Select Your Preferred Language

Please choose your language to continue.

Land Acquisition for Great Nicobar Trunk Road Found Beneficial: SIA report | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

Land Acquisition for Great Nicobar Trunk Road Found Beneficial: SIA report

Posted 06 Sep 2025

2 min read

Article Summary

Article Summary

The SIA report supports land acquisition for the Great Nicobar Trunk Road, highlighting benefits, legal requirements, tribal displacement concerns, and holistic tribal development initiatives.

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) was prepared by the Atlas Management Consultancy Services (AMCS) Private Limited.

  • Area of 130 ha falling within tribal reserves will be diverted for the Great Nicobar Trunk Infrastructure Road project.

About Social Impact Assessment

  • It is a process of research, planning and the management of social change or consequences arising from policies, plans, developments and projects (UNEP, 2007).
  • According to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013 conducting a SIA and preparing a Social Impact Management Plan is mandatory for land acquisition.
    • This applies to government use, public-private partnerships, or private acquisition for public purposes.

Issue of tribal displacement and rehabilitation due to development

  • Displacement: Developmental projects often target mineral- and forest-rich areas that are predominantly inhabited by indigenous populations. Example- Sardar Sarovar Dam project, Ken Betwa River Linkage.
    • Impact of Displacement: loss of livelihood, cultural erosion, psychological distress and social disintegration.
  • Rehabilitation: Tribals are provided rehabilitation through policies such as RFCTLARR Act 2013.
    • Challenges in Rehabilitation: insufficient compensation, lack of community participation, bureaucratic hurdles and corruption.

Beyond displacement and rehabilitation, a holistic perspective include

  • Empowerment and self-governance: Legislations like the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, and the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, empower Gram Sabhas with decision-making power over land and resources. 
  • Education: Initiatives like Eklavya Model Residential Schools for quality education in tribal areas.
  • Livelihood diversification: Schemes such as the Van Dhan Vikas Kendras promote value-addition of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and enhance tribal incomes.
  • Other schemes such as PM JANMAN provide holistic development of tribals.
  • Tags :
  • Land Acquisition and Tribal Displacement
  • Social Impact Assessment
Watch News Today
Subscribe for Premium Features