The Great Nicobar initiative entails constructing a port, roads, a township, and electrical plant on the territory of approximately 166 square kilometres, half of which is covered with the rainforest.
What Will the Authorities Build Here Exactly?
The project covers about 166 sq km in three phases and would need roughly 130 sq km of forest land, home to the Nicobarese and Shompen communities. Critics estimate that about one million trees would be felled.
What Does the Government Say?
The government insists the Great Nicobar project is essentially important: three-quarters of the cargo shipped into India as transshipment passes through foreign ports.
What Do Critics and Courts Say?
The project was approved by the National Green Tribunal of India in February 2026, although a High Court action is currently pending. Critics of the project point out that planting may not replace the loss of old trees, corals and mangroves, a statement reflecting famous criticisms of biodiversity credits.
Keep Reading More Environmental News
Is the Amazon Near a Tipping Point?
Learn how close diebacks really are.
Which Species Are Recovering?
Meet the top ten endangered species making a comeback.
Do Carbon Markets Work?
Learn whether carbon markets can truly protect forests.
