Indian Thought Latest News & Views
New Delhi, May 152, 206: The Nicobarese Tribal Council has opposed the Centre’s proposal to create three new wildlife sanctuaries on Little Nicobar, Meroe, and Menchal islands, claiming that local residents were not properly consulted before the decision was announced.
The proposed sanctuaries are connected to the government’s massive Great Nicobar Island development project, which includes plans for an international transshipment port, an airport, and a greenfield tourism township. The project is estimated to cost around ₹92,000 crore.
According to tribal representatives, the sanctuary notification may violate provisions of the Forest Rights Act, as indigenous communities living on the islands were allegedly not given adequate opportunity to share their views. The issue has gained attention as legal challenges related to the Great Nicobar project are already being heard in court.
The sanctuaries are intended to protect ecologically sensitive species and habitats, including coral reefs, leatherback turtles, and Nicobar megapodes, which environmental experts believe could be affected by large-scale infrastructure development in the region.
Environmental groups have also raised concerns about the impact of the project on biodiversity and tribal communities. Meanwhile, supporters of the project argue that it could improve India’s maritime infrastructure and boost economic development in the strategically important island region.
