15-March-2025-Editorial

GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND PROJECT

The Indian government has proposed a large-scale infrastructure project worth Rs 80,000 crore on Great Nicobar Island (GNI). Spearheaded by NITI Aayog, the project includes a transshipment port in Galathea Bay, a greenfield airport, a township, and a tourism hub with a gas-based power plant. While the project promises economic and strategic benefits, it has sparked serious concerns among environmentalists and tribal rights activists.

What is Great Nicobar Island?

• Largest island in the Nicobar group, located in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
• Close to important global shipping routes, including the Malacca Strait, a key passage for international trade.
• Home to diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered leatherback sea turtle and Shompen tribe, one of India’s most isolated indigenous communities.

Concerns Related to the Great Nicobar Island Project

1. Environmental Issues

• Deforestation:

• The project will result in 130 sq km of pristine tropical rainforest being cleared.
• Initial tree-cutting estimates (8.65–9.64 lakh trees) are now believed to exceed 10 million trees.

• Threat to Wildlife:

• Leatherback sea turtles face habitat loss as Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary has been denotified to accommodate the port.
• This contradicts India’s Marine Turtle Action Plan (2021), which prioritizes turtle conservation.

• Compensatory Afforestation Issues:

• Lost forest cover is being “compensated” by planting trees in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, which does not restore the unique biodiversity of Nicobar’s ecosystem.

• Impact on Coral Reefs:

• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ-1A) protections are being bypassed, endangering coral reefs and marine life due to port activities like ship repair and dredging.

2. Legal Concerns

• Supreme Court Guidelines Violated:

• The Shekhar Singh Commission (2002) recommended a ban on large-scale deforestation and required reforestation before tree felling, which is not being followed.

• Disregard for Tribal Rights:

• Indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese communities depend on the forests for survival.
• The government has not conducted proper consultations with the affected tribes.

• Lack of Transparency:

• Environmental clearance documents are being withheld citing national security, but experts argue that only the airport has a defense link, while other projects are commercial in nature.

3. Government’s Stand

• The Ministry of Home Affairs cites security concerns, while the Ministry of Shipping promotes tourism, leading to policy contradictions.
• The cost of the transshipment terminal has already increased by 20% from 2021 to 2024 and may rise further with additional infrastructure like a cruise terminal and ship-repair facilities.

Importance of the Great Nicobar Project for India

1. Strategic Significance

• Positioning Near Key Sea Lanes:

• Located near the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits, crucial for global energy trade.
• Strengthens India’s position in the Indo-Pacific region, supporting Act East Policy (2014) and QUAD strategy.

• Defense and Security Benefits:

• A new airport will enable faster military deployment.
• Helps monitor Chinese naval activities in the Indian Ocean.

2. Economic and Trade Benefits

• Reduces Dependence on Foreign Ports:

• The International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) will help India compete with ports like Singapore and Colombo.
• Aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

• Boost to Tourism and Employment:

• Luxury tourism projects aim to make Great Nicobar a hub like Singapore and the Maldives.
• Development of greenfield township will improve infrastructure and create jobs.

Way Forward

1. Balancing Development and Environment

• Conduct a comprehensive biodiversity study before proceeding with construction.
• Explore alternative locations for key infrastructure to minimize ecological damage.
• Ensure that compensatory afforestation is done within Andaman and Nicobar Islands rather than on the mainland.

2. Protecting Indigenous Communities

• Minimize tribal displacement and ensure livelihood support.
• Establish a Community Council to involve Shompens and Nicobarese in decision-making.

3. Strengthening Oversight and Accountability

• Create an independent monitoring body with environmental experts, tribal representatives, and government officials to oversee project implementation.
• Ensure strict compliance with environmental laws and international conservation commitments.

4. Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management

• Develop climate-resilient infrastructure that minimizes impact on local ecosystems.
• Implement a sustainable water and energy management system.
• Strengthen disaster preparedness for the island’s vulnerability to tsunamis and cyclones.

Conclusion

The Great Nicobar Island Project offers significant economic and strategic advantages for India, but it also poses serious environmental and social challenges. The government must adopt a balanced approach that ensures development while safeguarding the unique biodiversity and tribal communities of the region. Sustainable planning and greater transparency in project implementation will be key to achieving long-term benefits without irreversible damage to the island’s ecosystem.