Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Tribal Council Challenges Forest Rights Settlement
The Tribal Council of Little Nicobar and Great Nicobar has written a letter to the Union tribal affairs minister demanding the withdrawal of a Recognition of Forest Rights (RoFR) certificate.
They claim the certificate is false and the settlement process for forest rights has not started.
The certificate was issued to allow the Great Nicobar project, which includes a transhipment port, an integrated township, an airport, and a power plant.
The Tribal Council also demands the repair of critical infrastructure like tsunami shelters.
The government administration, however, maintains that the certificate is valid and the settlement process is complete.
The Calcutta High Court has agreed to hear a public interest litigation on the matter.
The Tribal Council of Little Nicobar and Great Nicobar demands the withdrawal of a RoFR certificate issued for the Great Nicobar project.
The Rs 81,000-crore project includes a transhipment port, integrated township, airport, and power plant.
The Tribal Council claims the settlement process for forest rights has not started and the certificate is false.
The government administration asserts the certificate is valid and the process is complete.
The Tribal Council also demands the repair of critical infrastructure like tsunami shelters.
- Who
- Tribal Council of Little Nicobar and Great Nicobar, Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oram, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Nicobar district, Meena Gupta
- What
- Dispute over the validity of the Recognition of Forest Rights (RoFR) certificate and the Great Nicobar project
- When
- RoFR certificate issued on August 18, 2022; Tribal Council letter written on June 30; Calcutta High Court agreed to hear litigation in May
- Where
- Great Nicobar Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Why
- The Tribal Council claims the RoFR certificate is false and the settlement process has not started, while the government administration asserts the certificate is valid and the process is complete.
Tribal Council
Government Administration
Forest Rights Settlement
Tribal Council
The Recognition of Forest Rights (RoFR) certificate is false and should be withdrawn as the settlement process has not started.
Government Administration
The RoFR certificate is valid and the settlement process has been completed, allowing for the Great Nicobar project to proceed.
Development and Tribal Protection
Tribal Council
Development should not come at the cost of tribal rights and protection.
Government Administration
Development and tribal protection are not mutually exclusive and can coexist.
Infrastructure Needs
Tribal Council
The tribal council demands immediate repair of critical infrastructure like tsunami shelters.
Government Administration
The administration claims there is no budget for repairs but assures that needs will be met once the land is surrendered for the project.
- RoFR Certificate Issue Date
- August 18, 2022
- Great Nicobar Project Cost
- Rs 81,000 crore
- Project Components
- Transhipment port, integrated township, civil and military airport, 450-MVA gas- and solar-power-based plant
- Forest Land Diversion
- 130.65 sq km
- Tribal Council Letter Date
- June 30
- Calcutta High Court Action
- Agreed to hear a public interest litigation in May