Sustaining Development in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• 11 Jul 2025

This editorial is based on “Projects in Great Nicobar Island have strategic importance. Government must address transparency concerns” which was published in The Indian Express on 09/07/2025. The article brings into picture the rapid infrastructure push in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to counter China's presence in the Indo-Pacific, while highlighting concerns over the Great Nicobar project’s impact on the environment and tribal communities, calling for a balanced and sustainable approach.

For Prelims: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bay of Bengal, Great Nicobar project,  Andaman and Nicobar Command, Malacca Strait, Seagrass, India’s Act East policy, Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port,  

For Mains: Environmental Impact Assessments, Significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for India, Key Issues Associated with Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

India has accelerated infrastructure development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands over the past five years, recognizing their strategic importance as a security bulwark in the Indo-Pacific amid China's growing naval presence in the Bay of Bengal. However, the Great Nicobar project faces significant opposition from environmental activists and tribal rights advocates concerned about its impact on indigenous communities like the Shompen people and threatened species including leatherback turtles. India needs to promote sustainable development in the region that balances strategic imperatives with environmental protection and tribal rights.  

What is the Significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for India?  

• Military Significance: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) are critical for India’s military strategy, offering a strategic vantage point in the Indo-Pacific.  
  • The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is India's only Tri-Service Command, ensuring rapid deployment of military assets.  
    • India's growing military presence, including airbases like INS Baaz, INS Utkrosh (Port Blair) and INS Kohassa (Shibpur) highlights the region's increasing security role. 
  • The islands' proximity to the Malacca Strait (less than 350 km) gives India a critical role in monitoring over 90,000 merchant ships annually. 

 

• Economic and Trade Connectivity: Economically, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands play a vital role in India’s maritime trade and logistics, acting as a hub for transshipment in the region.  
  • The proposed Mega Transshipment Port at Great Nicobar, which is expected to handle over 14 million TEUs annually, positions India as a maritime trade leader. 
  • About 75% of our transshipment cargo is handled at foreign ports. This project aims to reduce India's reliance on foreign ports like Singapore and Colombo, where India loses millions annually in port handling fees.  
• Environmental and Ecological Significance: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are ecologically significant due to their rich biodiversity, including numerous endemic species and diverse ecosystems like coral reefs and rainforests.  
  • The Andaman wood pigeon, Nicobar pigeon, and Andaman serpent eagle are examples of endemic bird species 
  • These islands act as a natural laboratory for studying the impacts of climate change and hold global importance for conservation 
  • Also, extensive seagrass beds are found in the region, providing habitat for species like the dugong, the state animal. 
• Geopolitical Importance in Indo-Pacific: Geopolitically, the ANI serves as a gateway for India’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, especially amidst China’s expanding presence.  
  • The islands are pivotal for India’s Act East policy, countering China’s influence in the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia.  
  • India’s focus on expanding civilian infrastructure on the islands, such as the INR 80,000 crore project for Great Nicobar, reflects this geopolitical significance.  
  • In recent years, China’s growing presence at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port and Pakistan’s Gwadar port has escalated India's strategic calculus, pushing for stronger ties with countries like Indonesia and Australia. 
• Indigenous Communities and Tribals: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to several indigenous communities, including the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawa, and Sentinelese in the Andaman Islands, and the Nicobarese and Shompen in the Nicobar Islands.  
  • These tribes have unique cultures, languages, and ways of life, with some, like the Sentinelese, remaining largely isolated. 
  • However, the indigenous tribes have faced challenges such as disease, encroachment on their land, and loss of traditional ways of life. 
• Energy Security and Resource Potential: The strategic location of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also offers immense potential for India in energy security, particularly through offshore resources.  
  • The islands lie close to unexplored subsea mineral deposits, including polymetallic nodules rich in cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese—critical for India’s growing demand for rare earth metals.  
  • These resources have become even more crucial as global demand for renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and electric vehicle batteries, increases.  
• Tourism and Sustainable Development: The archipelago's pristine beaches, coral reefs, and rich biodiversity make it an attractive destination for eco-tourism.  
  • In 2024, the Islands' tourism sector achieved a significant milestone, recording a 120% increase in domestic arrivals. 
  • Sustainable tourism initiatives, such as promoting river cruises and wildlife watching, can provide economic benefits without compromising the island’s ecological balance.

What are the Key Issues Associated with Fan and Nicobar Islands?  

• Environmental Degradation and Biodiversity Loss: The ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the proposed transshipment port at Great Nicobar, threaten to disrupt the delicate ecosystems that support rare species. 
  • Despite mitigation measures, large-scale deforestation is inevitable, releasing millions of tonnes of CO₂ and disrupting local wildlife habitats.  
  • Environmentalists estimate that the project could release approximately 4.3 million tonnes of CO₂, aggravating the global climate crisis. 
  • Official estimates put the number of trees to be felled for the megaproject at 8–10 lakh, but ecologists warn that the true toll could be as high as 10 million. 
• Threat to Tribal Rights and Indigenous Communities: The expansion of infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands raises significant concerns over the rights of indigenous tribes, particularly the Shompen and Nicobarese.  
  • The proposed development projects, especially those in the Great Nicobar area, risk disturbing tribal habitats and cultures, which are deeply tied to the land.  
  • The Shompen, an isolated and vulnerable tribe, could face dire consequences from increased interaction with the outside world.  
  • Activists warn that such developments could lead to psychological trauma and even population decline for the Shompen tribe, who have little immunity to diseases from outsiders. 
• Strategic Militarization and Regional Tensions: The militarization of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a contentious issue, especially as India enhances its defense infrastructure to counter China's growing presence in the Indo-Pacific.  
  • While the strategic importance of the islands is there, there is concern that turning them into a militarized zone could heighten regional tensions, particularly with neighbors like Indonesia and Malaysia.  
    • These countries have historically been apprehensive about India’s military presence in the region.  
  • Such actions could exacerbate tensions in the region, complicating India's diplomatic relations. 
• Economic Disparity and Local Development: The economic benefits of infrastructure development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, such as tourism and trade, have not equally translated into local benefits for indigenous and marginalized communities. 
  • While projects like the Mega Transshipment Port promise to boost regional trade, the local population, including tribal groups, risks being left out of the economic growth.  
  • The development plans propose the relocation of communities and the construction of new townships, but these initiatives have raised questions about their inclusiveness. 
  • For instance, the relocation of Nicobarese after the 2004 tsunami to Afra Bay has been criticized for not integrating them fully into mainstream development, leading to continued socio-economic challenges for these communities. 
• Rising Threat of Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels: The islands, being low-lying, are especially vulnerable to the effects of global warming.  
  • The Bay of Bengal is experiencing a sea level rise of about 4.44 mm per year, which is 30% higher than the global average.  
  • This rise could lead to submergence of coastal areas and disrupt local communities, particularly those in vulnerable zones like Nicobar.  
    • Such projections pose a serious challenge to long-term planning, and increased infrastructure development could exacerbate this vulnerability. 
• Poor Connectivity and Infrastructure Issues: Despite the focus on infrastructure development, the islands continue to suffer from poor connectivity and infrastructure deficits, especially in remote areas.  
  • This limits access to basic services like healthcare, education, and markets for island residents, especially indigenous communities. 
  • The lack of reliable transportation (both air and sea) can delay emergency responses, affect tourism, and hinder economic growth. 
• Coral Reef Degradation in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to some of the country's most beautiful coral reefs.  
  • However, they face severe threats due to climate change and rising sea temperatures, which cause coral bleaching by expelling the symbiotic algae essential for coral health.  
  • Overfishing, destructive fishing, and coastal development lead to physical damage and sedimentation, while invasive species like the crown-of-thorns starfish harm coral health.  
    • Unregulated tourism and natural disasters such as cyclones also contribute to reef degradation. 

What Measures can India Adopt to Promote Sustainable Development in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?  

• Strengthening Environmental Regulations and Impact Assessments: India must enforce rigorous environmental regulations and comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for all major infrastructure projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.  
  • Projects like the Great Nicobar development risk destroying delicate ecosystems, impacting species such as the Nicobar megapode.  
  • More stringent assessments and mitigation protocols can prevent irreversible damage.  
• Fostering Sustainable Tourism Practices: Eco-tourism should be prioritized in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to preserve natural landscapes and promote responsible tourism.  
  • By limiting tourist numbers and promoting low-impact activities like river cruises and kayaking, India can prevent overexploitation of the islands’ natural resources.  
  • For instance, Radhanagar Beach, a popular tourist destination, faces immense pressure from high visitor volumes.  
    • Tourist caps and sustainable infrastructure can reduce environmental strain, with the Ministry of Tourism’s eco-certification program as a guiding model for future development. 
• Integrated Coastal and Marine Resource Management: An Integrated Coastal and Marine Resource Management (ICMR) approach must be adopted to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing.  
  • The islands are home to highly biodiverse coral reefs, which are threatened by both climate change and human activity.  
  • By creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and regulating sustainable fishing methods, India can preserve marine biodiversity.  
  • Similar initiatives like the Coral Triangle Initiative have improved marine biodiversity, showing the potential for long-term ecological stability. 
• Promoting Indigenous Rights and Inclusion in Development: Inclusive governance is critical to ensure that indigenous tribes such as the Shompen and Nicobarese are meaningfully involved in development decisions.  
  • The Forest Rights Act (FRA) must be strictly adhered to, and the free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) of indigenous communities should be sought.  
  • Community participation is essential for meaningful development, and local communities must be actively involved in the process.  
    • Jairam Ramesh, Former Environment Minister, had once pointed out that the Ministry of Environment neglected to document the concerns of the Shoempen tribe. 
    • It's important to ensure that all voices, especially from marginalized groups, are heard and considered in any developmental decision-making. 
• Enhancing Disaster Resilience and Climate Adaptation: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and increased frequency of extreme weather events.  
  • India must prioritize climate-resilient infrastructure, ensuring that projects like the transshipment port are built to withstand cyclones and tsunamis. 
  • Post-2004 tsunami recovery showed the importance of disaster-proofing infrastructure.  
• Leveraging Renewable Energy for Self-Sufficiency: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands should prioritize renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and tidal energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.  
  • These islands are ideally suited for solar power projects due to their abundant sunlight. 
    • The use of solar microgrids and off-grid solutions can promote energy self-sufficiency and lower carbon footprints.  
• Ecological Restoration and Reforestation Programs: Restoring ecosystems affected by infrastructure development requires extensive reforestation and ecological restoration programs, particularly in Great Nicobar Island. 
  • These efforts should focus on restoring rainforests, coral reefs, and mangroves, which are vital to maintaining ecological balance.  
  • For example, coral restoration projects, although challenging, have successfully rejuvenated ecosystems in similar tropical regions.  
  • The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) reports that such programs can increase biodiversity, fostering a resilient, sustainable environment. 
• Developing Green Infrastructure and Low-Impact Construction: India should adopt green building practices and low-impact construction techniques to minimize environmental damage. 
  • This includes using sustainable materials for infrastructure, reducing construction waste, and promoting energy-efficient designs.  
  • Great Nicobar’s airport and port construction can adopt green infrastructure standards, such as solar-powered facilities and eco-friendly construction methods.  
• Strengthening Local Capacity for Sustainable Livelihoods: India must invest in capacity-building programs that teach local communities sustainable practices in sectors like agriculture, eco-friendly fishing, and community-based tourism.  
  • initiatives can help reduce economic dependency on harmful practices, promoting sustainable livelihoods.  
  • For instance, organic farming and sustainable fishing can provide long-term benefits without depleting natural resources.

Conclusion:

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands' strategic, economic, and ecological significance demands a balance between development and conservation. As India advances infrastructure, sustainable practices must protect indigenous rights, biodiversity, and the environment. "Sustainable development is not a choice, but a necessity for future generations." By prioritizing renewable energy, eco-tourism, and climate resilience, India can align its growth with the UN SDGs, especially Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 15 (Life on Land).

Drishti Mains Question:

In light of the ongoing Mega Transshipment Port, evaluate the potential challenges related to tribal rights, biodiversity conservation, and climate change in the Andaman and Nicobar region.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Q1. Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’? (2014) 

(a) Andaman and Nicobar 

(b) Nicobar and Sumatra 

(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep 

(d) Sumatra and Java 

Ans: (a) 

Q2. Which of the following have coral reefs? (2014) 

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
2. Gulf of Kachchh 
3. Gulf of Mannar 
4. Sunderbans 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 

(b) 2 and 4 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (a) 

Q3. In which one of the following places is the Shompen tribe found? (2009) 

(a) Nilgiri Hills 

(b) Nicobar Islands 

(c) Spiti Valley 

(d) Lakshadweep Islands 

Ans: (b)