Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the Minister of Tribal Affairs of neglecting tribal rights in the Great Nicobar project, alleging violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. In a strongly worded statement, Ramesh claimed that the project disregards the rights of indigenous communities by failing to obtain their informed consent as mandated by law.
FRA Violations Alleged
Ramesh asserted that the Great Nicobar project violates the Forest Rights Act, 2006, by ignoring tribal rights and failing to secure free, prior, and informed consent from the affected communities. He emphasized that the project's approval process has been flawed, with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs accepting claims from the Andaman and Nicobar administration without independent verification.
Tribal Land De-notification
A key point of contention is the proposal to de-notify 84.10 square kilometers of tribal reserve land under the 1956 Regulation. Ramesh argued that this move contradicts official claims that no displacement will occur. The de-notification would effectively strip the land of its protected status, potentially leading to the eviction of tribal communities.
Strategic Importance Disputed
Ramesh also questioned the strategic benefits of the project, suggesting that its importance has been overstated. He proposed alternatives such as expanding the existing INS Baaz naval base instead of undertaking the massive infrastructure development on the island. This, he argued, would achieve similar strategic objectives without harming tribal rights or the environment.
Ministry's Inaction Highlighted
The Congress leader criticized the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for its lack of action, accusing it of rubber-stamping the Andaman and Nicobar administration's proposals without proper scrutiny. He called for the ministry to conduct its own assessment of the project's impact on tribal communities rather than relying on unverified claims.
Judicial Intervention Sought
Ramesh urged the ministry to ensure strict compliance with the Forest Rights Act in the pending Calcutta High Court case. He emphasized that the court's decision could set a precedent for protecting tribal rights in similar projects across the country. The case, filed in February 2025, seeks to halt the project until all legal requirements are met.
Key Statistics
- 130.75 sq km: Forest area diverted in Phase I of the project.
- 84.10 sq km: Tribal reserve land proposed for de-notification.
- November 18, 2020: Date of No Objection Certificate issued by the Tribal Affairs Ministry.
- February 19, 2025: Date of Calcutta High Court affidavit filed by the ministry.
