New Delhi

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has once again criticised the proposed Great Nicobar Island mega infrastructure project, raising concerns over its environmental impact and questioning claims about its strategic importance.

Responding to a social media post that referenced a report suggesting a Finance Ministry panel had earlier found no clear strategic justification for the proposed transshipment port before it was later categorised as a strategic project by the Defence Ministry, Ramesh alleged that the development was being positioned primarily as a commercial venture.

In his post, the Congress leader argued that expanding existing defence infrastructure, particularly the Indian naval air station INS Baaz, would be a more effective way to enhance India’s strategic capabilities in the region.

Continuing Opposition to the Project

Ramesh has been one of the most vocal critics of the Great Nicobar Island development plan, which includes a transshipment port, an international airport, a township and supporting infrastructure.

Over the past two years, he has repeatedly expressed concerns about the project’s environmental implications, warning that it could cause irreversible damage to one of the country’s most ecologically sensitive regions.

In previous communications with Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ramesh argued that the environmental assessment process was inadequate and failed to fully evaluate the potential impact on the island’s biodiversity and fragile ecosystems.

Concerns Over Environmental Studies

The Congress leader has maintained that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) relied on limited field data collected over a single seasonal cycle, rather than comprehensive studies conducted across multiple seasons.

According to him, the use of secondary data and short-duration surveys does not provide a sufficient basis for evaluating a project of such scale in a highly sensitive island environment.

Ramesh has also referred to observations made during proceedings before the National Green Tribunal, claiming that certain deficiencies in the environmental clearance process remained unresolved.

Additionally, he has cited findings from studies indicating coastal erosion along sections of Galathea Bay, arguing that more extensive scientific assessments are required before moving forward with the project.

Demand for Greater Transparency

The Congress leader has sought the public release of a report prepared by a High-Powered Committee and submitted to the National Green Tribunal in a sealed cover, questioning why details of the review process have not been disclosed.

He has also expressed concern that the justification for the project has gradually shifted from economic development to strategic necessity.

According to Ramesh, strengthening existing military assets in the Andaman and Nicobar region could meet India's defence requirements without the ecological risks associated with the current proposal.

Government’s Position

The government, however, maintains that the Great Nicobar Island project is intended to create a major international transshipment hub by leveraging the island’s location near key global maritime trade routes.

Officials have also argued that the project will support strategic and defence interests while contributing to economic development through new infrastructure, including an airport, power facilities and an urban settlement.

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The debate over the project continues, with supporters highlighting its economic and strategic potential and critics warning of significant environmental consequences for one of India’s most biodiverse island ecosystems.