By The Editor
Government of India has finally decided to go ahead with development of Great Nicobar Island and hence Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways accordingly announced on January 27 that it will invite Expressions of Interest (EOI) from interested business enterprises for Rs 41,000 crore (about 45 million US dollars) international transshipment port project at Great Nicobar Island in Bay of Bengal which will be released on January 28. The spot chosen is strategically located and favourable for international trade route connecting with existing transshipment terminals like (Singapore, Klang and Colombo which are in proximity including Indian ports. Holistic development of Andaman and Nicobar Islands aims to bridge the gaps in infrastructure and improved economic opportunity to meet growing demands involving all types of vessels passing through the region. Concessionaire would be entitled to long-term PPP (Public Private Partnership) concession of 30 to 50 years based on requirement. Other components of proposed development are international airport, power plant and Greenfield township.
Great Nicobar Islands (GNI), situated at the end of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago lies between Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea and its land surface beneath is quite sensitive. Main inhabitants are the two tribal communities Nicobarese and Shompen who have living for thousands of years. At present Nicobarese are about 1,200 only whereas Shompens are mere 245 according to 2022 enumeration and the latter is classified as particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG). What worries tribal groups more are complete negligence by Government regarding their rights on land and means of livelihood. Andaman & Nicobar Administration’s Directorate of Tribal Welfare is least bothered and ignored voices of tribals who have been demanding for their dues though at first it assured them that the island administration will protect the rights of the tribal people though later on it did otherwise in the name of development. Subsequently, granting of clearances for the project were taken without consulting National Commission for Scheduled Tribes which is mandatory.
Mega project is very controversial because environment including flora and fauna will be greatly destroyed beauty and biodiversity much affected and most importantly the minuscule indigenous tribal population totally wiped out because of huge influx of expertise and their families from mainland and India. The Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee conducted public hearing in January 2022 inviting suggestions and opinions from people regarding the mega project before Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) stepped in for environmental clearance. Members of tribal council of Little and Great Nicobar Islands who also participated had verbally agreed to the project meant for progress and development of the country as well as of the islands as long as it does not harm their traditional lands and resources to which they were assured. Later on they learnt that government plans to utilize traditional lands of Nicobarese and Shompen for the project which tantamount to betrayal of people’s faith and trust.