Great Nicobar project.

Why in news: Centre submits report on Great Nicobar project to NGT in sealed envelope, says Rs 80 crore released for conservation efforts.

What is the Great Nicobar Island Development Project?

• The project involves a comprehensive Rs 72,000-crore infrastructure upgrade on Great Nicobar Island. It is being implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).

The Great Nicobar Island Development project includes developing

1. An International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT)
2. A greenfield international airport
3. Two greenfield cities
4. A coastal mass rapid transport system
5. A free trade zone
6. International cruise terminal (New addition)
7. A ship breaking yard (New addition)

Significance of Great Nicobar Island Development Project?

1. Geo-strategic benefit- Great Nicobar Island is located close to the Malacca Strait, which is the main waterway connecting the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. 
2. Economic Boost- The project includes an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), which can make Great Nicobar a significant player in cargo trans shipment.
3. Local Infrastructure & Social Services: New healthcare, educational facilities, improved roads, digital infrastructure, and robust governance systems (telemedicine, e-governance) are planned .
4. Tourism Development- It helps in creation of tourism prospects in the region. This will aid the income generation in the region.
5. Upgradation of military infrastructure- The Great Nicobar project also helps in the upgradation of military infrastructure by the establishment of airfields, jetties, and surveillance facilities.
6. Creation of Job opportunities for locals- The Nicobar plan involves the creation of infrastructure (ports, airports etc.). This will help in creation of job opportunities for the locals.
7. Geo-Security Concerns- The Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean region are vital for India’s strategic and security interests, especially with the Chinese naval expansion. The project will strengthen India’s maritime security and deterrence capabilities.

Major concerns associated with the Great Nicobar Island Development Project-

1. Massive deforestation & habitat loss : Over 130 km² of primary rainforest will be cleared—potentially up to 1 million trees—threatening endemic flora and fauna like Nicobar megapode birds and leatherback turtles.
2. Violation of tribal rights & lack of consultation :The Shompen and Nicobarese tribes—many living in voluntary isolation—were excluded from hearings.  It also violates the letter and spirit of the Forest Rights Act (2006), which holds the Shompen as the sole legally empowered authority to protect, preserve, regulate and manage the tribal reserve.
3. Seismic vulnerability and disaster risk : Situated in a high-risk seismic zone (Ring of Fire, Zone V) the region experienced 15 ft subsidence during the 2004 tsunami—raising concerns over structural resilience and emergency preparedness  .
4. Lack of Adequate Consultation- The project has been pushed through without adequate deliberations of all the stakeholders like the The Tribal Council. 
5. Lack of adequate Social Impact Assessment- The Campbell Bay panchayat has raised concerns regarding the lack of adequate social impact assessment before land acquisition. 
6. Threat to tribal survival & health :The influx of settlers—projected population from ~8,500 to ~650,000—could expose vulnerable tribal communities (especially Shompen) to deadly diseases and cultural erasure.

Way Forward

1. Ensure free, prior, and informed consent of the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes by genuinely involving them in the planning process and protecting their rights under relevant laws like the Shompen policy of 2015, Forest Rights Act and PESA.
2. Adopt sustainable development by minimizing ecological damage, preserving biodiversity, and integrating environment-friendly infrastructure.
3. Incorporate disaster-resilient planning by designing infrastructure that can withstand earthquakes and tsunamis, along with robust early warning and evacuation systems.
4. Implement the project in a phased manner with pilot projects, periodic environmental monitoring, and feedback-based adjustments to avoid irreversible damage.
5. Reassesment of economic feasibility of the project- The project lies equidistant (1,300 km) from established transhipment hubs and bunkering ports of Singapore, Port Klang (Malaysia) and Hambantota (Sri Lanka). Hence the economic viability of yet another transhipment terminal in Great Nicobar Island needs to be reassessed.
6. Eco-friendly Construction- The construction of infrastructure should be done using eco-friendly practices like strict adherence to GRIHA code for building construction.
7. Transparency in Data and Report- NITI Aayog and the agencies participating in planning should maintain transparency in data. This will give a holistic view to critics and supporters.