GREAT NICOBAR MEGA PROJECT ENTERS FRESH LEGAL BATTLE AS CONGRESS CHALLENGES CENTRE’S MOVE

September 30, 2026

The proposed ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island Project has come under renewed political and legal scrutiny after the Union government approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on proceedings before the Calcutta High Court challenging aspects of the project.

The petitions pending before the Calcutta High Court raise questions over compliance with the Forest Rights Act and the process through which consent was obtained for the diversion of forest land. The High Court had earlier allowed the petitions to proceed and scheduled a final hearing for November.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the Centre’s move, arguing that the Supreme Court should allow the High Court proceedings to continue. He has also questioned the environmental assessments and statutory approvals associated with the proposed development.

The Great Nicobar project envisages the development of a major trans-shipment port at Galathea Bay along with an international airport, a power plant and a new township. The government has presented the project as a strategic and infrastructure initiative intended to strengthen connectivity and economic activity in the strategically located island territory.

Environmental and tribal-rights concerns have remained central to the legal challenges. Petitioners have raised questions about the impact of the proposed development on forests, local communities and the island’s ecological systems, while the government has maintained that statutory procedures and safeguards have been followed.

The Supreme Court is expected to consider the Centre’s request in the coming days. Until then, the legal challenges before the Calcutta High Court remain an important part of the continuing debate over the project’s environmental, tribal-rights and strategic implications.