Development at Nicobar Islands’ expense

• Shri ‘Vanajeevi’ Ramaiah, a tree crusader and Padma Shri awardee, was a passionate advocate for trees.

• The dispute between the Telangana State government and the University of Hyderabad over the Kancha Gachibowli area has led to a Supreme Court decision.

• The land is being used for hi-tech cities, pharmaceutical zones, highways, fast trains, and airports, causing concern about the loss of greenery, flowery plants, and tribal people.

• Professor Pankaj Sekhsaria, an environmental and wildlife conservation expert, has curated a book called “The Great Nicobar Betrayal” which highlights the Central government’s proposed use of the Nicobar Islands for various purposes.

• The book raises issues about the ecological splendour of the islands, the future of the native people, and the fate of the native Nicobarese tribe.

• Former civil servants have written to the President of India, pointing out the destruction of the pristine habitat and the government’s plans to compensate for this loss by planting forests in Haryana.

• The book is available on Amazon and The Hindu Bookstore.