Bitra Island becoming fully operational next year, alongside expanding Air Force facilities on Agatti and Minicoy.
About Bitra Island:
What it is?
- Bitra is the smallest inhabited island of Lakshadweep, forming part of the Amindivi subgroup. It is a tiny coral atoll known for its ecological fragility, lagoon system, and cultural significance.
Location:
- Situated in the Arabian Sea, 483 km west of Kochi.
- Lies north of Perumal Par and southeast of Byramgore Reef within the Lakshadweep archipelago.
Formation:
- Bitra is a coral atoll, formed from the upward growth of coral reefs on submerged volcanic bases.
- Over time, biological accretion and reef-building created a ring-shaped lagoon system, with small sandy islands emerging on the reef surface.
Geological Features:
- Two islands: Main Bitra Island (≈0.177 sq km) + a small southern cay (≈0.009 sq km).
- Lagoon area: ~45–54 sq km, protected by a surrounding coral reef.
- Reef barrier ensures calm lagoon waters even during monsoon storms.
Significance:
- Strategic: Now hosts a new Indian naval detachment, boosting surveillance across critical shipping lanes near the Arabian Sea.
- Cultural: Home to the shrine of Malik Mulla, an Arab saint, making it a pilgrimage site for islanders.
- Ecological: Historically a major seabird breeding ground; part of Lakshadweep’s fragile coral ecosystem.
- Human history: Permanently settled only in 1945, making it one of India’s newest inhabited regions.
