Environment – Concerns Intensify Over Ecological Review of Great Nicobar Development Plan

Environment –  A fresh debate has emerged over the proposed Great Nicobar Island development project after senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh raised concerns about its environmental approval process. In a letter addressed to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday, Ramesh argued that the project, in its current design, appears largely driven by commercial objectives and could place significant pressure on one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions.

Questions Raised Over Environmental Studies

Responding to the minister’s earlier communication, Ramesh said his previous correspondence had focused solely on ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and obtaining a thorough understanding of the project’s ecological consequences. He pointed out that the Environmental Impact Assessment submitted in March 2022 had characterized itself as a rapid assessment rather than a detailed long-term study.

According to Ramesh, the environmental clearance process acknowledged that primary data collection was conducted during only one seasonal period instead of covering multiple seasons. He argued that this limited approach may not provide a complete picture of the island’s environmental conditions throughout the year.

Debate Over Data Collection Methods

The Congress leader also questioned the reliability of studies cited by the government. He stated that several reports referenced in support of the project were based on surveys conducted over a relatively short duration rather than across an entire seasonal cycle.

Ramesh further maintained that historical environmental records maintained by government institutions should not replace fresh, location-specific field data. In his view, environmental assessments must rely heavily on direct observations from the project site and surrounding affected areas to accurately evaluate potential impacts.

Tribunal Observations and Coastal Concerns

Referring to previous proceedings before the National Green Tribunal, Ramesh said that an April 2023 order had highlighted unresolved issues in the environmental clearance process and called for a comprehensive review. He argued that this aspect of the ruling should not be overlooked.

He also cited findings presented during tribunal hearings from a report prepared by ISRO’s Space Applications Centre. The report reportedly identified coastal erosion in parts of the eastern side of Galathea Bay, an area linked to project planning.

Ramesh noted that existing coastal regulations place restrictions on port development in highly eroding regions and require detailed environmental studies in other vulnerable coastal zones. Given the reported erosion concerns, he suggested that a broader multi-season assessment would be a prudent step before moving ahead.

Criticism of Review Mechanisms

Another major concern raised by Ramesh relates to the review process itself. He alleged that organizations involved in preparing environmental studies were effectively placed in a position to evaluate the adequacy of their own work.

According to him, such an arrangement raises questions about transparency and independent scrutiny. He argued that environmental reviews should be conducted through a process that ensures objective examination and public confidence.

Call for Greater Transparency

Ramesh also renewed his demand for the publication of a High-Powered Committee report submitted to the National Green Tribunal in October 2025. He questioned why portions of the review process remain confidential when several project-related documents are already publicly accessible.

The Congress leader said that important records, including planning documents and project reports, are available in the public domain, making greater transparency both possible and desirable.

Strategic Purpose Under Discussion

While the government has emphasized environmental safeguards and strategic considerations associated with the project, Ramesh contended that recent arguments in support of the development have increasingly focused on national security aspects.

He revealed that he had separately written to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, suggesting that India’s strategic interests could potentially be strengthened through the expansion of existing facilities in the Andaman and Nicobar region, including infrastructure associated with INS Baaz and other defence assets.

Ramesh reiterated his position that the current proposal is predominantly commercial in nature and requires a more rigorous examination of its long-term environmental implications. The exchange of letters between him and the environment minister reflects an ongoing discussion over balancing development objectives with ecological preservation in the Great Nicobar Islands