What is the Great Nicobar mega-project?

The Great Nicobar mega-project is a ₹92,000 crore infrastructure development plan in India's Great Nicobar Island, which includes a transshipment port, an international airport, a township, and a power plant.

How is the Indian government addressing biodiversity concerns around the Great Nicobar project?

The government claims it has mandated conservation and monitoring programs to run for the next three decades, including plans to translocate over 16,000 of the 20,668 coral colonies under threat and conserve the remaining nests of the Nicobar megapode.

What is the status of the Great Nicobar project's environmental clearance?

The project's environmental clearance is being challenged in the National Green Tribunal, with the next hearing scheduled for November 7, 2025. The government is defending the clearance, arguing it has detailed measures to study, research, and monitor the region's biodiversity.

Home / Environment / Govt Vows Biodiversity Conservation for Controversial Great Nicobar Mega-Project

Govt Vows Biodiversity Conservation for Controversial Great Nicobar Mega-Project

30 Oct

•

Summary

Govt argues project is "national asset" despite biodiversity concerns
Plans to translocate 16,000 of 20,668 coral colonies under threat
Experts question independence of tribal welfare monitoring committee

Govt Vows Biodiversity Conservation for Controversial Great Nicobar Mega-Project

The Indian government is defending the ₹92,000 crore Great Nicobar mega-infrastructure project at the National Green Tribunal, arguing that it is fully aware of the project's likely impact on the surrounding biodiversity. On October 30, 2025, the government stated that it has mandated conservation and monitoring programs to run for the next three decades as the project is developed.

The project, which will include a transshipment port, an international airport, a township, and a power plant, will cover over 160 sq. km. of land, with about 130 sq. km. being forest land inhabited by the Nicobarese and Shompen tribal communities. The government claims it has brought in the "best scientific resources" to guide the project and mitigate its effects.