Resettlement census begins for affected families under Rs 92,000-crore Great Nicobar project

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration has begun the resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) census for families likely to be affected by the trunk infrastructure component of the Centre’s Rs 92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island project.

According to a public notice issued by the administration, the document verification process for the Resettlement and Rehabilitation Census of affected families in Gram Panchayat Campbell Bay commenced on June 10.

Affected families have been asked to keep ready 24 categories of documents, including land records, islander certificates and tsunami certificates, for verification by the census team.

A Resettlement and Rehabilitation Census is a socio-economic survey conducted to identify and document individuals and families who may lose their homes, land or livelihoods due to large-scale development projects. The exercise creates a baseline for determining compensation and rehabilitation benefits.

Last month, the administration rolled out Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tribal Councils (Preparation of Electoral Rolls and Conduct of Elections) Rules, 2026 to introduce elections to the tribal community. This includes preparation of electoral rolls, delimitation of constituencies, preparation of electoral rolls, and reserving seats for women.

Centre has maintained that the project is fully aligned with the Shompen Policy of 2015 and the Jarawa Policy of 2004, which mandate that large-scale development proposals prioritise the welfare and integrity of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and follow a structured consultation process. To safeguard tribal interests, an independent monitoring committee has been mandated by the Union Environment Ministry to oversee issues affecting the Shompen and Nicobarese during both construction and operation phases.

“Consultations have also been conducted with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, the Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS), and tribal experts including the Anthropological Survey of India to ensure safety, protection and well-being of the communities,” the government said.