NGT Clears Great Nicobar Project; India to Monitor 40% of Global Oil Tanker Traffic

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday approved the Union Government’s Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project, valued at over ₹90,000 crore. Citing its strategic importance, the NGT dismissed all petitions challenging the project, emphasizing its significance for national security. Notably, around 40% of the world’s oil tanker traffic passes through the Great Nicobar region in the Indian Ocean.

NGT Affirms Environmental Clearance

A bench led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava upheld the 2022 environmental ministry approval for the project. The NGT stated that sufficient safeguards have been implemented, and there is no valid basis to halt the initiative. Concerns raised earlier have been reviewed by a high-level committee in 2023, which also endorsed the project. The tribunal stressed that strict compliance with all project conditions is mandatory.

About the Great Nicobar Project

The project is located near Galathia Bay and involves the development of a civil-military dual-use strategic airport. A new integrated city will be established, covering approximately 166 sq km, spanning areas from the Bay of Bengal to the Indian Ocean.

The island is home to endangered tribal communities, including the Shompen and Nicobari, as well as rare wildlife species such as the Nicobar megapode, leatherback turtle, and Nicobari langur.

Strategic and Geographical Importance

• Situated 160 km from the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest commercial routes.
• Equidistant from Colombo (Sri Lanka), Port Klang (Malaysia), and Singapore.
• Enables monitoring of oil tanker traffic that accounts for 40% of global supply.
• Houses India’s southernmost naval air station, INS Baaz, commissioned in 2012, enhancing Indo-Pacific maritime surveillance and countering China’s “String of Pearls” strategy.

Boost to Blue Economy and Maritime Security

Aligned with India’s Act East Policy and Sagarmala Vision, the project will strengthen ties with ASEAN nations and other Indo-Pacific partners, while simultaneously enhancing maritime security, economic development, and sustainable use of ocean resources.