Jairam Ramesh Flags Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Threatened by BJP‑led Project

<p><strong>Congress leader Jairam Ramesh</strong> on <strong>19 May 2026</strong> warned that the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve — a protected area in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, part of UNESCO's biosphere network, important for biodiversity and cultural heritage (GS3: Environment)">Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve</span> is now "hugely endangered". He blames the <span class="key-term" data-definition="BJP — Bharatiya Janata Party, the ruling party at the centre, central to Indian politics and policy making (GS2: Polity)">BJP</span>-led Centre for pushing a commercial project called the Great Nicobar Island Project.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Ramesh highlighted that India has 18 designated biosphere reserves, of which 13 are part of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves — a global network of sites designated by UNESCO to promote conservation and sustainable development (GS3: Environment)">UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves</span>.</li> <li>The Great Nicobar reserve, declared in 2013, is the only one now facing severe threat due to the proposed development.</li> <li>The Centre argues the project is needed for strategic security, while critics say it jeopardises ecological and cultural diversity.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>• India’s biosphere reserves cover diverse ecosystems, from the Himalayas to coastal islands.<br> • Thirteen of the 18 reserves are internationally recognised under UNESCO’s framework.<br> • The Great Nicobar reserve hosts unique flora, fauna and indigenous communities, making it a critical conservation zone.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>The issue touches several UPSC themes:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Environment and Ecology (GS3)</strong>: Understanding the role of biosphere reserves, their legal status, and the balance between development and conservation.</li> <li><strong>Federalism and Centre‑State Relations (GS2)</strong>: The clash between a central government project and environmental concerns raised by opposition leaders.</li> <li><strong>International Commitments (GS3)</strong>: India’s obligations under UNESCO conventions and how they influence domestic policy.</li> <li><strong>Strategic Policy (GS2)</strong>: The Centre’s justification based on national security and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region.</li> </ul> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>• Conduct an independent environmental impact assessment before any further work.<br> • Strengthen the legal framework protecting <span class="key-term" data-definition="Biosphere Reserve — a protected area that combines conservation of biodiversity with sustainable use of natural resources, a key concept in environmental governance (GS3: Environment)">Biosphere Reserve</span> status, ensuring compliance with UNESCO guidelines.<br> • Encourage dialogue between the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Modi government — the executive led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, representing the BJP, relevant for understanding central policy decisions (GS2: Polity)">Modi government</span>, state authorities, scientists and local communities to find a balanced solution.<br> • Use the episode as a case study for UPSC aspirants on the challenges of reconciling development, security and environmental stewardship.</p>