Protect Indigenous Communities, Biodiversity, and India’s Ecological Future
Petition to:

• Government of India
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• Andaman & Nicobar Administration
• Chief Ministers and elected representatives across India

Great Nicobar Island is one of India’s last untouched tropical rainforest ecosystems. It is home to endangered wildlife, ancient forests, coral reefs, and indigenous communities such as the Shompen and Nicobarese peoples who have lived in harmony with nature for generations.

Today, this fragile island faces irreversible ecological destruction under the proposed Great Nicobar Island Development Project — a mega infrastructure plan involving a transhipment port, airport, township, power plant, and tourism infrastructure. The project reportedly involves the diversion of over 130 square kilometres of protected forest land and the felling of hundreds of thousands of trees in an ecologically sensitive zone vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis, and climate change.

Environmental experts, scientists, tribal rights advocates, and conservationists have raised serious concerns regarding:

• Large-scale destruction of pristine rainforests
• Threats to endangered species and marine ecosystems
• Displacement and cultural disruption of indigenous communities
• Increased ecological vulnerability in a disaster-prone island region
• Lack of transparent and meaningful public consultation

Development cannot come at the cost of destroying irreplaceable ecosystems and indigenous heritage.

We believe India can pursue sustainable development without sacrificing one of the planet’s most precious biodiversity hotspots.

• We Demand:
• Immediate suspension of large-scale deforestation activities in Great Nicobar Island
• An independent and transparent environmental review conducted by credible scientific and ecological experts
• Full consultation and consent processes involving indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese communities
• Public release of all environmental, social impact, and disaster-risk assessment reports

Exploration of sustainable alternatives that prioritise ecological protection and community rights
Great Nicobar is not empty land to be exploited. It is a living ecosystem of global importance.

Once these rainforests are destroyed, they cannot be brought back.

We call upon the Government of India and all responsible leaders to protect Great Nicobar Island before irreversible damage is done.

Sign this petition to stand for ecological justice, indigenous rights, and the future of our planet.