New Delhi, 03 May (H.S.):

Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh has once again questioned the Union government over the Great Nicobar Island Development Project, alleging that the government is evading accountability on the environmental, social, and transparency‑related issues linked to the venture. He accused the Centre of attempting to divert attention after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Great Nicobar on April 28, when the government issued a press statement in Lok Sabha.

In a detailed statement posted on the social‑media platform X, Jairam Ramesh said the press note released by the government on May 1 has not addressed the serious concerns already raised by local communities, environmentalists, anthropologists, and various experts. He pointed out that he had himself brought these issues to the notice of the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change by writing to him in September 2024.

Ramesh emphasised that the island is extremely sensitive and unique from the perspective of biodiversity. He stated that around 50 new species—including birds, reptiles, and marine life—have been identified in the region over the past five years. The proposed project site at Galathea Bay falls within Coastal Regulation Zone‑I A, where port construction is not permitted. He highlighted that the area hosts over 20,000 coral formations and is regarded as a major nesting ground for giant leatherback turtles in the northern Indian Ocean.

He further alleged that there are serious questions about the role of institutions involved in the environmental‑clearance process. Agencies such as the Wildlife Institute of India and the Zoological Survey of India were entrusted with project‑related studies and monitoring functions, while also being part of the clearance‑evaluation process, which creates a clear conflict of interest.

Moreover, he claimed that some independent institutions that had taken a critical stance on the project were excluded from the process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar