IAS/UPSC Coaching Institute  

21 Mar 2026 : ‘Undemocratic’ politics in Great Nicobar over land

Article 2: ‘Undemocratic’ politics in Great Nicobar over land

Why in news: Great Nicobar infrastructure project is in news due to controversy over low land compensation, settler protests, and concerns regarding tribal land alienation, legal violations, and ecological impact.

Key Details

  • A report highlighted that settler families in Great Nicobar are being offered very low compensation rates compared to similar land acquisitions in the Andaman Islands.
  • Around 300 ex-servicemen families settled decades ago are demanding fair compensation under the RFCTLARR Act, 2013.
  • The settlers are not opposing the project but are seeking proper legal procedures and protection of their livelihoods.
  • Simultaneously, about 84 sq. km of tribal reserve land is being denotified, raising concerns of rights violations of Shompen and Nicobarese communities.
  • The issue reflects a conflict between development goals and protection of indigenous rights, environment, and democratic processes.

 

Background of the Issue

  • On January 18, an online portal Nicobar Times reported a key issue related to the Great Nicobar mega-infrastructure project.
  • Despite its importance, the issue has received little public attention.
  • The report focused on concerns regarding land acquisition and compensation.

 

Who Raised the Concern

  • The issue was highlighted by the Dependents and Ex-Servicemen Forum (DEF-GNI).
  • This group represents settler (non-tribal) families in Great Nicobar.
  • Around 300 ex-servicemen families were settled between 1969–1975 after de-notification of tribal reserve land.
  • Their descendants now form a major part of the population.

Issue of Inadequate Compensation

  • Compensation offered: ₹113–₹180 per sq. metre.
  • In contrast, land in Andaman for tourism projects gets ₹11,370–₹20,500 per sq. metre.
  • The forum demanded:
    • At least ₹1 crore per acre for agricultural land.
  • Concerns raised under:
    • RFCTLARR Act, 2013 (fair compensation law).

Political Intervention

  • MP Bishnu Pada Ray (BJP) raised the issue with central authorities.
  • Key points highlighted:
    • Settler families were brought for strategic/national purposes.
    • They have already faced multiple displacements (initial settlement + 2004 tsunami).
    • Allegations of:
      • Procedural violations
      • Flawed social impact assessment
    • Demand to increase compensation from ₹9 lakh to ₹32 lakh per hectare.

 

Position of Settler Community

  • Settlers are not opposing the project.
  • Their demands are:
    • Fair compensation
    • Proper legal process
    • No loss of livelihood or land

Core Contradiction

  • Settlers demand justice for their own land rights.
  • At the same time:
    • They are supporting authorities in acquiring tribal lands.
  • This creates a moral and political contradiction.

Alienation of Tribal Lands

  • Around 84 sq. km of tribal reserve is proposed for de-notification.
  • Multiple stakeholders involved:
    • Local administration
    • Tribal Welfare Department
    • Union Ministries
    • Settler representatives
  • Issues observed:
    • Shompen tribe excluded from discussions
    • Pressure on Nicobarese to “voluntarily” give land
    • Possible violation of:
      • Forest Rights Act

Ignored Concerns of Tribal Communities

  • Shompen (PVTG):
    • May not value monetary compensation
    • Depend on forest-based lifestyle
  • Nicobarese community:
    • Want to return to traditional lands post-tsunami
    • Not being supported adequately
  • Broader concerns:
    • Loss of livelihood, culture, and identity
    • Destruction of forests and biodiversity

Larger Implications

  • Highlights conflict between communities over land and resources.
  • Shows how:
    • Local rights are often ignored in development agendas.
    • Communities become secondary to strategic and economic goals.

 

Conclusion

The Great Nicobar project highlights the tension between development and justice. While settlers rightly demand fair compensation, the marginalisation of tribal communities and ecological risks raise serious concerns. A balanced approach ensuring equity, legal compliance, environmental protection, and inclusion of indigenous voices is essential for truly sustainable and democratic development.