NGT clears Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, cites ‘strategic importance’
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) cleared the ₹92,000 crore Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, dismissing petitions that challenged its environmental clearances based on strategic importance.
Background
The project involves the construction of a port, airport, township, and power plant across over 160 sq km of land. It impacts areas inhabited by the indigenous Nicobarese and Shompen communities.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceGreat Nicobar Island: Location of the proposed mega-infrastructure project.
- FactProject Cost: ₹92,000 crore.
- FactLand Area: Over 160 sq km for port, airport, township, and power plant.
- BodyNational Green Tribunal (NGT): Body that cleared the environmental clearances.
- EnvironmentIndigenous Communities: Nicobarese and Shompen communities reside in the project area.
For Mains
Q. Examine the conflict between national strategic infrastructure development and the preservation of biodiversity and indigenous rights in ecologically sensitive zones.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological trade-off: Balancing maritime security infrastructure against the preservation of unique island biodiversity
- Rights of indigenous peoples: Legal protections for Shompen and Nicobarese communities against large-scale land acquisition
- Judicial oversight: The role of NGT in balancing 'strategic importance' against environmental impact assessment (EIA) norms
Keywords: Strategic Infrastructure · Ecologically Sensitive Zones · Indigenous Rights · Environmental Clearance · Biodiversity Conservation
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.