Jairam Ramesh Raises Concerns Over Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Jairam Ramesh, on Tuesday, expressed strong concerns over the Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project, citing several issues with the project’s environmental impact assessment and its potential impact on indigenous communities.

In a post on handle X, Ramesh pointed out that the environmental impact assessment was rushed, incomplete, and flawed, with further impact studies being mandated only after the project was granted clearance.

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The project will also disrupt and displace the tribal communities of Great Nicobar, threatening their survival and well-being, which goes against existing regulations, policies, and laws.

Ramesh questioned the idea of notifying additional areas as tribal reserves to compensate for the areas being de-notified, saying it indicates a lack of understanding about the needs of indigenous people.

He emphasised that planting trees in Haryana cannot compensate for the clear-felling of multi-species, biodiversity-rich forests in Great Nicobar Island.

Ramesh further highlighted that scientists in public institutions have spoken about being asked to provide reports favourable to the project, with some even resigning due to pressure to provide a clean chit to them.

The public debate on the Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project continues, with Ramesh’s concerns being echoed by experts and activists.

The project’s proponents argue that it will bring economic benefits, but critics say the costs to the environment and indigenous communities far outweigh any potential gains.