Environmental Management and Biodiversity Conservation Efforts in Great Nicobar Island Mega Project
The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) mega project involves significant environmental management and biodiversity conservation plans, notably concerning coral colonies and giant clams affected by the transhipment port at Galathea Bay.
Coral and Giant Clam Translocation
- The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) plans to translocate coral colonies and giant clams to four designated sites on the island’s west coast.
- ZSI has identified these translocation sites in compliance with Environmental Clearance (EC) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) requirements, ensuring systematic tracking via GPS tags.
Biodiversity Committee and Conservation Plans
- A biodiversity-related committee, formed under the Environment Ministry’s EC conditions, oversees wildlife conservation efforts.
- Key focus areas include the conservation of endemic species like the Nicobar Megapode, leatherback marine turtles, and various indigenous fauna and flora.
- Galathea Bay is a globally significant nesting site for leatherback sea turtles.
Legal and Regulatory Aspects
- During the project's EC appraisal and National Green Tribunal challenges, ZSI committed to the translocation of 16,150 coral colonies from the specified area.
- The National Green Tribunal upheld that the ICRZ Notification, 2019, was not violated and directed the protection and regeneration of coral reefs.
Wildlife Protection and Survey Efforts
- ZSI must acquire approvals under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, for handling protected species.
- Efforts include manpower deployment and equipment procurement for coral conservation and management.
- The Wildlife Institute of India reported 141 leatherback turtle nests and emphasized the need for satellite tagging to monitor these turtles.
- The Salim Ali Centre conducted surveys on tree-cavity-nesting birds and Coconut Crabs.
The GNI mega project illustrates a coordinated approach to development and biodiversity conservation, aiming to balance ecological preservation with infrastructural advancements.
