Environmental Concerns
Coral Reefs, Leatherback Turtles, and Forest Diversion
Great Nicobar hosts some of India's most biodiverse ecosystems: tropical rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, and nesting beaches for globally endangered species. The island is home to the Galathea National Park and the Campbell Bay National Park, together covering over 86% of the island. The project requires forest diversion of over 130 sq km and the felling of ~9.64 lakh trees. Galathea Bay — the port site — contains active coral reefs mapped by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM). The beach hosts the largest Leatherback sea turtle nesting population in India.
- Protected areas: Galathea National Park, Campbell Bay National Park (~86% of island area)
- Trees to be felled: ~9.64 lakh (nearly 1 million trees)
- Forest area to be diverted: >130 sq km out of ~910 sq km island area
- Galathea Bay coral reefs: documented by NCSCM maps (2020); would be partially destroyed by port construction
- Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea): critically endangered; Great Nicobar hosts India's largest nesting population
- Other species at risk: saltwater crocodile, Nicobar macaque, Nicobar megapode (endemic bird)
● Tracked since April 10, 2026 · last seen May 23, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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