New Delhi, May 10: Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh has raised serious concerns regarding the Great Nicobar Development Project. In a detailed letter to the Union Environment Minister, he criticized the government’s claims of a robust and comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), stating that such documentation is nowhere to be found. Ramesh alleged that the environmental studies conducted for this project are limited, incomplete, and against scientific standards.
In his letter, Ramesh pointed out that on May 1, the government released a document titled “Great Nicobar Project: Frequently Asked Questions,” asserting that a thorough study of the potential environmental impacts had been conducted and was being effectively managed. He mentioned that he had responded to these FAQs on May 3 but now wished to present additional crucial facts.
Ramesh emphasized that according to the law, extensive EIAs are mandatory for large port projects in sensitive areas like Andaman and Nicobar. This requires detailed studies over at least three seasons to accurately assess the environmental and biodiversity impacts. He referenced an office memorandum from the Ministry of Environment dated November 3, 2009, which mandates comprehensive EIA, mathematical modeling, and ground verification for port projects exceeding five million tons per year.
He also noted that the ministry’s region-specific EIA guidelines require baseline data on physical, chemical, and biological factors over at least two seasons. Ramesh claimed that these standards were not adhered to in the Great Nicobar Project.
Additionally, he highlighted that a 2021 mapping by ISRO identified large portions of Galathia Bay as erosion zones, necessitating more extensive studies under coastal regulation zone rules.
Ramesh recalled a statement made by former Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in 2015, where he rejected the Gujarat government’s request for rapid EIA approvals based on data from just one season, arguing that such studies cannot adequately address environmental concerns.
He pointed out that the final EIA report for the Great Nicobar Project admits that baseline studies were conducted only from December 2020 to February 2021, covering just one season. He noted that the ecological and biodiversity “quick survey” occurred between December 14 and 22, 2020, while the survey for leatherback turtles was conducted only from February 12 to 18, 2021.
Ramesh stated that the EIA report itself acknowledged that dense forests hindered comprehensive surveys, and many areas were studied only superficially. The report also conceded that undiscovered elements in the forests could be even more significant.
He referenced reports from the Indian Zoological Survey and the Indian Institute of Forest Management, stating that these studies were also limited to brief “rapid assessments.” He criticized the short duration of terrestrial and marine EIA studies submitted by ANIIDCO.
Ramesh accused the government of disrespecting science and mocking the EIA process by granting environmental clearance based on these incomplete studies. He expressed his inability to find the “strong EIA” and “EMP” claimed by the government.
He also mentioned the National Green Tribunal’s decision on April 3, 2023, which highlighted “unanswered deficiencies” in the environmental clearance process and called for the formation of a high-level committee (HPC). Ramesh questioned why the HPC report was kept confidential when the entire environmental clearance process was public.
He argued that the government’s decision to classify the HPC report undermines transparency and accountability. Ramesh demanded that this report be made public in the interest of good governance and public debate.
In his letter, Ramesh emphasized that the biodiversity of Great Nicobar is unique and that the project could harm the entire ecosystem. He dismissed the argument for compensatory afforestation as “completely wrong,” asserting that many security experts believe that the country’s security needs can be met without harming the environment. He urged the government to reconsider the current design and structure of the project.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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