Jairam Ramesh criticizes Great Nicobar project as primarily commercial, questioning its strategic rationale and environmental impact
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has reiterated his criticism of the Great Nicobar Island Project, asserting it is "most fundamentally a commercial enterprise" rather than a strategically vital national initiative, contrary to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's claims. Ramesh highlighted that the trans-shipment port at Galathea Bay accounts for about half the project's budget, making its commercial nature evident. He argued that the dual-purpose airport, the only component with a defence focus, requires only a small fraction of the land and budget. Ramesh also raised concerns about the project's environmental and social costs, including the felling of hills, destruction of Shompen tribal land, and impacts on bird flyways, which he claims remain unrefuted. He urged consultation with retired naval officers who have questioned the defence reasoning.
Key Points
- Congress MP Jairam Ramesh argues that the Great Nicobar Island Project is primarily a commercial venture, not a strategic national initiative.
- He points out that the trans-shipment port at Galathea Bay constitutes a significant portion of the project's budget, underscoring its commercial aspect.
- Ramesh raises environmental and social concerns, including deforestation, destruction of Shompen tribal land, and impacts on international bird flyways.
- He questions the confidentiality of the NGT-appointed High-Powered Committee report and suggests consulting retired naval officers regarding the project's defence rationale.
Exam Facts
- Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticized the Great Nicobar Island Project.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had defended the project as strategically vital.
- The trans-shipment port is planned at Galathea Bay.
- The Draft Master Plan for 2047 envisages cruise tourism, casinos, and a finance hub.
- Concerns raised about Shompen tribal land and INS Baaz at Campbell Bay.
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