Aerial view of Indira Point in Andaman, Nicobar Islands, India post-tsunami.
The Union Shipping Ministry has proposed a major expansion of the ₹72,000 crore mega-infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island, which will include an international cruise terminal, luxury tourism infrastructure, and a ship-breaking yard. The initiative aims to create a “global” port-led city.
Despite these ambitious plans, the government has rebuffed multiple Right to Information (RTI) requests regarding environmental clearances tied to this project. Officials have cited national security and strategic considerations as reasons for withholding information, leaving concerns about compatibility between these initiatives and existing security protocols unanswered.
In addition to the cruise terminal, recent communications from the Shipping Ministry have requested 100 acres of coastal land to construct a shipbuilding and repair facility, as well as an export-import port. This series of letters sent over the past eight months to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and the Union Home Ministry emphasizes a comprehensive development plan.
The ongoing project already calls for an international container transshipment port, an airport, a power plant, and a substantial greenfield township covering 130 sq km of untouched tropical forest. Implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Ltd (ANIIDCO), the project received its initial forest clearance in October 2022, followed by additional environmental approvals in November.
A Vision for the Future
A recent communication from a Shipping Ministry official detailed requests for another 100 acres of land with 500 meters of seafront to facilitate shipbuilding and repairs in Campbell Bay. Additionally, a proposal was made to declare Campbell Bay an export-import port to facilitate the transportation of materials for the construction of the Galathea Bay transshipment terminal.
Union Shipping Secretary T.K. Ramachandran reiterated the intent to develop Great Nicobar Island into a ‘Global Port-Led City’, emphasizing a focus on creating a sustainable and high-end eco-tourism destination, as well as accommodating both domestic and international cruise tourists.
Reluctance from Local Authorities
Responses from local government officials suggest hesitance towards the Shipping Ministry’s ambitions. Documents indicate a request for independent feasibility studies and consultations to assess the viability of the cruise terminal and port. Concerns have been expressed about the impact of ship repair activities on the strategic vision for the greenfield township and tourism development.
Additionally, ANIIDCO pointed out that the proposed shoreline falls within a coastal regulation zone, which would impose limitations on maritime activities due to its proximity to coral reefs.
Addressing Security Issues
Significant apprehensions regarding the environmental implications of the ongoing project have surfaced, but requests for detailed information have been denied under RTI provisions related to national security. In a notable instance, an RTI filing in November 2022 by a researcher aimed to obtain clarification on the clearances granted but was denied based on national security grounds.
Critics like conservationist Debi Goenka are questioning the rationale behind denying information on the basis of sovereignty, highlighting that much of the proposed development undermines the initial claims of maintaining national security. Goenka believes that while information about the dual-use nature of the airport can be withheld, transparency regarding other facets of the project should not be compromised.
Contradictory Objectives
The Shipping Ministry’s recent proposals bring the issue of transparency versus national security to the forefront. There is no acknowledgment in the Ministry’s correspondence concerning the strategic concerns used to deny information about environmental impacts and risks.
Moreover, the promotion of international tourism and foreign maritime activities does not align with the Ministry’s security objectives. Requests for comments from officials from the Shipping Ministry and ANIIDCO have gone unanswered.
Goenka warns that the developments proposed for Great Nicobar Island might contradict historical policies aimed at keeping the island restricted from foreign influence and tourism.
Published – January 05, 2025 04:57 am IST
