Bitra

HistoryEdit

Prior to the 20th century islanders from Kiltan and Chetlat visited the island to collect the eggs of pelagic birds breeding there. Until 1945, when a woman from Chetlat made this island her home, there were no attempts to settle this island permanently. There is a small shrine dedicated to an old Arab saint by the name of Malik Mulla who was buried on the island. The shrine has become a site of pilgrimage.

GeographyEdit

The Atoll of Bitra encompases two islands. The main Bitra Island 0.177 km² (0.068 sq mi) is located at the northern end of the Bitrā Par coral reef 11.598°N 72.187°E / 11.598; 72.187. The small south cay 0.009 km² (0.0035 sq mi)is located on the southern part of the coral reef 11.524°N 72.176°E / 11.524; 72.176. Bitra is one of the populated islands of Lakshadweep. It is located 33 km to the north of Perumal Par and 41 km to the southeast of Byramgore Reef. The Bitra Par lagoon area is 54.61 km² (21.09 sq mi).

PopulationEdit

The 2011 census determined that only 271 people made this island their home, making it one of the least populated among the inhabited islands in Lakshadweep.

AdministrationEdit

The atoll belongs to the township of Bitra of Aminidivi Tehsil.

TransportationEdit

The Main island has a small jetty on the south shore and a helipad on the westpoint.

EconomicsEdit

The inhabitants on the island are engaged in very small scale farming and fishing which are mainly for the island consumption.