Context:

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently cleared the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, citing its “strategic, defence, and national importance.” The decision came after disposing of multiple applications challenging the environmental clearance (EC) granted in 2022.

About the Great Nicobar Project:

The project, implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO) under NITI Aayog, is a 30-year phased development plan (2025–2047) with an estimated cost of around ₹81,000–92,000 crore. Its key components include:

• • • International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT): Located at Galathea Bay, with an approximate capacity of 16 million TEUs, the terminal aims to reduce reliance on foreign ports and enhance India’s potential as a global shipping hub.
    • Greenfield International Airport: A civil-military dual-use facility planned to handle approximately 4,000 passengers per hour by 2050, thereby boosting logistical efficiency and defence preparedness.
    • Township Development: Development of residential, commercial, and institutional zones to accommodate a population of 3–4 lakh people.
    • Power and Infrastructure: Establishment of a 450 MVA gas- and solar-based power plant, along with new roads, water supply systems, and communication networks.

Implications and Strategic Significance:

The project is expected to strengthen India’s maritime security and regional connectivity. Its proximity to the Six Degree Channel near the Malacca Strait provides strategic oversight of major shipping lanes vital for global trade and energy security. The proposed infrastructure aligns with India’s Act East Policy by fostering stronger ties with ASEAN nations, while also enhancing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities. Economically, the port and airport are likely to boost trade, attract investment, and generate employment opportunities.

Environmental, Tribal, and Legal Concerns:

The project raises ecological concerns due to the potential felling of approximately 8.5 to 58 lakh trees, threats to endemic species such as Nicobar megapodes, leatherback turtles, and coral reefs, as well as the island’s seismic vulnerability. Indigenous tribes — the Nicobarese and Shompens — have expressed concerns regarding the possible loss of ancestral lands and forest rights. The government has asserted that no displacement is planned and has proposed safeguards, including compensatory afforestation, wildlife corridors, biodiversity conservation funding, and the use of low-carbon energy sources. Forest clearances are currently under challenge in the Calcutta High Court, indicating ongoing legal scrutiny.

Conclusion:

The Great Nicobar Project exemplifies India’s attempt to balance strategic, economic, and environmental priorities. Through phased development and ecological safeguards, it aims to enhance maritime security, regional connectivity, and economic growth while mitigating social and environmental risks. Its success will depend on strict monitoring, community engagement, and adherence to regulatory norms, reflecting the complex interplay between national interest and sustainable development.