Katchatheevu Islands

Katchatheevu Islands Latest News

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has once again unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Union government to retrieve Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka.

About Katchatheevu Islands

• Location: Katchatheevu is a 285-acre uninhabited island situated in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka.
  • It is 33 km northeast of Rameswaram (India) and 62 km southwest of Jaffna (Sri Lanka).
• Strategic Importance:
  • Acts as a maritime boundary marker between India and Sri Lanka.
  • Fisheries-rich zone, crucial for Tamil Nadu’s fishing economy.
  • St. Anthony’s Church is a place of religious significance for fishermen of both nations.

Historical Ownership of Katchatheevu

• It was formed due to a volcanic eruption in the 14th century.
• Initially ruled by the Jaffna kingdom (Sri Lanka), later controlled by the Ramnad Zamindari under the Nayak dynasty (Madurai).
• British India and Sri Lanka both claimed the island until the 1974 agreement settled sovereignty in Sri Lanka’s favor.

International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL)

• The IMBL between India and Sri Lanka was delineated in 1974 under the Indo-Sri Lankan maritime boundary agreement.
• Established based on UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).
• Maritime boundaries are often defined by the equidistance principle, ensuring a medial line equidistant from both nations’ coasts.
• The IMBL determines Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), Territorial waters and Other maritime zones.
• The 1974 agreement adjusted the equidistant line, leading to Katchatheevu falling under Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.

Other Maritime Disputes 

• With Pakistan: Sir Creek Dispute: A boundary dispute over the demarcation of a 96 km estuary in Gujarat.
• With Bangladesh: New Moore Island (South Talpatti dispute): Permanently settled in Bangladesh’s favour after a 2014 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Katchatheevu Islands FAQs

Q1. What is Katchatheevu Island?
Ans. It is a small, uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, historically disputed between India and Sri Lanka.

Q2. When was Katchatheevu given to Sri Lanka?
Ans. In 1974, under the Indo-Sri Lankan maritime boundary agreement, India recognized Sri Lanka’s sovereignty over the island.

Q3. Why is Katchatheevu a concern for Indian fishermen?
Ans. Indian fishermen often get arrested for crossing into Sri Lankan waters while fishing near Katchatheevu.

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Q4. Can Indians visit Katchatheevu?
Ans. Yes, Indian pilgrims visit annually for St. Anthony’s Church festival but cannot fish or reside there.

Source: TH