Jairam Ramesh Alleges Great Nicobar Project Being 'Bulldozed Through' Amidst Environmental and Legal Challenges

In a scathing critique, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the government of recklessly pushing forward with the ambitious Great Nicobar Project, alleging it is being "bulldozed through" despite significant environmental concerns and ongoing legal challenges to its clearances in various courts.

Ramesh's concerns, echoed in his public statements and correspondence, center on the colossal Rs 72,000-crore project envisioned for Great Nicobar Island.

This mega-development includes a transshipment port, an airport, a power plant, and a greenfield township, designed to transform the remote island into a strategic hub. However, the environmental and social costs, according to Ramesh, are being dangerously overlooked.

The former Environment Minister specifically pointed to the environmental clearance granted on October 27, 2022, for the Nicobar development as a cornerstone of his criticism.

He highlighted that crucial aspects, such as a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) and a thorough understanding of the unique ecology of Great Nicobar, were either bypassed or inadequately addressed. This island is not merely a strategic outpost; it is a biodiversity hotspot, home to endangered species like leatherback turtles and Nicobar megalopodes, and boasts pristine coral reefs and endemic flora and fauna, all now under threat.

Beyond the ecological devastation, Ramesh expressed profound worry about the fate of the indigenous communities, particularly the Nicobari and Shompen tribes.

Their traditional lands and way of life stand to be irreversibly altered or destroyed by the project, raising serious questions about tribal rights and cultural preservation. He asserted that the process has lacked transparency, with crucial recommendations from expert bodies like the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) being disregarded.

Ramesh underscored that the project is currently mired in legal battles before the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), challenging the legality and validity of its environmental and forest clearances.

Despite these ongoing judicial reviews, the government appears determined to proceed, raising alarms about due process and respect for the rule of law. He revealed that he had previously penned letters to both the Prime Minister and the Union Environment Minister, detailing his apprehensions about the project's rushed implementation and its potential for irreversible damage.

The Congress leader urged for a more judicious and transparent approach, calling for a halt to further work until all legal hurdles are cleared and a comprehensive, ecologically sound assessment is conducted.

He emphasized that while strategic development is important, it must not come at the cost of India's precious natural heritage and the rights of its indigenous populations.