Why in the news?

  • Supporters of the proposed seaport at Great Nicobar argue that the project will transform India into a key regional centre for maritime security and economic development.

Great Nicobar Island Development Project

  • Aim: To transform the island into a global port-led hub, emphasizing strategic, economic, and eco-tourism development.
  • Vision:
    • Create a “Global Port-Led City” with high-end tourism and strategic infrastructure.
    • Boost India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region by leveraging the island’s geostrategic location.
  • Major Components:
    • International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP): Proposed at Galathea Bay to enhance India’s maritime trade and reduce reliance on foreign ports.
    • Greenfield Township: Spread across 130 sq. km, incorporating eco-tourism facilities.
    • Airport and Power Plant: A dual-use military-civil airport under Indian Navy control.
    • Shipbuilding and Repair Yard: Proposed at Campbell Bay with 100 acres of land and a 500-meter seafront.
  • Clearances and Implementation:
    • Forest Clearance: Stage I clearance granted in October 2022 for 130 sq. km of forest land.
    • Environmental Clearances: Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance granted in November 2022.
    • Executing Agency: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
  • Impact of the Project on Indigenous Communities:
    • Displacement: Indigenous communities face loss of ancestral lands due to deforestation and construction.
    • Livelihood Threats: Traditional fishing, hunting, and farming practices are at risk due to habitat destruction.
    • Cultural Erosion: Sacred sites and spiritual traditions are endangered by the development.
    • Marginalization: Economic displacement and forced assimilation may lead to further marginalization.
    • Rights Ignored: Lack of consultation and exclusion from decision-making undermine indigenous autonomy.
    • Social Challenges: Transition to modern systems disrupts traditional lifestyles and governance structures.
  • Common Positive Impacts:
    • Boosts regional and national economic growth through infrastructure development.
    • Generates employment in construction, tourism, and ancillary sectors.
    • Strengthens India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Enhances eco-tourism potential and attracts international tourists.
  • Common Negative Impacts:
    • Irreversible ecological damage and loss of biodiversity.
    • Social alienation and marginalization of local communities.
    • Increases vulnerability to natural disasters due to ecological imbalance

 

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