Nicobarese Tribal Council Opposes Wildlife Sanctuaries in Nicobar Islands
Nicobarese oppose proposal for three wildlife sanctuaries
The Hindu
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The Nicobarese Tribal Council is challenging the Indian government's notification of three wildlife sanctuaries in Little Nicobar, Menchal, and Meroe islands, citing violations of the Forest Rights Act. They argue that the sanctuaries were declared without proper consultation with local communities, impacting their cultural and livelihood rights.
- 01The Nicobarese Tribal Council claims the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries violates their rights under the Forest Rights Act.
- 02The council emphasizes that the sanctuaries were declared without consulting local residents who have ancestral ties to the land.
- 03The sanctuaries are significant to the Nicobarese culture, believed to be home to ancestral spirits.
- 04Concerns have been raised about the potential for eco-tourism activities that could disrupt local traditions.
- 05The Calcutta High Court is set to hear challenges regarding the Great Nicobar Island project, which may also affect the sanctuaries.
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The Nicobarese Tribal Council has expressed strong opposition to the Indian government's recent notification of three wildlife sanctuaries located in Little Nicobar, Menchal, and Meroe islands. They allege that the sanctuaries were established without proper consultation with the local communities, violating the Forest Rights Act. The council has been vocal about the importance of these islands, which they consider culturally and spiritually significant, as they are believed to house the spirits of their ancestors. Despite the government's claims that the sanctuaries aim to protect coral colonies and nesting habitats for species like the leatherback turtle and megapode, the council argues that their rights to the land, which they have traditionally used for hunting and gathering, are being overlooked. They have consistently written to local and national authorities, demanding the revocation of the sanctuaries' notifications and the dissolution of the committee formed to determine eco-sensitive zones around these areas. The council also raised concerns regarding the potential for eco-tourism that could disrupt their way of life. The issue is further complicated by ongoing legal challenges related to the broader Great Nicobar Island project, which is set to impact the region significantly. The Calcutta High Court is expected to hear these challenges in June 2026.
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The declaration of wildlife sanctuaries could restrict the Nicobarese people's access to traditional lands, affecting their cultural practices and livelihoods.
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