From an ecological point of view, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be easily rated as one of the world’s most major biological diversity hotspots, acting as a global carbon reservoir and climate regulator. Unfortunately, the development trajectory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been largely influenced by mainland India which has often been far removed from the needs of an island ecology. The issue in focus now is the Government of India’s multi-crore mega-plan for the Great Nicobar Island — the construction of a power plant, township, transshipment port and airport, which will also affect 13,000 hectares of pristine forests.

Essential judicial precedent

A landmark judgment relating to the issue of diversion of forests that could come to the rescue of the Great Nicobar Island i

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