The Union Shipping Ministry has proposed new infrastructure additions to the ₹72,000 crore mega-project in Great Nicobar.

About Great Nicobar Island Development Project

• Launched in 2021, the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project is a Rs. 72,000 crore mega project under the Holistic Development of Islands program.
• Aimed at transforming the GNI  into a hub of trade, tourism, and strategic military presence.
• Implementation under the aegis of NITI Aayog along with collaborations with global firms and institutions for technology and expertise.
• It was cleared by the Ministry of Environment in November 2022 and is part of a broader strategy to enhance India’s strategic presence and infrastructure in the region.
• The project is expected to be developed over 30 years in a phased manner.
• Major Components:
  • International Transshipment Port (ITP): A deep-sea port at Campbell Bay to serve as a major hub for global maritime trade.
  • Greenfield International Airport: Development of a modern airport to boost connectivity and support tourism.
  • Integrated Township: Housing and social infrastructure for residents and workforce, including educational and healthcare facilities.
  • Dual-use Military-Civilian Infrastructure: Strengthening India’s defense posture in the region while supporting civilian use.

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New Addition to the Project

• Cruise Terminal: For international and domestic high-end tourism.
• Ship-Building and Repair Facilities: Seeking 100 acres of seafront land.
• Exim Port: For construction material imports and exports.

Existing Components of the Mega Project

• International container transshipment port at Galathea Bay.
• Military-civil airport under Navy control.
• Power plant and greenfield township over 130 sq km of tropical forest.

About Great Nicobar Island (GNI)

• Location: Southernmost island of the Andaman and  Nicobar group of islands in the Bay of Bengal.
• Geography: Largest of the Nicobar Islands, mountainous terrain with tropical evergreen forests.
• It has a group of 836 islands.
• India’s Southern most Indira point is at the tip of GNI.
• Protected Sites:
  • Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
  • Campbell Bay National Park
  • Galathea National Park
• Ecological Significance:
  • High biodiversity with unique flora and fauna, including endangered species.
  • Important for marine life and coral reefs.
  • Plays a crucial role in climate regulation.
  • Designated a World Network of Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2013.

Strategic and Environmental Concerns

• Secrecy and Security: Information about the project denied under RTI citing sovereignty and security concerns. 
• Environmental Impact: Coral reefs, forest clearances, and CRZ restrictions raise ecological issues.
• Contradictions in Vision: Proposed tourism and ship-breaking activities potentially conflict with strategic purposes cited by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Challenges in Implementation

• Policy Shift: Opens up Great Nicobar to foreign vessels and tourists, reversing isolationist policies.
• Stakeholder Dissonance: Resistance from local administration and Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) over feasibility and compatibility of new proposals.
• Transparency Issues: Limited public access to information, raising accountability concerns.

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Way Forward

• Environmental Sustainability: Conduct independent environmental impact assessments to align development with conservation priorities.
• Strategic Clarity: Ensure alignment between development objectives and strategic security concerns.
• Public Accountability: Increase transparency in decision-making processes and public access to project details.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Consult local stakeholders and experts to address feasibility and socio-environmental impacts.