In the first Parliament session of the newly formed 18th Lok Sabha in which MPs could raise questions, the government faced five questions from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs on the Great Nicobar project. The project has been a source of concern and controversy due to the devastating impact it will have on the sensitive ecological ecosystem of the Great Nicobar Island as well as on the Shompen and Great Nicobarese tribal communities. These concerns reflected in the questions that MPs raised in Parliament, asking the government to place on record correct information, provide justification for the project and objectively assess the cost and benefits of the project.

However, when the responses given by the government were analysed in light of publicly available information as well as information and insights sourced from scientists, researchers and activists working in the island, it was found that the government responses were either misleading, made false claims or misrepresented facts or made vague statements and in some cases, simply ignored or avoided critical questions. Therefore, this analysis has been compiled by Maadhyam, in order to aid Members of Parliament to seek further accountability from the government not just on the project, but also for the information placed before the Parliament on the project. This analysis can also aid media persons and journalists tracking the project as well as concerned citizens in holding the government accountable.

The report can be downloaded here.

Annexure I to the report can be downloaded here.
Annexure II to the report can be downloaded here.

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