Legal and Environmental Confusion Persists Over Clearances for the ₹81,000-Crore Great Nicobar Project
The Calcutta High Court is hearing petitions challenging the forest clearance for the ₹81,000-crore Great Nicobar Island development project. The Tribal Affairs Ministry has requested to be removed from the list of respondents, arguing that the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, falls under the jurisdiction of the Union Territory administration. Petitioners allege that provisions of the FRA were violated, specifically regarding the consent of tribes for diverting 13,000 hectares of forest land. The project includes a trans-shipment port, airport, power plant, and a new township, raising significant environmental and tribal rights concerns.
Key Points
- The project involves the diversion of approximately 13,000 hectares of forest land in Great Nicobar.
- Petitioners claim the consent of local tribes was not properly obtained as per the Forest Rights Act 2006.
- The Tribal Affairs Ministry contends that the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) was issued based on facts from the island administration.
- The project components include an international trans-shipment port and a greenfield airport.
Exam Facts
- ₹81,000-crore project cost
- Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006
- 13,000 hectares of forest land
- Calcutta High Court
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