The island-cluster of Andaman & Nicobar has been witnessing significant improvements in Internet connectivity since the launch of the Chennai-Andaman & Nicobar Islands (CANI) undersea cable in August 2020. This development has piqued the interest of several telecom operators, leading to an increase in the purchase of bandwidth for Internet connectivity in these islands. The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) disclosed that over 70 gigabytes per second of bandwidth have been bought, with telecom giants Airtel and BSNL securing 60 GBPS. Airtel has even launched 5G services in Port Blair, the capital of the region.
Importance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands in India
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a group of islands located at the southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal, are strategically important for India due to their geographical location which provides command over the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs). Home to five Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), namely Great Andamanese, Jarwas, Onges, Shompens and North Sentinelese, these islands not only serve as a significant tribal reserve but also shape the strategic and military dynamics of the Indian Ocean region. Key maritime partners such as the US, Japan, Australia and France recognise the strategic importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
A Peek into Recent Development Plans for ANI
Several developmental projects are underway in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, fueled by overseas aid and domestic investment. In 2021, Japan approved a USD 265 crore grant aid for development projects in the region. The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) has proposed two significant projects: an international container transhipment terminal, a power plant, an airport, and a township for Great Nicobar, and a greenfield coastal city in Little Andaman that can compete globally with metropolitan hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong.
Challenges Faced by Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Development comes with its own set of challenges, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are no exception. Increasing tourism has led to an onslaught of development projects, some of which threaten the ecological stability of the islands. The burgeoning developmental activities have put coral reefs under tremendous pressure, affecting their ecological significance. The deforestation of mangroves due to these projects is another grave environmental concern at hand.
The island group falls in a seismically active zone, making it prone to natural disasters. The 2004 tsunami severely impacted the islands, leading to significant loss of life and destruction of mangroves. The region’s location in the Indo-Pacific geopolitical theatre further adds to its challenges, with China’s active expansion posing potential threats to India’s blue economy and maritime security.
Infringements on the tribal spaces of PVTGs in the name of development pose a significant challenge, highlighting the need for effective rehabilitation programs.
A Sustainable Approach towards Development
Going forward, the development of infrastructure and projects in Andaman and Nicobar should not come at the expense of the ecosystem. An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment should be made mandatory prior to any development activity in this region. Applying a Sustainable Island Development framework will ensure balanced growth without endangering the region’s rich biodiversity.
Investments in maritime security and research for the development of an Island Security Model will safeguard these islands from any external threats. Additionally, plans of linking the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the mainland through Submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) needs to be revitalised. This will improve connectivity, bringing a variety of Digital India’s benefits to the islands, especially in terms of online education, telemedicine, banking and online trading.
