No final forest nod for Great Nicobar project, govt tells RS

The Indian government has informed the Rajya Sabha that the final forest clearance for the ₹81,800 crore 'Sustainable Development of Great Nicobar Island' project has not yet been granted. This project, which aims to develop the remote island while ensuring ecological sustainability, has faced scrutiny from environmentalists and local communities concerned about its impact on biodiversity and indigenous habitats. The absence of the Stage-II forest clearance indicates that the project is currently on hold, necessitating further assessments and approvals from relevant authorities. The Great Nicobar project is part of a larger initiative to enhance infrastructure and tourism in the region, but it has raised significant debates about balancing development with environmental conservation. Stakeholders are now awaiting the outcomes of ongoing deliberations on the project's viability and environmental implications, which are critical to its future.