Biodiversity & Environment

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Concerns with Great Nicobar Island Project

    

Tags: 
• GS Paper - 2
• Government Policies & Interventions
• GS Paper - 3
• Environmental Pollution & Degradation

For Prelims: Great Nicobar Island (GNI), Galathea Bay, Tropical Rainforest, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Coastal Regulation Zone, International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), Maritime India Vision 2030. 

For Mains: Concerns associated with the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project and way forward.

Source: HT 

Why in News?

The proposed Rs 80,000 crore mega infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island (GNI) has raised serious concerns among environmental activists. 

• The project, spearheaded by NITI Aayog, includes a transshipment terminal in Galathea Bay, an greenfield airport, a greenfield township, and a tourism project with a gas-powered plant.

Click Here to Read: What is the Great Nicobar Island Project?   What is Great Nicobar Island?

What Concerns are Associated with the Great Nicobar Island Project? 

• Environmental Concerns: 
  • Massive Deforestation: The project will destroy 130 sq km of primary tropical rainforest, leading to biodiversity loss and ecological imbalance. 
    • Initial estimates of tree cutting (8.65–9.64 lakh) have been found to be significantly lower than actual numbers, potentially exceeding 10 million trees. 
  • Impact on Wildlife: The project threatens species like the nesting leatherback sea turtle in Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS). 
    • The Galathea Bay WLS, designated for marine turtle conservation in 1997, was denotified in 2021 for the port, contradicting India’s Marine Turtle Action Plan (2021). 
  • Compensatory Afforestation Issues: The diversion of pristine Nicobar forests is being “compensated” by land in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, which does not replicate the biodiversity lost. 
  • Coral Reef Destruction: The coastline falls under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ 1a), making ship-repair and other industrial activities a threat to marine ecosystems. 
• Legal Concerns: 
  • Violation of SC Orders: The SC appointed Shekhar Singh Commission 2002 report recommended a total ban on tree felling in tribal reserves and national parks and afforestation before felling, a rule not being followed. 
  • Lack of Tribal Consultation: The project disregards the rights and survival of indigenous communities like the Shompen, whose existence is deeply tied to these forests. 
  • Lack of Transparency: The government withheld environmental clearance details citing national security, but experts argue only the airport has a defense link, not the entire project. 
• Government Stand: 
  • Contradictory Stance: The Ministry of Home Affairs cites security concerns to withhold project details, while the Ministry of Shipping promotes high-end tourism, creating a strategic contradiction. 
  • Unplanned Additions: New additions like cruise terminals, shipbuilding, and EXIM ports can create additional pressure on the environment. 
  • The transshipment terminal's cost rose by 20% from 2021 to 2024. With new additions like a cruise terminal and ship-repair facilities likely to raise it further.

Note: CRZ 1A, a subcategory under the Coastal Zone Management Plan 2019, includes ecologically sensitive coastal areas e.g., presence of coral reefs vital for biodiversity and stability. 

• The Shekhar Singh Commission Report (2002) assessed the environmental and socio-cultural impacts of developmental activities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.  

What is the Significance of the Great Nicobar Island Project for India? 

• Strategic Importance: Nicobar's strategic location near the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits allows India to monitor key sea routes vital for global trade and energy supply. 
  • It is aligned with India's Act East Policy 2014 and the QUAD’s Indo-Pacific strategy, reinforcing regional security. 
  • A greenfield airport will speed up defense deployment, strengthening India's ability to monitor Chinese naval activity. 
• Economic Significance: The International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) is expected to reduce India’s reliance on foreign ports like Singapore and Colombo and position India as a global transshipment hub, attracting ships and investment. 
  • It is part of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, supporting India's long-term economic strategy. 
• Sustainable Development: It  can boost high-end tourism like Singapore and the Maldives while ensuring sustainable development. 
  • A new township will attract businesses, improve living standards with better infrastructure, and promote renewable energy and sustainable housing with minimal environmental impact. 

Way Forward 

• Minimizing Ecological Damage: Conduct a comprehensive biodiversity assessment to identify critical habitats and explore alternative locations for infrastructure development while ensuring compliance with environmental laws. 
  • Prioritize restoration of degraded forests within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to maintain ecological balance. 
• Tribal Rights Protection: Minimize displacement of Shompens and Nicobarese, ensure fair compensation, livelihood support, and skill development, and establish a community council for inclusive decision-making. 
• Strengthening Institutional Oversight: Form an independent monitoring body with environmentalists, local representatives, and officials to ensure compliance and accountability.  
• Resource Management: Develop sustainable water, food, and energy management while strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness.