A&N Tribal Welfare Dept accepts Nicobarese call to return to ancestral land, yet key concerns remain
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Sri Vijaya Puram: For the first time in two decades, the Andaman and Nicobar administration’s Tribal Welfare Department has formally acknowledged the Nicobarese community’s long-standing demand to return to their ancestral lands on Great Nicobar Island. The recognition appears in the minutes of a Tribal Welfare Committee meeting held last month, as part of the environmental clearance process for the island’s multi-component mega-project.
According to a report published by Frontline, three committees are currently reviewing the project: one focused on pollution, another on biodiversity, and a third on issues affecting the Shompen and Nicobarese communities. According to the minutes, the tribal welfare department has agreed to consider “specific demands, including the request for return to ancestral land”.
The Nicobarese were moved out of their forested tribal reserve areas after the 2004 tsunami and resettled in a tribal colony within the revenue area of Great Nicobar. Their earlier settlements had basic infrastructure such as roads, schools and a public health centre facilities. But now, they say these facilities remain largely inadequate in their new location. Despite consistent written and oral appeals since 2004, the administration did not act on their request to return and the latest acknowledgement comes only now, in the shadow of a large-scale development project that would significantly alter the island’s landscape.
Experts and community observers say the development is welcome but overdue. Social ecologist Manish Chandi, who earlier served on the administration’s Tribal Welfare Advisory Board, noted that the Nicobarese demand must be fulfilled, not merely considered. “The land belongs to the Nicobarese. It should be granted to them,” he said, cautioning that past assurances, such as delayed basic amenities in New Chingen, have not always translated into action.
However, the same committee minutes also highlight clear approvals for aspects of the mega-project that could further restrict tribal access to traditional lands. These include proposals for “geo-fencing cum surveillance towers” in Shompen areas and plans to redraw tribal reserve boundaries. Notably, the tribal welfare committee does not include a single member from either the Shompen or Nicobarese communities, and has not held any meetings with them.
Transparency issues have also surfaced. The minutes were uploaded only after an RTI appeal compelled the administration to release them. The initial denial cited Section 8(1) (a) of the RTI Act, despite environmental clearance conditions requiring the minutes to be published.
Separately, the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for the road component of the mega-project, finalised in August by Atlas Management Consultancy Services Private Limited, has drawn criticism for omitting concerns expressed by the Nicobarese during the public hearing. While comments from settler communities were included, the SIA claims tribal groups “were not averse to any development work”. This contradicts multiple written submissions made by the Nicobarese tribal council and earlier objections from sections of the Shompen community, who have asked that development be kept away from their forests and hills.
When contacted by the Rishika Pardikar, an environment reporter based in Bengaluru, the consultant who prepared the SIA denied that the Nicobarese had raised objections at the public hearing, showing assertion that conflicts with the written and oral testimonies recorded at the time. The social welfare department overseeing the SIA process has not responded to queries.
In another instance of sidelined tribal concerns, the recently released draft coastal management plans list three wildlife sanctuaries, ignoring objections from the Nicobarese that such protected areas restrict their access to land and resources.
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Delhi Police on high alert ahead of Lionel Messi's Delhi visit
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has beefed up security in the central parts of the national capital and set up traffic restrictions as global football icon Lionel Messi sets foot in the city, the final stop of his GOAT tour of India.
The Argentine legend is scheduled to attend an event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday between 1 pm and 4 pm. He kicked off the tour in Kolkata, which turned chaotic. However, the 2022 World Cup champion's Hyderabad and Mumbai visit went on smoothly.
With Delhi ready to welcome Messi, police are maintaining heightened vigil, especially in view of the recent fiasco in Kolkata, where chaos erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium after thousands of fans protested over failing to get a clear glimpse of the icon.
Delhi Police said an elaborate and multi-layered security bandobast has been put in place for Messi's visit. A senior police officer said comprehensive arrangements have been made with a strong focus on crowd management, access control and traffic regulation.
According to police, multiple security rings have been established around the venue, with deployment of additional police personnel along with paramilitary forces to maintain law and order. Entry to the stadium and designated areas is being strictly regulated, and no one is being permitted without a valid pass.
"Anti-sabotage checks, frisking points and surveillance through CCTV cameras form a key part of the security plan," the officer said.
The officer added that quick reaction teams, senior supervisory officers and emergency response units are on standby throughout the event, with public safety being the top priority.
On the traffic front, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Nishant Gupta said they have identified three main parking areas for labelled vehicles, including P1 near Vikram Nagar. Vehicles without labels are required to be parked at the Rajghat Powerhouse parking lot and Mata Sundari Lane, from where pedestrians can walk to the stadium.
App-based taxi users have been advised to alight vehicles at Rajghat Chowk and walk. Parking has been strictly prohibited around the Arun Jaitley Stadium, and vehicles found parked there will be towed and fined, the officer said.
The public has been encouraged to use the metro and buses as far as possible to reduce congestion and ensure smooth movement.
Public movement is expected to pick up around 11 am. Commuters have been advised to avoid Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, ITO, Delhi Gate, Netaji Subhash Marg and Brijmohan Chowk from 10 am till the event concludes.
