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 have been made. It is estimated to cost over Rs 70,000 crores.

Pankaj Sekhsaria, who has been associated with the islands for over three decades said that 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 told Sidharth Bhatia in this podcast.

“A reserved forest has been denotified, it's not easy to cut down a forest” he said. He also listed the damage to the local flora and fauna. “The beaches there are the nesting place for the great leatherback turtle-that will be finished. All that and more in this podcast, The Wire Talks.

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