Latest news with #GreatNicobarIslandDevelopmentProject
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
ST panel denies info on Great Nicobar project
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has refused to share information on the impact of a proposed mega infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island, the southernmost part of Indian territory, on primitive tribal groups and the relocation of villages from tiger reserves, citing parliamentary privilege and other legal exemptions. This PTI correspondent filed an RTI application on April 3 this year, requesting minutes of all commission meetings held since January 1, 2022; all communications exchanged with the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs concerning the Great Nicobar Island Development Project and its impact on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like the Shompens; and correspondence regarding the National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA) directive to relocate villages from core areas of tiger reserves. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) disposed of the RTI application on June 9, more than two months after receiving it, asking the applicant to visit its website ( for copies of all minutes of meetings. The commission, however, has not yet uploaded the minutes of meetings held since April 6, 2021, on its website. In response to queries about the Great Nicobar project and the NTCA directive, the NCST asked the PTI correspondent to "provide the concerned file number dealt with in the NCST for required information". In its July 2 response to a first appeal, the commission said the information sought by the appellant is exempted from disclosure under constitutional provisions and relevant clauses of the RTI Act. In his reply, Y.P. Yadav, Deputy Secretary and First Appellate Authority (FAA), cited Article 338A of the Constitution, under which the commission submits reports to the President and is empowered to investigate complaints relating to the rights of Scheduled Tribes. The RTI reply stated that since the NCST is constitutionally mandated to report to the President and since these reports are tabled in Parliament, there is no obligation to disclose such information to the public under the RTI Act. The commission also invoked several clauses of Section 8 of the RTI Act, which allow public authorities to withhold information in specific cases. These include provisions that exempt disclosure if it would breach "parliamentary privilege", "endanger" someone's life or physical safety, "identify" a source of information or "impede" investigation or prosecution. The order also referred to a Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) clarification based on a 2009 Bombay High Court judgement, which said, "The public information authorities cannot expect to communicate to the citizen the reason why a certain thing was done or not." Tribal rights experts argued that the commission's refusal to share even the minutes of its meetings is at odds with the spirit of transparency and public accountability. "The NCST is a constitutional body created to safeguard tribal interests. If it begins denying access to basic information about its functioning, the entire purpose of having such a body is undermined," said a tribal rights researcher who did not wish to be named. The denial comes at a time when the Great Nicobar Island project has drawn sharp criticism from conservationists, scientists and tribal rights advocates, who fear that it could displace Indigenous communities and irreversibly damage ecologically sensitive zones. The project, titled 'Holistic Development of Great Nicobar', involves the construction of a transshipment port, an international airport, a township and a power plant spanning more than 160 sq km. This includes around 130 sq km of pristine forest inhabited by the Nicobarese, a Scheduled Tribe (ST), and the Shompens, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), whose population is estimated to be between 200 and 300. Similarly, the NTCA's directive for relocation of villages from tiger reserves has sparked controversy, with concerns over the lack of consultation with the affected tribal communities and the alleged violation of the Forest Rights Act. In an interview with PTI in June, NCST member Asha Lakra said tribal communities in Great Nicobar are not opposed to development but lack sufficient information about the proposed mega infrastructure project on the island. Ms. Lakra, who led an NCST team to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from June 5 to 7 to review the issues faced by the tribal communities, said the commission held a detailed meeting with representatives of all tribal groups, including the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Nicobarese and Shompens. However, Barnabas Manju, Chairman of the Little and Great Nicobar Tribal Council, told PTI that the council was not invited to the meeting and came to know about it through the local media. The council had written to the Union Environment Ministry and the Andaman and Nicobar administration in November 2022, withdrawing a no-objection certificate (NOC) it had issued in August that year for the denotification of 84.1 sq km of tribal reserve and the diversion of 130 sq km of forest for the project. It alleged that crucial information was withheld while seeking the NOC. In April 2023, the NCST issued a notice to the Andaman and Nicobar administration seeking "facts and an action-taken report" on allegations that the mega project would violate the constitutional mandate and "adversely impact" the lives of local tribals. At a media interaction last month, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said his ministry was examining objections raised by tribal communities regarding the proposed project. In an interview with PTI in February last year, NCST's former acting vice chairperson Ananta Nayak said media reports criticising the "strategically crucial" mega construction project were an "international conspiracy". He said national security should be the "primary concern" of any government. Great Nicobar Island is one of the most strategically important areas. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide India a commanding geostrategic presence in the Bay of Bengal and access to South and Southeast Asia.
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
ST panel denies info on Great Nicobar project, says disclosure would breach parliamentary privilege
New Delhi, The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has refused to share information on the impact of a proposed mega infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island, the southernmost part of Indian territory, on primitive tribal groups and the relocation of villages from tiger reserves, citing parliamentary privilege and other legal exemptions. ST panel denies info on Great Nicobar project, says disclosure would breach parliamentary privilege This PTI correspondent filed an RTI application on April 3 this year, requesting minutes of all commission meetings held since January 1, 2022; all communications exchanged with the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs concerning the Great Nicobar Island Development Project and its impact on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups like the Shompens; and correspondence regarding the National Tiger Conservation Authority's directive to relocate villages from core areas of tiger reserves. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes disposed of the RTI application on June 9, more than two months after receiving it, asking the applicant to visit its website for copies of all minutes of meetings. The commission, however, has not yet uploaded the minutes of meetings held since April 6, 2021, on its website. In response to queries about the Great Nicobar project and the NTCA directive, the NCST asked the PTI correspondent to "provide the concerned file number dealt in the NCST for required information". In its July 2 response to a first appeal, the commission said the information sought by the appellant is exempted from disclosure under constitutional provisions and relevant clauses of the RTI Act. In his reply, Y P Yadav, Deputy Secretary and First Appellate Authority , cited Article 338A of the Constitution, under which the commission submits reports to the President and is empowered to investigate complaints relating to the rights of Scheduled Tribes. The RTI reply stated that since the NCST is constitutionally mandated to report to the President and since these reports are tabled in Parliament, there is no obligation to disclose such information to the public under the RTI Act. The commission also invoked several clauses of Section 8 of the RTI Act which allow public authorities to withhold information in specific cases. These include provisions that exempt disclosure if it would breach "parliamentary privilege", "endanger" someone's life or physical safety, "identify" a source of information or "impede" investigation or prosecution. The order also referred to a Department of Personnel and Training clarification based on a 2009 Bombay High Court judgement, which said, "The public information authorities cannot expect to communicate to the citizen the reason why a certain thing was done or not." Tribal rights experts argued that the commission's refusal to share even the minutes of its meetings is at odds with the spirit of transparency and public accountability. "The NCST is a constitutional body created to safeguard tribal interests. If it begins denying access to basic information about its functioning, the entire purpose of having such a body is undermined," said a tribal rights researcher who did not wish to be named. The denial comes at a time when the Great Nicobar Island project has drawn sharp criticism from conservationists, scientists and tribal rights advocates, who fear that it could displace Indigenous communities and irreversibly damage ecologically sensitive zones. The project, titled 'Holistic Development of Great Nicobar', involves the construction of a transshipment port, an international airport, a township and a power plant spanning more than 160 sq km. This includes around 130 sq km of pristine forest inhabited by the Nicobarese, a Scheduled Tribe , and the Shompens, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group , whose population is estimated to be between 200 and 300. Similarly, the NTCA's directive for relocation of villages from tiger reserves has sparked controversy, with concerns over the lack of consultation with the affected tribal communities and the alleged violation of the Forest Rights Act. In an interview with PTI in June, NCST member Asha Lakra said tribal communities in Great Nicobar are not opposed to development but lack sufficient information about the proposed mega infrastructure project on the island. Lakra, who led an NCST team to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from June 5 to 7 to review the issues faced by the tribal communities, said the commission held a detailed meeting with representatives of all tribal groups, including the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Nicobarese and Shompens. However, Barnabas Manju, Chairman of the Little and Great Nicobar Tribal Council, told PTI that the council was not invited to the meeting and came to know about it through the local media. The council had written to the Union Environment Ministry and the Andaman and Nicobar administration in November 2022, withdrawing a no-objection certificate it had issued in August that year for the denotification of 84.1 sq km of tribal reserve and the diversion of 130 sq km of forest for the project. It alleged that crucial information was withheld while seeking the NOC. In April 2023, the NCST issued a notice to the Andaman and Nicobar administration seeking "facts and an action-taken report" on allegations that the mega project would violate the constitutional mandate and "adversely impact" the lives of local tribals. At a media interaction last month, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said his ministry was examining objections raised by tribal communities regarding the proposed project. In an interview with PTI in February last year, NCST's former acting vice chairperson Ananta Nayak said media reports criticising the "strategically crucial" mega construction project were an "international conspiracy". He said national security should be the "primary concern" of any government. Great Nicobar Island is one of the most strategically important areas. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide India a commanding geostrategic presence in the Bay of Bengal and access to South and Southeast Asia. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Wayanad tunnel: Experts question green clearance, cite lack of proper studies
Kozhikode: The expert appraisal committee (EAC) decided to grant environmental clearance (EC) to the Rs 2,134-crore Wayanad tunnel road project by laying down 60 conditions—despite acknowledging a month ago that the tunnel would pass through vulnerable, landslide-prone terrain. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This has raised serious concerns, including questions about the reliability of the studies used to justify EC and the inadequacy of proposed mitigation measures. At its first meeting on April 4, EAC deferred clearance citing several issues. It raised concerns that blasting vibrations could affect surrounding areas and nearby structures and said a detailed study was needed to assess if the project could worsen landslide risks. EAC specifically asked for an evaluation based on recent landslide events in the region including their causes and impacts. However, the final clearance report does not mention any new study that carried out a detailed evaluation as suggested. The only new study in the final report, titled Geological and Geomorphological Features of Proposed Anakkampoyil-Meppadi Tunnel Alignment and Impact Area, was done by K Soman, a retired scientist from Centre for Earth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram. The other two studies mentioned in the clearance report—a geotechnical investigation and a water drainage study—were done earlier during preparation of the detailed project report. The final EC agenda report only said that state expert appraisal committee, while recommending environmental clearance in March, advised micro-scale mapping of landslide-prone zones to enable regular monitoring and prevent activities that could further destabilise the land. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The report also said that Konkan Railway, on behalf of the project proponent, passed on these requirements to Geological Survey of India and approached it to carry out necessary investigations. Environmental scientist and former water resources department director V Subhash Chandra Bose said this could be the first time EC was granted to a project with so many conditions. "That alone shows the risks involved in the project. What they have overlooked is that the project area falls in a region the state govt classified as high-risk for landslides and the project goes against the principle that activities causing disturbances should not happen in such areas," he added. Bose questioned the reliability of doing studies after deciding to go ahead with a project, saying such studies only aim to clear the way for it. Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samiti president N Badusha said the state got clearance for the project from MOEF using false information. He added that EAC used a similar approach to approve the project without proper multidisciplinary studies to assess landslide risks in the mountainous area, especially after recent cloudburst events. "Some recent ECs given by MOEF bodies, including the one for Great Nicobar Island Development Project, sand sea mining and mega tourism in Lakshadweep islands, show how the process is weakened and staged. EC for the Wayanad tunnel is the latest example," he said. Samiti plans to approach HC or other bodies within 10 days to challenge MOEF's clearance for the project. Badusha added that most conditions set by EAC are vague, unclear and impractical. "For example, EAC recommended monitoring the endangered Banasura Chilappan bird. But monitoring does not help when tunnelling destroys its mountain habitat. Will they stop the project if monitoring shows the bird has been displaced? Many other recommendations also just call for more monitoring without real action," he added.
Scroll.in
04-05-2025
- Scroll.in
Scroll's Vaishnavi Rathore wins Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award 2025
Scroll's Vaishnavi Rathore on Sunday won the 2025 Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award in the 'Print/Digital' category for her reportage on the Great Nicobar Island Development Project. Rathore, the first journalist to report from the ground about the contentious project's environmental and social impacts, was awarded for the 'excellence, depth, and relevance' of her work. Scroll readers crowdfunded the reporting project. The Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award honours 'journalists who embody integrity, courage, empathy, and truth'. It celebrates 'those who push boundaries and tackle challenges to deliver impactful reporting that informs, educates, and inspires change'. 'By recognizing these storytellers, we uphold Danish Siddiqui's legacy of fearless journalism, inspiring and guiding future generations with his commitment to excellence,' the award website states. Siddiqui was a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist and the chief of Reuters Pictures multimedia team in India. He covered many important events in Asia, West Asia and Europe, including the Rohingya refugee crisis – for which he received the Pulitzer along with two colleagues – the Hong Kong protests and the living conditions of asylum seekers in Switzerland. Siddiqui was killed while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters near a border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan in July 2021. He was covering the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan for Reuters.
Mint
25-04-2025
- General
- Mint
Great Nicobar's development: Strategic gain or loss of balance?
The remote, stunningly beautiful and little understood Great Nicobar Island has been the focus of news reports in recent months, two decades after it made headlines when the 2004 tsunami devastated lives and altered its coastline. This time, it's a man-made wave of development that is drawing attention: specifically, plans under the Great Nicobar Island Development Project, which has an outlay of ₹ 81,000 crore and was launched in 2021. Infra work is proceeding apace on a trans-shipment port, an international airport, power plants, tourism facilities and a township where hundreds of thousands of people are expected to settle. The project's blueprint covers 160-sq-km, including 130-sq-km of tropical rain- forest land that is home to people whose lives are intricately linked to its numerous species of plant and animal life. Environmentalists, climate activists and even novelist Amitav Ghosh have described it as 'ecocide.' India's biodiversity is like a wondrous quilt of beauty and Great Nicobar is one of our few untouched hot-spots. It holds a range of micro-habitats, from beaches, mangroves and coastal forests to rivers, lagoons and rainforests that host an invaluable variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, crustaceans, amphibians, insects and plants—some found nowhere else in the world. This treasure trove is at risk. The isle's Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the few nesting sites for the vulnerable and endemic Nicobar megapode as well as the Giant Leatherback Sea turtle, was de-notified in January 2021 to ease the port's construction. Apart from causing irreversible ecological harm, our brick-and-mortar intrusion is likely to devastate traditional lifestyles and ancestral lands. Forest-dwelling and semi-nomadic, the Shompen are a 'particularly vulnerable tribal group" of 229 individuals, according to India's 2011 census. It's a population small enough to be wiped out by the flu, and, as they are among the world's last people with almost no contact with the outside world, their immunity may prove unable to withstand an influx of outsiders. Great Nicobar is also home of the Nicobarese, a settled tribe that mostly practises horticulture. For decades, India has respected and protected the rights of isolated indigenous people to their land and way of life, with contact made on their terms. Not very long ago, an American social media influencer who tried to film the Sentinelese on North Sentinel Island was arrested. Yet, ' development ' seems to license much worse. The archipelago's strategic value for trade and defence, given its Bay of Bengal location, is undeniable. The isles are within close reach of major Indian and East Asian ports, and could support the Quad's aim of a free and open Indo-Pacific. But Great Nicobar isn't just real estate; it is a fragile ecosystem that's prone to low-intensity quakes. The 2004 tsunami's impact is yet to be fully understood, though researchers found that it tilted the archipelago, leaving some dry parts submerged. Is pouring tonnes of concrete and steel into such a sensitive zone a good idea? These lands are not just inhabited by folks who deserve the liberty to live how they like, undisturbed if they so choose, they offer us a unique chance to expand the frontiers of knowledge if we go about it delicately. While the country does need to develop, we must not place the details of our development path beyond the scrutiny of reason. Steamrollers 2,500km away from New Delhi signal a loss of balance. Our geo-strategic aims can be met at far lower cost.
