The Great Nicobar Island, a remote emerald in the sapphire waters of the Indian Ocean, has become the center of a fierce national debate. Positioned at the mouth of the 10 Degree Channel (often called the Great Channel), this island is more than just a scenic landscape; it is one of the world’s most vital maritime gateways. Today, the Indian government aims to transform this quiet island into a global trade hub, but critics warn the cost might be the extinction of ancient tribes and rare wildlife. What is the Great Nicobar Project? Launched in 2021, the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project is a ₹81,000 crore (approx. $9.7 billion) mega-infrastructure plan. Developed by NITI Aayog and implemented by ANIIDCO, the project aims to turn the island into a “Mini Hong Kong” or Singapore. Key Components of the Project: International Transshipment Port: A deep-sea port at Galathea Bay to handle massive cargo ships. Greenfield International Airport: A dual-use facility for both civilian and military flights. Smart City: A modern township designed to house over 300,000 people. Power Plant: A 450 MVA gas and solar-based power station to fuel the island’s growth. Why is Great Nicobar Strategically Vital? The island’s location is its greatest asset. It sits just 40 nautical miles from the Malacca Strait, a narrow waterway where 90% of East Asia’s oil and a huge chunk of global trade pass. Countering China: With China expanding its “String of Pearls” through ports in Myanmar (Coco Islands), Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, India needs a strong military and commercial presence to maintain a balance of power. Trade Independence: Currently, most of India’s transshipped cargo is handled by foreign ports like Colombo or Singapore. This project would allow India to capture that revenue directly. The Controversy: Sonia Gandhi’s Warning The project has faced stiff opposition from environmentalists and political leaders, including Congress MP Sonia Gandhi. In a recent editorial for The Hindu, she labeled the project a “planned misadventure.” Her primary concerns include: Tribal Rights: The project threatens the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes. The Shompen are a “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group” (PVTG) with only a few hundred members left. Deforestation: Estimates suggest that between 8.5 lakh to 58 lakh trees could be felled. Displacement: Local communities previously displaced by the 2004 Tsunami may now lose their ancestral lands permanently to the new “Smart City.” Environmental and Disaster Risks Beyond politics, scientists are worried about the island’s fragile ecology. Great Nicobar is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to species found nowhere else on Earth. Rare Wildlife: The Leatherback Turtle, the world’s largest sea turtle, uses Galathea Bay as a primary nesting ground. The Nicobar Megapode, a unique bird that builds mounds for its eggs, is also at risk. Tectonic Volatility: The island sits on a major fault line. The 2004 earthquake caused parts of the island to sink by several feet. Critics argue that building massive concrete infrastructure in such a seismically active zone is a recipe for disaster. The Road Ahead: Development vs. Conservation On February 16, 2026, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) cleared the path for the project, citing its “strategic importance” to national security. However, the tribunal emphasized that the government must ensure “adequate safeguards” for coral reefs and tribal welfare. The Great Nicobar Project represents the ultimate modern dilemma: How do we balance national security and economic growth with the survival of our planet’s most vulnerable inhabitants? Pls Read : India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026: Semi-Final or Final Clash Possible?