Relevance: GS III (Environment & Infrastructure) & GS II (International Relations) | Source: Indian Express

1. Why is it in the News?

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted approval to the massive
₹81,000 crore Great Nicobar infrastructure project.
Despite environmental concerns, the NGT held that the project’s
strategic importance is significant, provided strict ecological safeguards are ensured.

2. What is the Great Nicobar Project?

Conceptualized by NITI Aayog and implemented by ANIIDCO, the project aims to transform
Great Nicobar into a major economic and defence hub through four key components:

• Mega Port: An International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Galathea Bay to handle large global cargo vessels.
• Airport: A dual-use international airport for both civilian and military operations.
• Power Plant: A 450-MW gas and solar energy facility.
• New City: A planned integrated township for nearly 3 lakh residents.

3. The Strategic Masterstroke

• Location Advantage: The island lies close to the Strait of Malacca, through which nearly
  40% of global sea trade passes.
• Reducing Dependence: India currently relies on foreign transshipment hubs such as
  Colombo and Singapore. The new port aims to retain this trade within India.
• Security Dimension: Strengthens India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region
  and enhances monitoring of Chinese naval activity.

4. The Heavy Cost: Environment & Tribal Concerns

• Deforestation & Wildlife Threat: Nearly one million trees may be felled in pristine rainforest,
  endangering Galathea Bay, a key nesting site for the Giant Leatherback Turtle and habitat of the rare
  Nicobar Megapode.
• Impact on Indigenous People: The forests are home to the Shompen tribe,
  an isolated community whose health, land rights, and cultural survival may be severely affected by large-scale settlement.

UPSC Value Box

Prelims Practice Question

With reference to the Great Nicobar Island, consider the following statements:

1. It lies within the globally recognized Sundaland biodiversity hotspot.
2. The Shompen community, classified as a PVTG, resides exclusively on this island.
3. Galathea Bay is a globally significant nesting site for Giant Leatherback Turtles.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (d)

One-line wrap: The Great Nicobar Project captures India’s core development dilemma—balancing strategic security and
economic ambition with ecological preservation and indigenous rights.