Congress Accuses Government of Hiding Nicobar Project Information
Congress alleges government secrecy and ecological disregard in Great Nicobar project.
The Congress party has accused the Narendra Modi government of withholding key details about the Great Nicobar infrastructure project, citing national security concerns. Jairam Ramesh, Congress communications chief, shared a media report indicating that the Centre is advancing the Galathea Bay International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) project in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through a public-private partnership (PPP) framework.
Ramesh, a former Environment Minister, stated that the project is being pursued despite evidence of "disastrous ecological impacts" and pending court petitions challenging environmental law violations. He questioned the government's intentions and the potential involvement of a specific private conglomerate.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Environment, Security
GS Paper II: Government Policies and Interventions
Potential questions on environmental impact assessment, strategic importance of island territories, PPP models
Visual Insights
Great Nicobar Island Project Location
Map showing the location of Great Nicobar Island and the Galathea Bay ICTT project. Highlights strategic importance and environmental sensitivity.
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More Information
Background
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a strategic history, serving as a crucial maritime crossroads for centuries. Their importance was recognized by the British, who established a penal colony there in the 19th century, most notably at Port Blair. Post-independence, the islands' strategic value has only increased, particularly in the context of India's maritime security and its role in the Indo-Pacific region.
The islands' proximity to major shipping lanes makes them vital for monitoring and securing sea lanes of communication. The development of infrastructure in the islands has been a long-standing objective, balancing strategic needs with environmental concerns and the rights of indigenous communities. Early development plans focused on basic infrastructure and resettlement programs, but more recent initiatives aim for large-scale projects like the Great Nicobar project, reflecting a shift towards a more assertive strategic posture.
Latest Developments
Recent developments surrounding the Great Nicobar Island project include increased scrutiny from environmental groups and legal challenges concerning environmental clearances. The project has faced criticism for its potential impact on the island's biodiversity, including the unique flora and fauna found in the region. The government has emphasized the project's strategic importance and economic benefits, highlighting its potential to boost India's maritime trade and security capabilities.
Future developments are likely to involve further environmental impact assessments, consultations with local communities, and negotiations with private sector partners for the development of the transshipment terminal and other infrastructure components. The project's progress will also be closely watched by regional stakeholders, given its potential implications for maritime security and trade in the Indo-Pacific region.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Great Nicobar Island project and why is it in the news recently?
The Great Nicobar Island project is an infrastructure development initiative in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It's in the news because the Congress party has accused the government of hiding information about it and ignoring its ecological impact.
2. What are the key concerns raised about the Great Nicobar project?
Concerns include potential disastrous ecological impacts, violations of environmental laws, and a lack of transparency regarding the project's details and the involvement of private companies.
3. How might the Great Nicobar project be relevant to UPSC Prelims?
For Prelims, focus on the project's location (Andaman and Nicobar Islands), its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region, and potential environmental impacts. Questions might relate to the island's biodiversity or the legal challenges it faces.
4. What is the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically important due to their location as a crucial maritime crossroads. They are vital for India's maritime security and its role in the Indo-Pacific region.
5. What arguments could be made for and against the Great Nicobar project in an interview setting?
Arguments for include boosting economic growth, enhancing maritime security, and creating jobs. Arguments against include environmental damage, displacement of indigenous populations (if applicable, though not mentioned in provided data), and lack of transparency.
6. According to the news, what specific allegations has the Congress party made regarding the Great Nicobar project?
The Congress party, specifically Jairam Ramesh, accuses the government of withholding key details about the project, alleging a lack of transparency and potential environmental law violations. They also question the involvement of a specific private conglomerate.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Galathea Bay International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) project in Great Nicobar Island: 1. The project is being developed exclusively through public funding. 2. The project aims to enhance India's maritime trade and strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region. 3. The project site is located within a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The Galathea Bay ICTT project is being developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, not exclusively through public funding. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The project is intended to boost India's maritime trade and strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: While Great Nicobar Island has rich biodiversity, the project site is NOT located within a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Indira Point, the southernmost point of India, is located on this island.
2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the strategic significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for India? 1. They provide India with a crucial maritime presence near vital sea lanes of communication. 2. They serve as a base for India's nuclear submarine fleet. 3. They are a major hub for India's space program. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically located near vital sea lanes of communication, providing India with a crucial maritime presence. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: While the islands are strategically important, they are not currently a base for India's nuclear submarine fleet. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: India's space program is primarily based on the mainland, with facilities like Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
3. With reference to the environmental concerns surrounding the Great Nicobar Island project, consider the following: 1. The project's potential impact on the Leatherback Turtle nesting sites. 2. The risk of deforestation and habitat loss due to infrastructure development. 3. The potential disruption to the traditional lifestyle of indigenous communities. Which of the statements given above is/are relevant environmental concerns?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements represent relevant environmental concerns. Statement 1: The Great Nicobar Island is a nesting site for the Leatherback Turtle, a vulnerable species, and the project could disrupt their nesting habits. Statement 2: Infrastructure development often leads to deforestation and habitat loss, impacting biodiversity. Statement 3: Large-scale projects can disrupt the traditional lifestyle and cultural practices of indigenous communities living in the area.