What is GNI Project?

• The GNI Project refers to the “Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island,” a proposed mega project being piloted by NITI Aayog.
• The project aims to develop the southern end of the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands in the Bay of Bengal by constructing –

1. Transhipment port
2. Dual-use military-civil international airport
3. Power plant and
4. A township over a span of 30 years on more than 160 sq. km of land, of which 130 sq. km is primary forest

Features of the Project

• Transshipment hub of the East: The proposed port will allow Great Nicobar to participate in the regional and global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transhipment.
• Naval control: The port will be controlled by the Indian Navy, while the airport will have dual military-civilian functions and will cater to tourism as well.
• Urban amenities: Roads, public transport, water supply and waste management facilities, and several hotels have been planned to cater to tourists.

Significance of the Project

The GNI Project holds both economic and strategic significance:

• Economic Significance: It positions Great Nicobar as a transhipment hub in the East, strategically located along the East-West international shipping corridor. This can potentially boost revenue and make India a significant player in cargo transhipment.
• Strategic Significance: The development of Great Nicobar has been deemed crucial for national security and consolidating India’s position in the Indian Ocean Region. The project serves as an oceanic outpost and addresses concerns over increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean.

Challenges and Concerns

• Biodiversity Threat: The project’s development, township construction, and influx of people may lead to habitat destruction and degradation, posing a threat to numerous species on the island.
• Indigenous Tribes Displacement: The project could displace two isolated and indigenous tribes, the Shompen and the Nicobaris, jeopardizing their way of life and cultural heritage.
• Deforestation Impact: Cutting down an estimated 9.64 lakh trees in prehistoric rainforests could significantly impact the island’s ecology and biodiversity.
• Inadequate Environmental Assessments: Concerns have been raised about the haste in obtaining clearances and the adequacy of environmental and social impact assessments.
• Fragile Topography: The region’s tectonic volatility and disaster vulnerability add to the challenges, particularly considering the 2004 Tsunami’s impact on tribal communities.

Major Concerns

• Tree Felling Estimate: Minister of State (Environment) Ashwini Kumar Choubey revealed that approximately 9.64 lakh trees may need to be cut down for the development in the Great Nicobar Project. However, there is a possibility that the actual number of trees felled could be lower.
• Environmental Consequences: The forest earmarked for development on the Great Nicobar Island is an evergreen tropical forest with high biological diversity, housing nearly 650 species of flora and 330 species of fauna.
• Compensatory Afforestation: To offset the tree felling, the government plans to carry out compensatory afforestation in Haryana. The state has agreed to provide an area of 261.5 square km for this purpose.
• Tribal concerns: The island administration did not grant forest land ownership to local tribespeople as required under the Forest Conservation Rules, 2017, raising concerns about consent and rights recognition.
• Inconsistencies with Stage-I Clearance: The approval process for the project faced delays, and claims over forest land under the FRA were not processed adequately.

Conclusion

• The Great Nicobar Project’s environmental concerns, including extensive tree felling, potential habitat destruction, and challenges related to tribal communities, call for a careful reconsideration of the project’s impact and approach.
• Striking a balance between economic development and environmental conservation is crucial, emphasizing sustainable practices and preserving the island’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

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