Why in news?
Parliament members and environmental groups have debated the government’s plans to develop Great Nicobar Island, including a transshipment port, international airport and township. Supporters argue that the project will strengthen India’s strategic presence in the Andaman Sea, while critics warn about deforestation and threats to Indigenous communities.
Background
Great Nicobar, the southernmost island of the Andaman and Nicobar chain, covers about 921 km² and is home to the Shompen and Nicobarese peoples. It hosts dense tropical forests and coastal mangroves that support endemic species such as the Nicobar megapode, crab‑eating macaque and Nicobar tree shrew. Much of the island is part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2013. In 2021 the government proposed a holistic development plan involving a deep‑water transshipment port at Galathea Bay, an international airport, a township and power plants. The project has received environmental clearance with conditions to minimise ecological harm.
Key aspects and concerns
- Strategic importance: The proposed port aims to transform Great Nicobar into a major hub for container ships between East Asia and the Indian Ocean, reducing dependence on ports like Singapore. An air base would improve surveillance and logistics for the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
- Biodiversity: The biosphere reserve harbours around 650 species of flowering plants, 14 mammals, 71 birds and numerous reptiles and insects. The island is also crucial nesting habitat for leatherback turtles.
- Environmental concerns: Construction would involve cutting more than 8 lakh trees and reclaiming coastal areas, potentially disturbing turtle nesting beaches and coral reefs. Conservationists fear it could fragment habitats and displace the semi‑nomadic Shompen community.
- Government assurances: Officials claim that only degraded forest will be cleared and that compensatory afforestation and social impact assessments will protect tribal rights. Opposition parties have demanded independent reviews and greater transparency.