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.

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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:

  1. The project includes a trans-shipment port, township, airport, and defence infrastructure.

  2. Great Nicobar Island is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
  3. 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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