Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands: Strategic and Ecological significance

Syllabus: Internal Security/ Environment Conservation

Source: IE

Context: The Indian government must recognize the strategic and ecological significance of the Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands.

Strategic Significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for India

• Forward Défense Position: Crucial presence in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Key in monitoring and controlling maritime chokepoints like the Malacca Strait

• Naval Power Projection: Acts as India’s first line of defence against eastern threats. Base for projecting naval strength into the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, countering China’s naval presence.

• Integrated Military Command: Hosts the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s only tri-service theatre command. Serves as a model for integrated military operations, vital for future conflicts.

• Exclusive Economic Zone Expansion: Extends India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf under UNCLOS.

• Maritime Trade Hub Potential: Development of Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar Island as a transhipment port. Could become a major hub for international maritime trade, rivalling ports like Singapore.

Ecological Significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for India

• Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to over 2,200 species of plants, 270 species of birds, and numerous mammals and reptiles.

• Example: Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, which hosts endemic species like the Nicobar Megapode.

• Marine Ecosystems: Example: The coral reefs around Havelock Island, which support diverse marine species and protect against coastal erosion.

• Unique Fauna: Several endemic species of animals and birds. Example: The Narcondam Hornbill, found only on Narcondam Island.

• Critical Habitats: Important nesting sites for endangered species. Example: Leatherback turtles nest on the beaches of Great Nicobar Island.

• Mangrove Forests: Extensive mangrove coverage providing vital ecosystem services.

• Eco-Tourism Opportunities: Pristine beaches, coral reefs, and unique wildlife offer immense eco-tourism potential. Generates revenue, creates jobs, and boosts the Indian economy.

• Cultural and Anthropological Significance: Home to indigenous tribes like the Shompen for millennia. Preserving their unique culture and way of life is crucial for the islands’ identity.

About the Great Nicobar Project:

It was introduced in the 1970s for national security in the Indian Ocean Region and has gained urgency due to increased Chinese activity in the Bay of Bengal and Indo-Pacific. The Rs 72,000 crore development includes a ₹35,000 crore transhipment port at Galathea Bay, a dual-use military-civil international airport, a power plant, and a greenfield township, overseen by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation.

Challenges faced by A&N:

• Environmental vs. Developmental Balance: Balancing strategic and economic growth with the protection of unique ecosystems and biodiversity, such as leatherback turtle nesting sites at Galathea Bay, presents significant challenges.

• Indigenous Rights and Preservation: Development often conflicts with the preservation of the culture and rights of Indigenous tribes like the Jarawas, Onges, and Sentinelese, risking violations of protective laws.

• Infrastructure Challenges: The remote location, difficult terrain, and seismic activity complicate infrastructure projects, including sourcing materials and skilled labour.

• Climate Vulnerability: The islands’ susceptibility to climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels, threatens both infrastructure and indigenous communities, necessitating long-term adaptive strategies.

• Surveillance Deficiencies: Inadequate surveillance networks over the vast maritime expanse leave critical chokepoints like the Six Degree Channel vulnerable.

Way forward:

To ensure balanced development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, several strategic initiatives can be implemented. These include establishing a centre that integrates traditional tribal knowledge with modern science to advance medicine, sustainable forestry practices, and climate-resilient agriculture. Additionally, creating a startup incubator focused on maritime technologies and sustainable island development will stimulate innovation and attract investment. Designating specific islands as diplomatic and cultural exchange zones for regional cooperation summits, coupled with implementing blockchain technology for transparent resource management, will enhance sustainability and international collaboration.

Insta Links:

• Andaman and Nicobar to establish wildlife sanctuaries

Prelims Link:

Q1. Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’? (UPSC 2014)

(a) Andaman and Nicobar

(b) Nicobar and Sumatra

(d) Sumatra and Java

Ans: (a)

Q2. Which of the following have coral reefs? (USPC 2014)

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Gulf of Kachchh

• Gulf of Mannar

• Sunderbans

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (a)