Great Nicobar Island Development Project

The Great Nicobar Island Development Project has drawn criticism, highlighting potential environmental impacts and displacement issues. Despite these concerns, the project is significant for India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Project Overview

• Conceived by the NITI Aayog and implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
• Estimated cost: Rs 81,000 crore.
• Includes: 
  • International container terminal
  • International greenfield airport
  • Solar power plant
  • Two greenfield cities
• Location: Southern part of Great Nicobar Island, the largest among the Nicobar Islands.

Environmental and Social Concerns

• Potential harm to local flora and fauna, including trees and turtles.
• Displacement of approximately 1,200 aboriginal tribes - Nicobarese and Shompen.
• Sonia Gandhi criticizes the government's approach, citing environmental degradation and tribal displacement.

Strategic Importance

• India's dependence on the Indian Ocean for trade and energy imports is critical.
• The Indian Ocean Region is a vital global commerce and connectivity hub.
• Historically, India has been advised to enhance maritime capabilities, often overlooked by previous governments.
• Current Indian Navy capabilities are expanding to meet regional and global challenges.

Government's Response and Measures

• Environmental impact assessments involve government and academic institutions like IIT and NIOT.
• Land allocated: 166 sq km, with compensatory afforestation in the Aravalli mountain range.
• New conservation plans for local species such as Nicobar megapodes, crocodiles, and corals.
• Only a couple of villages are to be relocated, with no tribal habitations affected.

Conclusion

The Great Nicobar Island Development Project represents a bold step towards enhancing India's maritime capabilities and economic development in the Indian Ocean Region. While environmental and social concerns are pertinent, the project addresses these through strategic planning and conservation efforts. The opposition, centered around environmental issues, is viewed by some as politically motivated, given the broader security and developmental benefits.