Great Nicobar Project: Connectivity Ambitions vs. Environmental Concerns

Great Nicobar Project

An Indian leader discusses a strategic development initiative at a public event. India’s government is pushing ahead with a massive development plan for Great Nicobar Island (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) to boost strategic connectivity and trade. Prime Minister Modi has hailed the project as “strategic, defence and national importance,” set to make Great Nicobar “a major hub of maritime and air connectivity in the Indian Ocean Region”. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav wrote that this plan is a prime example of “economy and ecology complementing each other”, aiming to balance growth with sustainabilityuniindia.com. The integrated proposal includes: an international container transhipment terminal (ICTT) handling ~14 million TEUs, a greenfield international airport, a 450 MVA gas-and-solar power plant, and a township covering over 16,600 hectares. Official statements insist these developments “pose no threat” to the island’s tribal communities or its eco-sensitive environment. They also point to extensive Environmental Impact Assessments, afforestation plans and conservation funding (₹81.55 crore allocated) as measures to protect wildlife and tribesuniindia.com.

Critics, however, remain wary. Congress leaders (including Sonia Gandhi) have called the project a potential “misadventure”, warning that it could endanger one of the world’s most unique ecosystems and the indigenous Nicobarese and Shompen tribesuniindia.com. They note the nearly ₹72,000–75,000 crore price tag and argue more safeguards are needed. In summary:

• Strategic Connectivity: The plan would leverage Great Nicobar’s location near the Malacca Strait to strengthen India’s maritime security and logistics. The ICTT and airport aim to position India as a regional shipping and transit hub.

• Balancing Ecology: The government emphasizes that detailed EIAs were completed and compensatory measures (wildlife conservation funds, habitat protection) are built inuniindia.com. Officials say no tribal villages will be displaced and forests felled will be offset by plantations elsewhere.

• Environmental Cautions: Opponents caution that even a small footprint (2–3% of island) involves critical habitats (coral reefs, turtle nesting grounds). They urge rigorous monitoring and participation of local communities at every stageuniindia.com.

Sources: Recent reports from Down To Earth