The Great Nicobar project envisions developing the remote location, considering its strategic location.

  • The island is positioned strategically at the mouth of the Malacca Strait, which is one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints.

Issues raised against the project

  • Protection of coral reef colonies,
  • Nesting sites of leatherback turtles
  • Located in ecologically protected zones.
  • The rights of the Nicobarese and the Shompen communities can be affected.

What do you need to know?

  • The project is headed by NITI Aayog and implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation.
  • It envisions transforming the remote outpost into a major transshipment and defence hub.
  • It consists of an integrated city-state designed to serve both commercial and military purposes.
  • The project envisions an international Container Transshipment Terminal in Galathea Bay.
  • A new greenfield airport serving both civilian and military needs is planned for 24/7 operations
  • A new township to accommodate more than 3.5 lakh people who are expected to live here after the project starts. The township will be powered by a new 450-MVA gas- and solar-based power plant.

Source: The Hindu