The Great Nicobar Betrayal

by Frontline The Hindu Group, VAISHNA ROY (editor), AATHIRA PERINCHERY

A compilation of 13 in-depth pieces by scientists, environmentalists, and anthropologists on Great Nicobar, the southernmost island in the Andaman and Nicobar group. The book studies the tiny island in the context of the mega Rs.72,000 crore project approved by the Central government to understand what impact the plan is likely to have on the fragile island, its flora, fauna, and indigenous population. Brilliantly curated and introduced by Pankaj Sekhsaria, one of the best-known chroniclers of these islands, the slim and informative book is a must-read for anyone interested in this archipelago in the Bay of Bengal.

Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2024

Reviews

[Aneesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant compilation of arguments against the multi-crore infrastructure project proposed to be undertaken at Great Nicobar, from the legal, ecological, logistic as well as the tribal angles.
Crisply laid out statistics, facts and timelines, and practically-structured sections. All annexures at the end of the book also give a better understanding of the overall extent and impact of the project, as well as the efforts being undertaken by several concerned groups of scientists, environmentalists and social activists to oppose this harmful project. An absolutely enlightening read. I would definitely recommend everyone to read this in order to know what is at stake here.

[Swayanka Sahoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got under my skin. It lays out the early decisions behind what is now the Great Nicobar Project. While this book helped inform me about the project, it made angry too. Angry at the bureaucrats, at the apathy, at how easily fragile ecosystems and indigenous lives are reduced to paperwork and plans.

Reading it feels like watching the first push of a Sisyphean hill, knowing exactly how exhausting and relentless the climb is going to be. It’s not dramatic in its telling, but that restraint makes it hit harder. A difficult, necessary read that left me frustrated, helpless, and unable to look away.

How far will we take the destruction in the name of development?

[Kanwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

so privileged to not being born a tribal

its worse to see a nation struggle balancing rights of her citizens vs national security and strategic objectives