Overview

• Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram confirmed his ministry is examining documents submitted by tribal communities challenging the project’s approvals.
• The ‘Holistic Development of Great Nicobar’ plan includes a transshipment port, international airport, township and power plant spanning more than 160 sq km, including about 130 sq km of pristine forest.
• In November 2022 the Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar revoked its no-objection certificate for denotifying 84.1 sq km of tribal reserve and diverting 130.75 sq km of forest, citing concealed information and lack of consent.
• The review will determine whether a Gram Sabha was convened, what its recommendations were and whether any legal violations occurred during project clearances.
• Approximately 853 sq km of Great Nicobar Island is protected tribal reserve under the Andaman and Nicobar Regulation, 1956; the 2015 Shompen Policy permits development only after due consultation to prevent displacement of the Shompen PVTG.