Why in news?
India’s environment ministry cleared the final decks in August 2025 for a multi‑billion‑dollar infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island. The plan aims to transform the remote island into a strategic maritime and logistics hub, but it has sparked debates about ecological and tribal rights.
Components of the project
- Transshipment port: A deep‑water harbour at Galathea Bay will handle up to nine million containers per year, positioning India as a competitor to regional hubs like Colombo and Singapore.
- International airport: A greenfield airport capable of handling large passenger jets will connect the island directly to mainland India and Southeast Asia.
- Power plant and township: A gas‑based power station and a modern township for 3,000 families of civilian workers and defence personnel are planned.
Concerns and safeguards
- Environmental impact: The island is home to pristine rainforests, coral reefs and endangered species like the leatherback turtle. Critics worry that dredging and construction will damage these habitats.
- Indigenous rights: The Shompen and Nicobarese tribes have lived sustainably on the island for centuries. Activists argue that the project must honour the Forest Rights Act 2006 and the Andaman and Nicobar Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation 1956.
- Seismic vulnerability: Great Nicobar lies near the meeting point of several tectonic plates. Any major infrastructure must be earthquake‑resistant and include tsunami early‑warning systems.
Way forward
Balancing strategic interests with ecological and social safeguards will determine the project’s success. Comprehensive environmental impact assessments, consent from tribal councils and adaptive construction techniques can mitigate harm. If implemented responsibly, the project could boost trade and maritime security while respecting the island’s unique heritage.