Tue Sep 09 20:09:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Indian government has requested a report from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration regarding allegations that forest rights were not properly settled before the approval of a massive development project on Great Nicobar Island in 2022. The Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar claims that their consent for the diversion of forest land was obtained under pressure and later withdrawn. They also allege that the administration falsely certified that all rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 had been settled. The Tribal Council has raised concerns with the Tribal Affairs Minister, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi prompted action by political figures. The Council alleges the administration believes PAT56 trumps FRA. Concerns also stem from violations of due process, especially with respect to tribal representation and the project’s potential environmental impact. Several Indian figures have expressed concern about the environmental and humanitarian effects.

**News Article:**

**Govt. Demands Report on Great Nicobar Island Project Amid Tribal Rights Concerns**

**New Delhi, September 10, 2025** – The Union government has intervened in the controversial ₹81,000-crore Great Nicobar Island development project, seeking a “factual report” from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration regarding alleged violations of tribal forest rights. The move comes after the Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar raised serious concerns that their rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 were not properly addressed before the diversion of approximately 13,000 hectares of forest land for the project in August 2022.

The Tribal Council claims their consent was coerced and subsequently withdrawn. They accuse the administration of falsely certifying to the Centre that all rights under the FRA had been identified and settled. The Council alleges authorities believe Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act, 1956 (PAT56) gives them unilateral authority over forest land, while the FRA mandates consent from Gram Sabhas concerned after vesting rights in them.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has requested a detailed response addressing each point raised by the Council. This includes the claim that Nicobarese people were not properly represented in meetings regarding the project, and that the Shompen, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, were represented by officers of the Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS), a body under the administration.

The issue has drawn significant political attention. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently urged the Tribal Affairs Minister to examine the concerns raised by the council. Sonia Gandhi has also criticized the government, calling the project a “planned misadventure”.

This issue gained attention when the Tribal Council alleged the administration’s “refusal” to engage in dialogue. The project, which aims for holistic development of the island, has been mired in controversy since its inception in 2022. Concerns have been raised by the National Green Tribunal and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes regarding consent procedures and the environmental impact.
A petition challenging the clearances is currently being heard in the Calcutta High Court. The government has maintained that all due processes were followed.

Read More