The Environment Appraisal Committee, known for its robust criticism of development projects that don’t meet environmental standards, has now given its preliminary approval for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study on a project that could transform the Andaman and Nicobar islands into a maritime and startup hub. In August 2020, the Prime Minister set forth a vision of development for the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Since then, several concerns and questions have surfaced about the viability of the project, what it includes, potential impacts on the region, and the consequences for the local ecosystem and inhabitants.
Details About the Proposed Project
The future layout envisages an international container trans-shipment terminal, a greenfield international airport, a power plant, and a township complex spread across 166 sq. km. This space is presently populated with pristine coastal systems and tropical forests. The estimated cost for the project rings in at Rs. 75,000 crore.
Concerns Towards the Project
Several objections have been raised regarding insufficient detail on seismic and tsunami hazards, freshwater requirements, and the ecological impact, particularly on the Giant Leatherback turtle. There’s also a glaring lack of details about the sheer number of trees to be felled, which could conceivably total into the millions, considering the project is slated to cover 130 sq. km. of verdant tropical Indian forest.
Additionally, Galathea Bay, the planned site of the port and central feature of the proposal, houses an iconic nesting site for the Giant Leatherback, the world’s largest marine turtle. Recent ecological surveys report a multitude of new species exclusive to the Galathea region, including the critically endangered Nicobar shrew, the Great Nicobar crake, the Nicobar frog, and several previously undescribed reptiles.
Action Points Identified by the Committee
The Environment Appraisal Committee emphasized the need for independent assessments of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, a study on the impact of dredging, reclamation, and port operations. They further recommended exploring alternative sites for the port with a focus on environmental and ecological impact, especially on turtles, and a comprehensive analysis of risk-handling capabilities.
Great Nicobar Overview
Great Nicobar is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands Archipelago, covering 1,03,870 hectares of unique and threatened tropical evergreen forest ecosystems. Known for its rich ecosystem of over 650 plant species and 1800 animal species, many endemic to this area, the island is a critical habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Ecological Characteristics
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve harbors a wide spectrum of ecosystems made up of tropical wet evergreen forests, mountain ranges reaching a height of 642 m above sea level, and coastal plains.
Local Population
The local Mongoloid Shompen Tribe, about 200 in number, primarily reside in the forests of the biosphere reserve, particularly along the rivers and streams. As hunters and food gatherers, they highly depend on forest and marine resources for living. Another Mongoloid Tribe, Nicobarese, was relocated to Afra Bay in the North Coast and Campbell Bay after the tsunami in 2004 devastated their settlement on the western coast.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024