Wildlife approvals surge in 2023; ₹81K crore Nicobar project underway

In 2023-24, wildlife clearances for development projects in India surged nearly three times compared to the previous year, with 421 projects recommended by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL). This marks a significant rise from 144 clearances in 2022-23 and 149 in 2021-22. Ladakh alone saw 125 wildlife projects approved in 2023-24, highlighting the region's growing focus on infrastructure in wildlife-rich areas. Other states like West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra also saw an increase in wildlife clearances.

Controversial Great Nicobar project

The Union government submitted in Parliament that no objections were raised by tribal communities during the statutory feedback period for the Great Nicobar project. However, the Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar had earlier withdrawn its no-objection certificate (NOC) for the project. The Great Nicobar project, which includes the construction of a port, airport, power plant, and other infrastructure, is estimated to cost ₹81,834.22 crore, higher than the initial estimate of ₹75,000 crore. Concerns have been raised about the project's environmental impact, particularly on the Shompen tribe and the region's wildlife.

ALSO READ: Proposed amendments to Waqf Act: A new era or political turmoil ahead?

ALSO READ: Kerala Government announces 3-Phase Plan to rehabilitate landslide victims

Despite these concerns, the government has stated that all regulations were followed, including consultations with tribal experts and scientific institutions. The project has sparked debates in Parliament, with some members questioning the adequacy of the consultation process and the potential ecological and human costs.