The Union Environment Ministry has submitted a confidential report from a high-powered committee (HPC) to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), reviewing the environmental clearance for the controversial Great Nicobar Island mega infrastructure project. The six-member NGT bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, is examining allegations of environmental violations connected to the project, which has been challenged by activist Ashish Kothari.
In an additional affidavit, the ministry reported the release of ₹80 crore for wildlife conservation initiatives related to the project, including efforts to protect leatherback sea turtles and the Nicobar megapode. The NGT had previously directed the ministry to document the follow-up actions after the HPC reevaluated the project’s environmental impact.
The HPC, established in April 2023, addressed deficiencies concerning coral conservation and the project’s location. It determined that environmental assessments complied with statutory requirements and stated that 16,510 coral colonies near the site required translocation. The project, which entails significant ecological disruption, aims to develop an international container terminal, an airport, and a large power facility across 166 sq km, necessitating the clearance of over a million trees.
