Controversy Over The Great Nicobar Island Project
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration allegedly misrepresented to the Central Government that the rights of tribal people under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) were "identified and settled". This claim led to forest clearances being granted for a ₹72,000-crore mega infrastructure project on the Great Nicobar Islands.
Details of the Project
- The project includes a transhipment port, an airport, a power plant, and a township.
- It requires the diversion of approximately 13,075 hectares of forest land.
- Local tribes have raised concerns about the project's impact on vulnerable groups.
Tribal Council's Complaint
The Tribal Council of Little Nicobar and Great Nicobar has complained to the Minister of Tribal Affairs,stating:
- The process of settling forest rights under the FRA has not been initiated.
- The consent for forest land diversion was claimed without actual agreement from the local tribes.
Documentation and Legal Concerns
- A certificate issued in August 2022 claimed the complete identification and settlement of rights under the FRA for the entire forest area.
- However, the administration had previously reported that the FRA need not be implemented due to existing protections under the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956 (PAT56).
- The distinction between FRA and PAT56 in forest land diversion remains unclear.
Opposition and Administrative Actions
- The project faced opposition from the National Green Tribunal and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes due to alleged violations of consent procedures and environmental concerns.
- Despite this, the administration held a Gram Sabha meeting and obtained a resolution for land diversion.
