Andaman Administration Finalizes Maps for Denotification of Tribal Reserve for Great Nicobar Project
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has prepared maps for the denotification and re-notification of tribal reserve land to facilitate the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project. The project includes a transshipment port, an airport, a power plant, and a township. While a 'Comprehensive Tribal Welfare Plan' is being finalized, the denotification requires the settlement of forest rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The project faces significant legal challenges in courts and tribunals regarding environmental clearances and the potential impact on the Shompen and Nicobarese indigenous communities.
Key Points
- The Great Nicobar project is a ₹92,000-crore mega-infrastructure initiative involving a transshipment port and an international airport.
- Denotification of tribal reserve land is a critical legal step, requiring compliance with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
- The administration is developing a 'Comprehensive Tribal Welfare Plan' to protect the interests of the Shompen and Nicobarese people.
- The project is currently under judicial scrutiny in the Calcutta High Court and various environmental tribunals regarding its ecological impact.
Exam Facts
- The project cost is estimated at ₹92,000 crore.
- The Forest Rights Act, 2006, governs the settlement of rights before land denotification.
- The project is being developed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
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