Hong Kong is being built in India, 10 lakh trees sacrificed for the dragon… This is how India will ‘defeat’ China in the Indian Ocean

New Delhi: Do you remember the time of 26 December, 2004, when an earthquake of 9.3 magnitude on the Richter scale struck the Great Nicobar region. This is where the most destructive tsunami in history started. 20 years ago this tsunami engulfed 12 coastal countries, in which at least 2 lakh people were killed. In this area inhabited by beautiful coral reefs, the central government is now engaged in completing the mission of the Great Nicobar Project. Congress and environmentalists have expressed concern about this project. Let us know about this project, after the completion of which it is expected that a city like Hong Kong will develop in India.

What is the Great Nicobar Project and what is its importance

The Great Nicobar Project of the Central Government is a project worth Rs 72,000 crore. It is being built on the southernmost and largest part of the Nicobar Island. The Great Nicobar Island is located about 1,800 km east of the mainland of India. It is being built on an area of ​​910 square km in the Bay of Bengal. There is also Indira Point on this island, which is just 170 km away from Indonesia’s largest island Sumatra.

When did it start and what do you want to become?

The Great Nicobar Island Project was launched by the Narendra Modi government in 2021. This mega project is to be built till the last tip of the Andaman-Nicobar Islands. It includes setting up a port for cargo ships, an international airport, a smart city and a 450 MW gas and solar power project.

On whose advice is this project being set up

According to Professor Devnath Pathak of South Asian University, this project is being built on the basis of a report of Niti Aayog, which outlined the Great Nicobar Island considering its importance. It is being told that the area where this project is being built is at equal distance from Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo, Malaysia’s Port Klang and Singapore.

Andaman and Nicobar are made up of more than 800 islands

Andaman-Nicobar Islands are made up of 836 small and big islands. It is divided into two parts. Andaman Islands in the north and Nicobar Islands in the south. There are two national parks and a biosphere reserve in Great Nicobar. Shompen, Onge, Andamanese and Nicobari tribes live here. Apart from this, some non-tribal population also lives here. Currently eight thousand people live on this island.

Why is this area strategically important

Devnath Pathak says that through the Great Nicobar Project, India will be able to deploy additional military forces in this region as well as warships, warplanes and missiles. Keeping in view its national security, India will be able to keep an eye on the Indian Ocean from this entire area.

It can defeat China even in the Pacific Ocean

This island is very close to the Strait of Malacca. This is the same Strait from where ships can come and go between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. China already has a presence here, so if India completes this project in this area, then it can defeat China’s intentions.

Why is the dragon becoming a threat in this area

According to Professor Devnath Pathak, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean are areas which are strategically very important for India. China’s People’s Liberation Army and Navy are trying to increase their dominance in this entire region. In fact, China has increased its naval presence in every sea check point that reaches India, such as the Strait of Malacca, Sunda and Lambak Bay, which is a matter of great tension for India. Apart from this, China has built a military facility in Myanmar’s Coco Island, which is just 55 kilometers away from the Andaman-Nicobar Islands.

What are the dangers of building this project on Great Nicobar Island

It is being said that about 10 lakh trees will be sacrificed due to the construction of this project, which can become a big environmental crisis there. Apart from this, the Shompen and Nicobari tribes, which are already facing the threat of extinction, are also facing the threat of extinction. Their number is only in hundreds. The Shompen tribe still makes a living by hunting. It is far away from the modern world.

Is this a blatant violation of the law of the jungle

This project is also considered a blatant violation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, under which the Shompen tribe is the real owner of the forests here. The population of this tribe is only 300 left.

The environment of the island is also at risk

It is believed that the construction of this project can cause great damage to the environment of the island. Coral reefs, which are its natural beauty, can be destroyed. Also, the danger of extinction of the special Nicobar Megapode birds and Leatherback turtles, which make their home in Galathea Bay, can deepen. Apart from this, the construction of this project can increase the possibility of earthquakes.