Plans to develop the Great Nicobar island, initiated by the Niti Aayog, have alarmed scientists and activists alike. A massive project, involving a transhipment terminal, port, a township, an airport and more, has been made. It is estimated to cost over Rs 70,000 crore.

Pankaj Sekhsaria, who has been associated with the islands for over three decades says on every front – environmental, geological and social – the project will ruin the islands. “The township is for accommodating 3.5 lakhs people: residents, tourists, etc.,” he tells Sidharth Bhatia in this podcast. 

“A reserved forest has been denotified – its not easy to cut down a forest,” he says. He lists the damage to the local flora and fauna. “The beaches there are the nesting place for the great leatherback turtle – that will be finished."