Overview
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the project would disrupt and displace the Shompen and Nicobarese, violating existing regulations and policies.
- He argued the environmental impact assessment was rushed and incomplete, noting that new studies were ordered only after clearance was granted.
- Ramesh said expert video reports on the island’s indigenous communities were ignored and alleged some scientists faced pressure to deliver favorable findings.
- He rejected compensatory measures such as afforestation in Haryana as an inadequate substitute for clear-felling biodiversity-rich forests on Great Nicobar.
- Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said all necessary clearances have been obtained and defended the plan as vital for development, even as court challenges to approvals continue.