03-August-2024-Special-Article

THE GREAT NICOBAR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

The Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project is a major initiative spearheaded by NITI Aayog aimed at transforming the southern part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

This project, which began in 2021, has sparked considerable debate due to its potential environmental and social impacts.

The project, despite initial concerns, has now been given the green light by a high-powered committee (HPC) appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Project Overview

Launch and Purpose: The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project was launched in 2021 as a mega infrastructure development aimed at transforming the southern end of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands into a significant hub for maritime and economic activity.

Key Components:

• Trans-shipment Port: A proposed International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (ICTT) intended to enhance India’s role in the regional and global maritime economy.
• Greenfield International Airport: A new airport designed to boost international connectivity.
• Urban Development: Plans include the development of a new township, possibly featuring a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
• Power Infrastructure: A 450 MVA power plant utilizing both gas and solar energy to meet the region’s needs.

Strategic Importance: The project’s location near the Malacca Strait, a vital maritime route, is significant for India’s strategic interests, particularly in light of increasing geopolitical competition in the region.

Environmental Impact

• Deforestation: The project is expected to lead to the loss of approximately 8.5 lakh trees in the rich rainforests of Great Nicobar, raising significant concerns about deforestation.
• Wildlife Displacement: The de-notification of the Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and the absence of an eco-sensitive zone for Galathea National Park threaten critical habitats, especially for species like the Nicobar Megapode and leatherback turtles.
• Ecological Damage: The island’s unique tropical evergreen forests and biodiversity are at risk of irreversible damage due to the construction activities.
• Biodiversity Commitments: The project’s potential environmental impact contradicts India’s international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity, particularly in terms of halting biodiversity loss by 2030.

Social and Cultural Concerns

• Impact on Indigenous Tribes: The Shompen and Nicobarese tribes, the island’s primary inhabitants, face potential displacement and cultural disruption. Although there have been assurances to protect tribal interests, local communities have expressed concerns about inadequate responses to their relocation requests.
• Withdrawal of Consent: In November 2022, local communities withdrew their consent for the project, a crucial requirement for its implementation since the land in question is part of the tribal reserve.

Technical and Legal Issues

• Seismic Risks: Great Nicobar is located on a major fault line, making it prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. Despite this, there has been no comprehensive risk assessment for these natural hazards.
• Inadequate Environmental Reports: The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been criticized for not fully complying with the required Terms of Reference and for overlooking critical environmental and social impacts.
• Legal Challenges: Various approvals and exemptions granted under laws protecting forests, tribal rights, and coastal ecosystems may face legal challenges in courts and tribunals.

Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ)

• Initial Flagging: Initially, the Andaman & Nicobar Coastal Management Authority indicated that parts of the project, including the port, airport, and township, were located in the Island Coastal Regulation Zone-IA (ICRZ-IA), where such activities are prohibited.
• Environmental Sensitivity: The ICRZ-IA areas are ecologically sensitive zones, including mangroves, corals, and wildlife habitats, where development is highly restricted.
• Permitted Activities: The ICRZ regulations allow for certain eco-tourism activities and strategic defense projects with necessary permits.

Reclassification to a Permitted Area

HPC’s Conclusion: The HPC, following a ground-truthing exercise by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), concluded that the project does not fall within the ICRZ-IA area but is instead within the permissible ICRZ-IB area.

Recommendations:

• Coral Translocation: The HPC recommended translocating the majority of the affected coral colonies and monitoring sedimentation levels for the remaining corals.
• Baseline Data: The HPC determined that one-season baseline data collection was sufficient to assess the project’s environmental impact, as per the EIA notification of 2006.

Stakeholders’ Responses

• NGT’s Role: The NGT played a key role by forming the HPC to reassess the project’s environmental clearance in response to concerns raised by environmentalists.

• Public and Political Outcry: There has been significant public and political pressure for greater transparency and a thorough review of the project, particularly concerning the reclassification of land and the potential environmental impact.

Way Forward:

• Independent EIA: A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment by an independent body should be conducted to fully understand the project’s implications.
• Minimizing Environmental Impact: Measures such as habitat restoration and wildlife conservation should be prioritized.
• Engagement with Local Tribes: A participatory approach involving the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes is crucial, with fair and equitable resettlement plans developed.
• Transparency and Public Consultation: Regular public consultations and transparent disclosure of project information are essential for building trust.
• Alternative Development Models: Sustainable development models that minimize environmental impact should be explored.

Conclusion

The Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project is a complex and contentious initiative that balances strategic interests with significant environmental and social challenges. The project’s future hinges on transparent decision-making, adherence to environmental standards, and meaningful engagement with affected communities.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss the potential environmental and social implications of the Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project and evaluate the adequacy of measures taken to address these concerns. (150 WORDS)