Paper: GS – III, Subject: Environment, Ecology and Disaster Management, Topic: Broad/Overlap, Issue: Significance of the Great Nicobar Island Project.
Context:
The Government of India has envisaged the Great Nicobar Island Project as a transformative plan integrating infrastructure, defence, environment, and socio-economic development. The project seeks to balance strategic imperatives in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with ecological sensitivity and community welfare.
Key Takeaways:
Key Components of the Project:
Strategic and National Importance:
- Maritime Security: Enhances India’s presence in IOR, countering China’s influence (String of Pearls).
- Trade Hub Potential: Transforms Great Nicobar into a major maritime & air connectivity hub.
- Defence Imperatives: Strengthens India’s naval capabilities at a chokepoint near the Malacca Strait (world’s busiest sea-lane).
- Regional Development: Provides infrastructure, employment, and long-term investment in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Environmental & Social Safeguards:
- Minimal displacement: No impact on Nicobarese tribal groups’ habitation.
- Forest Land Diversion: Out of 166.10 sq. km forest land, compensatory afforestation planned; effectively only 1.82% of island’s forest area is diverted.
- Wildlife Protection:
- ₹815.5 crore allocated to research institutes (ZSI, BSI, SACON, WII) for conservation.
- Green areas & eco-sensitive zones to be maintained.
- Tribal Consultation: Based on Shompen Policy (2015) & Jarawa Policy (2004) – ensuring rights and welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Challenges & Criticisms:
- Ecological Sensitivity: Risk to fragile habitats, biodiversity hotspots, nesting sites of giant leatherback turtles, saltwater crocodiles, and corals.
- Tribal Welfare Concerns: Possible cultural & livelihood disruptions for Shompen and Nicobarese tribes.
- Disaster Vulnerability: Nicobar Islands prone to tsunamis, cyclones, and earthquakes – infrastructure resilience is critical.
- Global Scrutiny: Balancing development with India’s commitments to climate change and conservation.
Government’s Response:
- Phased Clearances: Divided into 3 phases with appraisal at each level.
- Compensatory Afforestation: 73.07 sq. km notified as new reserve forest.
- Community Involvement: MoTA, Tribal Welfare bodies, and NITI Aayog actively participated with wide consultations.
- Risk Assessment Plans: Based on anthropogenic and natural disaster vulnerabilities.
Way Forward:
- Balance Strategic Needs with Sustainability: Integrate infrastructure expansion with rigorous ecological monitoring.
- Community-Centric Development: Ensure participatory planning with tribal communities, safeguarding their rights & livelihoods.
- Green Infrastructure Push: Promote renewable energy, eco-tourism, and climate-resilient designs.
- Continuous Monitoring: Independent audits by environmental institutions.
- Regional Cooperation: Project can enhance India’s Act East & SAGARvision, while ensuring compliance with international environmental norms.
Conclusion:
The Great Nicobar Project is a landmark initiative of strategic and national importance that seeks to transform India’s maritime posture. However, its long-term success depends on sustainable environmental safeguards, tribal welfare measures, and resilient infrastructure—ensuring security and growth without compromising ecological integrity.
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