Great Nicobar Islands (GNI) Infrastructure Project Environmental, Tribal & Regulatory Challenges

1. What is the Great Nicobar Project & Why it is in News

The Great Nicobar Islands Development and Infrastructure Project is one of the most ambitious island development initiatives planned by the Government of India. It was Conceived by NITI Aayog in 2021, the project includes four key components:

• An international container transshipment terminal which has been designed to rival hubs like Colombo and Singapore.
• A dual-use airport that would serve both civilian and military purposes, enhancing connectivity and security.
• A new integrated township which is required and meant for house workers, tourists, and service providers.
• A 450 MVA gas-based power plant with solar integration to provide reliable energy.

The project cost about ₹81,000 crore and covered an area of 166 square kilometers. Since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) opened new proceedings to consider whether environmental approvals had been lawfully obtained, it has come under increased criticism. Particularly, there are questions regarding whether ecologically delicate “No-Go” regions, such Galathea Bay, were mistakenly included in the development zone and whether the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) 2019 notification was broken.

2. Background & Objectives

This project is a component of India’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and Maritime Vision 2030, which seek to strengthen India’s status as a major Indo-Pacific power, increase its involvement in international trade, and improve connectivity. The project has enormous strategic significance because of Great Nicobar’s proximity to the Malacca Strait, a vital international trade route.

At the same time, the island’s biological and cultural diversity has earned it international recognition. It is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is home to mangroves, coral reefs, and lush tropical woods. Significantly, it is home to two Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): the Nicobarese and the Shompen. This level of development may have an impact on their environment and way of life.

Concerns about the environment and regulations 

• ICRZ Violations: Areas including coral reefs, mangroves, and turtle breeding grounds are explicitly designated as ICRZ-IA, where major developments are forbidden, in the Island Coastal Regulation Zone 2019 notification. There are concerns about ecological infractions because parts of the GNI project overlap with these areas.

•  “No-Go” Fragile Zones: Galathea Bay is categorised as an ecologically delicate “No-Go” zone because of its well-known leatherback turtle breeding locations. Project operations in this region run the risk of upsetting rare animals and destroying one of the most significant turtle ecosystems on Earth.

• Climate Risks: Because Great Nicobar is a low-lying island, it is susceptible to long-term hazards such as storm surges, coastline erosion, and sea level rise. The island may become even more susceptible to the effects of climate change as a result of extensive infrastructural development and land clearing.

• Regulatory Gaps: There are Questions which have been raised about the speed of approvals, adequacy of public consultation and whether due diligence was followed before clearances were given. The Critics argue that the environmental impact assessments were rushed and incomplete in nature.

4.Social and Tribal Aspects

•  The Nicobarese and Shompen communities are two of the most vulnerable tribes in India. The Shompen are semi-nomadic and rely mainly on the forests, whilst the Nicobarese are comparatively more settled. The distinctive cultural identities of these tribes are strongly linked to their natural surroundings.

•  Indirect Displacement: Although the government claims that no villages would be directly displaced but the new townships, commercial activity, and population growth will change these people’ food sources, land use, and cultural customs in an indirect manner.

•  Legal and Ethical Issues: The project brings up important issues about the internationally accepted but unevenly implemented Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) concept for indigenous peoples in India.

5. Economic and Strategic Arguments

• Strategic Importance: The project benefits from Great Nicobar’s proximity to the Malacca Strait, which is traversed by around 40% of the world’s maritime traffic. India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific might be bolstered by a container port and dual-use airport here, which would counteract the growing power of China.

•  Economic Potential: By reducing India’s reliance on foreign ports (such as Singapore or Colombo), the transshipment terminal might save billions of dollars in logistics expenses. Additionally, the infrastructure and new township may encourage local employment and tourism.

• Military Aspect: By serving as a force multiplier, this infrastructure would enable India’s Coast Guard and Navy to respond to regional humanitarian emergencies and maritime threats more quickly.

6.Environmental Risks

•  Mangroves and coral reefs: These ecosystems sustain biodiversity and fisheries while serving as organic barriers against erosion and storms at the same time. The ecological costs of their elimination would be irreparable and consequential..

• Biodiversity Hotspot: The Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot includes Great Nicobar. In addition to having an impact on the local ecology, disturbance here can erode India’s adherence to international environmental agreements.

• Turtle Nesting Grounds: The island is home to one of the last remaining populations of leatherback turtles, a species that is endangered and is already under threats from throughout the world. The species may become more vulnerable to extinction if there is any disturbance in Galathea Bay.

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