Great Nicobar Project: Tribal Rights, Ecology and Strategic Importance
Context:
Recently, the draft of the “Comprehensive Tribal Welfare Plan” released by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has sparked fresh controversy. The document explicitly mentions the relocation of the Nicobarese and Shompen tribes for this mega project, estimated at ₹72,000 crore (likely to rise to ₹92,000 crore). This contradicts the government’s earlier stance denying any displacement.
About the Project:
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- The Great Nicobar Project (~₹72,000 crore) is a strategic mega infrastructure initiative envisioned by NITI Aayog, located at the southern tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Launched in 2021, its key components include:
- An International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Galathea Bay
- A Greenfield International Airport
- A Gas and Solar-based Power Plant (450 MVA)
- A Modern Township (Urban Area)
- An International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Galathea Bay
- The Great Nicobar Project (~₹72,000 crore) is a strategic mega infrastructure initiative envisioned by NITI Aayog, located at the southern tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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Key Concerns Related to Tribal Communities:
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- Right to Habitat and Land: The administration has proposed a ₹42.52 crore plan to relocate Nicobarese communities from “project-affected areas.” The Tribal Council alleges that they are being pressured to sign “surrender certificates” to give up their ancestral land.
- Threat to Shompen Tribe: The Shompen are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Experts warn that the influx of an external population (target of 3 lakh by 2050) may severely threaten their culture and health due to low immunity to outside diseases.
- Violation of Consent: Under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, consent of the Gram Sabha is mandatory. The Tribal Council withdrew its No Objection Certificate (NOC) in 2022, claiming that consent had been obtained without proper information.
- Right to Habitat and Land: The administration has proposed a ₹42.52 crore plan to relocate Nicobarese communities from “project-affected areas.” The Tribal Council alleges that they are being pressured to sign “surrender certificates” to give up their ancestral land.
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Environmental and Ecological Impact:
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- The island is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Around 130 sq. km of forest land is proposed to be diverted.
- Approximately 8.5 lakh to 10 lakh trees may be cut.
- Galathea Bay is a crucial nesting site for Giant Leatherback Turtles, which could be severely impacted.
- The island is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
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Government’s Argument:
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- Strategic Location: The island lies close to the Strait of Malacca, a key global shipping route. Development of a port and airport would strengthen India’s military and trade position in the Indian Ocean region.
- Economic Development: The transshipment terminal could position India as a major hub in global maritime trade.
- Legal Status:
- Multiple petitions against the project are pending before the Calcutta High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
- The courts have recently questioned whether genuine consent of tribal communities has been obtained or if it is merely procedural compliance.
- Multiple petitions against the project are pending before the Calcutta High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
- Strategic Location: The island lies close to the Strait of Malacca, a key global shipping route. Development of a port and airport would strengthen India’s military and trade position in the Indian Ocean region.
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Way Forward:
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- Balanced Approach: Development and strategic interests are important, but they should not come at the cost of constitutional rights of local communities (Article 21 and the spirit of protective provisions).
- Consent and Rehabilitation: Strict adherence to the Forest Rights Act must be ensured. Rehabilitation should be not only physical but also culturally appropriate.
- Ecological Protection: Transparent implementation of mitigation measures is necessary to minimize environmental damage.
- Balanced Approach: Development and strategic interests are important, but they should not come at the cost of constitutional rights of local communities (Article 21 and the spirit of protective provisions).
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Conclusion:
The ₹92,000 crore Great Nicobar mega development project has become controversial due to concerns over displacement of the Nicobarese and especially the vulnerable Shompen tribe, along with possible violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Large-scale deforestation in an ecologically sensitive region and the risk to indigenous culture raise serious questions. A balanced approach, guided by the principles of tribal welfare, transparent dialogue, and legal safeguards, is essential to harmonize development with environmental sustainability and indigenous rights.
