Nicobarese oppose proposed wildlife sanctuaries in Little Nicobar, Meroe, and Menchal islands
The Nicobar tribal council is opposing the Union government's notification of three wildlife sanctuaries in Little Nicobar, Meroe, and Menchal islands, alleging violations of the Forest Rights Act. This opposition comes amidst challenges to the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project for similar violations. The council states that the sanctuaries were notified without consulting the local community, who have lived on and maintained these islands for generations. Meroe and Menchal islands hold high cultural and spiritual significance for the Nicobarese. They argue that the sanctuaries would encroach upon their traditional rights, including ritual hunts and maintenance of plantations, and demand the revocation of the notification.
Key Points
- The Nicobar tribal council opposes the notification of three wildlife sanctuaries in Little Nicobar, Meroe, and Menchal islands.
- They allege violations of the Forest Rights Act, as no consultation occurred with the local community.
- The Meroe and Menchal islands are culturally and spiritually significant to the Nicobarese.
- The council asserts that the sanctuaries would infringe upon their traditional rights and demands the revocation of the notification.
Exam Facts
- The Union government notified three sanctuaries in October 2022.
- The sanctuaries are for Leatherback Turtle (LNI), Megapode (Menchal), and Coral (Meroe) species.
- The opposition is from the Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar.
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh wrote to Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram regarding the GNI project's Forest Rights Act violations.
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