Centre Defends Great Nicobar Mega Project in NGT

Centre Defends Great Nicobar Mega Project Before NGT

Why in the News?

The Union government defended the Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), asserting that it is fully aware of the project’s biodiversity impacts and has mandated long-term conservation and monitoring programmes to mitigate ecological and tribal concerns. This defense comes in the context of India’s broader efforts to align with its Nationally Determined Contributions under international climate agreements.

Government’s Stand on Environmental Impact:

• The Centre stated it is “fully aware” of the environmental implications and is implementing mitigation measures for biodiversity protection, including a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• The ₹92,000-crore project includes a transshipment port, international airport, township, and power plant across 160 sq. km, mostly forested land. The power plant component is being designed with consideration for clean energy transitions to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
• Additional Solicitor-General Aishwarya Bhati described the project as a “national asset” with conservation measures planned for the next 30 years, including potential carbon offset projects.
• Conservation initiatives include biodiversity monitoring, coral translocation, and tribal habitat preservation till 2052, aligning with principles of sustainable forest management.
• The government emphasized that it has relied on decades of scientific research while designing environmental safeguards and carbon offset mechanisms.

Biodiversity and Tribal Safeguards

• The Centre assured that no tribal displacement would occur; the project covers only 18% of Great Nicobar’s area, leaving over two-thirds as forest, which will be managed under sustainable forest management practices.
• Out of 20,668 coral colonies, around 16,000 will be translocated, with 4,500 colonies to be monitored in situ, as part of the project’s commitment to marine ecosystem preservation.
• Of 51 Nicobar megapode nests, 30 may be lost, but conservation plans are in place for the rest, demonstrating the project’s approach to balancing development with biodiversity protection.
• Leatherback turtle nesting beaches beyond the project zone will receive enhanced protection, contributing to the overall carbon offset projects in the region.
• Authorities also proposed a National Framework for Community-Centred Conservation and independent annual audits to ensure compliance with environmental and human rights standards, potentially integrating with broader emissions trading system initiatives.