The NITI Aayog’s project in Great Nicobar

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The Congress party demanded an “immediate suspension” of all clearances granted to NITI Aayog’s mega project on Great Nicobar island in light of “violations of due process, legal and constitutional provisions protecting tribal communities, and the project’s disproportionate ecological and human cost.

In March, 2021, NITI Aayog unveiled a ₹72,000 crore plan called ‘Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island at Andaman and Nicobar Islands’.

The project requires the diversion of about 130 sq. km of forest land and the felling of around 10 lakh trees. In January, 2021 the Indian government denotified two wildlife sanctuaries — the Galathea Bay wildlife sanctuary and the Megapode Wildlife Sanctuary — to make way for the project.

 The key points related to frequent earthquakes in the context of the Great Nicobar Island:

1. Seismic Activity and Risk: The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, including Great Nicobar Island, lies in a seismically active region known as the "ring of fire." This area is categorized as Zone V, indicating it has the highest seismic hazard.

 

2. Frequency of Earthquakes: Over the past decade, the region has experienced nearly 500 earthquakes of varying magnitudes. This frequent seismic activity underscores the geological instability of the area.

 

3. Risk Assessment Concerns: Researchers and local stakeholders, including the Campbell Bay panchayat and disaster management experts, have expressed concerns about the NITI Aayog's project failing to adequately assess earthquake risks. This omission is critical given the region's susceptibility to seismic events.

 

4. Potential Impacts: The proposed infrastructure projects such as the transshipment terminal and the international airport are significant developments that could be adversely affected by earthquakes. Without proper risk assessment and mitigation strategies, these projects may face heightened vulnerability to seismic hazards.

While the NITI Aayog's mega project aims to develop Great Nicobar Island, concerns regarding seismic risks highlight the importance of thorough evaluation and planning to safeguard both infrastructure and the local population from potential earthquake impacts.

Wheat stock limits to curb hoarding:

• The Centre, amid concerns of wheat shortage, invoked the Essential Commodities Act.
• A Stock Limit Order, effective June 24, mandates maximum quantities of wheat that can be held.
• The order remains in effect until March 31, 2025.
• Traders and wholesalers are restricted to holding a maximum of 3,000 tonnes of wheat.
• Retailers, including big chains, are limited to 10 tonnes, with big chain depots allowed up to 3,000 tonnes.
• Processors can hold up to 70% of their monthly installed capacity multiplied by the remaining months of FY2.
• The Food Ministry emphasized that the measure aims to prevent hoarding, clarifying it does not indicate a wheat shortage.

Survey results indicate that a majority of Indians are in favor of more robust climate action.

• Akhupadar villagers in Nayagarh district, Odisha, guard forests against deforestation.
• 77% of Indians surveyed desire stronger climate commitments for the country.
• Results from the 2024 People’s Climate Vote survey, led by UNDP, Oxford University, and GeoPoll, show a global trend towards stricter climate actions.
• 33% of Indian respondents think about climate change daily, with over half expressing increased concern compared to the previous year.
• Only 26% believe India is effectively addressing climate change.
• Recent intense heatwaves in north and central India have underscored climate concerns.
• Uttar Pradesh plans to fell trees for the annual Kanwar yatra, affecting up to 33,776 trees.
• Proposed Upper Ganga Canal Road aims to manage traffic during the yatra, detailing district-wise impacts on plants and trees.
• The ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project involves cutting 9.64 lakh trees for infrastructure, risking biodiverse evergreen forests.
• Compensatory afforestation in Haryana is proposed due to limited planting scope in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a move criticized by environmentalists.