Great Nicobar Project: Full Report Disclosure Sought

The Hindu report on NGT petition seeking disclosure of Great Nicobar report.

A petitioner before the NGT has sought full disclosure of the High-Powered Committee’s report on the Great Nicobar mega-infrastructure project, alleging confidentiality, environmental violations, and suppression of critical ecological assessments.

Great Nicobar Project – Petitioner Seeks Full Disclosure of Key Report

image source: https://www.iasgyan.in

Key Facts

An application filed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) by Ashish Kothari.
Petitioner demands full public disclosure of the High-Powered Committee (HPC) report.
Allegation: Government kept the report secret, citing “confidential” information; petitioner says this undermines transparency.
HPC was formed in April 2023 to address “unanswered deficiencies” in EIA and coastal clearance processes.
HPC headed by Leena Nandan, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
Petitioner alleges violations of:
- Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) 2019
- Environmental clearance norms
- Biodiversity assessments
Ministry earlier submitted to NGT that no additional port beyond the planned specifications will be built; petitioner disputes this.
The Great Nicobar Project (₹81,000 crore) includes:
- Trans-shipment port
- Airport
- Township
- Defence infrastructure (naval base)
- Power plant: 450 MW gas + solar hybrid
Land requirement: 130 sq km; includes forest diversion of 130+ sq km, including primary rainforest.
Petitioner: HPC report withheld despite major ecological concerns, including endemic species & tribal rights.
Allegation that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) is incomplete & flawed.
NGT to consider if the Centre violated principles of transparency & public participation.

Static Information

Source: MoEFCC, NGT Act 2010, Island Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2019

The

Great Nicobar Project

is a multi-sector mega project under

NITI Aayog

to establish a global trans-shipment hub.
Great Nicobar is part of the UNESCO-designated Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, home to endemic species like Nicobar megapode & leatherback turtles.
The Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) 2019 governs construction, land use, and coastal activity in island ecosystems.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requires public participation, transparency, and prior disclosure of expert reports.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) adjudicates environmental cases based on principles like the precautionary principle, intergenerational equity, and sustainable development.
The Shompen tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), inhabits the region—projects require strict tribal rights safeguards under FRA 2006.

Practice Question

Q1. With reference to the Great Nicobar Project, consider the following statements:

The project includes a trans-shipment port, township, airport, and defence infrastructure.
Great Nicobar Island is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Environmental Impact Assessment reports are allowed to be kept confidential under Indian law.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: A

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