Why in NEWS
The Rs 72,000-crore Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project (GNIP) has raised alarm after an IIT-Kanpur report flagged major seismic vulnerabilities in the region, which was devastated by the 2004 tsunami. Concerns also include environmental degradation and lack of tribal consultation.
Key Terms & Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| GNIP | Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project: A multi-sector development plan on Great Nicobar Island |
| EIA | Environmental Impact Assessment: Evaluates environmental risks before clearance |
| CRZ 1A | Coastal Regulation Zone 1A: Most sensitive category covering ecologically crucial coastal areas |
| Shompen Tribe | Indigenous hunter-gatherer community residing in Great Nicobar’s forests |
| Liquefaction | Process where saturated soil loses strength during an earthquake |
Key Findings of IIT-Kanpur Report
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Seismic Risk | Return period of 80–120 years for large earthquakes (>7.5 magnitude) and 420–750 years for mega-quakes (≥9 magnitude) |
| Tsunami History | At least seven tsunami events in past 8,000 years found through sediment analysis |
| Lack of Site Studies | Site-specific seismic and tsunami risk assessments still pending in vulnerable zones like Campbell Bay and Car Nicobar |
What is the Great Nicobar Island Project?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2021, spearheaded by NITI Aayog |
| Major Components | Transshipment port at Galathea Bay, greenfield airport and township, gas-based power plant |
| Strategic Value | Located near Malacca Strait; enhances maritime surveillance and defense |
| Economic Goals | Reduce reliance on foreign transshipment ports; supports Maritime India Vision 2030 |
About Great Nicobar Island
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southernmost island of the Nicobar group in the Bay of Bengal |
| Notable Feature | Indira Point – southernmost point of India |
| Biodiversity Hotspots | Campbell Bay & Galathea National Parks, Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve |
| Indigenous Tribes | Shompen, Nicobarese, Onge, Andamanese |
| Geological Risk | Formed of sandstone and shale over volcanic base, prone to seismic amplification and liquefaction |
Concerns Associated with GNIP
| Category | Issues Highlighted |
|---|---|
| Environmental | – 130 sq km of rainforest to be cleared – Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary denotified for port – Violation of CRZ 1A regulations |
| Biodiversity Threat | Threat to leatherback turtles; compensatory afforestation in Haryana and MP fails to replace unique biodiversity |
| Geological | Unstable geological foundation increases earthquake and tsunami vulnerability |
| Legal and Tribal Rights | Ignoring Shekhar Singh Commission’s 2002 recommendations; lack of tribal consent; impact on Shompen livelihood |
| Transparency | Environmental clearance granted citing national security; bypassed public participation norms |
Measures for Sustainable Implementation
| Objective | Action Steps |
|---|---|
| Ecological Safeguards | Conduct comprehensive biodiversity audits and explore alternate development sites |
| Tribal Rights Protection | Avoid displacement, ensure fair compensation and participation through community councils |
| Institutional Accountability | Form an independent watchdog panel with locals, scientists, and officials |
| Disaster Resilience | Strengthen infrastructure for earthquakes and tsunamis; promote climate-resilient water, food, and energy systems |
In a Nutshell
C.O.R.E. = Consultation, Oversight, Resilience, Ecological Balance
GNIP must prioritize Consultation with tribes, Oversight via monitoring bodies, Resilient infrastructure, and Ecological conservation.
Prelims Practice Questions
- Indira Point is located on:
A. Car Nicobar
B. Little Andaman
C. Great Nicobar
D. Campbell Bay - Which species is primarily threatened by the GNIP development in Galathea Bay?
A. Olive Ridley Turtle
B. Hawksbill Turtle
C. Leatherback Turtle
D. Green Sea Turtle - Which report recommended a ban on tree felling in tribal reserves of the Nicobar Islands?
A. Gadgil Commission
B. Shekhar Singh Commission
C. Kasturirangan Report
D. Justice Lokur Panel
Mains Practice Questions
- Examine the ecological, geological, and tribal concerns raised by the Great Nicobar Island Project. How can India balance strategic and environmental priorities in such projects? (GS3 – Environment & Security)
- Critically analyze the implications of ignoring site-specific seismic and tsunami risk assessments while approving large-scale infrastructure projects. (GS3 – Disaster Management)
Prelims Answer Key
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Indira Point is on Great Nicobar Island, India’s southernmost land point. |
| 2 | C | The Galathea Bay is a breeding zone for endangered leatherback turtles. |
| 3 | B | The Shekhar Singh Commission (2002) advised against tree felling in tribal zones. |
