The Great Nicobar Island project, a ₹72,000-crore initiative backed by NITI Aayog, promises to transform the remote island into a strategic hub. Yet, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is ensnared in conflicts—balancing development, ecology, and tribal welfare.
The Vision: Strategic Growth vs. Ecological Costs
The project includes:
– A transshipment port near the Malacca Strait
– An international airport
– A power plant and township
Supporters highlight its potential to strengthen India’s maritime presence, counter China’s influence, and boost local employment. But Great Nicobar’s fragile ecosystem—home to rare species like the Nicobar megapode and leatherback turtles—faces irreversible damage.
Environmental and Tribal Backlash
Key concerns:
– 1 million trees marked for felling
– Threats to the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes, protected under 1956 laws
– Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) warn of biodiversity loss
– National Green Tribunal (NGT) petitions challenge clearances
Ministry in Disarray
Internal MoEFCC divisions:
– Pro-development faction pushes for fast-tracking (citing national security).
– Eco-conscious officials demand stricter safeguards.
The Andaman administration struggles to reconcile tribal rights with infrastructure goals, leaving the Shompen PVTG fearing displacement.
Geopolitical Stakes
China’s “String of Pearls” strategy in the Indian Ocean adds urgency, but critics warn of:
– UN climate agreement violations
– Indigenous rights scrutiny
What’s Next?
A final MoEFCC decision is due soon—will it prioritize speed or sustainability? The Great Nicobar deadlock mirrors India’s broader development vs. conservation debate.
Follow for updates on this high-stakes standoff.
