Context:
- The Centre’s ₹92,000-crore mega infrastructure project for Great Nicobar Island (GNI) proposes tourism as the primary driver of economic growth.
- The draft master plan envisions large-scale population settlement and infrastructure expansion by 2055.
Key Highlights:
Project Vision & Economic Strategy
- Focus on tourism-led development with projected over 1 million tourists annually by 2055.
- Target population growth to 3.36 lakh, driven by job creation (permanent and temporary employment).
- Emphasis on planned urbanisation and economic diversification.
Infrastructure Components
- International container transshipment port
- Greenfield airport
- Power plants and township development
Demographic Aspects
- Local Nicobarese population projected to increase from 7,500 to ~11,500.
- Policy aims at encouraging migration and settlement.
Tribal & Legal Concerns
- Withdrawal of consent by Nicobarese citing unsettled forest rights.
- Challenge pending before Calcutta High Court regarding environmental and legal clearances.
- Contradictions in planning:
- Proposal for tribal settlements near Pemmaya Bay
- Parallel plan for relocation to Pulobaha (northward shift)
Governance & Consultation Issues
- Draft released for 30-day public consultation, but lack of transparency on notification timeline.
Significance / Concerns
- Strategic importance due to location in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Concerns over ecological fragility, tribal rights, and sustainability.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Great Nicobar Island: Southernmost island of India, part of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Hosts Galathea Bay – ecologically sensitive zone.
- Home to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Shompen and Nicobarese.
- Project received Stage-I Forest Clearance (2022).
- Strategic importance due to proximity to Malacca Strait shipping route.
- Concepts: Transshipment ports, PVTGs, Forest Rights Act (2006).
Relevant Mains Points:
- Development vs Environment Debate:
- Large-scale infrastructure in ecologically sensitive zones risks biodiversity loss.
- Potential threat to endemic species and coastal ecosystems.
- Tribal Rights & Governance:
- Issues of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
- Implementation gaps in Forest Rights Act, 2006.
- Strategic & Economic Importance:
- Enhances India’s maritime trade capacity and geopolitical positioning.
- Potential to reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs (e.g., Colombo, Singapore).
- Sustainable Development Challenges:
- Balancing economic growth with ecological conservation.
- Need for inclusive planning with local communities.
Way Forward:
- Ensure transparent environmental impact assessments (EIA).
- Strict adherence to tribal rights and legal safeguards.
- Adopt eco-sensitive infrastructure planning.
- Promote community-based tourism models.
- Strengthen judicial and institutional oversight.
UPSC Relevance
- GS I: Tribal communities, population settlement
- GS II: Governance, rights issues, environmental clearances
- GS III: Infrastructure, environment, biodiversity, maritime economy