Congress Criticizes Great Nicobar Island Project's Data Collection Practices
'Great Nicobar Island not a substitute for primary data collection': Jairam Ramesh to Minister Bhupendra Yadav
Image: Deccan Herald
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Union government's Great Nicobar Island transshipment port project, asserting that historical data cannot replace essential primary data collection. He highlighted that the project's environmental assessments were based on data from only one season, which he deemed insufficient for proper evaluation.
- 01Jairam Ramesh emphasized that the Rs 92,000 crore project lacks necessary primary data and studies.
- 02Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that the project was assessed using a combination of seasonal data and historical records.
- 03Ramesh pointed out that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guidance Manual requires data collection over multiple seasons.
- 04The two ministers have been in a prolonged correspondence regarding the project's regulatory approvals.
- 05Ramesh argued that the project is primarily a commercial venture rather than a strategic necessity.
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Jairam Ramesh, a Congress leader, criticized the Union government's Great Nicobar Island transshipment port project, asserting that historical data cannot substitute for essential primary data collection. He highlighted that the project, valued at ₹92,000 crore, relies on environmental data collected for only one season, which he deemed insufficient for a comprehensive assessment. In response to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav's defense of the project, Ramesh stated that the studies cited were not based on adequate primary data. He pointed out that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guidance Manual mandates data collection across multiple seasons to understand ecological impacts effectively. The ongoing correspondence between Ramesh and Yadav has revealed significant disagreements regarding the project's regulatory approvals. Ramesh contended that the project is more of a commercial enterprise than a strategic necessity, suggesting that India's strategic goals would be better served by enhancing existing military assets in the region.
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The Great Nicobar Island project could lead to significant ecological changes and affect local biodiversity due to insufficient environmental assessments.
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