• UGI USER
  • Aug 03, 2024
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LEGAL CHALLENGES TO GREAT NICOBAR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

Why in the news?

The Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project faces intensified legal challenges, with recent reports, environmental concerns, and jurisdictional disputes being addressed in the National Green Tribunal and Calcutta High Court.

source:wordpress

High-Powered Committee (HPC) Review:

  • A report by an HPC formed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) was submitted to NGT’s Kolkata Bench.
  • The report concluded that the proposed transshipment port falls in ICRZ-IB, not ICRZ-IA where ports are prohibited.
  • The HPC was formed in response to appeals challenging green clearances for the ₹72,000-crore project.

Environmental Concerns and Activist Pleas:

  • Environmental activist Ashish Kothari and Conservation Action Trust (CAT) challenged the environmental and forest clearances.
  • Concerns included irreversible damage to biodiversity, inadequate impact studies, and impact on tribal communities.
  • The special NGT Bench found no grounds to interfere with forest clearance but noted deficiencies regarding coral conservation and port location.
About Great Nicobar Island Development Project:

Comprehensive Infrastructure Upgrade:

  • Rs 72,000-crore project covering 16,610 hectares.
  • Implemented by Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).

Key Developments:

  • International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT).
  • Greenfield international airport.
  • Two greenfield cities.
  • Coastal mass rapid transport system.
  • Free trade zone.
  • 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant.

Strategic Importance:

  • Enhances India’s security and military presence.
  • Located near Malacca Strait, vital for maritime economy.
  • Addresses Chinese naval influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

About Great Nicobar Island:

  • Location and Size:
  • Southernmost and largest Nicobar Island.
  • 910 sq km of tropical rainforest in southeastern Bay of Bengal.
  • Indira Point is 90 nautical miles from Sumatra’s northern tip.

Ecological and Human Elements:

  • Home to two national parks, a biosphere reserve.
  • Populated by Shompen, Nicobarese tribes, and non-tribal settlers

Geography:

  • Hilly terrain with lush rainforests.
  • 3,500 mm annual rainfall.
  • Habitat for endangered species like giant leatherback turtle, Nicobar megapode.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/strategic-imperatives-developing-infrastructure-in-the-andaman-and-nicobar-islands/