New Delhi, April 2: Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, raised an important issue in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour (Diary No. 10390 dated 02.04.2026) regarding the relief and rehabilitation package for families affected in Gandhinagar and Shastri Nagar, Campbell Bay, in connection with the proposed mega project in Great Nicobar being undertaken by the Government of India under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The project is envisioned as a major trade and strategic hub of international significance, with the potential to emerge as a leading centre, surpassing established hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong.
While drawing the attention of the Government, Shri Ray highlighted that the implementation of this major project is likely to impact residents living in the affected areas. He emphasized that these families must be provided with fair and adequate compensation, along with proper rehabilitation measures.
He further urged that compensation and rehabilitation should be ensured strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. This should include appropriate valuation of land suggested at Rs. 1.50 crore per hectare along with due compensation for loss of houses, plantations and livelihoods. He also cited similar provisions extended in past projects, such as the GMR project in Delhi, as a reference for equitable compensation.
While concluding, Mr. Ray, Hon’ble MP made a humble appeal to the Hon’ble Prime Minister to kindly consider granting a comprehensive and just rehabilitation package, taking into account all relevant aspects. He particularly underscored that many of these families were originally settled by the Government under rehabilitation schemes and have already endured significant hardships, including being victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.