Jairam Ramesh, a senior Congress leader, recently expressed serious concerns about the Great Nicobar Island Development Project in a letter to Bhupinder Yadav, the Union Minister for Environment. He criticized the project’s environmental assessments, labeling them as “grossly inadequate” and claiming that important reports are not accessible to the public. He argued that these studies undermine both science and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
On social media, he shared his letter, emphasizing that the reports supporting the project fail to meet necessary standards. Ramesh pointed out that past assessments have been ignored, and he has raised his concerns based on existing environmental regulations and previous communications with the Ministry dating back to 2024.
He highlighted that, according to a 2009 memorandum, significant port projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands should undergo comprehensive assessments due to their delicate ecosystems. Ramesh cited specific guidelines that require ecological data to be gathered over multiple seasons. He mentioned that only limited data had been collected for the Great Nicobar project, arguing that a thorough EIA should analyze various seasonal changes.
Ramesh claimed that the EIA report produced in March 2022 relied on limited seasonal data, which—a single study period—shouldn’t suffice for evaluating such sensitive environments. He noted that field surveys were conducted quickly, often over just a few days, which raises questions about their comprehensiveness.
In addition, he referenced a 2023 ruling from the National Green Tribunal, which highlighted “unanswered deficiencies” in the project’s clearance process. This ruling led to the formation of a High-Powered Committee for further evaluation. Ramesh criticized the government’s claim of confidentiality concerning this report, arguing it undermines transparency.
He concluded by stressing the uniqueness of Great Nicobar’s biodiversity, warning that the project could cause irreversible harm. Ramesh urged the government to reconsider the project’s current plans, suggesting that national security needs could be met without sacrificing the environment.
The Great Nicobar Project aims to turn the island into a strategic economic hub, enhancing its role in maritime trade by developing essential infrastructure, including a major shipping terminal and an international airport. The project also aligns with policies aimed at protecting vulnerable tribal groups, indicating a commitment to balancing development and ecological integrity.
Ramesh’s strong advocacy reflects a broader debate about environmental stewardship in the face of economic development, an issue that has gained traction in various political and social discussions recently. As environmental concerns rise globally, project assessments like these will likely continue to be scrutinized by both experts and the public. For more insights and broader context, you can explore the National Green Tribunal and environmental assessment regulations.
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