Great Nicobar Project Environmental Dispute

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh>>> has intensified his criticism of the Great Nicobar Island Project, labeling it a 'commercial enterprise' that threatens the region's unique biodiversity and will cause 'ecological havoc'. He has repeatedly written to Union Environment Minister Devender Yadav>>>, alleging that the environmental impact assessments (EIA) are insufficient, not based on comprehensive primary data, and that the clearance process is a 'perversion of due process'. Jairam Ramesh>>> points to 'unanswered deficiencies' noted by the India — National Green Tribunal>>> and a report from India — North Eastern Space Applications Centre>>> indicating erosion in Galathea Bay, where ports are prohibited in high-erosion zones. He argues that secondary data is not a substitute for project-specific primary studies and has called for the public release of a High-Powered Committee report submitted to the India — National Green Tribunal>>> in a 'sealed cover'. The Union Government, represented by Devender Yadav>>>, has emphasized the project's strategic rationale, but Jairam Ramesh>>> contends that strategic objectives could be met through alternative means, such as expanding existing military assets.