Why is it in the news?
→ National Green Tribunal approved the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project with strict environmental safeguards.
→ Decision balances strategic infrastructure needs with ecological protection measures.
Category: Environment
Important Points
- Mega infrastructure project conceived by NITI Aayog in 2021.
- Development areas include Galathea Bay, Pemmaya Bay and Nanjappa Bay.
- Components include the International Container Transshipment Terminal, airport, township and power plant.
- NGT directed prevention of shoreline erosion and protection of sandy beaches.
- Coral reef conservation and regeneration mandated with ZSI guidance.
- Protection measures for Leatherback turtles, Nicobar megapode and endemic species.
- Requires consultation with tribal groups like Shompen and Nicobarese under Forest Rights Act 2006.
- Strategic location near Malacca, Sunda and Lombok Straits enhances maritime monitoring.
- The island hosts the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO MAB programme (2013).
- Concerns include deforestation of 130 sq km rainforest and seismic vulnerability.
- The project aims to reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs like Singapore and Colombo.
- Includes 8 wildlife corridors and compensatory afforestation plans.