Last Updated on 11/08/2024 by wccexam Desk
Calling the ‘mega infra project’ in Great Nicobar Island a serious threat to the natural ecosystem, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has written a letter to Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav. He said that all approvals given to this project should be immediately suspended and it should be implemented only after a thorough and impartial review by the parliamentary committee.
What did Jairam Ramesh say?
In his letter, former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change should perform its duty. Ramesh said, ‘The proposed Rs 72,000 crore ‘mega infra project’ of the Central Government in Great Nicobar Island is a serious threat to the tribal communities and natural ecosystem of Great Nicobar Island.’ He claimed that the project could have disastrous ecological and human consequences. It has been carried forward by violating due process and bypassing legal and constitutional provisions protecting tribal communities.
He said that some parts of the project site allegedly fall under CRZ 1A (turtle nesting areas, mangroves, coral reef areas). Construction is prohibited in this port. He claimed that the project will adversely affect the Shompen tribe.
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What is Great Nicobar Project?
This project is to be implemented in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Through this project, there is a plan to develop a place where ships from all over the world can reach. Goods can be imported and exported. Many arrangements are to be made along with setting up a big power plant. But there is strong opposition to this. The Centre argues that this project will strengthen tourism, trade and infrastructure.
But people opposing the project say that due to so much upheaval, the way of living of the tribal communities living here will change. Their life will be affected. Their rights will be taken away. 130 square kilometers of forest can be destroyed. It is argued that the project will have the most impact on the sensitive tribal groups here, who remain cut off from the outside world. At the same time, the Shompen tribe and their lives will also be adversely affected.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)