Fears loom over India's 'Hong Kong' project on a remote island

Concerns are rising in India regarding a significant development project planned for Great Nicobar Island, a remote area within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This region, located in the Indian Ocean, is ecologically sensitive and home to unique tribes. Anstice Justin, an anthropologist who has spent his life studying these islands, expresses deep concern, stating, 'The forest is our supermarket. ' This highlights the reliance of the local communities on the forests for their survival. The Indian government has proposed a multi-billion dollar project that aims to create a port, an airport, and other infrastructure on Great Nicobar Island. The intention behind this ambitious plan is to enhance trade and tourism, connecting the island to vital global shipping routes. However, many islanders are apprehensive about the potential consequences of such development. They fear that their land, culture, and traditional way of life may be irrevocably altered. The Nicobar Islands are home to several indigenous tribes, including the Shompen, who have lived in harmony with nature for generations. These tribes are classified as 'particularly vulnerable' due to their isolation and limited contact with the outside world. Mr. Justin has been documenting the lives of these tribes since 1985 and emphasizes that the proposed development is not aligned with their values. He states, 'Whatever we call development in the outside world is not of interest to them. They have a traditional life of their own. ' The project is estimated to cost around 720 billion rupees, equivalent to approximately 9 billion dollars. It encompasses a transshipment harbor, a power plant, and a new township, all designed to facilitate international trade. The government anticipates that by the time the project is completed in 30 years, the island's population could swell to around 650,000 residents. However, experts warn that this plan is part of a broader strategy to counter China's influence in the region, raising further concerns among the local population. Environmentalists are also voicing their worries about the ecological impact of the project. Great Nicobar Island is predominantly covered in rainforests, which are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The federal environment ministry has stated that only a small portion of the island will be cleared for the project, but many believe that the actual number of trees cut down could be much higher. Ecologist Madhav Gadgil points out that while the government claims only a fraction of the forest will be affected, the infrastructure development will inevitably lead to increased pollution, impacting the entire ecosystem. The environment ministry has not responded to requests for comment, but Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav previously assured that the project would not displace tribespeople and had undergone rigorous environmental scrutiny. Despite these assurances, skepticism remains among the islanders. Earlier this year, a group of 39 international experts warned that the development project could be a 'death sentence' for the Shompen tribe, as it threatens to destroy their habitat. Mr. Justin shares this concern, stating, 'The Shompen people do not have the knowledge or the means to survive in an industrial world. ' He fears that they could face a fate similar to that of the Nicobarese, who were displaced after a devastating tsunami in 2004. The government has attempted to resettle the Nicobarese, but many now live as manual laborers, far from their ancestral lands. The project also raises concerns about exposing the Shompen to diseases. Uncontacted tribes often lack immunity to common illnesses, which can have devastating effects on their populations. The project is set to impact Galathea Bay, a crucial habitat for various marine species, including giant leatherback sea turtles. Dr. Manish Chandi, a social ecologist, warns that the proposed development could disrupt the nesting and breeding grounds of these species. Although the government claims that these areas will remain untouched, experts believe that other species, such as corals and giant robber crabs, may still be displaced. As the project unfolds over the next three decades, the islanders and environmentalists alike are left anxious about the irreversible changes it may bring to both the ecosystem and the lives of the indigenous people.