Government hell-bent on inflicting ecological and humanitarian disaster, says Jairam Ramesh on Great Nicobar Project

An aerial view of the Indira Point in Great Nicobar.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has again written to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, cautioning the Centre against “ecological and humanitarian disaster”, in view of a counter-affidavit filed by the Ministry in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the Great Nicobar Island Development Project.

“It is also a matter of grave concern that while the NGT deliberates on petitions before it, ANIIDCO (Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation) has already invited expressions of interest that is a precursor for the clearing of around 65 sq km of biodiversity-rich forests. I believe the Government of India is hell-bent on inflicting an ecological and humanitarian disaster on our country,” said Mr. Ramesh.

The senior Congress leader expressed shock that the High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted by the Ministry in pursuance of the NGT’s directive to review environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone clearances did not associate any independent institution or export when the NGT had given it the flexibility to do so.

News reports have emerged about the counter-affidavit filed by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change in the National Green Tribunal on the Great Nicobar Island Development Project. I have written yet again to the Honourable Minister on this ecological and… pic.twitter.com/AT3FLUk0GJ

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 29, 2024

He raised questions on the credibility and integrity of the HPC. He said among the members of the committee are NITI Aayog that conceived the project; ANIIDCO; a representative of the Ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee that recommended the clearances; and the Ministry that granted the clearances.

Mr. Ramesh accused the Ministry of diluting the NGT’s directive and giving limited terms of reference to the HPC. He said the terms of reference were restricted to just these three examples cited by the NGT in its order that led to the constitution of the HPC. He said the HPC did not carry out any meaningful and comprehensive reassessment as directed.

Also Read: What is in Great Nicobar, site of NITI Aayog’s mega project? | Explained

“The HPC report has been kept secret. I don’t understand this: when the original process for grant of clearances itself was not classified as “privileged and confidential”, how can a review however flawed and that too mandated by the court be classified thus? How can a township focusing on promotion of tourism, a commercial trans-shipment port, and a power plant be suddenly declared ‘strategic projects’ on which no public debate can take place?,” he asked.

The Congress MP said the categorisation of coastal areas into zones was based on their ecological sensitivity. “Construction activities are prohibited in certain zones. According to the NGT’s order of April 2023, slightly over seven sq km of total project area fell in such a prohibited zone. Now, the Ministry’s counter-affidavit denies that this is the case. What is the basis of the dramatic U-turn and what confidence can be placed in the new set of facts being presented?,” Mr. Ramesh asked.

Published – September 29, 2024 10:34 am IST

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