Archive · 11 Jun 2025
Ornithologist: Great Nicobar Project Endangers Wildlife, Silences Voices
Dr. Rahmani, a bird expert, is worried about a big project on Great Nicobar Island that might hurt the local birds and their homes.
He used to help decide if these projects were okay, but now the government is building a port there, even though it could cause problems for the animals.
He thinks it's important to protect the birds' homes and suggests creating safe zones for them.
Ornithologist Dr. Asad Rahmani expresses concern about the Great Nicobar project's impact on wildlife.
The project includes a large transshipment port, potentially threatening species like the Nicobar megapode.
Rahmani previously opposed projects threatening the islands' ecology during his tenure on the wildlife board.
The government approved the Great Nicobar project, denotifying Galathea National Park to make way for it.
Rahmani believes that conservation is not a priority and independent research is now under government control.
- Who
- Dr. Asad Rahmani, other ornithologists, conservationists, and the Indian government.
- What
- Concerns over the impact of the Great Nicobar development project on wildlife habitats, the removal of protected area status, and restrictions on research.
- When
- Concerns span from the late 1990s to 2021, with ongoing expected impacts.
- Where
- Great Nicobar Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
- Why
- To develop a large transshipment port and other projects on Great Nicobar Island, impacting wildlife habitats and conservation.
Conservationists
Government/Developers
Project Priorities
Conservationists
Protection of endangered species and habitats takes precedence, limiting development.
Government/Developers
Economic development and large-scale projects are prioritized, even with environmental impact.
Project Impact Assessment
Conservationists
Assessments are inadequate, and the development will destroy endangered species habitat.
Government/Developers
Environmental impact assessments are sufficient to mitigate project effects.
Conservation Efforts
Conservationists
Independent research institutes are under government control and unable to offer critical assessments.
Government/Developers
Government oversight and mitigation efforts are adequate to safeguard wildlife.
- Main Figure
- Dr. Asad Rahmani, Ornithologist
- Key Location
- Great Nicobar Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
- Affected Species
- Narcondam hornbill, Nicobar megapode, leatherback turtle
- Project
- Great Nicobar development project including a transshipment port
- Government Action
- Denotification of Galathea National Park, restrictions on independent research
- Organization Mentioned
- Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)