Rs 81,000 Crore Great Nicobar Mega Project: Galathea Bay Not the Only Option, Petitioner Argues National Security And Ecology Can Coexist

No-go areas in Galathea Bay on Great Nicobar Island must be kept out of the Rs 81,000-crore mega infrastructure project, as no activity is permitted there, the counsel for the appellant told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday (17 September), the Indian Express reported.

The petitions, filed by environmentalist Ashish Kothari, challenge the project’s clearances, citing violations of the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) 2019 notification and gaps in its environmental assessment.

Hearings began afresh before a six-member bench led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava after two judicial members completed their tenure.

Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate A Yogeshwaran argued that parts of the transshipment port, township and other components fall in ICRZ-1A zones, where “no activity, especially ports, are permitted.”

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He said, “The port can be set up in any of the other bay’s, it need not be in Galathea Bay… You can still have the township and port in another bay, these are all possibilities if you look at options".

“Today, I am not saying sacrifice national security in the interest of turtles, both can happen," he said.

As per project data, 7.07 sq km of its footprint lies in ICRZ-1A, including 0.57 sq km for the port, 0.06 sq km for reclamation, 0.60 sq km for the airport, 0.81 sq km for a defence township, and 5.03 sq km for a township.

The project proposes an international container terminal, township, 450-MVA gas-solar power plant, and a dual-use airport (for civilian and military use) over 166 sq km.

The appellant criticised the Environment Ministry’s “truncated” terms of reference and “secretive” high-powered committee, urging a comprehensive environment impact assessment (EIA).

The Additional Solicitor General will present arguments on 29 October.

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