Great Nicobar Island Project
The Union Environment Ministry admitted before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project will significantly impact the biodiversity-rich island. This project includes a ₹92,000 crore investment covering a transshipment port, airport, power plant, and tourism township, leading to intense scrutiny and legal challenges.
Environmental Concerns and Legal Challenges
- The project site, Galathea Bay, hosts over 20,000 coral colonies, nesting sites for the Nicobar Megapode and Giant Leatherback Turtle, raising conservation concerns.
- Despite granting environmental clearance in November 2022, the Ministry acknowledged the need for mitigation measures.
Criticisms
- Denotification of Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Originally proposed in 1997 for biodiversity protection, the sanctuary was denotified, exposing contradictions in conservation commitments.
- Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Issues:
- Galathea Bay is classified as CRZ-1A due to its ecological significance, yet the NGT noted the project's location within prohibited CRZ-1A areas.
- The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) later claimed the area as CRZ-1B, raising questions about procedural integrity.
Scientific and Procedural Integrity
- The NCSCM's confidential report and claims of CRZ-1B classification are not publicly accessible, leading to accusations of circular logic and lack of transparency.
- Despite assertions of defense-related confidentiality, denotification and downgrading primarily serve commercial interests.
Implications and Ethical Concerns
- Environmental Minister Bhupendra Yadav claimed no tribal displacement, but ecological and tribal concerns remain unaddressed within the NITI Aayog vision.
- The high volume of recorded leatherback nesting at Galathea Bay contradicts claims of CRZ-1B status, indicating a need for higher protection.
- Author highlights the Ministry's contradictory claims, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and procedural honesty.
The Great Nicobar Island Project raises serious ecological, legal, and ethical questions, highlighting the need for transparent decision-making and genuine conservation efforts.
