Rahul Gandhi Flags FRA ‘Violations’ in Great Nicobar Project Clearance

Rapid Summary

• Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed concern over alleged violations of the forest Rights Act (FRA) in granting clearances for the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project in a letter to Tribal Affairs Minister Jual oram.
• Gandhi claimed tribal communities,including Nicobarese and Shompens,were not properly consulted under FRA guidelines,asserting this threatens their way of life and further marginalizes them.
• Tribals previously displaced during the 2004 tsunami now fear land diversion due to project activities. Allegations include coercive acquisition of No Objection Certificates (nocs) with incomplete disclosure about the project’s implications.
• The project involves multiple infrastructure ventures-transshipment port, international airport, township, and power plant-spanning over 160 sq km of land including 130 sq km of forest inhabited by tribal groups categorized as Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Notably Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• congress leader Jairam Ramesh deemed the project ecologically harmful while party member Manickam Tagore raised concerns about compliance with constitutional values and legal rights for tribals-including an independent review request on forest clearance processes.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The controversy surrounding the Great Nicobar project underscores tensions between developmental aspirations and ecological preservation along with constitutional protections for indigenous communities. While infrastructure advancement has potential long-term benefits such as enhanced connectivity and economic growth through investment in critical regions like Nicobar Islands, adherence to laws such as FRA is essential in safeguarding fundamental tribal rights outlined within India’s democratic framework.

Ignoring these considerations risks undermining trust among vulnerable populations like Scheduled Tribes and PVTGs who rely heavily on their ancestral lands for cultural identity and sustenance. With allegations regarding forced NOC acquisition surfacing alongside calls from key opposition voices for more clarity, a balanced approach prioritizing inclusive dialog between stakeholders seems imperative-not just ethically but also legally-to ensure equitable progress.

Read more at the Hindu