<h1>Government proposes acquiring inhabited island for defense under Land Acquisition Act 2013 requiring social impact study</h1> The territorial administration is considering acquiring an inhabited island in the archipelago for defense purposes. A government notification outlined the proposal for the Department of Revenue to take over the entire land area and transfer it to relevant defense and strategic agencies. The initiative is driven by the island's strategic location, national security relevance, and logistical challenges posed by civilian habitation. The acquisition would proceed under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, requiring a Social Impact Assessment study. The district collector indicated that all stakeholders, including local governing bodies, would be consulted during the assessment process. A survey of the proposed acquisition area is to be completed within two months from the notification date of July 11.