Strategic afterthought: On the Great Nicobar project
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Centre's ₹91,000 crore Great Nicobar Island development project is facing scrutiny over its commercial viability and environmental impact despite clearance by the Public Investment Board.
Background
The project is estimated at ₹91,000 crore and was cleared by the Public Investment Board (PIB). The PPPAC (a Finance Ministry body) refused ₹12,230 crore in Viability Gap Funding due to concerns over commercial viability.
Facts for Prelims
- FactGreat Nicobar Island development project estimated cost: ₹91,000 crore
- FactPPPAC refused ₹12,230 crore in Viability Gap Funding for the project
- BodyPPPAC is a Finance Ministry body
- BodyPublic Investment Board (PIB) cleared the project
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the trade-offs between large-scale infrastructure development and ecological preservation in ecologically sensitive zones like the Nicobar Islands.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Fiscal risk: High capital expenditure vs. low commercial viability as flagged by the Ports Ministry
- Ecological integrity: Potential irreversible damage to biodiversity in the Great Nicobar Island ecosystem
- Social justice: Conflict between state-led infrastructure goals and indigenous land rights and transparency
Keywords: Viability Gap Funding · Ecologically Sensitive Zones · Public-Private Partnership · Sustainable Development · Infrastructure Governance
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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.