Great Nicobar Project: FAQs on Strategic, Environmental and Indigenous Aspects

📌 Summary:

• Great Nicobar Project: strategic initiative to strengthen India's presence in Andaman Sea; balances port-led growth with environmental safeguards and indigenous community protection
• Development footprint: 166.1 sq km (~2% of total A&N Islands area); 130.75 sq km forest diversion (~1.82% of total A&N forest cover)
• Tree impact: 18.65 lakh trees in diversion area; maximum 7.11 lakh trees to be felled
• Environmental safeguards: Biodiversity conservation plans, coral protection and translocation, wildlife management, long-term ecological monitoring, substantial EMP funding
• Strategic rationale: strengthens India's maritime and defence capabilities in Andaman Sea; integrates island with global trade networks (proximity: ~90 km from Sabang Port, Indonesia; near Strait of Malacca)
• Indigenous community: Protection of Shompen tribe (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) central to planning
• Project components: transshipment port, international airport, township, power plant

📌 Prelims Facts:

• Great Nicobar Island: India's southernmost tip; near Strait of Malacca; key IOR location
• Shompen tribe = Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) on Great Nicobar Island
• Strait of Malacca: connects Indian Ocean with Pacific; ~80% of India-China trade route
• EMP = Environmental Management Plan (mandated under Forest Conservation Act)