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.

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