Environment Ministry Grants Final Clearance for Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has given the final environmental clearance for the Rs 72,000-crore Great Nicobar development project.
Key Points for Quick Revision
- Final environmental clearance granted for Great Nicobar project.
- Includes a transshipment terminal and a greenfield airport.
- Strategic importance for India's maritime security.
- Concerns raised regarding the Shompen tribe and biodiversity.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 12–20 | Environment and Ecology is a separate section in UPSC Prelims. GS-III includes environment, climate change, and disaster management. |
| State PCS / PSC | High | 5–8 | State PCS papers test both central environment policy and state-specific conservation achievements. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- New Ramsar sites, UNESCO sites, Biosphere Reserves: name, state/country, reason for designation
- Climate summit outcomes: COP targets, India's commitments, new agreements
- Pollution data: India's air quality rank, river clean-up updates, plastic ban updates
- Endangered species: IUCN category, habitat, threats, conservation project
- Environmental laws and policies: recent amendments to Environment Protection Act, Forest Rights Act
Practice Questions
Q1. The Great Nicobar Island is home to which particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG)?
- Jarawa
- Shompen
- Sentinelese
- Onge
Explanation: The Shompen tribe is indigenous to the Great Nicobar Island.
Q2. What is the primary strategic component of the Great Nicobar development project?
- A space launch pad
- An international container transshipment terminal
- A nuclear power plant
- A software technology park
Explanation: The project includes a major international container transshipment terminal.
How to Prepare Environment for Government Exams
Ramsar sites and World Heritage Site additions are announced annually. Compile the year's additions — they are direct exam questions.
For UPSC, understand the international treaty context: Paris Agreement, CBD, CITES, Ramsar — know what each treaty does.
Climate news = policy news. Always note the government response to any environmental event — that's what UPSC Mains tests.