EDITORIALS FROM 12^th Sep 2025

EDITORIAL 01

A project of a strategic and national importance

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-project-of-a-strategic-and-national-importance/article70038531.ece

Issue: The Great Nicobar Island Project is a flagship initiative of the Government of India that seeks to transform Great Nicobar into a hub of maritime and air connectivity.

The project integrates an international container transhipment terminal (ICTT), a greenfield airport, a 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant, and a township over 16,610 hectares.

It is a project of strategic, defence and national importance in the Indian Ocean Region.

Strategic & Developmental Features

Maritime & Aviation Hub: ICTT with capacity of 14.2 million TEU, and a greenfield airport for global connectivity.
Energy & Urban Infrastructure: 450 MVA power project and planned township development in three phases (2025–47).
Employment & Growth: To generate jobs, support logistics, and enhance India’s blue economy prospects.
Defence & Security: Strengthens India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean against growing geopolitical challenges.

Environmental & Tribal Safeguards

Environmental Scrutiny:
- Detailed EIA and EMP prepared, including wildlife conservation and risk management.
- ₹55 crore already released for conservation plans even before construction.
- Tree felling capped; 65.99 sq. km retained as green area.
Forest Diversion & Compensatory Afforestation:
- 75 sq. km (1.82% of A&N forest cover) diverted; compensatory afforestation to be undertaken in Haryana (97.3 sq. km identified).
Wildlife Corridors:
- Viaducts proposed at 8 locations for safe animal movement.
- Studies by ZSI, BSI, SACON, WII ensure scientific baseline data for mitigation.
Tribal Safeguards:
- No displacement of Shompens or Nicobarese; tribal consultation mandated.
- AAJVS, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and Anthropological Survey involved.
- Net increase of 3.912 sq. km in tribal reserve after de-notification/re-notification process.

Policy Alignment & Institutional Framework

Shompen Policy, 2015: Ensures welfare and integrity of PVTGs while allowing large-scale development with safeguards.
Jarawa Policy, 2004: Recognises AAJVS as trustee for PVTGs.
Constitutional Provision: Article 338A(9) ensures consultation with NCST on all matters affecting Scheduled Tribes.
Empowered Committee Oversight: Cleared the project with assurance that tribal displacement will not occur.

Significance

Strategic: Enhances India’s defence preparedness and maritime reach.
Economic: Promotes trade, connectivity, and employment in the region.
Ecological Balance: Incorporates afforestation, wildlife corridors, and conservation funding.
Tribal Welfare: Safeguards Shompens and Nicobarese with consultative mechanisms and welfare budgets.
Scale: Utilises only up to 2% of A&N’s total area, keeping ecological footprint limited.

EDITORIAL 02

Why are European nations now moving to recognise Palestine?