Lecturette on The Great Nicobar Project: Strategic Focus Vs Environment Loss

Jai Hind Everyone !

Today, I want to share my thoughts on the Great Nicobar Project. This topic is crucial because it involves the strategic importance of the island versus its significant environmental costs.

The Great Nicobar Island is located in a highly strategic position in the Bay of Bengal. It is situated roughly equidistant from Colombo in Sri Lanka to the southwest and Port Klang (Malaysia) and Singapore to the southeast
The island is in close proximity to the Malacca Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint that connects the Indian Ocean to the Pacific.

Strategic Importance of The Great Nicobar Projecr

This strategic location makes Great Nicobar an attractive spot for major infrastructure development.
The Indian government, through the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO), has proposed a massive three-phase, 30-year project for the island.
The plan includes an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), a greenfield international airport, a township, and a gas and solar-based power plant spread across 16,610 hectares.
The rationale behind this project is to leverage Great Nicobar's strategic position and allow it to participate in the regional and global maritime economy as a major cargo transshipment hub.
The proposed "greenfield city" is also expected to tap into the island's maritime and tourism potential.

However, this ambitious development plan comes at a significant environmental cost. The project involves the felling of nearly a million trees, which will destroy coral reefs and pose a threat to the terrestrial Nicobar Megapode bird and leatherback turtles who nest in the Galathea Bay area.
Great Nicobar is part of the Nicobar Islands rain forests ecoregion and is home to a unique and diverse flora and fauna. It is designated as the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, which is part of UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The island is home to many endemic and endangered species, including the Nicobar long-tailed macaque, saltwater crocodile, giant leatherback sea turtle, and the giant robber crab.
The Nicobarese community, the indigenous inhabitants of the island, have a deep connection with the Nicobar long-tailed macaque.
An assessment in 2016 found that 40-70% of the 36 macaque troops identified on the island are likely to lose their territories due to the proposed construction work. This will have a significant impact on the local ecosystem and the Nicobarese way of life.

The strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is not limited to the proposed infrastructure development on Great Nicobar.
The Indian government is also working to upgrade military infrastructure in the region, including revamped airfields and jetties, additional logistics and storage facilities, and a robust surveillance infrastructure.
This aims to facilitate the deployment of more military forces, larger warships, aircraft, missile batteries, and troops.

The strategic needs of the Great Nicobar project are undeniable. The island's location makes it a crucial asset for India's maritime and regional security interests. The proposed ICTT and international airport have the potential to transform Great Nicobar into a major player in the regional and global maritime economy
However, the environmental costs of this project are substantial. The destruction of the island's unique ecosystems, including the loss of habitats for endangered species and the disruption of the Nicobarese way of life, are significant concerns
The project's location in a seismically volatile zone, which saw permanent subsidence during the 2004 tsunami, also raises questions about the long-term viability and safety of the proposed infrastructure.

The Great Nicobar debate has drawn a range of reactions from various stakeholders.
The Congress party has described the proposed project as a "grave threat" to the island's indigenous inhabitants and fragile ecosystem, and has demanded the immediate suspension of all clearances and a thorough, impartial review of the project.
On the other hand, the Indian government, through the NITI Aayog and ANIIDCO, has pushed forward with the project, citing its strategic importance and potential economic benefits.
The project has also received some support from the local administration and certain tribal councils, though there are concerns about the adequacy of consultation with the Nicobarese community.

In conclusion, the Great Nicobar debate highlights the delicate balance between strategic needs and environmental costs. While the project offers significant economic and security benefits for India, it must be implemented in a way that minimizes the environmental impact and protects the unique ecosystems and indigenous communities of the island.
It is crucial that the Indian government, in consultation with environmental experts, wildlife biologists, and local stakeholders, finds a way to address the strategic needs of the region while also preserving the ecological and cultural heritage of Great Nicobar.
A comprehensive and transparent review of the project, with a focus on sustainable development and the protection of the island's biodiversity, is essential.
The Great Nicobar debate is a complex issue that requires a delicate and well-considered approach.
By striking the right balance between strategic imperatives and environmental responsibilities, India can ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of this unique and invaluable island.

This lecturette on the Great Nicobar Project is essential for SSB, Group Discussion, and Interview Officer Current Affairs as it covers critical topics such as strategic importance vs environmental impact, demonstrating an understanding of complex national issues.
Discussing the balance between strategic infrastructure development and environmental conservation showcases analytical and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for the Psychology GTO tasks in SSB.
It also highlights the significance of sustainable development and the impact on indigenous communities, reflecting a comprehensive perspective necessary for any defense officer.
Engaging in such discussions enhances knowledge of current affairs and improves performance in selection processes.