Projects worth Rs. 75,000 crore (US$ 9.40 billion) on Great Nicobar island shown green flag

A panel of the environment ministry approved 16,610-hectare project on Great Nicobar Island. The project, which is projected to cost Rs. 75,000 crore (US$ 9.40 billion), will comprise the development of a Greenfield international airport, an international container terminal, a township, and a power plant.

In 1989, the island was designated as a biosphere reserve, and in 2013, it was included to UNESCO's man and biosphere project. According to the assessment, the projects will necessitate the removal of about 850,000 trees and the destruction of 12-20 hectares of mangrove forests. This will result in significant coral destruction and will claim approximately 298 hectares of seabed.

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