The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has cleared the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, stating that adequate environmental safeguards are in place and no grounds exist to interfere with its clearance — a development of high relevance for aspirants preparing through UPSC coaching in Hyderabad.
• Proposed development includes: Transshipment port, Airport, Power plant, Township
• Environmental clearance (EC) was granted in 2022. Project considered of strategic and national importance.
NGT’s Observations
• Found no error in the High-Powered Committee (HPC) terms of reference.
• Directed strict compliance with EC conditions.
• Stressed a balanced approach: strategic development must align with ICRZ Notification, 2019.
• Environment Ministry tasked with: Protecting coral reefs. Ensuring shoreline stability. Preparing an implementation plan for coral regeneration.
Concerns Raised by Applicants
• Alleged inadequate examination of ecological issues (coral reefs, turtle nesting sites).
• Claimed EIA was limited to one season, not three as required.
• Objected to project location in ecologically sensitive zones.
• Local communities (Nicobarese, Shompen) argued: Their consent was not lawfully taken. Forest rights not settled before project approval.
Challenges
• Ecological risks – coral reef damage, turtle nesting disruption, shoreline erosion.
• Community rights – concerns of indigenous groups over displacement and forest land use.
• Transparency – limited public disclosure of HPC findings.
• Legal hurdles – forest clearance aspects under challenge in Calcutta High Court.
Way Forward
• Ensure scientific monitoring of coral reefs and shoreline changes.
• Strengthen community consultation and settle forest rights before implementation.
• Adopt sustainable construction practices to minimise ecological damage.
• Maintain transparency and accountability in environmental safeguards.
• Balance strategic needs with ecological protection to avoid long-term damage — a governance theme frequently analysed in IAS coaching in Hyderabad.
National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Constituted in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. Provides a specialised forum for effective and speedy disposal of cases relating to environmental protection, conservation of forests, and natural resources — an important topic covered in UPSC online coaching modules.
Jurisdiction
• Deals with cases under laws like the Environment Protection Act (1986), Forest Conservation Act (1980), Air Act (1981), Water Act (1974), and Biological Diversity Act (2002).
• Can hear appeals against orders of authorities under these laws.
Composition
• Headed by a Chairperson (retired Supreme Court Judge or Chief Justice of High Court).
• Includes Judicial Members and Expert Members with knowledge in environmental science, forestry, ecology, etc.
Powers
• Has powers of a civil court.
• Can provide relief, compensation, and restitution of damaged environment.
• Decisions are binding and appealable only in the Supreme Court.
Principles Applied:
• Polluter Pays Principle – those who pollute must bear the cost of managing pollution.
• Precautionary Principle – preventive measures must be taken even if scientific certainty is lacking.
• Sustainable Development – balance between development and environmental protection.
Benches
• Principal Bench: New Delhi.
• Regional Benches: Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai.
Conclusion
Effective safeguards, transparent monitoring, and respect for indigenous rights will be crucial to ensure that development does not compromise environmental sustainability and social justice.
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