The NITI Aayog’s project in Great Nicobar

Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Environmental conservation; Environmental pollution and degradation; Environmental Impact Assessment.

Context
The article discusses ecological and social concerns of Great Nicobar development project

Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 25^th  June  2024

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The NITI Aayog’s project in Great Nicobar

There have been calls for the suspension of all clearances granted to NITI Aayog’s mega project on Great Nicobar Island, citing violations of due process and the project’s ecological and human cost. Various groups, including environmentalists and tribal rights advocates, have raised concerns about the project’s impact on the environment and indigenous communities.

Great Nicobar Island: Overview

Tribal Communities

•  Shompen:
  • Population: Approximately 250.
  • Occupation: Hunter-gatherers, living in interior forests.
  • Classification: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Nicobarese:
  • Groups: Great Nicobarese and Little Nicobarese.
  • Occupation: Farming and fishing.
  • Population: Around 450 Great Nicobarese (resettled in Campbell Bay) and 850 Little Nicobarese (mainly in Afra Bay and other islands).

Settler Population

• Origins: Settled by retired military servicemen and their families between 1968-1975.
• Communities: From Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• Current Population: Approximately 6,000 settlers, including short-term and long-term migrants.

NITI Aayog’s Project

• Plan: ‘Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island at Andaman and Nicobar Islands’.
• Budget: ₹72,000 crore.
• Components: International transshipment terminal, international airport, power plant, and township.
• Implementing Body: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).

Benefits of the NITI Aayog Project on Great Nicobar Island

• Boost to Maritime Trade:
  • Transshipment Terminal: The construction of an international transshipment terminal will position Great Nicobar as a major player in the global maritime economy, leveraging its proximity to the  Malacca Strait , one of the world’s busiest sea routes.
  • Increased Trade Opportunities: Enhanced port facilities will enable increased participation in regional and global trade, potentially attracting more shipping companies and boosting economic activities.
• Job Creation:
  • Employment Opportunities: The project is expected to create numerous jobs during both the construction and operational phases, benefiting local communities and migrants.
  • Skill Development: Opportunities for local workforce training and skill development in various sectors including construction, maritime services, and tourism.
• Tourism Development:
  • International Airport: The construction of an international airport will facilitate easier access to the island, potentially increasing tourist inflows.
• Improved Connectivity:
  • Enhanced Transport Links: The development of port and airport infrastructure will significantly improve connectivity to mainland India and other global destinations.
  • Better Access for Goods and Services: Improved transport facilities will facilitate the movement of goods and services, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
• Power and Utility Infrastructure:
  • Power Plant: Establishment of a new power plant will ensure a reliable supply of electricity, supporting both residential needs and industrial activities.
  • Modern Amenities: Development of a township with modern amenities can improve living standards and attract more skilled professionals to the region.

Opposition to the Project

• Forest Diversion
  • The project requires the diversion of approximately 130 square kilometers of forest land.
  • This would necessitate the felling of around 10 lakh (1 million) trees, leading to significant loss of biodiversity and disruption of the ecosystem.
• Denotification of Wildlife Sanctuaries
  • The project has led to the denotification of two wildlife sanctuaries  Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Megapode Wildlife Sanctuary .
  • Their denotification means that these areas will no longer be legally protected, exposing the wildlife to threats from human activities such as construction, pollution, and habitat destruction.
• Endangering Species
  • The project impacts critical habitats for endangered species such as the giant leatherback turtle and the Nicobar megapode.
  • Disruption of these habitats could lead to a decline in the population of these already endangered species, further pushing them towards extinction.
• Tribal Rights Violations
  • Some areas designated for the project overlap with the ancestral lands of the Great Nicobarese tribe.
  • This encroachment threatens the traditional way of life and cultural heritage of the Great Nicobarese.
• Consent Issues
  • The Tribal Council of Great Nicobar and Little Nicobar withdrew its no-objection certificate, citing rushed consent procedures and lack of transparency.
• Health Risks
  • Increased outside contact due to the project poses health risks to the Shompen tribe, who have limited immunity to common infectious diseases.
• Seismic Risks
  • The project proponents have been criticized for failing to adequately assess earthquake risks, given that the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is located in a seismically active region known as the “Ring of Fire”  .
  • Infrastructure built without considering these risks might not withstand earthquakes, leading to loss of life and property, and environmental damage.

Conclusion

NITI Aayog’s mega project on Great Nicobar Island underscores the critical need to balance development goals with environmental sustainability and the protection of indigenous rights. A careful, inclusive, and sustainable approach is essential to ensure that economic development does not come at the cost of ecological degradation and social injustice.

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Related PYQ

Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2016]

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Practice Question

Critically analyze the implications of the NITI Aayog’s mega project on Great Nicobar Island on the local ecology and tribal communities. [150 words]

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