The Great Nicobar Project

The Great Nicobar Project is a massive infrastructure overhaul that has emerged as a focal point for India’s strategic and developmental ambitions. Piloted by NITI Aayog, the project is valued at an estimated ₹72,000 crore and aims to transform the island while balancing economic growth with environmental preservation.

Project Components and Goals

The development plan is multifaceted, including the construction of:

• International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT)

• Greenfield International Airport

• Power plants (solar-based)

• Township development to support the growing population and workforce.

The overarching goal is to harness the untapped potential of Great Nicobar Island, which is rich in natural resources, while also ensuring that its ecological integrity and biodiversity are not compromised.

Strategic Significance of Great Nicobar Island

The island's geopolitical location at the southernmost tip of India places it at the intersection of critical maritime trade routes, especially the Malacca Strait, which connects the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The island’s proximity to key maritime locations like Sabang (Indonesia) and Coco Island (Myanmar) enhances India’s maritime security and regional influence.

Key Strategic Imperatives:

1. Enhanced Maritime Security: Its location offers a strategic vantage point for controlling vital shipping lanes in the Bay of Bengal.

2. Military Preparedness: The plan includes building military logistics bases and surveillance infrastructure, which will bolster India’s defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

3. Civil Infrastructure: The construction of an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) and dual-use airports that can serve both civilian and military purposes are key features of the project.

4. Regional Influence: The project supports India’s Act East Policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) doctrine, countering the growing Chinese naval presence in the region.

Ecological Sensitivity and Indigenous Concerns

While the project promises significant strategic advantages, it also raises serious environmental and social concerns:

Environmental Risks:

1. Threat to Endangered Species: The island is home to endangered species like the Nicobar megapode (a ground-dwelling bird) and leatherback turtles. Coastal development and deforestation pose a threat to these species and their habitats.

2. Deforestation and Habitat Loss: The island’s tropical rainforests and coral reefs are at risk due to large-scale development, which could have irreversible effects on the island's delicate ecosystem.

Concerns for Indigenous Communities:

The island is also home to the Shompen, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) that remains largely uncontacted. There are concerns that the development could disrupt their way of life, particularly with the establishment of infrastructure like airports and military bases.

Legal and Transparency Issues:

1. National Security Concerns: The government has invoked national security to withhold key environmental impact assessments and deny Right to Information (RTI) requests. This has led to accusations of a transparency deficit and concerns about democratic accountability.

2. Environmental Clearance Review: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered a review of the environmental clearances, but the findings of the High-Powered Committee (HPC) remain classified, raising doubts about the project's environmental viability.

Way Forward

To address the growing concerns, experts and activists have called for the following actions:

1. Transparency and Disclosure: The government should make the findings of the High-Powered Committee (HPC) public, with redactions only where national security is at stake. This would ensure greater transparency in decision-making processes.

2. Engage Stakeholders: There must be institutionalized consultations with tribal councils, environmental experts, and civil society groups to ensure that all perspectives are taken into account.

3. Strengthen Oversight: Parliamentary committees and independent bodies should be empowered to monitor compliance with ecological standards and ensure the sustainable development of the region.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Geographic Overview

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located approximately 1,300 km southeast of the Indian mainland, in the Bay of Bengal. The archipelago is divided into two major groups:

1. Andaman Islands:

   • Comprised of North Andaman, Middle Andaman, and South Andaman.

   • Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is located in South Andaman.

2. Nicobar Islands:

   • Comprising Northern, Central, and Southern groups.

   • Great Nicobar is the largest island in the Southern Group, and Indira Point, the southernmost point of India, is located here.

Other Key Features of the Islands

• Geological Composition: Many of these islands are volcanic, with tertiary sandstone, limestone, and shale as their primary constituents.

• Coral Reefs: The islands are fringed by coral reefs, supporting marine biodiversity.

• Saddle Peak: The highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, standing at 737 meters in North Andaman.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to several PVTGs, some of which remain uncontacted:

• Great Andamanese (Strait Island)

• Onges (Little Andaman)

• Jarawas (South and Middle Andaman)

• Sentinelese (Sentinel Islands)

• Shompens (Great Nicobar)

These communities have unique cultures and ways of life, which could be severely impacted by the development of the region. As a result, any developmental activity must carefully consider the rights and protections for these indigenous tribes.

Conclusion

The Great Nicobar Project represents a significant leap in India's strategic positioning and infrastructure development. However, it must proceed with caution to balance economic growth and national security with the preservation of the island's ecological systems and indigenous communities. By fostering greater transparency, engaging local stakeholders, and maintaining ecological safeguards, India can ensure the project benefits the region without compromising its long-term sustainability