Great Nicobar Island Development Project

Summary of the Great Nicobar Island Project

The Great Nicobar Island Project, initiated by the Narendra Modi government, is an extensive development initiative aimed at transforming Great Nicobar into a pivotal maritime and air connectivity hub in the Indian Ocean Region. This project encapsulates multiple components including:

• International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT): Capacity of 14.2 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units).
• Greenfield International Airport: Aimed to facilitate air travel and trade.
• Gas and Solar-Based Power Plant: 450 MVA capacity.
• Township Development: Spanning over 16,610 hectares of the island.

Strategic and Environmental Considerations

• National Importance: The project is characterized as being of strategic, defense, and national importance.
• No Threat to Tribal Groups: Authorities have declared that the project will not displace the Nicobarese and Shompen tribes, with oversight committees for tribal welfare being instituted.

Environmental Impact and Safeguards

• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Comprehensive EIAs and Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) were conducted prior to project approval, addressing potential impacts during construction and operation. ₹81.55 crore has been allocated for wildlife conservation initiatives.
• Risk and Disaster Management: Studies on anthropogenic and natural disaster risks have resulted in a vulnerability and disaster management plan.

Project Framework and Phases

• Area Involved: Total area planned for development is 166.10 sq. km (35.35 sq. km revenue land and 130.75 sq. km forest land), to be developed in three phases:

  • Phase I (2025-2035): 72.12 sq. km
  • Phase II (2036-2041): 45.27 sq. km
  • Phase III (2042-2047): 48.71 sq. km

• Tribal Reserves: The project impacts only 73.07 sq. km of the tribal reserve, with provisions for re-notifying 76.98 sq. km to enhance tribal reserve areas.

Legal and Policy Framework

• Consultations with Tribal Authorities: The development adheres to the Shompen (2015) and Jarawa Policies (2004), ensuring consultations with agencies like the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Directorate of Tribal Welfare.
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 338A(9) mandates consultations with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes regarding policies affecting Scheduled Tribes.

Economic and Environmental Balance

• Forest Area Diversions: The project will involve the diversion of approximately 1.82% of the total forest area of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; compensatory afforestation will be conducted in other states as per the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
• Total Trees Estimated: The project anticipates the felling of a maximum of 7.11 lakh trees from 49.86 sq. km of forest area, with substantial areas retained as green spaces.

Economic Impact

• Employment Generation: The project is poised to generate significant employment opportunities and economic growth, enhancing India's strategic presence in the region.
• Infrastructure Development: The initiative is positioned as a dual benefit project, aligning economic development with ecological preservation, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices.

Wildlife Protection Measures

• Wildlife Corridors: Safe corridors for wildlife and ecological connectivity have been integrated into the project’s master plan to facilitate movement across habitats.

Conclusion

The Great Nicobar Island Project is a transformative initiative focused on leveraging economic potential while safeguarding tribal welfare and environmental integrity. The project underscores the Indian government's strategic, social, and ecological prioritization and aims to project India's presence in the Indian Ocean Region through enhanced connectivity and infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

• Multi-faceted Development: International terminal, airport, power plant.
• Phased Approach: Development from 2025 to 2047.
• Environmental Safeguards: EIAs and budget for conservation.
• Tribal Welfare Focus: Commitments and preservation measures.
• Economic Integration: Job creation and strategic growth.
• Legal Compliance: Adherence to constitutional and policy frameworks.