Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh Challenges Great Nicobar Island Project Over Inadequate EIA — Calls for Pause

<p><strong>Congress leader Jairam Ramesh</strong> wrote to <strong>Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav</strong> on <strong>May 10, 2026</strong> demanding a halt to the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Great Nicobar Island — the southernmost island of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, known for its unique biodiversity and strategic location (GS1: Geography, GS2: Polity)">Great Nicobar Island</span> development project, alleging that the environmental clearances are based on inadequate studies.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Ramesh claims the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) — a systematic process to evaluate the environmental consequences of a proposed project before decisions are made (GS3: Environment)">EIA</span> for the port project is a "mockery" and was based on data collected over only a few days.</li> <li>He points out that the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Environmental Management Plan (EMP) — a set of measures and actions designed to mitigate adverse environmental impacts identified in an EIA (GS3: Environment)">EMP</span> cited by the government is not backed by comprehensive baseline studies covering at least three seasons.</li> <li>The letter cites the <span class="key-term" data-definition="ICRZ Notification, 2019 — the Indian Coastal Regulation Zone rules that govern development activities along the coastline, requiring comprehensive EIA for projects in vulnerable zones (GS3: Environment, GS2: Polity)">ICRZ Notification, 2019</span> clause 8(i)(c) which mandates a full EIA for projects in low‑ or medium‑eroding coastal stretches.</li> <li>Ramesh references two judgments of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="National Green Tribunal (NGT) — a specialized judicial body for speedy disposal of environmental cases in India (GS3: Environment, GS4: Governance)">NGT</span> (April 3, 2023 and February 16, 2026) that highlight deficiencies in the clearance and the confidentiality claim of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="High‑Powered Committee (HPC) — a committee appointed by the court to review environmental clearances and recommend corrective actions (GS3: Environment, GS4: Governance)">HPC</span> report.</li> <li>The opposition alleges that the Modi government is in "damage‑control mode" after <strong>Rahul Gandhi</strong>'s visit to the island on April 28, 2026, where he called the project a "biggest scam".</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The government’s FAQ released on May 1, 2026 claims that the project balances strategic, economic and ecological priorities, and that indigenous community protection remains central. However, Ramesh argues that the baseline data required by the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) — the central ministry responsible for environmental policy, clearances and regulation (GS3: Environment)">MoEF&CC</span> for port‑specific EIA manuals demand at least two seasons of physical, chemical and biological data, which the current studies lack.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>This case illustrates the intersection of environmental law, federal‑state relations, and strategic infrastructure development—core topics for GS 3 (Environment) and GS 2 (Polity). Aspirants should note how environmental clearances are scrutinised under the <span class="key-term" data-definition="ICRZ Notification, 2019 — the Indian Coastal Regulation Zone rules that govern development activities along the coastline, requiring comprehensive EIA for projects in vulnerable zones (GS3: Environment, GS2: Polity)">ICRZ</span> framework, and how judicial interventions by the <span class="key-term" data-definition="National Green Tribunal (NGT) — a specialized judicial body for speedy disposal of environmental cases in India (GS3: Environment, GS4: Governance)">NGT</span> can compel re‑evaluation of clearances.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>Ramesh urges the minister to:</p> <ul> <li>Pause the project pending a comprehensive, multi‑season <span class="key-term" data-definition="Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) — a systematic process to evaluate the environmental consequences of a proposed project before decisions are made (GS3: Environment)">EIA</span> and a robust <span class="key-term" data-definition="Environmental Management Plan (EMP) — a set of measures and actions designed to mitigate adverse environmental impacts identified in an EIA (GS3: Environment)">EMP</span>.</li> <li>Incorporate security experts’ recommendations that strategic needs can be met without ecological devastation.</li> <li>Ensure transparency by publishing the <span class="key-term" data-definition="High‑Powered Committee (HPC) — a committee appointed by the court to review environmental clearances and recommend corrective actions (GS3: Environment, GS4: Governance)">HPC</span> report, countering the ministry’s claim of confidentiality.</li> <li>Facilitate parliamentary debate on the ecological, tribal and security dimensions of the project.</li> </ul> <p>Until these steps are taken, the project’s environmental legitimacy remains contested, highlighting the importance of rigorous assessment processes for large‑scale infrastructure in ecologically sensitive zones.</p>