The Great Nicobar project stands as a grave threat to one of India’s most biodiverse regions, the Great Nicobar Island. Home to unique flora and fauna, this region boasts sensitive ecosystems that are vital to environmental balance and numerous indigenous tribes whose livelihoods are intricately tied to the land.

The proposed project includes the development of a transshipment terminal, an airport, a power plant, and a township, which would entail large-scale deforestation impacting its rich biodiversity, including endangered species such as the Nicobar megapode and saltwater crocodiles. According to environmental assessments, upwards of 130 square kilometers of pristine rainforest may be lost, which would not only decimate the habitat of these species but also contribute significantly to carbon emissions exacerbating climate change.

Moreover, the indigenous communities, including the Shompen tribe, face displacement and potential cultural erosion as their ancestral lands are cleared for development. They risk losing their right to livelihoods and traditional ways of life. Considerable concerns have also been raised about the vulnerability of this seismically active region to man-made developments, which could exacerbate the risk of natural disasters.

We call upon the Indian Judiciary to recognize the irreversible damage this project could wreak and to prioritize sustainable development. There is a need for rigorous environmental and social impact assessments to fully understand the consequences of this undertaking. Alternative solutions should be explored that preserve the natural heritage of the Great Nicobar while balancing developmental aspirations.

Sign this petition to demand that the Indian Judiciary reassess the Great Nicobar project, protecting both the environment and the rights of indigenous peoples. Your support is crucial in urging for a pledge towards sustainable and responsible governance that respects and nurtures our ecological legacy and cultural history.