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23 Jan 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesEnvironment & EcologyNEWS

Great Nicobar Island Project: Tribals Allege Coercion to Surrender Ancestral Lands

Tribal council alleges coercion to surrender ancestral lands for Great Nicobar project.

Great Nicobar Island Project: Tribals Allege Coercion to Surrender Ancestral Lands

Photo by Mirna Wabi-Sabi

Members of the Tribal Council in Little and Great Nicobar have alleged that they are being pressured by the district administration to surrender their ancestral lands for the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island mega infrastructure project. The project requires the diversion of forest lands in Galathea Bay, Pemmaya Bay, and Nanjappa Bay, where indigenous Nicobarese people lived before the 2004 tsunami. During a January 7 meeting, tribal council members were allegedly asked to sign a surrender certificate, giving up their ancestral tribal lands. The council members have stated that they cannot sign such a document, as it is their ancestral land and they want to preserve it for future generations. They also mentioned that they are yet to hear from the administration about their requests to return to the locations of their ancestral villages that were destroyed by the tsunami.

Key Facts

1.

Project cost: ₹92,000 crore

2.

Issue: Alleged coercion to surrender tribal lands

3.

Location: Great Nicobar Island

4.

Affected: Indigenous Nicobarese people

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & Social Sector

2.

GS Paper III: Environment, Infrastructure

3.

Potential for questions on tribal rights, environmental impact assessment, and development policies in sensitive regions

Visual Insights

Great Nicobar Island Project Location

Map showing the location of Great Nicobar Island and the areas affected by the proposed infrastructure project, including Galathea Bay, Pemmaya Bay, and Nanjappa Bay. It highlights the tribal areas and the potential impact on the indigenous Nicobarese people.

Loading interactive map...

📍Andaman and Nicobar Islands📍Galathea Bay📍Pemmaya Bay📍Nanjappa Bay
More Information

Background

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a complex history of habitation and governance. Indigenous communities, including the Nicobarese and various Andamanese tribes, have inhabited these islands for millennia. Colonial influence began in the 18th century, with attempts by various European powers to establish settlements.

The British formally annexed the islands in the 19th century, using them initially as a penal colony. After India's independence, the islands became a Union Territory. The tribal populations have been granted certain protections under the Constitution, recognizing their unique cultural heritage and vulnerability.

Land rights and resource management have been contentious issues, particularly with increasing development pressures and the strategic importance of the islands.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increased focus on infrastructure development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, driven by strategic and economic considerations. The NITI Aayog has identified the islands as key for tourism and maritime development. This has led to several projects, including port expansion, airport upgrades, and the proposed Great Nicobar Island project.

However, these developments have raised concerns about environmental impact and the rights of indigenous communities. Environmental clearances for projects have faced scrutiny, and there have been debates about balancing development with conservation. The government has emphasized sustainable development and consultation with local communities, but concerns persist about the potential displacement and cultural disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Great Nicobar Island project and why is it important?

The Great Nicobar Island project is a mega infrastructure project with an estimated cost of ₹92,000 crore. It is important because the NITI Aayog has identified the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as key for tourism and maritime development, leading to increased focus on infrastructure development in the region.

2. What are the key concerns raised regarding the Great Nicobar Island project?

The main concern is the alleged coercion of tribal council members to surrender their ancestral lands for the project. These lands are located in Galathea Bay, Pemmaya Bay, and Nanjappa Bay, areas inhabited by indigenous Nicobarese people.

3. What are the key facts about the Great Nicobar Island project that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include the project cost (₹92,000 crore), the issue of alleged coercion to surrender tribal lands, the location (Great Nicobar Island), and the affected population (indigenous Nicobarese people).

4. Why is the Great Nicobar Island project in the news recently?

The project is in the news because members of the Tribal Council have alleged that they are being pressured by the district administration to surrender their ancestral lands for the project.

5. What is the historical background of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands relevant to this issue?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a long history of habitation by indigenous communities, including the Nicobarese. Colonial influence began in the 18th century, and the British formally annexed the islands in the 19th century. This history is important for understanding land rights and tribal issues.

6. What are the potential pros and cons of the Great Nicobar Island project?

Potential pros include economic development, improved infrastructure, and strategic advantages. Cons include displacement of indigenous populations, environmental damage, and potential loss of cultural heritage.

7. What is the significance of the year 2004 in the context of the Nicobarese people?

The year 2004 is significant because a tsunami displaced indigenous Nicobarese people from their traditional lands. This displacement likely increased their vulnerability and makes the current land acquisition attempts even more sensitive.

8. How might the Great Nicobar Island project impact common citizens, particularly the Nicobarese?

The project could lead to economic opportunities but also displacement, loss of traditional livelihoods, and cultural disruption for the Nicobarese. It could also affect access to resources and traditional practices.

9. What are the recent developments regarding the tribal council's concerns?

The recent development is that tribal council members have stated they cannot sign a surrender certificate giving up their ancestral tribal lands, as they want to preserve it for future generations and are awaiting a response from the administration.

10. What is the key issue related to land acquisition in the Great Nicobar Island project?

The key issue is the alleged coercion of the tribal council to surrender their ancestral lands. The council members claim they are being pressured to sign a surrender certificate, which they are unwilling to do.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the indigenous communities of the Nicobar Islands: 1. The Nicobarese are a Scheduled Tribe recognized under the Indian Constitution. 2. Traditional Nicobarese society is matrilineal, with property and lineage passed down through the female line. 3. The Nicobarese language is classified as part of the Austroasiatic language family. 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

All three statements are correct. The Nicobarese are a recognized Scheduled Tribe, their society is traditionally matrilineal, and their language belongs to the Austroasiatic family.

2. With reference to the Great Nicobar Island project, consider the following statements: 1. The project aims to develop an international container transshipment terminal, a greenfield international airport, and a power plant. 2. Galathea Bay, a part of the project site, is a nesting site for the Giant Leatherback Turtle. 3. The project requires diversion of forest land, impacting the habitat of indigenous flora and fauna. 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

All three statements are correct. The project includes the development of key infrastructure, Galathea Bay is a nesting site for turtles, and the project involves forest land diversion.

3. Which of the following constitutional provisions safeguards the interests of Scheduled Tribes in India? 1. Article 244 2. Article 330 3. Fifth Schedule 4. Sixth Schedule Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 and 3 only
  • B.2 and 4 only
  • C.1, 3 and 4 only
  • D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer

Answer: C

Article 244 relates to the administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas. The Fifth Schedule deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. The Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Article 330 deals with reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People (Lok Sabha).

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