Concerns Over Great Nicobar Project

Summary of Allegations Regarding Forest Rights Act Violations in Great Nicobar Island Project

Background:

• Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, serving as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has raised concerns over possible violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) related to the Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, estimated to cost ₹72,000 crore.
• In August 2022, the administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands allegedly certified that the due processes under the FRA had been fulfilled concerning forest land clearances for the project.

Key Allegations:

• The Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar has stated in its communication to Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram that the necessary processes under the FRA have not been initiated on the islands, contrary to the representation made to the Centre.
• The Council members argue that a Gram Sabha meeting, where consent was allegedly given, did not include legitimate representatives of the Nicobarese and Shompen tribes. Instead, representation was claimed by a local social welfare organization under the control of the administration.
• Following the purported consent in August 2022, the Tribal Council officially withdrew their approval, citing a lack of proper engagement in dialogues by the government regarding the project's implications on tribal rights and environmental impact.

Infrastructure Development Proposed:

• The Great Nicobar Island project will comprise a transshipment port, airport, power plant, and township, having raised concerns from the local tribes regarding the diversion of approximately 13,075 hectares of forest land.

Political Response:

• In a letter to Minister Oram, dated September 3, 2025, Rahul Gandhi has expressed his deep concerns about the FRA violations, advocating for adherence to constitutional values of justice and human dignity in development efforts.
• He stressed the need for the government to ensure compliance with legal protocols as outlined under the FRA.

Official Stance:

• Minister Jual Oram confirmed that the Ministry would investigate the claims raised by the Tribal Council. Earlier statements indicated that government concerns regarding FRA adherence were still under evaluation.
• The Tribal Council reported being unaware of the August 2022 certification until recently, which conflicts with their existing claims that no FRA processes were initiated.

Legal Proceedings:

• The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has shown concerns regarding the FRA violations regarding the project.
• Currently, the Calcutta High Court is hearing a petition disputing the clearances obtained for the infrastructure project.

Legislative Context:

• The Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956 allows local administrative authorities to de-reserve tribal forest lands. However, the FRA necessitates a consent mechanism for forest land diversion, highlighting a conflict between these two regulations.

Conclusion:

• The ongoing concerns regarding the FRA violations and tribal rights underline significant challenges in balancing development initiatives with the preservation of indigenous rights and environmental sustainability in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Important Points:

• Rahul Gandhi raises concerns about FRA violations in Great Nicobar Island project.
• Tribal Council alleges false representation about FRA processes by local administration.
• The consent for forest clearance was allegedly obtained through a non-representative Gram Sabha meeting.
• The project will involve significant infrastructure, affecting over 13,075 hectares of forest land.
• Minister Jual Oram has pledged to review the allegations.
• The Calcutta High Court is currently considering a petition against project clearances.
• The Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act and FRA are in conflict regarding forest land management.