Concerns over India's Grand Development Plan for Great Nicobar Island

Amid plans for a vast development project on Great Nicobar Island, fears arise regarding its impact on indigenous tribes and the ecological balance of the ecologically fragile region, stirring debate over the costs of progress vs. preservation.

The Indian government's ambitious project to develop Great Nicobar Island into a hub reminiscent of Hong Kong has stirred significant controversy. Local residents, especially those like Anice Justin, an anthropologist who grew up in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, express deep concerns about the potential disruption of their traditional lifestyles. Justin highlights the dependence of islanders on the forest, referring to it as their "supermarket," crucial for their survival.

The project is estimated to cost around 720 billion rupees (approximately $9 billion), covering 166 square kilometers and featuring a transshipment harbor, an airport, a power facility, and a new township. Positioned strategically near the busy Strait of Malacca, it aims to connect the region to vital global trade routes. The Indian government forecasts a settlement of around 650,000 inhabitants by the project's completion in 30 years, which is perceived as a strategy to counter China's growing influence in the area.

However, the proposed site is home to vulnerable tribes, including the Shompen—who have little to no contact with the outside world—and other groups classified as "particularly vulnerable." These communities fear the implications of such developments on their cultural identity and ecological health, which could threaten their very existence.

Environmentalists warn of severe ecological ramifications, particularly given that 80% of Great Nicobar is covered in rainforests teeming with unique and endemic species. The federal environment ministry suggests only a fraction of the land will be cleared; however, many experts believe the impact will be far-reaching, creating additional pollution and habitat destruction.

Minister Bhupendra Yadav asserted the project would not displace tribes; nonetheless, skepticism remains. In an alarming letter, 39 international experts warned that the development could be synonymous with a "death sentence" for the Shompen, who lack resources to adapt to industrial life. Their lament is echoed in concerns over exposure to new diseases, which could devastate uncontacted populations.

The ecological implications extend beyond land clearing, as concerns over disrupted marine ecosystems in Galathea Bay, a nesting ground for endangered species, grow. Critics question government's plans to relocate corals and the feasibility of protecting diverse species that depend on traditional habitats.

As this significant project approaches, anxiety persists among both islanders and environmentalists regarding the irreversible changes it may bring, casting a spotlight on the critical balance between development and preservation of both culture and ecology in such sensitive regions.