Tribunal cites strategic importance while calling for strict compliance with green norms.

NGT Clears ₹90,000-Crore Great Nicobar Mega Project, Backs Environmental Safeguards.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has given the green light to the Centre’s ₹90,000-crore-plus Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project, ruling that the environmental clearance (EC) granted in 2022 contains “adequate safeguards.” While disposing of a batch of petitions challenging the project, the tribunal held that there was no sufficient ground to interfere, citing its strategic importance. The NGT noted that concerns raised earlier were examined by a high-powered committee constituted in 2023, and that remaining issues had since been addressed. However, it directed authorities to ensure full and strict compliance with all EC conditions. The project near Galathea Bay includes a container transhipment port, a dual-use civil-military airport, and an integrated township spread over 166 sq km. While it involves the diversion of significant forest land in a global biodiversity hotspot, a pre-feasibility report highlighted national security and Indian Ocean strategic considerations as key drivers behind the development.