Great Nicobar project

Source: The post “Great Nicobar project” has been created, based on “As NGT clears Great Nicobar project, a look at its strategic importance and ecological fallout” published in “Indian Express” on  19th February 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3- Environment

Context: The Great Nicobar Island Development Project is a mega infrastructure initiative worth about ₹72,000–81,000 crore that aims to transform Great Nicobar Island into an economic, logistics, and defence hub. The project is being implemented by Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Ltd as part of India’s long-term Indo-Pacific strategy. The project represents a major example of the development versus environment debate in India.

About the Great Nicobar Island Development Project

• The project covers around 16,610 hectares of land located in the southern part of Great Nicobar Island near Indira Point, which is India’s southernmost tip.
• The project seeks to utilise the island’s proximity to the Malacca Strait, one of the busiest maritime trade routes in the world.

Key Components

• An International Container Transshipment Terminal will be built at Galathea Bay to handle global cargo traffic and reduce India’s dependence on foreign ports such as Singapore and Colombo.
• A greenfield international airport will be constructed to improve civilian connectivity and enable strategic military operations.
• Two greenfield cities and an integrated township will be created to accommodate a projected population increase to nearly 6.5 lakh people by 2050.
• A coastal mass rapid transport system will be developed to connect major infrastructure nodes across the island.
• A free trade zone and cruise tourism terminal will be established to attract investment and boost tourism revenue.
• A ship-breaking yard and gas-solar hybrid power plant will be set up to support industrial and energy needs.

Geography of Great Nicobar Island

• Great Nicobar Island is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which consists of more than 600 islands located in the Bay of Bengal.
• The island has dense tropical rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, and hilly terrain, and it receives nearly 3,500 mm of rainfall annually.
• A large portion of the island lies within the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, which hosts unique ecosystems.
• The island is home to endangered species such as leatherback turtles, Nicobar megapodes, and Nicobar crab-eating macaques.

Strategic Significance of the Project

1. Geo-Strategic Importance

• The island’s location near the Malacca Strait allows India to monitor global maritime trade routes and enhance its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Strengthening infrastructure on the island will improve India’s maritime domain awareness and ensure security of sea lanes.

2. Geo-Security Importance

• The project complements defence facilities such as INS Baaz and the tri-services command at Port Blair.
• It will help India counter strategic expansion by China in the Indian Ocean Region.

3. Economic Importance

• The ICTT will help India become a major cargo transshipment hub and save foreign exchange currently spent on foreign ports.
• The free trade zone will encourage export-oriented industries and increase foreign investment.
• The project may support India’s Blue Economy through shipping, fisheries, and tourism development.

4. Employment and Tourism

• Large infrastructure projects will create direct employment in construction, logistics, and services sectors.
• Cruise tourism and improved connectivity will promote eco-tourism and increase local incomes.

5. Social Development

• The project promises better hospitals, schools, digital connectivity, and transport infrastructure.
• Improved infrastructure will enhance living standards in remote island regions.

Concerns Associated with the Project

1. Threat to Biodiversity

• Nearly one million trees may be cut, which could destroy fragile rainforest ecosystems.
• Construction near Galathea Bay may damage nesting sites of leatherback turtles and other endemic species.

2. Impact on Indigenous Tribes

• The project threatens the traditional lands of Shompen and Nicobarese tribes.
• Exposure to outsiders may lead to disease spread and cultural disruption.
• The project may conflict with provisions of the Forest Rights Act 2006, which protects tribal land rights.

3. Seismic and Tsunami Risk

• The island lies in a high seismic zone that was affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
• Large infrastructure projects may be vulnerable to earthquakes and rising sea levels.

4. Lack of Adequate Consultation

• Tribal councils and environmental experts have argued that consultation processes were insufficient.
• Reports related to environmental clearance were criticised for lack of transparency.

5. Economic Viability Concerns

• The island’s remote location and lack of hinterland connectivity may limit trade potential.
• Competing with established transshipment hubs such as Singapore or Colombo may be difficult.
• India already has projects like Vizhinjam International Seaport, which may reduce the need for another transshipment hub.

6. Social Impact

• Rapid population growth may lead to displacement of local communities and cultural erosion.
• Increased urbanisation may strain water, land, and waste-management systems.

Way Forward

1. Protect Tribal Rights

• Development should follow the principle of free, prior, and informed consent for tribal communities.
• Tribal welfare policies must be implemented strictly.

2. Separate Defence and Commercial Infrastructure

• Defence infrastructure can be built with minimal ecological damage.
• Large-scale commercial townships should be reconsidered.

3. Reassess Economic Feasibility

• Independent cost-benefit studies should evaluate long-term profitability.
• Phased development can reduce financial and ecological risks.

4. Conduct Robust Environmental Assessments

• Comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments must be mandatory.
• Transparent reporting and public consultation should be ensured.

5. Promote Eco-Friendly Infrastructure

• Green buildings, renewable energy, and wildlife protection measures should be adopted.
• Critical habitats like turtle nesting beaches should be protected.

6. Explore Alternative Development Models

• Development could be distributed across multiple islands instead of concentrating on one island.
• Eco-tourism and marine research could be prioritised over heavy industry.

Conclusion: The Great Nicobar Project has significant strategic and economic benefits for India’s maritime future. However, ecological damage, tribal displacement, and seismic risks could have irreversible consequences. India must pursue sustainable island development by balancing national security, economic growth, environmental protection, and tribal rights.

Question: What is the Great Nicobar Island Development Project? Examine its strategic significance, ecological concerns, and suggest a balanced way forward.

Source: IndianExpress