Great Nicobar Island : A Development Dream or Ecological Disaster

Context

Recently, the former Environment Minister of India termed the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) infrastructure project as a “maha ecological disaster.” This remark has renewed debates on the balance between strategic development and ecological sustainability in India’s island territories.

What is the GNI Project?

Name: Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Project
Conceived by: NITI Aayog in 2021
Budget: ₹72,000 crore sanctioned by the Central Government
Implementing Agency: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO)
Timeline: To be completed in 3 phases over 30 years

Key Components:

Greenfield international airport (civilian & defence use)
International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (ICTT)
Modern township and supporting infrastructure

Significance:

Creation of 1 lakh direct jobs and 1.5 lakh indirect jobs
Enhances India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
Promotes connectivity, trade, and economic growth of the islands

Issues Associated with the Project

1. Governance & Consultation Deficit

No consultation with National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) despite Article 338-A requirement.
Tribal Council’s plea for Nicobarese resettlement ignored.

2. Impact on Indigenous Communities

Nicobarese tribals permanently displaced from ancestral lands (earlier displaced in 2004 tsunami).
Shompen reserve denotified, threatening their livelihoods, culture, and survival.
Violation of Shompen Policy which prioritizes their welfare.

3. Environmental Concerns

Cutting of 8.5 lakh trees (~15% of island area).
Loss of globally unique rainforest ecosystem and endangered species.
Compensatory afforestation planned in Haryana, but part of this land has been diverted for mining.

4. Legal & Regulatory Violations

Forest Rights Act (2006): Ignores tribal authority over forest management.
CRZ Violations:
- Project overlaps with CRZ-1A (turtle nesting sites & coral reefs), where port construction is prohibited.
- Classified under CRZ-1B to justify clearance.

5. Flawed Environmental Assessments

Turtle nesting surveys done in non-nesting season.
Drones used to assess dugongs, but limited to shallow waters.
Reports prepared under institutional pressure.

6. Disaster Vulnerability

Island lies in seismically active earthquake-prone zone.
Project site highly susceptible to tsunamis (as witnessed in December 2004).

Challenges Ahead

Threat to biodiversity: Endangered species like Nicobar macaque, turtles, and dugongs at risk.
Cultural erosion: Endangering survival of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Strategic vs Sustainable Development: Need to balance national security interests with ecological integrity.

Conclusion

The Great Nicobar Island project reflects India’s ambition to boost strategic presence in the Indian Ocean while generating economic opportunities. However, its execution poses risks of ecological destruction, tribal displacement, and natural disaster vulnerability. Moving forward, a sustainable, transparent, and inclusive approach—with credible environmental studies, indigenous consent, and balanced planning—is essential to reconcile development goals with constitutional and ecological obligations.