The Indian government has decided to build a new airport in Great Nicobar Island at a cost of Rs 13,000 crore instead of expanding INS Buzz. The new airport will be built as part of the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project. There is also intense political controversy surrounding the massive project due to the island’s environmental conditions.
Defense and government sources said the new airport would be built at Singen near the Gulf of Galatia on the southeast coast of Great Nicobar. The port will be suitable for both general passenger and military use. The location is strategically important as it lies along the Straits of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest sea lanes connecting the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. This will enable India to enhance its surveillance capabilities in this important seaway.
According to sources, extending the existing 4,500 feet long runway of INS Baj to 10,000 feet will cause soil formation and other technical difficulties. Furthermore, runway expansion was likely to have negative impacts on forests, wildlife and local indigenous peoples. Therefore, the government has decided to build a new port instead of enlarging the old port. This new airport is expected to be completed within the next five years and will be under naval control.
Great Nicobar is the southernmost island of India, which is very important in international maritime trade. The new airport is one of the four major parts of the massive Rs 81,000-crore Nicobar development project. The project also plans to build a major port, power plant and new city. The government believes the project will boost India’s economic growth, strengthen its position in the Pacific region and help counter China’s growing influence.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the government over the project. After visiting the island recently, he called the project the biggest corruption in the country. He alleged that the development would destroy vast tracts of forest, cut down nearly half a million trees and displace indigenous peoples such as the Champagne tribe. The Congress party demanded a debate in Parliament on the environmental impact and transparency of the project. Although the government claims the project is essential for the country’s security and development, environmentalists and critics continue to oppose its environmental impact.