New Delhi

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday questioned the Centre’s claims that the proposed infrastructure project in Great Nicobar Island would not affect indigenous communities, pointing to what he described as contradictions in official plans.

Referring to a reported draft “Comprehensive Tribal Welfare Plan,” Ramesh said the existence of a relocation proposal for Nicobarese families undermines the government’s assertion that no tribal displacement would occur.

“The bulldozer moves ahead without regard for the concerns of local communities,” he said in a post on X, alleging that the government’s claims do not align with the contents of the draft plan.

According to reports cited by the Congress leader, the Andaman and Nicobar administration has prepared a proposal to relocate Nicobarese families impacted by the mega infrastructure project. The move, he suggested, has heightened uncertainty and concerns among local residents.

The draft plan, circulated on March 13 for consultation with various departments and the Tribal Council of Great Nicobar, reportedly outlines an estimated expenditure of ₹42.52 crore over a two-year period. It focuses on relocating tribal communities from areas affected either by the project or past events such as the tsunami.

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Ramesh argued that if the project truly does not disturb indigenous populations, the need for such a relocation framework raises serious questions about the government’s position.