Rahul Gandhi Urges Probe into Alleged FRA Violations in Nicobar Project

Rapid Summary:

• Congress leader rahul Gandhi has written to Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram expressing concerns over alleged violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in granting clearances for the ₹72,000 crore Great Nicobar Island infrastructure project.
• The Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar alleges false representation by local administration, claiming FRA processes were never initiated despite certification issued in August 2022.
• The Council claims Gram Sabha consent was taken unethically, with no actual representation of Nicobarese or Shompen people. They withdrew this purported consent months later.
• Key concerns include diversion of nearly 13,075 hectares of forest land and its impact on vulnerable tribal groups.
• In response to these complaints, Mr.Gandhi stressed adherence to constitutional values and law in development projects.
• the FRA implementation on the islands has been questioned since forests are claimed to be protected under the older Protection of Aboriginal Tribes act (1956). However, FRA mandates tribal consent for land diversions.
• A petition challenging project clearances is ongoing at Calcutta High Court.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The ongoing controversy around the Great Nicobar Island project raises critical questions about balancing development with indigenous rights and environmental conservation. Allegations that FRA processes were bypassed underscore procedural irregularities that could set concerning legal precedents if left unchecked. While development initiatives like ports or airports can enhance regional connectivity and economic growth, their execution must prioritize inclusion through meaningful engagement with affected communities.

Rahul Gandhi’s intervention spotlights broader accountability issues tied to governance mechanisms in ecologically sensitive zones. Given that constitutional safeguards exist precisely to protect vulnerable groups like Nicobarese tribes from unchecked exploitation, resolving this issue may ensure credibility both domestically and internationally as India tackles pressing environmental challenges alongside development imperatives.

Read more: The Hindu