No evictions for the Great Nicobar project

No evictions for the Great Nicobar project

#GS2

Context:

  • Government says 7.114 sq. km of tribal reserve area is proposed to be utilized for the project, but that is subject to the protection of the interests of tribespeople; L-G of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has constituted a committee to review the impact of the project

Points to ponder:

  • The Great Nicobar Project is a proposed infrastructure project in India to develop a deep-sea port and an industrial hub on Great Nicobar Island.
  • The project is expected to cost around $3.5 billion and is aimed at boosting economic growth and trade in the region.
  • However, the project has faced opposition from environmental activists and indigenous communities who are concerned about the potential impact on the fragile ecosystem of the island and the livelihoods of local communities.
  • Great Nicobar Island is home to several endangered species, including the Nicobar megapode, and the project could result in the loss of their habitat.
  • The project has raised concerns about the displacement of indigenous communities and the potential for exploitation of their resources without their consent.
  • The displacement of indigenous people will not be permitted to make way for the 72,000 billion dollar Great Nicobar Island Project, according to the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO) initiative comprises a transshipment port, an airstrip, a power facility, and a green field township.
  • According to the Tribal Affairs Ministry, the use of tribal reserve land will be determined by the interests of the local tribespeople who live there, particularly the Shompen tribe, which is designated as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group. (PVT)