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.

Addressing concerns raised in petitions challenging the environmental clearance, the government said it has plans to translocate over 16,000 of the 20,668 coral colonies under threat and conserve the remaining 4,500 colonies. It also stated that while about 30 of the 51 active nests of the Nicobar megapode will be permanently destroyed, the remaining nests will be conserved.

The government argued that the project will only cover 1.82% of the Great Nicobar archipelago area, leaving over two-thirds of the island's land mass as forests. It also highlighted that three new wildlife sanctuaries have been sanctioned to conserve endemic species, and two all-weather research stations are being mandated to monitor biodiversity and suggest interventions.

However, one expert member on the NGT Bench noted that the monitoring committee for tribal welfare should have more independence, as it currently includes only members of the Andaman and Nicobar administration. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for November 7, 2025.