The Great Nicobar Island is the largest of the Nicobar Islands and is located in the southernmost region of the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The total area is 910 sq km with a forest area 865.8 sq km. As of May 2013, UNESCO has declared the area a World Biosphere Reserve and as of Nov 2022, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has approved a project worth Rs 72,000 crore for the holistic development of the island. The project was first conceptualized by NITI Aayog in 2021 and will be carried out by ANIIDCO (Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation) under their vision plan.
Let’s check out all about the Great Nicobar Island development project plan by the Indian Government
Modern Infrastructure – 4 Major Projects
The government’s plan is to develop the Great Nicobar into a hub for tourism, trade, and security. The project aims to provide modern infrastructure, such as a deep-sea port, an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), a greenfield international airport, and a township with modern roads, to improve connectivity within and outside the islands. The project also includes the development of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to make the islands self-sufficient in energy.
Sustainable Source of Income
The government has identified four key areas for development – tourism, fisheries, timber, and carbon credits. The development of these sectors is expected to generate employment opportunities and boost the local economy. Additionally, the government plans to promote the cultivation of high-value crops and medicinal plants to create a sustainable source of income for the locals. Potential job creation by 2050 is 2.6 lakh.
Strategic and Military Advantages in Indo-Pacific Region
The development of the Great Nicobar Islands has strategic and military significance for India. The islands lie close to the Strait of Malacca, which is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The development of a deep-sea port in the islands will enable India to monitor and control the traffic in the Strait of Malacca. This will give India an edge in the Indo-Pacific region and enhance its security and strategic interests.
Developing A Tourism Hub
The development of the islands is expected to make them a popular tourist destination for foreigners. The government plans to promote eco-tourism and adventure sports to attract tourists. The islands are known for their beaches, coral reefs, and marine life, which make them a unique destination. Number of tourists expected per year is 10 lakh. The development of the islands is expected to create employment opportunities for the locals and generate revenue for the government.
The Benefits of the Project: Boosting The Overall Economy
The development of the Great Nicobar Island will have a significant impact on the overall economy of India. The development project on the Great Nicobar is expected to create thousands of new jobs for the local people. The government has emphasized that local labor will be given priority for the project and has already begun hiring for various positions.
This initiative is expected to provide a boost to the local economy, create new income opportunities, and improve the standard of living for the people living in the region. The project will also improve the connectivity of the islands, which will facilitate trade and commerce. The development of the islands will generate revenue for the government, which can be used for social welfare schemes.
The Drawback: Ecological Concerns With the Great Nicobar Island Project
While the proposed development plan for the Great Nicobar promises to bring about economic growth and strategic benefits, it has also received significant backlash from environmentalists and opposition groups due to its potential ecological impact.
One of the main concerns is the threat posed to the islands’ unique and delicate ecosystem. The Great Nicobar Islands are home to a vast array of rare and endangered flora and fauna, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world. The proposed development could lead to habitat destruction, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, which could have long-term ecological consequences. Additionally, the construction of new infrastructure such as ports and highways could disrupt the natural landscape and waterways, leading to soil erosion, sedimentation, and pollution.
The islands are also vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and cyclones, which could be exacerbated by human activities such as land reclamation and coastal development. Another concern is the potential impact on the indigenous communities that call the islands home. The development plan may involve displacement of local communities and disruption to their traditional ways of life, which could have significant social and cultural implications.
Furthermore, the islands are part of the fragile marine ecosystem of the Indian Ocean, and any large-scale development could lead to damage to the coral reefs and marine life. The islands are home to several species of marine turtles, including the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle, which could be negatively impacted by the development plan. It is important to ensure that the development plan includes measures to protect the marine ecosystem and promote sustainable fishing practices.
Final Note
In conclusion, while the proposed development plan for the Great Nicobar Islands promises significant benefits, it is important to consider the potential ecological impact of such development. The delicate ecosystem of the islands, the vulnerability to natural disasters, the rights and interests of indigenous communities, and the marine ecosystem must all be taken into account in any development plan. It is possible to strike a balance between economic development and ecological conservation, and it is essential that this balance is achieved in the case of the Great Nicobar Islands. The government must work closely with environmentalists and local communities to ensure that the development of the islands is in line with their interests.
This article is written by Priyanshu Kaushik
