assets/blog-post/assets/blog-post/assets/blog-post/assets/blog-post/assets/blog-post/assets/blog-post/MUMBAI: Taking note of the Andaman-Nicobar region's location in India's highest seismic risk zone, the Centre has sought to allay fears over tsunami and earthquake dangers to the controversial Great Nicobar Integrated Development Project, saying extensive mitigation and disaster-management measures have been built into the mega venture.<br /> The assurance came in response to a grievance submitted through the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) portal by NatConnect Foundation Director B.N. Kumar, who had raised concerns based on scientific studies highlighting the geological instability of the Nicobar Islands.<br /> <br /> Ahead of World Environment Day, Kumar drew attention to research by eminent geologist C.P. Rajendran and colleagues, which documented major uplift, subsidence, shoreline alteration and geomorphic changes triggered by the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. The representation also referred to subsequent research suggesting that measurable crustal subsidence before the 2004 event may have reflected precursor tectonic deformation, indicating that instability can accumulate silently before a major rupture.<br /> <br /> Citing these studies, NatConnect questioned the prudence of establishing massive strategic infrastructure—including a transshipment port, international airport, township and associated facilities—in one of the world's most active megathrust earthquake zones. The representation sought clarity on whether independent seismic, tsunami and subsidence assessments had been undertaken and whether worst-case scenarios comparable to the 2004 catastrophe had been modelled.<br /> <br /> Responding to the representation, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) acknowledged that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands fall in Seismic Zone-V and are vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis and cyclones. However, it said these risks had been comprehensively assessed during the project's environmental appraisal.<br /> <br /> The ministry's letter specifically states that "the concerns raised in the representation have been noted" but adds that issues relating to seismicity, tsunami vulnerability and disaster preparedness had already been examined during the statutory appraisal process and that appropriate safeguards had been incorporated into the project's design and implementation framework.<br /> <br /> According to the ministry, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project includes detailed disaster-risk assessments, disaster-management planning and emergency-response measures covering earthquakes and tsunamis. It said mitigation measures and disaster-preparedness mechanisms have been integrated into the planning and design of the project.<br /> <br /> The ministry further stated that all infrastructure would be designed in accordance with earthquake-resistant standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards and the National Building Code.<br /> It also pointed out that the project is covered under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Disaster Management Plan, 2016, and would benefit from existing tsunami early-warning systems, evacuation protocols and coordinated emergency-response arrangements involving the district administration and the Andaman & Nicobar Command.<br /> <br /> Among the safeguards highlighted by the ministry are dedicated tsunami shelters, emergency-response infrastructure and disaster-relief support systems. The MoEFCC also noted that the project had been appraised by the Expert Appraisal Committee and subsequently examined by expert bodies and judicial forums, including the National Green Tribunal. It added that the project is being implemented subject to stringent environmental safeguards and statutory conditions.<br /> <br /> Kumar pointed out that the ministry's reply reinforces the importance of continued scientific scrutiny of long-term geological risks in a region that has repeatedly experienced catastrophic tectonic events. <br /> <br /> He maintained that transparent assessment of seismic, subsidence and tsunami vulnerabilities remains essential for ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of infrastructure investments in the ecologically and geologically sensitive Nicobar archipelago.
