NGT approves ₹81,000 cr great Nicobar Mega project despite environment concerns

India’s green court, National Green Tribunal (NGT), has approved the ₹81,000 crore Great Nicibar Mega Infrastructure project, as per reports. The tribunal reportedly said there is no strong reason to cancel the environmental clearance because the project includes steps to protect nature.

The project will be built on Great Nicobar Island and will include a transshipment port, an airport for civics and military use, a township, and a gas-play-solar power plant. 

However, the project has raised serious environmental concerns. It will use about 130 square kilometers of forest land, and around 10 lakh trees may be cut. Local Nicobari communities and environmental groups fear damage to wildlife and natural habitats. 

From a strategic point of view, this project can prove to be a game-changer for India. The Great Nicobar Island is very close to the world's busiest maritime trade route, the ‘Strait of Malacca’, which will make India a major hub of the global supply chain.

 From a military point of view, this place is also very important, because from here, a close eye can be kept on Chinese ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean. In the event of any natural disaster or war, this location will give India immense power and will prove to be very helpful in counterattacking the enemy.