NGT Dismisses Petitions on Rs 81,000-Crore Great Nicobar Project

The National Green Tribunal on Monday dismissed multiple petitions challenging the Indian government's Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar infrastructure project, paving the way for its implementation on the ecologically sensitive island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The tribunal, in an order dated February 16, ruled that adequate environmental safeguards were in place and emphasized the project's strategic importance, directing authorities to ensure strict compliance with clearance conditions.

The project, spanning about 166 square kilometers, aims to develop Great Nicobar Island into an economic and defense hub. It includes an integrated township with residential, commercial, tourist, logistics, and defense facilities; a transshipment port at Galathea Bay; a dual-use civil and military international airport; and a 450 MVA gas- and solar-powered plant. The initiative, initially conceptualized by NITI Aayog and now overseen by the Andaman and Nicobar Island Integrated Development Corporation, will require diverting 130 square kilometers of forest land and felling nearly one million trees. Land reclamation of approximately 4.92 square kilometers is also planned for the port...