Great Nicobar Island, located in the southernmost part of the Nicobar archipelago, is a globally significant biodiversity hotspot and ecological treasure of India. Covering over 103,000 hectares, this island is characterized by extensive tropical evergreen rainforests, rich marine ecosystems including coral reefs and seagrass meadows, and a wide variety of endemic and endangered flora and fauna. It serves as a vital carbon sink and natural buffer against natural disasters like tsunamis, given its location in a highly seismic zone. The island is also home to indigenous tribes such as the Shompen and Nicobarese, who depend closely on its forests and coastal resources for their livelihood and cultural identity. Against this backdrop, India''s ambitious Great Nicobar development project aims to transform the island into a strategic economic and defense hub, raising intense debates about balancing developmental gains with conserving fragile ecosystems and tribal rights.

Ecological Significance of Great Nicobar Island

• Great Nicobar is one of India''s richest biodiversity zones, with over 85% covered in tropical rainforest acting as crucial carbon sinks.
• The island hosts unique flora and fauna including endangered species like the Nicobar megapode and leatherback sea turtles.
• It is part of a biodiversity hotspot and plays a vital global role in climate regulation.
• The island’s coastal areas, including coral reefs and mangrove belts, provide natural defenses against tsunamis and storms.
• Great Nicobar lies in a high seismic zone prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, increasing its ecological vulnerability.

Developmental Ambitions and Project Components

• The government plans a mega infrastructure project including a transshipment port, township, greenfield airport, and power plants.
• Out of the island’s vast area, 166 square kilometers have been allocated for development.
• The project aims to boost strategic, economic, and connectivity benefits for India, especially near vital trade routes like the Malacca Strait.

Environmental Concerns and Challenges

• Massive deforestation is a key issue, with approximately 9.6 to over 18 million trees expected to be cut, destroying 130 sq km of primary rainforest.
• The loss of pristine forests threatens biodiversity, including the habitats of endangered species and vital marine ecosystems.
• There is significant concern over destruction of coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and turtle nesting beaches due to dredging and port construction.
• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ 1a) protections have allegedly been bypassed or altered to permit development in ecologically sensitive areas.
• Compensatory afforestation plans involve planting trees in degraded areas far from Nicobar, which cannot replicate lost biodiversity.
• Geological and climatic risks include the island’s vulnerability to earthquakes, tsunamis, heavy rainfall, and the impacts of climate change like sea-level rise.

Social and Tribal Impact

• The project affects the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes, classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), who rely on the forest ecosystem for food, shelter, and cultural identity.
• Forced relocation and dismantling of socio-ecological balance raise serious humanitarian and rights concerns.

Legal and Institutional Controversies

• Confidential reports clearing the project have been challenged for lack of transparency and inadequate environmental impact assessment.
• Legal challenges continue over environmental clearances, especially regarding violations of coastal zone regulations.
• The National Green Tribunal has intervened to reassess the project’s environmental impact.

Balancing Development and Conservation

• The government claims the project incorporates environmental safeguards and consultations with scientific institutions.
• Measures like limited land allocation, compensatory afforestation, and species-specific conservation plans are proposed.
• Experts emphasize the need for phased, ecologically sensitive development that includes tribal participation and scientific monitoring.
• Continuous post-project environmental assessment is necessary to ensure mitigation measures’ effectiveness.

The Great Nicobar Project exemplifies the global tension between development and ecological preservation. While promising strategic and economic gains, the project endangers a unique ecosystem of immense biodiversity and cultural heritage. Thoughtful, inclusive, and scientifically guided approaches are essential to protect the island''s nature while pursuing India’s development priorities, reviving crucial discussions about the legal rights of nature in balancing human progress and environmental stewardship.