The National Green Tribunal (NGT), a body committed to the preservation of the environment, has temporarily halted the Great Nicobar Island project. This project, slated to cost ₹72,000 crore, is currently under review by a committee examining the environmental clearance provided by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Great Nicobar Island Project: An Overview
The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project marked a significant development initiative at the southern extremity of the Andaman and Nicobar islands. It proposed the establishment of an international container transshipment terminal, a greenfield international airport, a township and a combined 450 MVA gas and solar power plant encompassing an area of 16,610 hectares.
Economic and Strategic Importance of the Project
Endorsed by the NITI Aayog report, launching the proposed port positioned Great Nicobar as a key player in the regional and global maritime economy. The strategic location of the island, almost equidistant from important ports like Colombo, Port Klang (Malaysia), and Singapore, situated it on the East-West international shipping corridor—a route that sees a substantial part of the world’s shipping trade. The island held significance for national security and consolidation of the Indian Ocean Region, an area experiencing increased Chinese assertion.
Criticisms and Challenges Faced by the Project
Despite its potential, the project faced criticism for potentially threatening the rich biodiversity of the region and endangering specific species’ habitats. Concerns arose over the project’s impact on the Coastal Regulation Zones-IA and IB, and the Galathea bay, home to a myriad of bird species. Additionally, fears were expressed over the effect of dredging on turtle nesting sites, dolphins, and other marine life.
Environmentalists also highlighted the expected loss of tree cover and mangroves due to the development project. This loss was believed to lead to increased runoff and sediment deposits in the ocean, which would harm the coral reefs. Critics have argued that proper assessment protocols were not followed while conducting environmental impact assessments.
Impact on Tribes
Critics also pointed out the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) due to encroachments into their areas under the guise of development–despite being accorded the highest level of protection by local administration.
About Great Nicobar
Great Nicobar is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands Archipelago, covering 1,03,870 hectares of unique and threatened tropical evergreen forest ecosystems. The area boasts a rich ecosystem with over 650 species of angiosperms, ferns, gymnosperms, and bryophytes along with 1800 fauna species, some endemic to this region.
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve features diverse ecosystems including tropical wet evergreen forests, mountain ranges reaching up to 642 m (Mt. Thullier) above sea level, and coastal plains. The island is home to Mongoloid tribes–the Shompen Tribe and Nicobarese Tribe. After a devastating tsunami in 2004, the Nicobarese Tribe was relocated to Afra Bay in the North Coast and Campbell Bay.
The Role of National Green Tribunal
In light of these concerns, the NGT’s decision to halt the Great Nicobar Island project aims to ensure the project’s compliance with the Island Coastal Regulation Zone 2019 and tribal rights. The body’s intervention underlines its commitment to preserving the ecological balance while considering developmental projects.
