Confusion Surrounds Relocation Plans for Nicobarese Communities in Great Nicobar Project
Great Nicobar Project: Draft plan to ‘relocate’ affected Nicobarese families creates confusion
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
A draft plan for relocating Nicobarese tribal communities affected by the Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project has sparked confusion and concern among locals. The proposal, which includes a ₹42.52-crore budget for housing and infrastructure, lacks clarity on relocation sites and has faced backlash from the Tribal Council regarding forest rights and consent procedures.
- 01The draft plan proposes a ₹42.52-crore budget for relocating Nicobarese communities.
- 02Confusion arises over the specifics of relocation sites and affected families.
- 03The Nicobarese community has protested the project since withdrawing consent in 2022.
- 04The plan's provisions do not address rights under the Forest Rights Act of 2006.
- 05The Tribal Council has requested a Hindi translation of the draft for better understanding.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The draft plan for the relocation of Nicobarese tribal communities affected by the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) mega-infrastructure project has created significant confusion. Proposed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration, the plan allocates ₹42.52 crore over 24 months for housing and infrastructure development. However, community leaders have expressed concerns over the lack of clarity regarding relocation sites and the families involved. Since withdrawing their consent in 2022, the Nicobarese have protested the project, alleging that their forest rights remain unresolved. The Tribal Council has raised issues regarding the plan's failure to mention rights under the 2006 Forest Rights Act and has requested a Hindi translation of the draft to facilitate understanding among all members. Furthermore, the plan ambiguously states that relocation will occur to locations such as Rajiv Nagar and New Chingenh, but details about the proposed site Pulobhabi and the number of homes to be built are unclear. The community's apprehensions have intensified due to the administration's inadequate explanations of project boundaries and the potential encroachment on ancestral lands.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The proposed relocation plan may affect the Nicobarese communities' rights to their ancestral lands and forest resources, leading to potential displacement and loss of cultural heritage.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support the relocation of Nicobarese communities for the Great Nicobar Project?
Connecting to poll...
More about Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




