Great Nicobar Island development controversy

The Great Nicobar Island Development Project has faced increasing scrutiny from political and international bodies regarding its environmental and social impacts. Initially, the Congress party criticized the project as a “grave ecological folly,” alleging that environmental and forest clearances violated established rules. Concerns were also raised regarding proposed energy-intensive data centres in the region, though those specific plans were withdrawn for “administrative reasons.”

Following these domestic criticisms, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) urged the Indian government to suspend the $10 billion development project. The UN requested a halt to allow for an independent study on the environmental, economic, social, and cultural impacts of the proposed port, airport, and industrial infrastructure.

A primary concern involves the potential threat to the Shompen, an indigenous group living in voluntary isolation. The Indian government acknowledged to the UN that because the Shompen are uncontacted, it was impossible to obtain their free, prior, and informed consent as required by international law.