NGT Clears ₹90,000 Cr Great Nicobar Project

The National Green Tribunal has cleared the Centre’s ₹90,000-crore Great Nicobar infrastructure project, allowing it to move forward after dismissing multiple petitions challenging its environmental approval.

In its order, the tribunal said the environmental clearance (EC) granted in 2022 had adequate safeguards and found no valid grounds to interfere.

Environmental Clearance Upheld

A bench of the tribunal observed that concerns raised by petitioners had already been reviewed by a High-Powered Committee constituted in 2023. The panel was tasked with re-examining aspects of the project’s approval.

While permitting the project to proceed, the tribunal emphasised that authorities must ensure “full and strict compliance” with all environmental clearance conditions.

The NGT had earlier, in April 2023, upheld the clearance on several counts and ordered further review of specific issues.

What the Project Includes

The mega project is planned near Galathea Bay on Great Nicobar Island. It proposes the development of:

• A container transshipment port

• A dual-use civil-military airport

• An integrated township spread over approximately 166 sq km

The project will require diversion of around 130 sq km of forest land. Great Nicobar is globally recognised as a biodiversity hotspot and is home to species such as the Nicobar megapode, leatherback turtle and Nicobar macaque.

Strategic Importance

In its observations, the tribunal highlighted the project’s strategic value, particularly in strengthening India’s presence in the Indian Ocean region.

The island lies along a major east–west shipping route and is positioned almost equidistant from Colombo, Port Klang and Singapore. According to official documents, this makes it significant for maritime trade and logistics.

A pre-feasibility report prepared in March 2021 stated that the project aims to enhance national security and reinforce India’s position in the Indian Ocean.

The tribunal also noted that the region has growing geopolitical importance, and the project is aligned with India’s broader strategic and economic objectives.

Compliance and Monitoring Key

Although the project has received clearance, the NGT underlined that strict adherence to environmental safeguards will be essential during execution.

With regulatory hurdles cleared at the tribunal level, the Great Nicobar project is expected to proceed as one of India’s largest infrastructure initiatives in recent years.