India to Build New Civil-Military Airport in Great Nicobar Amid Environmental Concerns

The Indian government has opted to construct a new greenfield civil-military airport under the Great Nicobar Project, with an investment of ₹13,000 crores, instead of expanding the existing naval airfield at INS Baaz. This decision comes at a time when political tensions have escalated regarding a significant ₹81,000 crore development initiative on this environmentally sensitive island. According to government and defense sources, the proposed dual-use airport will be located near Chingen at Galathia Bay, catering to both civilian and military aviation needs. It is anticipated that this facility will play a crucial role in enhancing India's strategic infrastructure in the eastern Indian Ocean, situated close to the vital shipping route of the Malacca Strait.

This new airport decision effectively puts on hold the long-standing plans to extend the runway at the Indian Navy's INS Baaz air station in Campbell Bay. Sources indicate that studies have shown that extending the current 4,500-foot runway to approximately 10,000 feet would be challenging due to terrain limitations, navigation issues, and the need for extensive supporting infrastructure. Officials have also acknowledged that the runway expansion could have a more significant impact on tribal settlements, forests, and wildlife habitats compared to the proposed greenfield airport. Reports suggest that the new airport is expected to be completed within five years, fulfilling the air travel needs of the public while remaining under the operational control of the Navy. Authorities believe that this greenfield site offers more room for future expansion and strengthens India's military presence, surveillance capabilities, and logistics in the strategically important Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

This airport is one of four major infrastructure projects proposed under the 'Great Nicobar Island Development Project,' which has an estimated total cost of around ₹81,000 crores. The ambitious plan includes a transshipment port, power infrastructure, and township development, aiming to transform the island into a significant economic and strategic hub. The announcement regarding the airport comes at a time when opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the 'Great Nicobar Project' following his visit to the islands, where he engaged in scuba diving near the coral reefs. Gandhi has labeled this project as one of the largest scams and a severe crime against the country's natural and tribal heritage. He has alleged that the development work will lead to the destruction of vast rainforests, the cutting down of over 1.5 crore trees, damage to coral reefs, and the displacement of indigenous communities, including the vulnerable Shompens.