Approval has been given by the Central Government for the construction of a new greenfield international airport on Great Nicobar Island at a cost of around ₹13,000 crore. It is a big departure from the earlier plan of upgrading the already existing INS Baaz airstrip at Campbell Bay.
As per sources, the idea of upgradation of INS Baaz has now been scrapped in favour of a new dedicated airport to be built in the island as part of the development package for Great Nicobar. The new airport will help connect the island more conveniently and will facilitate various future commercial activities.
The construction of the airport is an important element in the larger plans of the government regarding infrastructure development in Great Nicobar Island, which also includes plans for a transshipment port, township and energy & transportation infrastructure facilities.
According to official estimates, the new airport is more likely to serve the needs of increased air traffic as opposed to the current military air strip. The airport will not only facilitate domestic and foreign flights, but also help in boosting the tourism sector within the strategically positioned island cluster.
The Great Nicobar Island is strategically located in close proximity to busy sea lanes in the Indian Ocean. It has been pointed out on multiple occasions by policymakers that the island holds great significance from an economic as well as connectivity point of view.
Another factor for constructing a new airport rather than upgrading INS Baaz is associated with the added benefits provided by a civilian airport. According to some reports, the new airport will help cater to the long term development objectives in a much better way.
Indeed, there is much interest being shown regarding this project because of its large magnitude and the possible consequences that it can bring about for the people living in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Proponents of the idea feel that better communication in the area can lead to more jobs and investments, thereby boosting tourism in the area.
However, the greater Great Nicobar development project has created an uproar in the environmentalist circles. Scientists, as well as environmentalists, have expressed their doubts about the environmental ramifications that may arise from the construction activities in the island, which happens to be rich in biodiversity.
The government maintains that environmental protection will be included in the process of developing this project.
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The clearance of the new airport makes Great Nicobar a highly anticipated infrastructure project in India, in line with the Indian government’s policy of promoting connectivity and economic growth.
