Grander Neobar Island is one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. Covered by thriving rainforest, the Island hosts a vast diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic in nature. The Island is also known for being home to some of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). For years, the region has been preserved for its ecological and cultural importance. Besides its environmental richness, the Grander Neobar is also particularly unique for its geo-strategic importance. The position of the Island in the Indian Ocean makes it ideal for gaining strategic leverage over the country's adversaries in the region. Grander Neobar Development Project (GNDP) is a security and infrastructure project proposed for the southern tip of the island. The project is important for economic benefits, such as logistics, commerce, industry, and coastal tourism. GNDP includes an international container transhipment terminal, a greenfield international airport, township development, and a gas- and solar-based power plant together occupying over a large area in the island. Though touted as vital for country's economic growth and strategic presence in the region, some NGOs have been protesting against the project for its high environmental cost. The NGOs claim that the project would require cutting down of more than 900,000 trees of the rainforest biome, which are a prime source of carbon sequestration. Further, the loss of tree cover will not only affect the flora and fauna on the island, but it will also lead to increased runoff and sediment deposits in the ocean, impacting the coral reefs in the area. Also, the influx of outside population is expected to impose a significant ecological pressure on the island and its surroundings. The PVTGs residing in the Island for centuries may lose their traditional rights over land, and may also face undue interference in their culture and practices. As per some experts, as PVTGs are secluded from mainland since time immemorial, a sudden contact with outside population may pose grave health risks in forms of various infections. It is also being highlighted that the project is in contradiction to the government's vision to promote a sustainable world and a climate friendly lifestyle. However, the supporters of the project firmly believe that the project is essential, given its strategic importance for the country. The supporters of the project reason that since, other countries also host several military bases in the region, India cannot afford to remain absent from this strategic backyard. Further, as per the advocates of the project, presence of a robust security infrastructure can check the oft-occurring incidents of piracy, cementing the country's role as the net security provider in the region. Moreover, the proponents of the development project argue that Grander Neobar is located close to one of the busiest choke points in the global trade route, and neglecting its development may run counter to country's trade and security interests. Also, as per a government think tank's report, the proposed port will allow Grander Neobar to participate in the regional and global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transhipment and a delay in the same may have the effect of losing the competitive advantage. a) What are the key ethical concerns present in the above case study? b) According to you between the twin objectives of development and conservation what should be given more priority and why?

Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Syllabus: Case Studies on above issues.