The Government of India issued a detailed clarification regarding the Great Nicobar Project on Friday, characterizing it as a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing India’s presence in the Andaman Sea. The initiative, which entails an investment of ₹81,000 crores, seeks to harmonize port-led growth with necessary environmental safeguards while prioritizing the protection of indigenous communities.
This clarification followed criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who condemned the project earlier this week, labeling it a substantial threat to both the environment and the communities residing in the region. In response, the government asserted that the project is of “strategic, defense, and national importance,” undertaken following thorough due diligence and careful evaluation.
According to the government, the Great Nicobar Project is designed to significantly bolster India’s maritime and defense capabilities in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia. It aims to connect the island to global trade and logistics networks and intends to develop a major international transshipment terminal.
The administration stated that the potential ecological impacts of the project have been thoroughly identified and are being managed through a comprehensive environmental impact assessment process. In terms of safeguarding tribal communities, the government emphasized compliance with all relevant statutory procedures and policy provisions. It mentioned that consultations with appropriate authorities and experts were conducted in accordance with the Jarawa Policy of 2004 and the Shompens Policy of 2015.
The Empowered Committee has assured that the interests of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups will not be negatively affected by the development. Furthermore, the project has obtained a no objection certificate from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, with adherence to the Forest Rights Act of 2006.
