Andaman and Nicobar faces ecological threats from development

The Indian government has invested ₹27.57 crore since 2016-17 to enhance various islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago and its capital, Port Blair. This region is famous for its biodiversity and ancient tribes. As India advances tourism and industry in the area, there are rising concerns about the environmental impact and the effects on local communities. One major initiative is the ‘Great Nicobar Project,’ which has a budget of over ₹72,000 crore. This project includes plans for an airport, a new cargo terminal at Galathea Bay, and plants for natural gas and solar power. Eleven companies are keen to begin work on the Galathea Bay Port, which is estimated to cost ₹44,000 crore. The government also aims to promote tourism on the uninhabited islands. In September 2024, the government designated Galathea Bay Port as a 'major port', although construction has not yet begun. Additionally, they are promoting tourism by extending beach access, launching eco-tourism resorts, and privatizing the Megapode Resort in Port Blair for the 2023-24 season. Tourism numbers have increased significantly. Domestic visitors rose by 37% to over 323,000 in 2023, and more than doubled to 710,000 in 2024. However, the number of foreign tourists remained low at fewer than 12,000. In fiscal year 2024, the shipping ministry approved 28 projects costing over ₹5,400 crore for both Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which includes a new passenger terminal in Port Blair. While these projects may improve the local economy, concerns exist about their environmental impact. The proposed Galathea Bay Port could disrupt the delicate ecosystem and affect protected tribes. Critics argue that the government is prioritizing economic development over ecological preservation. In 2021, a minimum eco-sensitive zone of just 0-1 km around the proposed port was established, leaving the surrounding environment vulnerable. Environmentalists have warned that these developments could endanger species, such as the giant leatherback turtles that nest on nearby beaches. A former tribal affairs secretary has filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court claiming that the government's plan violates important forest and tribal laws.