The Union Environment Ministry has informed the Rajya Sabha that 130.4 hectares of tribal reserve land will be diverted for the Trunk Infrastructure Road project on Great Nicobar Island (GNI).

Overall, 238.76 hectares will be diverted, including government revenue land (39.23 ha), private land (39.86 ha), deemed forest (10.62 ha), and protected forest (149.05 ha). The project, part of the Rs 81,800 crore Great Nicobar Holistic Development Plan, includes key infrastructure like an international container terminal, airport, power plant, and township. The arterial road aims to boost connectivity, employment, and development across GNI.

The draft Social Impact Assessment claims that the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes have consented, and their way of life won’t be impacted, though anthropologists have raised concerns. In Phase-1, 12,428 trees will be felled, as per Forest Department estimates. Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasised that forest land diversion must comply with legal provisions, including tribal rights under the Forest Rights Act. Three committees will monitor welfare, pollution, and biodiversity issues related to the project.