Daily Current Affairs : 4-August-2023
The Great Nicobar Project, a massive undertaking, aims to transform the Great Nicobar island into a hub of connectivity and development. This essay delves into the project’s key components, its potential benefits, environmental concerns, and its impact on the local population.
Project Overview
The scope of the Great Nicobar Project is vast, encompassing the construction of a trans-shipment port, an international airport, and a 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant. However, this development comes at a significant cost, as an estimated 9.64 lakh trees are expected to be felled to make way for these infrastructural advancements.
Compensatory Afforestation and Green Spaces
In an attempt to mitigate the ecological impact, compensatory afforestation is proposed in Haryana, given the limited plantation capacity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Additionally, a commitment has been made to preserve 15 percent of the development area as green and open spaces. These efforts might help reduce the number of trees that ultimately need to be cut down.
Biodiversity Conservation
To address the potential loss of biodiversity, various conservation bodies are set to formulate a Biodiversity Conservation or Management Plan. This plan aims to safeguard the island’s unique ecosystem and endemic species in the face of extensive development.
Great Nicobar Development Plan
The project secured environmental clearance in 2022 and will be executed in phases over the next three decades. Spearheaded by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO), the project aligns with the vision plan devised by NITI Aayog. With an estimated cost of Rs 72,000 crore, the project is poised to be a game-changer for the region.
Strategic Significance
The Great Nicobar Island’s strategic location presents a compelling rationale for the project. Situated adjacent to the Malacca Strait, a crucial Indian Ocean chokepoint, and in proximity to major international sea routes, the island holds substantial geo-economic and geopolitical value. Establishing a stronger presence on the island can counterbalance the consolidation efforts of foreign nations in the Indian Ocean Region.
Boosting Socio-Economic Growth
One of the primary justifications put forth by the government is the potential socio-economic growth the project can bring to the local population. Improved connectivity with the Indian mainland and global cities, coupled with the island’s natural assets like pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and scenic hills, could attract high-end tourists and contribute to the island’s economic prosperity.
Environmental and Ecological Concerns
However, the project’s grand ambitions raise several environmental and ecological concerns:
- Biosphere Reserve Impact: The island’s designation as a biosphere reserve and its inclusion in UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme underscore its ecological significance. The project’s development plans, involving the diversion of 15 percent of forest area and felling of nearly 10 lakh trees, could disrupt this delicate balance.
- Endemic Species at Risk: The island hosts numerous endemic plant and animal species that could face endangerment due to habitat loss. The felling of trees and potential disruption to the ecosystem might threaten these unique species.
- Mangrove Conservation: The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report suggests compensatory afforestation in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh to counter mangrove loss. However, transplanting corals, as proposed, might not yield the desired results, leading to potential irreversible damage.
Geological Vulnerability
The project’s location in an area prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, raises significant geological concerns. The Great Nicobar Island lies close to the Ring of Fire, a tectonically active zone, and was near the epicenter of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.
Tribal Concerns
The project’s potential to attract a massive influx of people, comparable to the current population of the entire island chain, threatens the rights and livelihoods of indigenous vulnerable tribal communities, notably the Nicobarese and Shompen. The majority of the island is designated as a tribal reserve, implying exclusive use for the community and necessitating their consent for any external access.
Important Points:
Project Overview:
- Aims to develop Great Nicobar island with a trans-shipment port, international airport, and power plant.
- Approximately 9.64 lakh trees may be felled to make way for the development.
Environmental Measures:
- Compensatory afforestation planned in Haryana due to limited plantation capacity on the island.
- 15 percent of the development area to be preserved as green and open spaces.
- Biodiversity Conservation or Management Plan to address potential loss of biodiversity.
Great Nicobar Development Plan:
- Received environmental clearance in 2022; will be implemented in phases over 30 years.
- Led by Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO) under NITI Aayog’s vision.
- Estimated cost: Rs 72,000 crore.
Strategic Significance:
- Island’s location near Malacca Strait and major international sea routes offers geo-economic and geopolitical advantages.
- Counters foreign consolidation efforts in Indian Ocean Region.
- Improves socio-economic growth, connectivity, and tourism potential.
Environmental and Ecological Concerns:
- Impact on biosphere reserve status and UNESCO recognition due to forest diversion and tree felling.
- Endemic species at risk due to habitat loss.
- Compensatory afforestation proposed in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh; doubts over transplanting corals.
Geological Vulnerability:
- Proximity to Ring of Fire raises concerns about natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis.
- 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake’s impact near the island’s location.
Tribal Concerns:
- Expected influx of people post-development threatens indigenous Nicobarese and Shompen tribes.
- Majority of the island designated as a tribal reserve under regulations, requiring tribal consent for external access.
Why In News
The expansive Great Nicobar Project potentially entails the clearance of approximately 964,000 trees, a significant environmental concern, to facilitate the development of a trans-shipment port, an international airport, and a robust 450 MVA gas and solar-powered plant on the picturesque Great Nicobar island. Balancing infrastructural progress with ecological preservation remains a pivotal challenge for this ambitious endeavor.
MCQs about The Great Nicobar Project’s Complex Landscape
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What is the primary aim of the Great Nicobar Project?
A. To establish a biosphere reserve
B. To develop a trans-shipment port and an international airport
C. To promote eco-tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
D. To create a wildlife sanctuary
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How does the project plan to compensate for the trees that will be felled?
A. By planting new trees on Great Nicobar island
B. By conducting compensatory afforestation in Haryana
C. By relocating the affected wildlife to other islands
D. By creating a tree museum to showcase the felled trees
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What is the strategic significance of the Great Nicobar island’s location?
A. It is a potential site for underwater archaeological research
B. It is a major hub for international trade and commerce
C. It is a prime location for oil and gas exploration
D. It is a center for regional political conferences
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How does the project impact indigenous tribes on the island?
A. It leads to an increase in tribal population
B. It results in the displacement of indigenous communities
C. It enhances the cultural preservation of tribal traditions
D. It provides job opportunities exclusively for the tribes
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