What happened (claims around Great Nicobar data centre planning)
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the Great Nicobar Island infrastructure planning process and alleged a continuous pattern of what he called “grave ecological folly.” He argued that even after the Modi government begins “planting” new justifications, efforts to proceed with the project continue despite controversy.
Jairam Ramesh highlighted an administrative sequence involving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration. Ramesh alleged that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration first issued an Expression of Interest for feasibility proposals for a data centre project and then withdrew the Expression of Interest “mysteriously.”
Jairam Ramesh cited opposition from the Tribal Council of Great Nicobar Island. He also referred to cases filed in the Calcutta High Court challenging clearances related to the data centre project. The reporting frames the issue as a continuing debate about environmental consequences and decision-making for major infrastructure in Great Nicobar.
Background and earlier position (how the controversy is positioned)
The controversy is positioned as a governance and environment question: stakeholders dispute whether the clearances and administrative steps for a data centre in Great Nicobar adequately address environmental risk and local concerns.
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