Jairam Ramesh objects to Great Nicobar Project, cites ecological disaster and offers defence alternatives

<h2>Key Points</h2> <p>On <strong>17 May 2026</strong>, <strong>Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh</strong> wrote to <strong>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</strong> demanding a rethink of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Great Nicobar Island Development Project – a large‑scale infrastructure plan on Great Nicobar Island that aims to combine a trans‑shipment port, township and defence facilities; it has drawn criticism for potential environmental damage (GS2: Polity – defence & environment)">Great Nicobar Island Development Project</span>. Ramesh labelled the proposal in its present form an “<span class="key-term" data-definition="Ecological disaster – severe, often irreversible damage to ecosystems that can threaten biodiversity, livelihoods and climate goals; a key concern for environmental governance (GS3: Environment)">ecological disaster</span>”. The letter also outlined less harmful alternatives already suggested by naval officers.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Ramesh stresses that strengthening national defence and protecting the environment are not mutually exclusive.</li> <li>He points to the <span class="key-term" data-definition="INS Baaz – Indian Navy air station at Campbell Bay on Great Nicobar Island, commissioned in July 2012; it serves as a forward operating base for maritime surveillance (GS2: Polity)">INS Baaz</span> runway expansion and a naval jetty that have been pending for five years, noting their relatively low ecological impact.</li> <li>He recommends expanding existing assets of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Andaman and Nicobar Command – the tri‑service command of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for the security of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago (GS2: Polity)">Andaman and Nicobar Command</span>, such as INS Kardip, INS Kohassa, INS Utkrosh, INS Jarawa and the Car Nicobar Air Force Station, instead of new large‑scale construction.</li> <li>Ramesh argues that the proposed trans‑shipment port and township do not enhance India’s <span class="key-term" data-definition="Strategic capabilities – the capacity of a nation to project power, protect its interests and respond to security challenges; central to defence policy (GS2: Polity)">strategic capabilities</span>, yet are being used as justification for the project.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The original plan envisions a massive port, a civilian township and expanded naval facilities. While the government cites strategic imperatives, the runway extension at INS Baaz and upgrades at existing bases could achieve similar defence objectives with far lower environmental costs. The pending approvals for the runway extension have been stalled for almost five years, indicating bureaucratic inertia rather than strategic necessity.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>This episode illustrates the intersection of <strong>defence policy</strong>, <strong>environmental governance</strong> and <strong>federal‑state coordination</strong>. Aspirants should note how political leaders (Congress vs. ruling party) use environmental arguments to challenge large infrastructure projects, a pattern seen in debates on coastal regulation, forest clearances and strategic installations. Understanding the role of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Andaman and Nicobar Command – the tri‑service command of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for the security of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago (GS2: Polity)">Andaman and Nicobar Command</span> helps answer GS2 questions on maritime security, while the ecological concerns tie into GS3 topics on sustainable development and climate change.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>Ramesh’s letter suggests three actionable steps: (1) fast‑track the runway and jetty at INS Baaz, (2) upgrade existing naval and air bases within the Andaman and Nicobar Command, and (3) drop the trans‑shipment port and township components that lack clear defence value. A balanced approach that safeguards <span class="key-term" data-definition="Ecological disaster – severe, often irreversible damage to ecosystems that can threaten biodiversity, livelihoods and climate goals; a key concern for environmental governance (GS3: Environment)">ecological</span> assets while meeting strategic needs would align with India’s sustainable development goals and defence modernization plans.</p>