The decision to develop Great Nicobar Island has been made after careful consideration of its ecological, social, and strategic factors, according to a recent post by a Union Minister on X. The Great Nicobar Island Project is an ambitious initiative featuring an integrated development plan that includes an international container transhipment terminal (ICTT) capable of handling 14.2 million TEUs, a new international airport, and a gas and solar-based power plant with a capacity of 450 MVA, along with a township covering 16,610 hectares.
The minister emphasized that the project aims to establish Great Nicobar as a significant hub for maritime and air connectivity within the Indian Ocean Region. He reassured that it poses no threat to the island’s tribal communities, does not interfere with local species, and maintains the ecological sensitivity of the area. This statement comes in response to concerns raised by opposition leaders regarding the potential negative impacts of the project.
Recently, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi expressed her apprehensions in a column, arguing that the project endangers one of the world’s most unique ecosystems and increases vulnerability to natural disasters. She criticized the substantial investment of Rs 72,000 crore, warning that it poses an existential threat to the island’s indigenous tribal populations.
