New Delhi: The Centre has strongly rejected allegations by Rahul Gandhi that the proposed Great Nicobar infrastructure project is a “crime against nature”, asserting that it is of “strategic national importance” for India’s security and economic growth.
In a detailed clarification, the Union Ministry of Environment said the project at Great Nicobar Island has been designed to balance development with ecological safeguards and protection of indigenous communities.
Govt defends strategic importance
According to the ministry, the project aims to strengthen India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly due to its proximity—around 40 nautical miles—to a key East-West international shipping route.
Officials stated that the initiative is intended to transform the island into a major maritime and economic hub, boosting connectivity, trade, and logistics infrastructure.
“The project seeks to balance port-led growth with calibrated environmental safeguards and protection of indigenous communities,” the government said.
Gandhi calls project ‘destruction’
Gandhi had earlier criticised the plan after visiting the island, describing it as one of the “biggest scams” and a “grave crime” against the country’s natural and tribal heritage.
He alleged that the project would result in large-scale deforestation, claiming that millions of trees across nearly 160 sq km of rainforest would be destroyed.
Calling the forests “extraordinary” and irreplaceable, he said the development would harm both biodiversity and tribal communities, terming it “destruction dressed in development’s language”.
Key components of the project
The ambitious plan includes several large-scale infrastructure developments:
- An International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) with a capacity of 14.2 million TEUs
- A greenfield international airport capable of handling 4,000 passengers during peak hours
- A 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant
- A township spread over 16,610 hectares
The government said these components are aimed at establishing Great Nicobar as a critical logistics hub in the region.
Environmental concerns addressed
Responding to deforestation concerns, the ministry clarified that only 1.82 per cent of the total forest cover in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands would be diverted for the project.
While about 18.65 lakh trees fall within the project area, the number expected to be felled has been capped at around 7.11 lakh trees across 49.86 sq km, to be carried out in phases.
The project has also received environmental clearance under the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, with 42 conditions covering biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and disaster management.
Tribal welfare assurances
The government emphasised that no displacement of indigenous communities, including the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes, is planned.
Currently, the island is home to around 237 Shompen—classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group—and approximately 1,094 Nicobarese people.
While 73.07 sq km of tribal reserve land will be de-notified for project purposes, 76.98 sq km will be re-notified, resulting in a net increase of 3.912 sq km in tribal reserve areas.
Authorities also stated that consultations have been conducted with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Disaster preparedness and safeguards
Given the island’s vulnerability to earthquakes, cyclones, and tsunamis, the project includes a comprehensive disaster risk assessment and management framework.
Officials said these measures aim to ensure resilience and safety while pursuing development.
Conclusion
The Great Nicobar project has emerged as a flashpoint between development ambitions and environmental concerns. While the government maintains it is a balanced and strategic initiative, critics continue to question its ecological and social impact. The debate is likely to intensify as the project moves forward.