India, Feb. 27 -- In a now widely reported development, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently granted its approval to the Rs.90,000-plus crore mega-infrastructure project in Great Nicobar Island. Pivoted by the Niti Aayog and implemented by the Port-Blair-based Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO), the project includes a transshipment terminal at Galathea Bay in the south of the island, a dual-purpose airport adjoining the port, a power plant, and a massive township and tourism project spread over 130 sq km of pristine tropical forests.

The six-member NGT bench said in its February 16 order that it found no reason to interfere with the environmental clearance (EC) granted to the project in Novembe...