Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has written to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accusing the central government of inventing a strategic rationale to justify the Great Nicobar Island project. In his letter dated 4 October, Ramesh expressed concerns over the environmental and tribal impacts of the proposed mega project.
Ramesh Questions Strategic Necessity
Ramesh, a former environment minister, questioned the claim that the project is vital for national security. He argued that the government has not provided credible evidence linking the project to strategic needs. According to Ramesh, the environment impact assessment (EIA) report for the project lacks transparency and fails to address critical issues.
The Great Nicobar Island project, which includes a transshipment port, an international airport, and a township, has been touted as a major infrastructure development. However, Ramesh pointed out that the EIA report mentions the presence of a proposed naval base as a strategic justification, but no detailed plan for such a base has been made public.
Environmental and Tribal Concerns
Ramesh highlighted the potential damage to the island's unique biodiversity and the rights of indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese tribes. The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated site, would be directly affected by the construction. He cited studies indicating that the project could lead to irreversible loss of forest cover, coral reefs, and mangrove ecosystems.
“The project threatens the livelihoods of the tribal communities who have inhabited these islands for centuries,” Ramesh wrote. He urged the defence minister to reconsider the project in light of these concerns and to conduct a comprehensive review involving the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Government's Stance on the Project
The central government has maintained that the project is crucial for India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are seen as a key location for monitoring naval activities and enhancing India's maritime security. However, critics argue that the development model prioritizes security over ecological and social costs.
Ramesh’s letter comes amid growing opposition from environmental groups and local organizations. The National Green Tribunal is currently hearing petitions against the project. The tribunal had earlier directed the government to furnish additional details on the potential environmental impact.
Call for Transparency and Public Hearing
Ramesh demanded that the government make the complete project details public and hold meaningful consultations with the affected communities. He noted that the public hearing conducted in August 2023 was marred by procedural irregularities and insufficient dissemination of information.
“The strategic rationale appears to have been concocted to bypass environmental regulations and speed up approvals,” Ramesh alleged. He referenced the Forest Conservation Act and the Wildlife Protection Act, which require strict adherence to safeguards for such projects.
Ramesh also pointed out that the project requires clearance from the National Board for Wildlife and the Forest Advisory Committee, which have not been obtained. He urged Rajnath Singh to intervene and ensure that all legal and environmental procedures are followed.
Broader Implications
The controversy around the Great Nicobar project reflects a recurring tension between development and conservation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Previous attempts to develop infrastructure, such as the proposed airport on the North Cinque Island, have faced similar opposition. The strategic argument has often been used to fast-track projects in sensitive regions.
Ramesh’s letter adds weight to the voices demanding a more balanced approach. He concluded by calling for a white paper on the project to be presented in Parliament, ensuring democratic scrutiny. “The government must not sacrifice the environment and tribal rights in the name of national security without transparent debate,” he wrote.
