Union Government Seeks Factual Report on Forest Rights Violations in Great Nicobar
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has requested a "factual report" from the Andaman and Nicobar administration regarding a complaint by the Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar. The Council alleges that forest rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 were not settled before 13,000 hectares of forest land were diverted for the ₹81,000-crore Great Nicobar project. While the administration claims tribal rights are protected under the 1956 Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act, the Council asserts their consent was obtained under pressure and later withdrawn. The dispute highlights the tension between large-scale infrastructure development and indigenous land rights.
Key Points
- The Tribal Council claims the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 was bypassed for the Great Nicobar project.
- Approximately 13,000 hectares of forest land are being diverted for a project valued at ₹81,000 crore.
- The administration argues that the 1956 Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act allows for unilateral land diversion.
- The Nicobarese and Shompen tribes are the primary indigenous groups whose rights are under discussion.
Exam Facts
- The Great Nicobar project is a ₹81,000-crore infrastructure initiative.
- The Forest Rights Act (FRA) was enacted in 2006.
- The Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act (PATA) was established in 1956.
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