The Indian government’s ₹75,000 crore (US$8.9 billion) ‘Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island’ project proposes major infrastructure expansion, including a trans-shipment port, airport, power plants, and coastal townships. Approved in 2022, the project is expected to bring strategic and economic benefits but has raised concerns about ecological impacts and Indigenous rights. Great Nicobar is home to the Shompen and Nicobarese Indigenous communities. The Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar Islands withdrew its previous no objection certificate, citing a lack of information regarding the planned denotification of tribal areas and development on traditional lands. The region includes two national parks, one biosphere reserve, and ecologically critical habitats for endemic species such as the Nicobar Megapode and Nicobar Shrew. The denotification of Galathea Bay Sanctuary in 2021 to accommodate the project drew criticism from conservationists. Dr. Asad Rahmani, a former member of the National Board for Wildlife, highlighted earlier recommendations against such developments, citing threats to the nesting sites of leatherback turtles and endemic bird species. He noted that many megapode nesting areas are located near coastlines now designated for infrastructure. The environmental impact assessment has also faced scrutiny over procedural lapses. Experts have raised concerns about institutions like the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History losing autonomy, which could affect the independence of conservation recommendations. The project is expected to increase the island’s population from under 10,000 to 350,000 by 2050. Environmentalists and tribal leaders have warned of irreversible biodiversity loss, increased exposure risks for the Shompen—who live in voluntary isolation—and legal contradictions with existing tribal protection laws. Despite this, India’s apex green court chose not to interfere with the environmental clearances.