NGT Clears ₹92,000-Crore Great Nicobar Island Mega-Infrastructure Project Citing Strategic Importance
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has cleared the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, dismissing petitions challenging its environmental clearance. The project includes an International Container Transshipment Terminal, a greenfield airport, a power plant, and a township. The NGT emphasized the project's strategic and national importance, stating that adequate safeguards are provided in the environmental clearance conditions. It directed the Environment Ministry to ensure the protection of coral reefs and leatherback turtle nesting sites. While the NGT cleared the environmental aspect, forest clearance challenges remain pending in the Calcutta High Court, and local tribes have raised concerns regarding land rights.
Key Points
- The project is deemed of strategic, defense, and national importance for India's maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
- A high-powered committee (HPC) was formed to address ecological concerns like coral reef protection and turtle nesting sites.
- The NGT ruled that three-season environmental data was not mandatory because there is no high erosion site in the region.
- Local indigenous communities, specifically the Nicobarese and Shompen, have raised objections regarding forest land rights and lack of consent.
Exam Facts
- Project Cost: ₹92,000 crore.
- Key Components: Transshipment port, greenfield international airport, power plant, and township.
- Tribes Involved: Nicobarese and Shompen.
- Legal Body: National Green Tribunal (NGT).
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