Centre approves ₹13,000-crore Great Nicobar airport project, shelves INS Baaz expansion plan

The Central Government approved a new Rs 13,000-crore greenfield civil-military airport project in Great Nicobar Island recently. Authorities decided against expanding the Indian Navy’s INS Baaz airfield located in Campbell Bay region. Officials selected Chingen near Galathea Bay for constructing the strategically important dual-use aviation infrastructure project. The proposed airport will support civilian flights while strengthening military operations across the eastern Indian Ocean region. Government agencies believe the project will significantly improve India’s strategic surveillance capabilities near the Malacca Strait corridor.

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Strategic Shift Towards Greenfield Airport Development

Defence officials studied several technical challenges before rejecting the long-pending INS Baaz runway expansion proposal recently. Experts found severe terrain difficulties while planning extension of the existing 4,500-foot runway towards nearby locations. Authorities also identified navigational limitations and substantial infrastructure requirements affecting the proposed military airfield development exercise. Environmental assessments suggested runway expansion could disturb forests, tribal settlements, and wildlife habitats more extensively than alternatives. Officials therefore preferred establishing a completely new greenfield airport facility offering better operational flexibility and future expansion possibilities.

The upcoming airport project forms an important component within the ambitious Rs 81,000-crore Great Nicobar development programme initiative. Government planners included several large infrastructure proposals designed for transforming the remote island into a major economic hub. The broader development plan includes a transshipment port, township infrastructure, and upgraded power generation systems for residents. Officials expect the airport project completion within five years under continued naval operational control and supervision arrangements. Authorities believe the initiative will strengthen India’s Indo-Pacific presence while improving connectivity across strategically important maritime trade routes.

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Political and Environmental Debate Over Great Nicobar Project

Political controversy surrounding the Great Nicobar project intensified after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the proposed development activities recently. Gandhi described the massive infrastructure initiative as environmentally damaging following his visit and scuba-diving expedition around nearby coral reefs. Opposition leaders accused authorities of threatening vulnerable ecosystems, dense rainforests, and ecologically sensitive marine biodiversity across the island territory. Congress representatives alleged that more than 1.5 crore trees could disappear because of extensive construction and development activities. Activists also warned about potential displacement risks affecting indigenous tribal communities, including the particularly vulnerable Shompen population groups.

The Central Government strongly defended the project while highlighting its national security and long-term economic significance for India recently. Officials argued that stronger infrastructure would improve strategic preparedness and maritime monitoring capabilities throughout the Indian Ocean region. Authorities also maintained that development projects would generate employment opportunities and modern connectivity benefits for isolated island communities. Congress leaders meanwhile demanded greater transparency regarding environmental clearances, financial planning, and tribal rights protection mechanisms before implementation. Environmental experts and anthropologists continue urging authorities to reconsider sensitive development activities affecting Great Nicobar’s fragile ecological balance.

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