Tribal leaders seek to be party to forest-rights case; Centre and Nicobar authorities say ‘too late’
As part of the Rs 81,000-crore project, the Centre wants to build an integrated township, a transshipment container port at Galathea Bay, a solar and gas-based power plant, and a greenfield military and civilian-use airport.
- EnvironmentHurts
Rs 81,000-crore infrastructure project involving port, power plant, and airport in tribal forest areas threatens forest ecosystems and biodiversity.
- JudiciaryHurts
Tribal leaders are being denied legal standing to participate in forest-rights case, raising concerns about fair judicial process and indigenous representation.
The Indian Express
Preservation of culture a fundamental right, says SC, refuses to stay Calcutta HC proceedings in Nicobar project case
SC refuses stay on Calcutta HC order; preservation of culture as fundamental right cited in Great Nicobar Island Project case.
- EnvironmentHelps
The SC order blocking the Great Nicobar Island Project protects ecologically sensitive island habitats from development.
- JudiciaryHelps
The decision reinforces judicial review powers and establishes cultural preservation as a fundamental right enforceable by courts.
The Hindu
Former A&NI Chief Secretary said Shompen tribe must ‘adopt modern lifestyle’ brought by GNI project, alleges Tribal Council
Tribal leaders claim the Shompen tribe is pressured to adopt a modern lifestyle due to the Great Nicobar Island project.
- EnvironmentHurts
Development projects on Great Nicobar Island directly impact the ecological habitat and traditional livelihoods of the Shompen tribe.
- EmploymentHurts
Pressure to adopt modern lifestyles may displace traditional subsistence practices and employment patterns of the Shompen community.
The Hindu