National Green Tribunal Approves Rs 90,000 Crore Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has given its official approval to the Centre's ambitious Rs 90,000-crore-plus Great Nicobar infrastructure project, dismissing multiple petitions that challenged the environmental clearance granted in 2022. The tribunal concluded that the clearance was supported by sufficient safeguards and found no valid grounds to intervene in the project's progression.
Dismissal of Petitions and Committee Scrutiny
A bench of the NGT ruled that the concerns raised by petitioners had already been thoroughly examined by a high-powered committee established in 2023 specifically to re-evaluate the approval. The tribunal emphasized that this committee had addressed all outstanding issues, leaving no room for further objections.
The NGT stated, "We find adequate safeguards in the EC conditions. The remaining issues flagged earlier have been addressed by the High-Powered Committee. Given the project's strategic importance, we see no ground to interfere."
This decision follows an earlier ruling in April 2023, where the NGT upheld the environmental clearance on multiple counts and formed the high-powered panel to consider any unresolved matters.
Strategic Importance and Project Details
The tribunal highlighted the critical strategic benefits of the project, noting its role in establishing a strong presence in the Indian Ocean region to counter foreign powers' growing influence. The NGT referenced the need to capture this strategic location to develop a new economic hub in the area.
The order quoted, "The area is located in China's 'string of pearls' strategy which is sought to be countered by Indian authorities under India's 'Act East' policy. Indian Ocean has emerged as a key intersection zone of Indian and Chinese strategic interests."
Located near Galathea Bay on Great Nicobar Island, the project encompasses:
- Construction of a container transshipment port
- Development of a dual-use civil-military airport
- Creation of an integrated township spanning 166 square kilometers
The island's position along a major east-west shipping route, nearly equidistant from Colombo, Port Klang, and Singapore, enhances its strategic value. A pre-feasibility report from March 2021 indicates the project aims to strengthen national security and boost India's position in the Indian Ocean region.
Environmental Considerations and Compliance
While approving the project, the NGT stressed that authorities must ensure "full and strict compliance with the EC conditions." The project requires the diversion of approximately 130 square kilometers of forest land on Great Nicobar Island, which is recognized globally as a biodiversity hotspot.
This area supports various species, including the Nicobar megapode, leatherback turtle, and Nicobar macaque. The tribunal's decision reflects confidence that the environmental safeguards in place are adequate to address these ecological concerns.
The NGT's ruling marks a significant step forward for the Great Nicobar project, balancing strategic national interests with environmental oversight as India seeks to enhance its presence in a crucial geopolitical region.
