Daily News Analysis

Great Nicobar Island

stylish_lining

The Great Nicobar Island is in the news due to a Draft Report on a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) prepared by NITI Aayog. This report is part of the larger "Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island" project, which aims to significantly transform the island.

Key Points from the Report:

Positive Impacts:

  1. Economic Growth: The development project, which includes the construction of a Greenfield International Airport, is expected to spur economic growth by creating new business opportunities and increasing employment.
  2. Increased Land Value: As the island develops, the value of land is anticipated to rise, benefiting property owners and investors.

Negative Impacts:

  1. Loss of Productive Land: The development will lead to the loss of agricultural land and land currently used for housing, which could affect local food production and displace current residents.
  2. Increased Population Influx: The project is likely to attract a large number of people from outside the island, leading to potential overcrowding and a loss of privacy for existing inhabitants.

The SIA report highlights the complex trade-offs between economic development and environmental and social impacts, which will be critical for stakeholders to address as the project progresses.

About Great Nicobar Island (GNI)

Great Nicobar Island (GNI) is a notable and ecologically rich part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.

General Information

  • Size: 910 sq. km, making it one of the largest islands in the archipelago.
  • Location: Southernmost tip of the Nicobar group, approximately 520 km from Port Blair.
  • Southernmost Point: Indira Point (formerly Pygmalion Point) is the southernmost point of India.
  • Headquarters: Campbell Bay

Ecological Characteristics

  • Landscape: Features tropical wet evergreen forests, mountain ranges up to 642 meters (Mt. Thullier), and coastal plains.
  • Fauna:
    • Mammals: Crab-eating Macaque, Nicobar Tree Shrew, Dugong.
    • Birds: Nicobar Megapode, Serpent Eagle.
    • Reptiles: Saltwater crocodile.
    • Marine Life: Marine turtles.
  • Flora:
    • Trees and Plants: Cyathea albosetacea (tree fern), Phalaenopsis speciosa (orchid), gymnosperms, bryophytes, lichens.
  • Protected Areas:
    • Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve: Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2013.
    • Campbell Bay National Park
    • Galathea National Park

Socio-Economic Characteristics

  • Indigenous Tribes:
    • Shompen: An indigenous tribe with traditional practices.
    • Nicobarese: Indigenous people of the Nicobar Islands.
  • Settlers: Over 8,000 settlers and mainlanders reside along the southeast coast. They engage in agriculture, horticulture, and fishing.

Indian Ports Act, 2025

Why is the Indian Ports Act, 2025 in the News? The President of India has granted assent to the Indian Ports Act, 2025, which replaces the previous Indian Ports Act of 1908. This new Act aims t
Share It

Private Sector in Defense Production

The growth in private sector participation in India's defense production marks a significant shift in the country’s defense strategy and industrial landscape. The private sector share in
Share It

India-Mauritius

The visit of the Prime Minister of Mauritius to Varanasi marked a significant milestone in strengthening the India-Mauritius bilateral ties. Describing India as a trusted partner in Mauritius'
Share It

solar manufacturing ecosystem

India's ambitious plan to develop a fully indigenous solar manufacturing ecosystem by 2028 is an essential step towards achieving energy security, sustainability, and enhancing its position as
Share It

Political Unrest in Nepal

Nepal’s ongoing political unrest, exacerbated by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation and youth-led protests, has created a volatile environment that directly impacts India&rsqu
Share It

Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers

Karnataka has recently passed the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025, aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of gig workers. Key Provisions of t
Share It

Income Tax Act 2025

The Income Tax Act, 2025 has received Presidential assent and will replace the Income Tax Act, 1961. The new Act is designed to simplify tax laws, modernize existing provisions, and improve the ef
Share It

Cotton Sector

The Union Government has taken significant steps to support the cotton sector in India, addressing key challenges related to rising imports, farmer welfare, and low domestic production. These meas
Share It

Aircraft Leasing: Wet and Dry Lease

In light of the ongoing global aircraft shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, airlines have increasingly turned to wet and dry leases as solutions. These leas
Share It

India and Israel Sign New Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)

India and Israel have recently signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), marking a significant development in their bilateral relationship. This agreement, which replaces the older BIT signed in
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS