Gram Sabha Resolutions and Tribal Consent in Great Nicobar Project
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration cited three Gram Sabha resolutions as evidence of tribal consent for the diversion of 166.10 sq km of forests for the Great Nicobar project. However, these resolutions primarily had the consent of settlers instead of the indigenous Nicobarese and Shompen tribes.
Key Issues Raised
- The Gram Sabha resolutions were signed by settlers, who are not considered stakeholders under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
- At least 60 signatures were repeated across multiple resolutions, indicating potential procedural irregularities.
Legal Concerns
- The petitioner, Meena Gupta, challenged the legality of the process, noting that relevant committees under the FRA were formed only two months before the Gram Sabhas, despite the act being in force for 14 years.
- The composition of the Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC) was deemed illegal as it lacked mandated tribal representation.
Discrepancies and Rebuttals
- The resolutions were held at different venues on the same day, with identical wording favoring the forest diversion for "holistic development."
- The counter-affidavit highlighted that Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti's representation of Shompen tribes was factually incorrect, as it is not permissible for organizations to claim representation of particularly vulnerable tribal groups.
Tribal Council's Stance
The tribal council of the Little and Great Nicobar Islands had previously revoked their no-objection to the denotification of the tribal reserve, indicating unresolved forest rights.
Bilateral Relations between India and Brazil
India and Brazil share a strong, multifaceted Strategic Partnership based on democratic values and expanding cooperation across key sectors. The partnership aims for a forward-looking agenda to strengthen bilateral ties further.
