Draft master plan for Great Nicobar Island projects tourism as primary growth driver
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Centre released a draft master plan for a ₹92,000-crore mega-infrastructure project in Great Nicobar Island, proposing tourism as the primary growth driver despite opposition from local Nicobarese populations.
Background
The project includes an international container transshipment port, an airport, power plants, and a township. It aims for a population of 3.36 lakh by 2055 in the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) region.
Facts for Prelims
- FactThe proposed mega-infrastructure project in Great Nicobar Island has an estimated cost of ₹92,000 crore.
- FactThe draft master plan targets an anticipated population of 3.36 lakh by 2055.
- PlaceGreat Nicobar Island (GNI) is the site of the proposed international container transshipment port and airport.
- BodyThe project is currently undergoing a 30-day public consultation period for suggestions and objections.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the conflict between large-scale infrastructure development and the preservation of indigenous rights and ecological integrity in ecologically sensitive zones like the Nicobar Islands.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Rights conflict: Tension between state-led infrastructure goals and the forest rights of indigenous Nicobarese populations
- Ecological trade-off: Balancing tourism-led economic growth with the preservation of biodiversity in island ecosystems
- Procedural gap: Effectiveness of public consultation mechanisms in ensuring genuine consent from marginalized coastal communities
Keywords: Infrastructure development · Indigenous rights · Ecologically sensitive zones · Public consultation · Sustainable tourism
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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.