Paper: GS – III, Subject: Environment and Ecology, Topic: Forest Conservation, Issue: The Great Nicobar Project
Context:
The Andaman and Nicobar administration is accused of falsely informing the Centre that tribal rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, had been settled.
- Based on this claim, forest clearances were granted for the ₹72,000-crore mega infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island.
- A council representing the Nicobarese has raised this issue in a complaint to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram.
Key Takeaways:
What is the proposal?
- The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) is a mega project to be implemented at the southern end of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- The project includes an international container trans-shipment terminal, an international airport, township development, and a 450 MVA gas and solar based power plant over an extent of 16,610 hectares in the island.
- The port will be controlled by the Indian Navy, while the airport will have dual military-civilian functions and will cater to tourism as well.
Nicobar project violates tribal rights:
- The NCST has cited alleged violations under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 with respect to the forest clearance granted for the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project.
- The FRA provides for the recognition of wider community rights over forest land.
- The legislation allows forest communities the right to control and manage the use of the forest land over which they hold titles and their consent is mandatory for diverting it.
Concern Raised by NCST Regarding Great Nicobar Project:
Analysis of the Tribal Council’s Complaint on the Great Nicobar Island Project:
Conclusion:
The complaint filed by the Tribal Council raises serious concerns about the potential violation of forest rights and the lack of transparency and consultation in the Great Nicobar Island project. It is crucial for the government to address these concerns and ensure that the rights and interests of the tribal communities are protected in accordance with the FRA and other relevant laws and regulations.
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