Congress leader and former Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has written to Union Minister Jual Oram, flagging what he termed a 'flagrant violation' of the rights of tribal communities in the Great Nicobar Island project. In his letter, Ramesh strongly contested the government's assertion that all statutory procedures were duly complied with, calling it 'entirely false'.
Allegations of Procedural Lapses
Ramesh, who served as the Minister of Environment and Forests from 2009 to 2011, pointed out several alleged irregularities in the clearance process for the ambitious Great Nicobar Island development project. He stated that the project, which involves massive infrastructure development including a transshipment port, an international airport, and a power plant, has been pushed through without adequate consultation with the indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese tribes.
Government's Stand Challenged
The former minister specifically referred to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) issued by the government on May 1, 2026, which claimed that all statutory procedures were duly followed. Ramesh termed this assertion 'entirely false' and provided a detailed rebuttal, citing specific legal and procedural violations.
- Lack of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC): Ramesh argued that the tribal communities were not adequately informed or consulted before the project was granted environmental clearance.
- Violation of Forest Rights Act: He alleged that the project violates the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, which mandates the recognition of tribal rights over forest land.
- Environmental Clearance Irregularities: Ramesh pointed out that the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) had raised several concerns that were not adequately addressed before the final clearance was granted.
Strategic Importance vs. Tribal Rights
The Great Nicobar Island project is seen as strategically important for India, given its proximity to the Malacca Strait. However, environmentalists and tribal rights activists have consistently opposed it, citing irreversible damage to the island's unique ecosystem and the displacement of indigenous communities.
Ramesh's letter to Oram, who is the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, urged the government to reconsider the project's clearance and initiate a fresh, transparent consultation process with the affected tribal communities. He also called for a comprehensive impact assessment that includes the social and cultural dimensions of the project.
Political Reactions
The Congress party has rallied behind Ramesh, with several leaders demanding a parliamentary debate on the issue. The ruling party, however, has defended the project, stating that it is in the national interest and that all necessary clearances have been obtained.
As the debate intensifies, the fate of the Great Nicobar Island project hangs in the balance, with tribal rights and environmental concerns clashing with strategic and economic imperatives.
