Expansion of Great Nicobar Project

Syllabus: GS3/ Infrastructure

Context

• The Union Shipping Ministry has proposed a major expansion of the ₹72,000 crore mega-infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island.

The Great Nicobar project

• Implementing authority: The project is being implemented by the Port Blair-based Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Ltd (ANIIDCO).
• The Project involves developing an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), an international airport, township development, and a 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant on the island.
  • The site for the ICTT and power plant is Galathea Bay on the southeastern corner of Great Nicobar Island, where there is no human habitation.

Significance of the Project

• Economic Growth: The International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) will position Great Nicobar as a key hub in global maritime trade, boosting regional economic growth.
• Strategic Importance: The project enhances India’s maritime capabilities and reduces dependence on foreign ports for cargo transshipment.
• Sustainability: The 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant will provide renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

What are the new additions?

• The project includes an international cruise terminal and high-end tourism infrastructure, aimed at transforming the island into a global port-led city with sustainable eco-tourism.
• The Shipping Ministry has also sought 100 acres of land with a seafront for a proposed ship building and ship breaking facility, and an export-import port.

Concerns associated with the project

• Ecological degradation: It will lead to the destruction of around 33,000 acres of biodiversity-rich forests and will threaten marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and nesting grounds for endangered species.
• Humanitarian Concerns: The project will lead to the displacement of indigenous communities, like Payuh with traditional rights over Meroë and Menchal Islands, disrupting their livelihoods and cultural heritage.
• Transparency Issues: Multiple requests for detailed project information were denied under Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act, citing reasons of sovereignty, integrity, and security of the nation.

Concluding remarks

• While the Great Nicobar Project aims to boost economic growth and strategic presence, it risks environmental damage and indigenous displacement. 
• A transparent, consultative, and ecologically sensitive approach is crucial to balance development with biodiversity conservation and safeguard the rights of local communities.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Location: The islands are located 1,300 km southeast of the Indian mainland in the Bay of Bengal. 1. It extends from 6° 45′ N to 13° 41′ N and from 92° 12′ E to 93° 57′ E. – This archipelago is composed of more than 500 big and small islands, which are divided into two distinct groups of islands – The Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands.‘ 1. Ten Degree Channel’ separates the Andaman Islands in the north from the Nicobar Islands in the south. The Andaman Islands – These islands are divided into three major sub-groups – North Andaman, Middle Andaman, and South Andaman. – The capital city of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Port Blair is located in South Andaman. The Nicobar Islands – These islands are divided into three major sub-groups – Northern Group, Central Group, and Southern Group. 1. The Great Nicobar is the largest and the southernmost island in the group located in the Southern Group. 2. India’s southernmost point ‘Indira Point’ is located at the southern tip of the Great Nicobar. Other Features – Most of these islands have a volcanic base and are made of tertiary sandstone, limestone, and shale. 1. The Barren and Narcondam islands, north of Port Blair, are volcanic islands. 1. Some of the islands are fringed with coral reefs. – Saddle Peak (737 m) in North Andaman is the highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. – The names of the following three islands were changed in 2018: 1. Ross Island – renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep 2. Neil Island – renamed as Shaheed Dweep 3. Havelock Island – renamed as Swaraj Dweep

Source: TH