Infrastructure – Congress Seeks Fresh Review of Great Nicobar Airport Plans
Infrastructure – Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to revisit the decision against a full-scale expansion of the INS Baaz runway in Great Nicobar, arguing that the alternative airport proposal could result in far greater environmental and social consequences. In a letter sent on Friday, Ramesh maintained that extending the existing naval airstrip could better balance strategic requirements with ecological preservation.
Alternative Proposal Highlighted
Referring to his earlier communication dated May 16, 2026, the senior Congress leader said he had recommended expanding the runway at INS Baaz in Campbell Bay instead of constructing a new greenfield airport in the Gandhi Nagar–Shastri Nagar region of Great Nicobar Island. According to him, such an approach could help reduce environmental damage while still supporting national security objectives.
Ramesh noted that media reports published on June 8, citing Defence Ministry sources, stated that the INS Baaz runway would not be expanded beyond 4,500 feet because of potential ecological impacts. While acknowledging concerns about environmental protection, he questioned why similar scrutiny was not being applied to the proposed airport location.
Concerns Over Forest and Tribal Land
In his letter, Ramesh outlined several environmental and community-related issues linked to the planned airport site. He said the project would require the removal of two forested hills measuring approximately 115 metres in height. The area, he added, includes protected and deemed forest land that forms part of the traditional territory used by the indigenous Shompen community.
He further argued that the proposed airport zone covers ecologically sensitive coastal areas protected under existing regulations. These locations include turtle nesting sites, coral ecosystems and habitats associated with the endangered Nicobar Megapode, a bird species unique to the region.
Ecological Impact Under Scrutiny
The Congress leader also pointed to concerns involving the reclamation of a creek and the relocation of saltwater crocodiles. In addition, he stated that the project area includes settlements where more than 200 ex-servicemen families currently reside, potentially forcing them to relocate once again.
According to Ramesh, the airport site lies within one of the island’s least disturbed forest regions and borders environmentally fragile coastal zones. He argued that a comprehensive environmental assessment examining the broader ecological consequences of the project has not been adequately conducted.
Importance of Great Nicobar’s Biodiversity
Highlighting the island’s ecological significance, Ramesh said Great Nicobar has been recognised as an Important Bird Area and an Endemic Bird Area. He also noted that the island lies along major international migratory bird routes, attracting numerous seasonal bird species each year. Given these characteristics, he called for more detailed scientific evaluation before major construction activities proceed.
Government Defends Strategic Project
Ramesh observed that the airport proposal was first designated as a dual-use civilian and defence facility by the Union Home Ministry in March 2022. He suggested that recent comments from Defence Ministry sources appeared to reflect growing public concern regarding the environmental implications of the broader Great Nicobar Island development programme.
Earlier this week, Defence Ministry sources defended the initiative, describing it as a project of strategic national importance intended to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities and economic interests. They clarified that INS Baaz is not part of the larger development plan and stated that any further extension of its runway would require substantial land reclamation while affecting tribal areas and local biodiversity.
Political Debate Intensifies
The Great Nicobar project includes plans for an international container transshipment port, a combined civilian and naval airport, a township and supporting infrastructure. While the government has presented the initiative as essential for national security and economic growth, opposition leaders have continued to raise concerns over its environmental impact.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also criticised the project, alleging that ecological considerations are being overlooked. He recently renewed calls for greater public participation and environmental protection measures while discussing the future of the island’s development.