TThe Union government’s ₹92,000 crore mega-infrastructure project to holistically develop the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) by building it as a port and a tourism-led economy has gained momentum in the past six months, even as concerns persist over its impact on the island’s ecology and the rights of local people, Nicobarese and Shompen tribes. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration has announced a draft master plan for the project. Apart from the International Container Terminal (ICTP), airport and power plants, the draft master plan envisages the development of GNI as a “seaside destination in a pristine, pristine, protected environment”, outlines plans for business, adventure, biodiversity tourism, family entertainment, theme parks, etc., along with corresponding social infrastructure for health, education and livelihood. The proposal is planned for a projected population of over 3.36 lakh by 2055, by which time the expected tourist inflow will be one million per year. More than 70% of the direct employment the government hopes to create will be in tourism and related sectors. The current population of HND is just under 10,000. This transformation of HND, supported by ICTP, is essential to capitalize on the “strategic importance” of the island’s location at the western entrance to the Strait of Malacca. The draft plan says the port will help India achieve its “goals of gaining a significant share of global maritime trade”.
But while the administration sought public input and objections for 30 days, it remains unclear when that window will remain open, given that the proposal does not mention when it was announced. This draft plan follows another draft plan to resettle local Nicobar communities to make way for the project. The two plans appear to be at odds in terms of where existing populations can be moved, which has renewed concerns among the groups. These communities have been opposing the project’s clearance since 2022, saying their forest rights have not been settled. While the National Green Tribunal set aside concerns over the project’s impact on GNI biodiversity, citing its “strategic importance”, the challenge to the project’s approval remains in the Calcutta High Court. Some have also questioned the commercial and maritime benefits of the project. Given that the project aims to irreversibly change the demography and ecology of the GNI, the most prudent course for the government is to spend the time needed to build a more holistic consensus.
Published – 13 Apr 2026 0:17 IST
