NGT approves Great Nicobar Mega Project worth Rs 81,000 crore, preparations to increase India’s strength in the Indian Ocean

A six-member special bench of the National Green Tribunal (Great Nicobar Project 81000 Crore) has approved the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project. A bench headed by Justice Prakash Srivastava said the environmental clearance granted to the project contained adequate safeguards and there was no solid ground to interfere with the same.

this project Andaman and Nicobar Islands It will be developed in an area of ​​166 square kilometers on the Great Nicobar Island. Under this, there is a proposal to divert 130 square kilometers of forest land and cutting of about 10 lakh trees.

What will be built in this mega project?

Under this project, the government will develop a transshipment port, integrated township, airport for civil and military use and a gas and solar power plant of 450 MVA capacity. This project is considered to bring strategic changes in all three sectors – logistics, defense and energy.

The NGT clarified that the environment clearance included special conditions for the protection of rare species like leatherback sea turtle, Nicobar megapode, salt water crocodile, robber crab and Nicobar macaque (Great Nicobar Project 81000 Crore). Also, the government has been instructed to ensure that foreshore development does not cause coastal erosion or damage to the sandy beach.

Why is this project important for India?

Great Nicobar Island is located very close to the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. Due to this strategic location, India will be able to further strengthen its strategic and economic position in the Indian Ocean region.

Experts believe that this transshipment port will make India a big player in the global supply chain. Also, this area is very important from military point of view (Great Nicobar Project 81000 Crore), from where it will be easy to monitor China’s activities in the Indian Ocean. In case of disaster or war, this island will give India a quick response and strategic edge.

The NGT has also said that the government will be bound by the environmental conditions and no violations will be allowed. In this way, the Great Nicobar Project seems to be an important part of India’s long-term strategic policy by striking a balance between development and environment.