Nicobar Project Contractors Stir Up Concerns

Why in the news?

  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) has initiated the contractor selection process for tree enumeration, felling, and logging.
  • This is part of the controversial Great Nicobar development project, which involves clearing76 sq km of forest.
  • ANIIDCO emphasised that the current step is for tree enumeration, not immediate tree felling.

Nicobar Project Contractors Stir Up Concerns

Great Nicobar Project Details and Timeline:

  • The project aims to establish an international container transshipment terminal, a greenfield airport, and power plants.
  • It requires diverting75 sq km of forest land, with tree felling planned between 2025 and 2047.
  • Phase 1 involves clearing26 sq km of forest.

Environmental and Legal Concerns:

  • Environmentalists are concerned about the project’s impact on Great Nicobar’s rare species, rainforests, and tribal populations.
  • Activist Ashish Kothari has filed petitions in the National Green Tribunal and Kolkata High Court against the project.
  • Despite legal challenges, the Ministry of Environment granted Stage-I forest clearance in October 2022.
  • A controversial compensatory afforestation plan proposes offsetting forest loss in Haryana’s Aravallis, drawing criticism from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and other environmentalists.

What is the Great Nicobar Island Development Project?

  • Investment: Rs 72,000 crore infrastructure upgrade led by
  • Project Area: Covers 16,610 hectares, utilising proximity to the Malacca Strait.
  • Key Developments:
    • International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT)
    • Greenfield international airport
    • Two greenfield cities
    • Coastal mass rapid transport system
    • Free trade zone
  • Geography: Hilly, rainforest-covered island with 3,500 mm annual rainfall, home to endangered species like leatherback turtles and Nicobar megapodes.

Significance of the Great Nicobar Island Development Project:

  • Geo-Strategic Benefit: Enhances India’s role in the regional and global maritime economy by leveraging its proximity to the Malacca Strait.
  • Geo-Security Concerns: Strengthens India’s maritime security, especially against Chinese naval expansion in the Indian Ocean.
  • Military Infrastructure: Upgrades military infrastructure with new airfields, jetties, and surveillance systems.
  • Economic Boost: Establishment of an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) enhances cargo transshipment and regional economic activity.
  • Job Creation: Development of infrastructure generates employment for local communities.
  • Tourism Development: Promotes tourism, aiding income generation in the region.
  • Social Benefits: Improves healthcare, education, and digital services like telemedicine and tele-education.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/great-nicobar-island-project/