Great Nicobar Project: Tribal Council Flags Unanswered Concerns Over Land Rights
Mega project in Great Nicobar faces renewed tribal concerns over land and forest rights.
Photo by Clement Pascal
The ambitious Rs 81,000-crore Great Nicobar Island mega-project is once again under scrutiny by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). The tribal council chairman, Barnabas Manju, has flagged "unanswered" grievances regarding the project's impact on tribal lands and forest rights.
This massive infrastructure development, spanning 166 sq km and involving 130 sq km of forest diversion, includes a transshipment port, township, and airport. The council alleges that previous concerns about the displacement of Nicobarese (post-2004 tsunami) and threats to the vulnerable Shompen tribe have been ignored, and claims that information about tribal reserve inclusion in the project layout was "concealed." This highlights a critical conflict between development and indigenous rights, a recurring theme in UPSC.
Key Facts
Great Nicobar Island mega-project cost: Rs 81,000 crore
Project area: 166 sq km
Forest land diversion: 130 sq km
Project components: transshipment port, integrated township, civil and military use airport, 450 MVA gas and solar power-based plant
Concerns raised by Nicobarese and Shompen tribes
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is involved
UPSC Exam Angles
Constitutional provisions for tribal welfare (Articles 244, 338A)
Role and powers of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 and its implementation in tribal areas
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and its effectiveness for ecologically sensitive zones
Concept of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and their protection
Conflict between development projects and indigenous rights/environmental conservation
Geopolitical and strategic importance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Visual Insights
Great Nicobar Project: Location & Strategic Importance
This map highlights the location of the Great Nicobar Island and its strategic significance in the Indian Ocean, which is central to the ongoing mega-project and associated tribal concerns.
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Great Nicobar Project: Key Figures & Impact
This dashboard provides a snapshot of the scale and potential impact of the Great Nicobar Project, highlighting the significant investment and environmental/social footprint.
- Project Cost
- ₹81,000 Crore
- Total Project Area
- 166 sq km
- Forest Diversion
- 130 sq km
- Affected Tribes
- Nicobarese & Shompen
Massive investment for a multi-faceted infrastructure project, indicating high economic priority.
Significant land footprint on a relatively small and ecologically fragile island.
Large-scale diversion of dense forest, raising major environmental and tribal rights concerns under FRA.
Direct impact on indigenous communities, including the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) Shompen, raising issues of displacement and cultural preservation.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the Great Nicobar Project and tribal rights, consider the following statements: 1. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is a constitutional body established under Article 338A of the Constitution. 2. The Shompen tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), inhabits the Great Nicobar Island. 3. The Forest Rights Act, 2006, mandates the consent of the Gram Sabha for diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes in Scheduled Areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct: NCST is indeed a constitutional body under Article 338A. Statement 2 is correct: The Shompen are a PVTG residing in Great Nicobar. Statement 3 is correct: The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) requires the consent of the Gram Sabha for diversion of forest land, especially in Scheduled Areas, to protect tribal rights and traditional forest dwellers. This is a crucial safeguard often overlooked in large projects.
2. In the context of the Great Nicobar Island, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- A.Great Nicobar is home to the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, which is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
- B.The island is strategically important due to its proximity to international shipping lanes and Southeast Asian countries.
- C.The Nicobarese are one of the indigenous tribes of the island, primarily residing in the interior forests.
- D.The project involves a transshipment port, which aims to leverage the island's deep natural harbour.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement C is NOT correct. While the Nicobarese are an indigenous tribe of the Nicobar Islands, they primarily inhabit the coastal areas and are known for their maritime activities and plantation economy (coconut, areca nut). The Shompen tribe is the one that primarily resides in the interior forests of Great Nicobar. Statements A, B, and D are correct. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO site. Its strategic location is a key reason for the project. The transshipment port is a core component of the project.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas in India: 1. The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution applies to the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in all states except Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. 2. The Sixth Schedule provides for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). 3. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are administered under the provisions of the Fifth Schedule, ensuring special protection for tribal communities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct: The Fifth Schedule covers Scheduled Areas in states other than the four North-Eastern states. Statement 2 is correct: The Sixth Schedule specifically deals with the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram through ADCs. Statement 3 is NOT correct: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a Union Territory and are not covered under either the Fifth or Sixth Schedule. While special provisions exist for the protection of aboriginal tribes in UTs, they are typically governed by regulations made by the President under Article 240, not the Fifth Schedule.
4. Which of the following bodies is responsible for making recommendations to the President regarding the declaration of an area as a 'Scheduled Area' under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution?
- A.National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
- B.Tribal Advisory Council (TAC)
- C.Governor of the concerned state
- D.Parliament of India
Show Answer
Answer: C
Under the Fifth Schedule, the Governor of a state having Scheduled Areas has special responsibilities. The President can declare any area to be a Scheduled Area, but the Governor of the concerned state is responsible for submitting reports to the President regarding the administration of such areas and can make recommendations for the declaration or alteration of Scheduled Areas. While NCST advises on tribal matters, and TACs assist Governors, the primary recommendation for declaration or alteration of Scheduled Areas comes from the Governor to the President. Parliament can legislate on these matters, but the initial recommendation for declaration is typically via the Governor.
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