Controversy Over Great Nicobar Island Project: Tribal Rights at Risk

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has criticized the government's handling of the Great Nicobar Island Project, highlighting a violation of tribal rights. Ramesh argues that necessary procedures under the Forest Rights Act were ignored, urging the Tribal Affairs Ministry to promptly address these concerns and ensure genuine tribal consultation.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has voiced strong objections against the ongoing Great Nicobar Island Project, claiming the development flagrantly violates tribal communities' rights. In a letter addressed to Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Ramesh denounced assertions made by the government that all statutory measures and policy safeguards have been adhered to in the project.

Ramesh's criticism centers around his belief that the Island Project bypassed critical consultations with the Nicobaese and Shompen tribes, mandated by the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006. He argues the government's perceived engagements with settler community gram sabhas do not comply with legal requirements, calling for an immediate reassessment of the project structures to truly reflect tribal consent.

Furthermore, Ramesh requests the revocation of flawed consensual agreements and accuses the project proponent, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Development Corporation (ANIIDCO), of conflicts of interest. He stresses the need for adhering to FRA mandates in decision-making processes, emphasizing that preserving the rights and lands of indigenous communities should remain a priority.