COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT REPORT
FOR
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND IN ANDAMAN AND
NICOBAR ISLANDS INCLUDING INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL
CONTAINER TRANSHIPMENT TERMINAL (ICTT)-14.2 MILLION TEU ALONG WITH
GREENFIELD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (4000 PEAK HOUR PASSENGERS-PHP),
TOWNSHIP & AREA DEVELOPMENT AND 450 MVA GAS AND SOLAR BASED
POWER PLANT IN 16610 HA. GREAT NICOBAR ISLANDS,
IN NICOBAR DISTRICT

DRAFT REPORT FOR PUBLIC HEARING

Project Proponent

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation

Ltd (ANIIDCO),
(A Government undertaking)

December 2021

DPR Consultant

AECOM India Pvt. Ltd.

9/F , Infinity Tower C
DLF Cyber City, DLF Phase - II
Gurugram – 122002, Haryana , India

EIA Consultant

Vikas Bhawan, PB No. 180, Port

Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Vimta Labs Ltd,
Islands 744101 142, IDA, Phase II, Cherlapally,
Hyderabad - 500051, India.
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District

Chapter # Title Page#

1 INTRODUCTION C1-1
1.1 Proposed Project C1-1
1.2 Background of Island Development C1-1
1.3 Purpose of the Report C1-2
1.4 Project Proponent C1-3
1.5 Location of the Project C1-3
1.6 Brief Description of the Project C1-7
1.6.1 Nature of the Project C1-7
1.6.2 Size of the Projects C1-7
1.6.3 Costs of the Project C1-8
1.6.4 Need for Project and Its Importance C1-8
1.7 Development Potential of Great Nicobar Island C1-9
1.8 Environmental and Ecological Sensitivity of Site C1-10
1.9 Conceptual Development Strategy C1-17
1.10 Environmental Setting C1-29
1.11 Scope of the Study C1-28
1.11.1 Terms of Reference C1-29
1.11.2 Methodology of the Study C1-29
1.11.3 Chaptalization of the Report C1-30
2.0 (2A) PROJECT DESCRIPTION-ICTT C2-1
2.1 General C2-1
2.2 Project Location C2-1
2.2.1 Port Development C2-6
2.2.2 Connectivity C2-7
2.2.3 Ancillary Sites C2-8
2.3 Traffic Projections for ICTT Port C2-8
2.4 Field Surveys and Investigations C2-9
2.4.1 Bathymetry C2-9
2.4.2 Side Scan Sonar Survey C2-12
2.4.3 Geotechnical Investigation C2-13
2.4.4 Oceanographic Investigations C2-14
2.4.5 Design Criteria C2-17
2.5 Mathematical Model Studies C2-24
2.6 Port Layout C2-33
2.7 Cargo Handling Capacity C2-34
2.8 Design Vessels C2-34
2.9 Cargo Berths C2-35
2.9.1 Berth Length C2-35
2.9.2 Berth Capacity C2-35
2.10 Storage Requirements C2-36

TOC-1
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District

2.10.1 Container Yard Capacity C2-36

2.10.2 Receipt and Evacuation of Cargo C2-36
2.11 Breakwaters C2-38
2.12 Approach Channel C2-41
2.13 Dredging C2-41
2.14 Reclamation C2-42
2.15 Navigational Aids C2-42
2.16 Container Terminal Equipments C2-43
2.17 Utilities and Services C2-44
2.17.1 Water Requirements C2-44
2.17.2 Power Requirements C2-45
2.17.3 Buildings C2-47
2.17.4 Communications C2-48
2.17.5 Fire Fighting Facilities C2-49
2.17.6 Bunkering Facilities C2-50
2.18 Road/Rail Corridor for ICTT Port C2-50
2.19 Onshore Infrastructure and Utilities C2-51
2.19.1 Container Yard C2-51
2.19.2 Reefer Gantries C2-51
2.19.3 Gate House C2-52
2.19.4 Terminal Fencing C2-52
2.20 Pollution Control Aspects C2-52
2.20.1 Drainage and Sewerage System C2-53
2.20.2 Solid Waste Management C2-53
2.20.3 Green Areas and Greenbelt Development C2-54
2.21 Project Cost C2-54
2.22 Project Implementation Schedule C2-55
2.0 (2B) PROJECT DESCRIPTION-AIRPORT C2-57
2.1 Need for the Project C2-57
2.2 Justification of the Project & Importance to Country C2-57
2.3 Description of the Airport Complex C2-58
2.3.1 Key Design Features of the Airport C2-59
2.4 Traffic Projection C2-62
2.4.1 Cargo Forecast C2-65
2.4.2 Airport Infrastructure C2-71
2.4.3 Airport Land Use C2-77
2.5 Project Cost and Schedule C2-80
2.6 Resource Requirement C2-82
2.6.1 Land form, Land use and Ownership C2-82
2.6.2 Water Requirement C2-84
2.6.3 Power Requirement C2-85

TOC-2
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District

2.6.4 Manpower requirement C2-85

2.7 Infrastructure Facilities C2-85
2.8 Sources of Pollution C2-87
2.8.1 Air Pollution C2-87
2.8.2 Water Pollution C2-89
2.8.3 Solid Waste Generation C2-90
2.9 Carbon Footprint C2-91
2.0 (2D) PROJECT DESCRIPTION-POWER PLANT C2-91
2.1 Need for the Project C2-91
2.2 Location of the Project C2-92
2.2.1 Layout of the Proposed Project C2-92
2.3 Magnitude of Operation C2-95
2.4 Proposed Schedule and Approval for Implementation C2-95
2.5 Project Description & Process Details C2-97
Synchronization of DG sets through synchronization
2.5.1 C2-98
Panel
2.5.2 DG Exhaust Stack C2-98
2.5.3 Air Cooling System C2-100
2.6 Raw Material Requirement C2-101
2.6.1 Fuel Source C2-101
2.7 Infrastructure Facilities for Proposed Power Project C2-101
2.7.1 Land Requirement C2-101
2.7.2 Manpower C2-101
2.8 Sources of Pollution C2-101
2.8.1 Air Emissions C2-102
2.8.2 Liquid Waste Generation C2-102
2.8.3 Solid Waste Generation in Power Plant C2-103
2.8.4 Noise Pollution C2-103
2.9 Infrastructure for Labours/Drivers C2-103
2.0 (2C) PROJECT DESCRIPTION-TOWNSHIP C2-105
2.1 Type of the Proposed Project C2-105
2.2 Details of Transportation Plan C2-110
Resources and Requirements for Proposed township
2.3 C2-145
Project
2.3.1 Raw Material Requirement C2-147
2.4 Built Up Area C2-148
2.5 Other Facilities within township area C2-149
2.5.1 Lightning Protection System C2-149
2.5.2 Fire Protection System C2-149
2.5.3 Road and Site Drainage C2-149
2.5.4 Communication C2-150
2.5.5 Water Receipt & Storage System C2-150
TOC-3
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District

2.5.6 Water Requirement and Sewage generation C2-151

2.5.7 Power Requirement C2-153
2.5.8 Manpower for Township Project C2-153
2.6 Utilities C2-153
2.6.1 Centralised Raw Water Treatment Facility C2-153
2.6.2 Treatment technology for the WTP C2-154
2.6.3 Fire Protection System C2-154
2.6.4 Safety Systems C2-154
2.7 Other Facilities within township area C2-155
2.7.1 Lightning Protection System C2-155
2.7.2 Road and Site Drainage C2-155
2.7.3 Communication C2-155
2.7.4 Centralized Solid Waste Management facility C2-155
2.7.5 Sewage treatment facilities C2-165
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT C3-1
3.1 Geology, Geomorphology and Geotectonics C3-1
3.1.1 Geomorphology C3-2
3.1.2 Drainage C3-2
3.1.3 Geotechtonics C3-2
3.1.4 Seismology Characteristics C3-4
3.2 Geohydrogeology C3-18
3.2.1 Ground Water Resources C3-18
3.3 Land Use Studies C3-21
3.3.1 Land Use / Land Cover Map C3-21
3.3.2 Methodology for Land Use / Land Cover Mapping C3-21
3.3.3 Field Photographs C3-32
3.4 Soil Characteristics C3-38
3.4.1 Data Generation C3-38
3.4.2 Baseline Soil Status C3-45
3.4.3 Conclusions C3-45
3.5 Meteorology C3-46
3.5.1 Methodology C3-46
3.5.2 Presentation of Data C3-47
3.6 Ambient Air Quality C3-51
3.6.1 Methodology Adopted for Air Quality Survey C3-51
3.6.2 Presentation of Primary Data C3-55
3.6.3 Conclusions C3-59
3.7 Water Quality C3-60
3.7.1 Methodology C3-60
3.7.2 Water Sampling Locations C3-60
3.7.3 Presentation of Results C3-61

TOC-4
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District

3.7.4 Conclusions C3-66

3.8 Noise Level Survey C3-67
3.8.1 Identification of Sampling Locations C3-68
3.8.2 Methodology of Data Generation C3-68
3.8.3 Presentation of Results C3-71
3.8.4 Observation of Results C3-71
3.9 Ecology and Biodiversity C3-72
3.9.1 Introduction to the Biodiversity of Great Nicobar Island C3-72
3.10 Demography and Socio-Economics C3-123
3.10.1 Methodology Adopted for the Study C3-123
Review of Demographic and Socio-Economic Profile-
3.10.2 C3-137
Census 2011
3.10.3 Demography C3-138
3.10.4 Social Structure C3-139
3.10.5 Literacy Levels C3-140
3.10.6 Occupational Structure C3-141
3.10.7 Fishing villages and landing centers in the study area C3-142
Existing and proposed Social and Physical
3.10.8 C3-146
Infrastructure Facilities
ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND
4.0 (4A) C4-1
MITIGATION MEASURES
4.1 General C4-1
4.2 Land Environment Impact C4-4
4.2.1 Potential Impact due to Port Location C4-5
4.2.2 Impact During Construction C4-8
4.2.3 Potential Impact During Operation C4-16
4.3 Water Environment C4-17
4.3.1 Potential Impact Due to Port Location C4-17
4.3.2 Potential Impact Due to Construction Phase C4-17
4.3.3 Potential Impact During Operation Phase C4-20
4.4 Marine Environment -Sediment Transport C4-22
4.4.1 Potential Impact Due to Port Location C4-22
4.4.2 Marine Side Potential Impact Due to Construction C4-25
4.4.3 Potential Impact on Existing Fishing C4-27
4.4.4 Potential Impact During Operation C4-29
Ecological Environment (Terrestrial and Marine
4.5 C4-30
Ecology)
4.5.1 Potential Impact Due to Port Location C4-30
4.5.2 Potential Impact Due to Construction C4-31
4.5.3 Potential Impact Due to Port Operation C4-32
4.6 AIR ENVIRONMENT C4-34
4.6.1 Potential Impact During Construction C4-34

TOC-5
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District

4.6.2 Potential Impact Due to Operation C4-35

4.7 Noise Pollution C4-45
4.7.1 Potential Impact Due to Port Construction C4-45
4.7.2 Impact Due to Port Operation C4-47
4.8 Solid Waste Management C4-49
4.8.1 Potential Impact Due to Port Construction C4-49
4.8.2 Solid Waste - Potential Impact During Port Operation C4-50
4.9 Socio-Economic Impact C4-51
ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND
4.0 (4B) C4-55
MITIGATION MEASURES
4.1 Prediction of Impact during Construction Phase C4-55
4.2 Impact on Land Use and Topography C4-55
4.2.1 Impact on Soil C4-55
4.2.2 Impact on Air Quality C4-58
4.2.3 Impact on Water Resources and Quality C4-59
4.2.4 Sewerage System C4-59
4.2.5 Impact of construction on Noise C4-60
4.2.6 Impact of construction due to Solid Waste Generation C4-61
4.2.7 Impact of construction on Ecology C4-62
Construction Workers Camp - impacts & mitigation
4.2.8 C4-62
measures
Demography and Socio-Economics & Rehabilitation &
4.2.9 C4-64
Resettlement
4.3 Impacts during Operational Phase C4-66
4.3.1 Land Use C4-66
4.3.2 Topography C4-67
4.3.3 Impact on Air Quality due to Airport Operations C4-67
4.3.4 Impact of Vehicular Traffic C4-83
4.3.5 Air Quality Management C4-95
4.3.6 Impact on Water Resources and Water Quality C4-95
4.3.7 Impact on Soil Quality C4-96
4.3.8 Impact on Noise Levels C4-96
4.3.9 Model Results C4-97
4.3.10 Impact on Ecology C4-103
4.3.11 Impacts on Socio-Economics C4-103
4.3.12 Bird Striking Reduction C4-104
4.4 Energy Conservation Measures C4-105
ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND
4.0 (4D) C4-103
MITIGATION MEASURES-POWER PLANT
4.1 Identification of Impacts C4-103
4.2 Impacts during Construction Phase C4-103
4.2.1 Impact on Topography & Land use C4-105

TOC-6
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District

4.2.2 Impact on Soil C4-105

4.2.3 Impact on Air Quality C4-105
4.2.4 Impact on Water Quality C4-106
4.2.5 Impact on Hydrology C4-106
4.2.6 Impact on Noise Levels C4-107
4.2.7 Impact on Terrestrial Ecology C4-107
4.2.8 Impact on Aquatic Ecology C4-107
4.2.9 Impact on Demography and Socio-Economics C4-110
4.3 Impacts during Operation Phase C4-112
4.3.1 Impact on Topography and Land Use C4-113
4.3.2 Impact on Soil C4-113
4.3.3 Impact on Air Quality C4-114
Impacts of the proposed project on the Ecology and
4.3.4 C4-122
Biodiversity of the project site and its buffer zone
4.3.5 Impact on Water Resources C4-122
4.3.6 Impact of Solid Waste C4-123
4.3.7 Impact on Marine Environment C4-123
4.3.8 Impact on Noise Levels C4-124
4.3.9 Impact on Occupational Health C4-128
4.3.10 Prediction of Impacts on Socio-Economics C4-128
4.3.11 Impacts on Public Health and Safety C4-128
Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation
4.4 C4-128
Measures during Construction and Operation Phase
ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND
4.0 (4C) C4-129
MITIGATION MEASURES OF TOWNSHIP
4.1 Impact During Construction Phase - Land Environment C4-129
Impact on the Natural Drainage System and Soil
4.1.1 C4-129
Erosion
4.1.2 Mitigation Measures C4-131
4.2 Air Environment C4-131
4.2.1 Construction Phase C4-131
4.3 Noise Environment C4-131
4.3.1 Construction Phase C4-132
4.4 Water Environment C4-132
4.4.1 Construction Phase C4-133
4.5 Solid Waste Generation – Construction Phase C4-133
4.5.1 Operational Phase C4-135
4.6 Water & Wastewater C4-136
4.7 Green area Development C4-158
4.8 Socio Economic Environment C4-159
4.9 Solid Waste Management C4-161
4.10 Energy Conservation Measures C4-163

TOC-7
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District

4.11 Cost Provision for Environmental Measures C4-166

4.12 Budget for Environment Monitoring Plan C4-167
5.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES C5-1
5.1 Alternative Site Analysis C5-1
5.2 Alternative Site Analysis for ICTT Project C5-1
5.2.1 Site 1 – Galathea Bay C5-2
5.2.2 Alternative Site 2 – Casuarina Bay C5-4
5.2.3 Alternative Site 3 – Anderson Bay C5-5
5.2.4 Alternative Site 4 – Pemayya Bay C5-6
5.3 Alternative Site Analysis for Airport C5-11
5.3.1 Ranganatha Bay – North Site C5-14
5.3.2 Existing Runway of INS Baaz – Central Site C5-16
5.3.3 Shastri Nagar – Southern Site C5-18
5.3.4 Multi criteria Analysis of Alternative Sites C5-20
5.4 Alternative Site Analysis – Power Plant C5-25
6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM C6-1
6.1 Introduction C6-1
6.2 Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Procedure C6-1
6.2.1 Objectives of Monitoring C6-1
6.3 Monitoring Schedule C6-1
6.3.1 Monitoring Schedule during Construction Phase C6-1
6.3.2 Monitoring Schedule during Operation Phase C6-3
6.4 Infrastructure for Monitoring C6-6
6.4.1 Air Quality Monitoring and Data Analysis C6-6
6.4.2 Water and Wastewater Quality Monitoring C6-6
6.4.3 Noise Levels C6-7
6.4.4 Ecology C6-7
6.5 Reporting Schedules of the Monitoring Data C6-7
7.0 ADDITIONAL STUDIES C7-1
7.1 Public Consultation C7-1
7.1.1 Public Consultation Details C7-1
7.2 Risk Assessment C7-1
7.2.1 Introduction C7-1
7.3 Natural Disaster Management C7-73
8.0 PROJECT BENEFITS C8-1
8.1 Introduction C8-1
8.2 Economic Benefits: C8-1
Leveraging the strategic Location in terms of proximity
8.3 C8-3
to World’s busiest shipping route
8.4 Development of GNI C8-3
Socio-economic growth of local populace by developing
8.5 C8-5
manufacturing from local products
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District

8.6 Infrastructure Development of the Project area C8-6

8.6.1 Social and Physical Infrastructure C8-6
Identifying Existing Community Amenities in Existing
8.6.2 C8-6
Villages
8.6.3 Recommended Social Infrastructure Framework C8-8
8.6.4 Economical Weaker Section (EWS) Housing C8-12
8.7 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) C8-12
9.0 CARRYING CAPACITY AND COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS C9-1
9.1 Carrying Capacity C9-1
9.2 Cost Benefit analysis C9-16
10.0 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) C10-1
10.1 Introduction C10-1
10.2 Environmental Management System C10-1
10.2.1 Formation of an Environmental Management System C10-1
Implementation of an Environmental Management
10.2.2 C10-2
System
10.3 Environment Management Cell C10-5
10.4 Environmental Management Plan for ICTT C10-6
10.4.1 Management Plan for Construction Phase C10-6
10.4.2 Management Plan for Operation Phase C10-6
10.5 Environmental Management Plan for Airport C10-24
10.5.1 Management Plan for Construction Phase C10-24
10.5.2 Management Plan for Operation Phase C10-24
10.6 Environmental Management Plan for Power Plant C10-30
10.6.1 Management Plan for Construction Phase C10-30
10.6.2 Management Plan for Operation Phase C10-30
10.7 Environmental Management Plan for Township C10-36
10.7.1 Management Plan for Construction Phase C10-36
10.7.2 Management Plan for Operation Phase C10-36
12.0 DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS ENGAGED C12-1
12.1 Introduction C12-1
12.2 Vimta Labs Limited-Environment Consultant C12-1
12.2.1 The Quality Policy C12-1
12.2.2 Major Milestones and Accreditations C12-2

ANNEXURES

TOC-9
CHAPTER 1
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Proposed Project

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation LTD

(ANIIDCO) as a project proponent proposes Integrated Development Project at
the Great Nicobar Island (GNI), Nicobar District. NITI Aayog is engaged in the
holistic development of GNI. As a part of integrated development, an
International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), Category 7(E), i.e.; Port,
Harbours category is proposed. The other interlinked projects will be Green Field
International Airport under Category 7(a), Township and Area Development under
Category 8(b) and Power Plant under Category 1(d) proposed at GNI, Nicobar
district.

1.2 Background of Island Development

There is a total of 1,382 islands (including uninhabited ones) in India.

Government of India under Island Development Programme envisions taking up
holistic development of selective Islands. Out of such Islands Andaman and
Nicobar is one among. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of 836
islands of Bengal and Andaman Sea. The GNI is the largest of the Nicobar group
of Islands. With an area of 910.074 sq.km, the Island represents a huge,
strategically located land mass in the Bay of Bengal, whose economic potential is
yet to be tapped. “

The goal of the project includes the Holistic Development of GNI in Andaman &
Nicobar Islands’ is to enable the overall development of GNI, with a diverse and
robust economy based on maritime services, tourism amongst other economic
drivers.

This will depend on the development of key infrastructure facilities that will
undergrid the development of specific economy sectors. Accordingly, an
integrated development is planned to consist of International Container
Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), Greenfield international airport, Township and
area development and Power Plant. Developable areas of the island have been
identified along the coastline in the eastern, southern and western parts of the
island.

The proposed port will allow Great Nicobar to participate in the regional and
global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transshipment.
The proposed airport will support both the maritime sector and tourism sector,
which will attract international and national tourists to Great Nicobar to
experience the outstanding natural environment and participate in sustainable
tourism activities.

A mixed-use urban development in the vicinity of these major infrastructure

works will also be necessary to support quality of life for the residents that will
generate and enable growth in the various economic sector over time. This will
require the development of simultaneous primary and secondary urban
C1-1
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

infrastructure networks such as roads, public transport, energy and electrical

power, as well as water, wastewater, and storm water facilities and services,
which will form the skeleton of the proposed township.

To cater the power demand, it is also proposed to construct gas and solar based
power plant. Thus, the main vision for developing this island is formulated “To
capture the locational advantage of being on International Sea route and develop
Great Nicobar as a Sustainable, Green, Global Hotspot for business, trade and
leisure.”

1.3 Purpose of the Report

The purpose of the EIA-EMP report is to inform decision-makers and the public on
the environmental consequences of implementing a proposed project. The EIA-
EMP report preparation aims to identify, predict, and analyse impacts on the
physical environment, as well as social, cultural, and health impacts. Identifies
alternatives and mitigation measures to reduce the environmental impact of the
proposed holistic integrated developmental project by promoting transparency
and public involvement.

As per Environmental Impact Assessment Notification dated 14th September 2006

and its subsequent amendments, the proposed integrated development falls
under below mentioned activities:

 An International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), Category 7(E), i.e.;

Port, Harbours category is proposed;
 The Green Field International Airport under Category 7(a);
 Township and Area Development under Category 8(b); and
 Power Plant under Category 1(d).

Holistic Development of GNI project at Andaman & Nicobar Islands falls under
category ‘A’ and requires Environmental Clearance (EC) to be obtained from
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) before the
commencement of ground activity.

NITI Aayog engaged M/s. AECOM India Pvt Ltd as DPR consultant. M/s. AECOM in
turn has engaged M/s. Vimta Labs Limited, Hyderabad, QCI-NABET accredited
consultant to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study and
preparation of Environment Management Plan (EMP) for various environmental
components, which may be affected due to the impacts arising out of the
proposed expansion project.

ANIIDCO in line with the MoEF&CC notification, an online application has been
filed in portal by filling Form-I & Pre-feasibility and Form-1A on 2nd March 2021
F.No.1-160/ANIIDCO/Projects/2021-22/711. The proposal was considered in the
258th meeting of Expert Appraisal Committee on held on 17th-18th March 2021.
The proposal was deferred by the EAC sought Additional information.

C1-2
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

Accordingly, point-wise response was prepared by A&N Administration on the

comments of EAC and submitted to MoEF&CC on 5th April 2021 vide letter
reference no. F.No. 1-1552/ANIIDCO/Projects/2021-22/Vol-II/1221. Further, the
project proposal was considered by EAC in its 260th meeting held on 5th – 6th April
2021. Accordingly, the TORs were granted sector wise by MoEF&CC vide letter
no: 10/17/2021-IA.III dated 25th May 2021.

The EIA-EMP report has been prepared in compliance to the approved TOR for
appraisal and consideration of environmental clearance by the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi. A copy of ToR and its
compliance is given in Annexure-I.

1.4 Project Proponent

M/s Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited

(ANIIDCO) was incorporated on 28th June 1988 under the Companies Act 1956
for rapid economic growth of the Islands. The main objective of the Corporation
is to develop and commercially harness the natural resources for the balanced
and environment friendly development of the territory.

A & N Administration under the guidance of Govt. of India and NITI Aayog
proposes to undertake Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar
District. A & N Administration has designated Andaman Nicobar Islands
Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO) as Project Proponent for
development of various projects in Great Nicobar Island.

1.5 Location of the Project

The GNI is located in the Nicobar district to the south of the Andaman Islands. It
is the largest of the cluster of islands with an area of about 910.074 sq. km and
the southernmost of the group of Nicobar Islands located at a distance of
approximately 520 km from Port Blair. Indira Point, earlier known as Pygmalion
Point, lies at the tip of the GNI and is the southernmost point of the country. It is
at an approximate distance of 144 km from the Sumatra Island of Indonesia.

The GNI is situated between 6°45’ and 7°15’N latitudes and 93°37’ and 93°56’E
longitudes. The headquarter of the GNI is Campbell Bay, where most of the
government offices are situated.

The location of GNI in India is given in Figure-1.1 and location of projects are
shown in the Figure 1.2

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Figure-1.1: Index Map

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Figure-1.2: Location of Four Interlinked Projects

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• Existing Land Use

The GNI has an eco-sensitive environment with the presence of the forests,
biosphere reserve and national parks. Major portions of the island area (910.074
Sq.km) have been reserved for the protection and conservation of these eco-
sensitive zones to which careful consideration needs to be given while planning
any development on the island. They are as follows:

Table-1.1: Land Use of GNI

Sr.No. Land Use Area (Sq.km)

1 Forest Area 865.84
2 Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve 732.79
3 Campbell National Park 391.75
4 Galathea National Park 107.10
5 Tribal Reserve Area 751.00
6 Revenue Area 44.20

The holistic development of GNI requires diversion of 130.75 sq. km of forest

land. None of the national parks, Sanctuaries area falls within the project
boundary. Some portion of the project falls in the Great Nicobar Biosphere
reserve. A proposal has been submitted to the MoEF&CC for downgrading /
exclusion of 70.60 sq km of Great Nicobar Biosphere reserve. 84.10 sq. km of
project area falls under tribal reserve and de-notification is under process. Out of
this, an area of 11.032 sq. km of tribal reserve also falls within the revenue
villages and required to be de-notified otherwise also. A&N administration
proposes to re-notify 45.23 sq. km of land within Campbell bay National Park &
Galathea National Park and 31.73 sq. km land outside the project area.
Therefore, affectively an area of 7.11 sq. km will be De-notified.

The notifications for Campbell Bay National Park and Galathea National Park are
attached as annexure II and Annexure III.

An area of 11.44 sq. km in Galathea Bay was intended to be declare as Galathea

Bay wildlife century for protection and propagation of leather back sea turtles as
per sub section (1) of section 18 of the wildlife (protection) Act, 1972. However,
under sub section (29) of section 2 read with section 26 A (3) of the wildlife
(protection) Aact, 1972 the intention of notification has been withdrawn and
thereby it was de-notified. The notification is attached as annexure IV.

On the western coast of the GNI, there was a small island known as Megapode
Wildlife Sanctuary. During the tsunami, the island was got submerged. However,
none of the project component falls within the submerged Megapode wildlife
Sanctuary.

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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
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1.6 Brief Description of the Project

1.6.1 Nature of the Project

Great Nicobar is an integrated urban development project planned based on the

strategic location in view of international transshipment route. The proposed
location is a pristine tropical island with exceptional natural and cultural assets
and distinct economic advantages which will be taken care during the planning of
the township along with the associated major projects like ICTT, Power Plant and
Airport. The project will Strengthen India’s presence in the Andaman Sea and the
Southeast Asian region; and create an economic hub in the Andaman & Nicobar
Islands that functions simultaneously as a major cargo transshipment centre and
a global tourism destination. This project is in fact four ‘interlinked’ projects that
together constitute the new Greenfield city at Great Nicobar. The four projects are
the port, airport, power plant, and township. From an environmental assessment
perspective, the port is considered the primary project.

For several reasons, successful development of GNI requires a sensitive, holistic

approach. First, the island is home to a dwindling number of indigenous people
whose traditional culture is considered an international resource. Development
plans must not only consider the impact of growth on these people, but also
formulated in order to generate benefits for them as well as for future in-migrants
and investors. Second, the world-class ecological resources must be conserved
and enhanced during the proposed integrated development at GNI.

The development on Great Nicobar will have environmental impacts, the holistic
master plan enables environmentally and socio-culturally sustainable
development and identify effective mitigating measures for any anticipated
negative impacts. A systematic and thorough method for evaluating the socio-
cultural and environmental impacts of different planning infrastructure project
proposals has been employed. Trade-offs are identified and quantified, and
alternatives that perform better from a socio-cultural and environmental
perspective are prioritised. The preferred alternatives will be those that strike the
appropriate balance between the environmental, social, and economic goals of
the project.

1.6.2 Size of the Projects

As a part of Integrated Development, the following projects are proposed:

 International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) of 14.2 Mteu’s

anchoring project;
 Greenfield Airport (4000 Passengers in Peak Hour);
 Eco tourism & Residential township; and
 450 MVA Gas/Solar based power project for Integrated project in GNI.

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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
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Introduction

1.6.3 Costs of the Project

An amount of ~Rs. 72,000 Crores is proposed to invest on integrated

development facilities. The ICTT will be developed at a cost of Rs. 35,959 Crore.
The international airport will be developed over a 5-year period, including one
year for procurement. The cost of the project is estimated at Rs. 8,583 Crore.

1.6.4 Need for Project and Its Importance

• Capturing the Strategic Location to develop a new Economic Hub in

Indian Ocean Region:
The GNI lies adjacent to the Western entrance to the Malacca Strait, which is,
itself, a major Indian Ocean chokepoint. Seven countries are close to Campbell
Bay, which is the headquarters of the southernmost frontier of India in the GNI.
The southern tip of the Island at Indira Point is about 25-40 km from the major
international sea route which carries about 20-25% of global sea trade and 35%
of world oil supplies. This strategic location presents immense opportunities to
further strengthen India’s trading position in the world by developing an
International Transshipment Terminal at the GNI. A new transshipment port at
GNI can be competitive because of the cost savings that shippers can realize
using feeder ships to service ports around the rim of the Bay of Bengal. The
detailed analysis of the cost savings of new shipping routes utilising a new port at
Great Nicobar highlights its locational advantages over competing ports in the
region for accessing ports between Chennai and Yangon.
In addition to shipping and associated logistics, there is modest potential to grow
the manufacturing sector on the island, including processing of locally grown and
harvested food such as coconuts, areca nuts, and fish.

• Counter foreign power consolidation in the Indian Ocean Region

(IOR)
Foreign powers are strengthening as well as forging new diplomatic ties with
other states in the Indian Ocean region thus expanding its footprint in the IOR.
Similarly, as foreign as contributed infrastructure and increased economic activity
with African states, many chose to support foreign powers in international bodies.
With respect to military expansion and port creation, foreign powers have
increased its activities in the IOR by investing in local states. From this
perspective, India’s presence in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands must be strongly
demonstrated to counter position foreign power’s aggressive consolidation in the
IOR. The development of GNI into an economic and defense powerhouse will be
the most powerful answer to the challenge of foreign powers consolidation.

• Improving connectivity with Indian mainland and other global cities

At present there is very limited connectivity of the GNI with the Indian mainland
and other global cities. The prime modes of travel is ship that sail from Chennai,
Visakhapatnam and Kolkata to Port Blair which takes 2-3 days. The journey from
Port Blair onwards to Great Nicobar takes 24-36 hours depending on the weather.
The frequency depends most often on the weather; the stormier and rainier the
weather, the less frequent they become. The other mode of transportation is to
fly by helicopter from Port Blair. This is also very limited connectivity as

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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

helicopters fly to and from Great Nicobar twice or thrice a week. Thus, a major
prerequisite for opening up the Island for development is through setting up of a
large Greenfield airport with a much greater capacity than the existing one (INS
Baaz).

• Promoting sustainable tourism

Like the rest of the Andaman and Nicobar Island group, GNI has long been
neglected and isolated from the rest of the country. Pristine virgin beaches for
tourism, lush evergreen rainforests, scenic hills and resort type farmlands dot this
trekking paradise of India. As a landmass, it is even bigger than Singapore.
However, it lags far behind than Singapore in population density, economic
development, infrastructure development and per capita income. The project
envisions to tap the tourism potential in an integrated after infusing the required
infrastructure to build new city but preserving the ecology and environment
heritage of the present island.

Tourism development can capitalize on the exceptional tourism assets to attract

high-end tourists interested in tropical forests, adventure tourism, beach tourism,
water sports as scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as temporarily escaping from
the modern world to a remote and beautiful Indian Ocean Island.

• Socio-economic growth of local populace

Part of the reason that the development of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands has
been delayed for such a long period of time is because there are opposing
viewpoints on developing them. The financial costs are significantly high with
serious environmental constraints. The presence of indigenous tribes and
concerns for their welfare has been a key factor challenging island development.
However, in recent times, the security environment in India’s maritime domain
has changed drastically. After years of neglect, therefore, the present
government is finally making a push to develop the Islands. This will ultimately
enhance the socio-economic growth of the local populace and usher in a new era
for their all-round development.

1.7 Development Potential of Great Nicobar Island

The GNI has great potential for a well-rounded sustainable development based on
distinct features of the island like tourism and industry economic drivers which
are as below:

• Potential for Development of Deep Berth Port

The strategic positioning near to the international shipping route and available
natural deep draft port with natural Water Depth of 20-30 meters presents
opportunity for setting up of an International Container Transhipment Terminal
(ICTT) at Great Nicobar.

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• Unexplored Exquisite Nature

The Island has an exquisite quality of nature ecosystem, which is unexplored to

this day. This poses as a great opportunity for tourism as it provides a new
unseen environment to be explored by enthusiasts and tourists.

• Unique combination of mountain and beaches

The islands have a unique terrain and following from the above characteristic,
have a unique combination of green forest covered mountains and sandy
beaches. This is also a distinct feature of the islands waiting to be explored by
tourists and nature enthusiasts.

• Part of World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The GNI is covered with about 732.79 Sq.Km. (80.52% of Island area) of
Biosphere Reserve. This was included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves
as part of the Man and Biosphere Programme of UNESCO in 2013 to promote
sustainable development based on local community effort and science.

• Diverse Wildlife

Presence of the Great Nicobar Biosphere reserve in Great Nicobar also witnesses
the presence of a diverse wildlife in the islands. While it is critical that the wildlife
species and their habitat are protected, this also presents an opportunity for
nature-based tourism.

• World’s unique coral reserve

Another notable feature of the Island is the abundant presence of unique forms of
corals at certain localities around the islands. This is also a great attraction for
tourists looking for diving into the waters.

In spite to the development potential, the site has constraints of ecological and
anthropological sensitivity. The site is also far away from the main land and is
connected only by sea and air.

1.8 Environmental and Ecological Sensitivity of Site

• Ecological Sensitivity

Areas protected under international conventions, national or local legislation for

their ecological, landscape, cultural or other related values are given below:

 Galathea National Park (110 sq.km);

 Campbell bay National Park (426.23 sq.km); and
 Great Nicobar Biosphere reserve (885 sq.km).

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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
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The notified areas of Galathea National Park, Campbell Bay National Park and
Great Nicobar Biosphere reserve is 110 sq.km, 426.23 sq.km and 885 sq.km
respectively. However, on account of reconciliation of are of GNI by SOI vide
letter dated 01.09.2020, there will be revision in the area of Galathea National
Park, Campbell Bay National Park and Great Nicobar Biosphere reserve.
However, the area of the national parks cannot be changed unless amended
notification is issued. For the Biosphere reserve, a proposal has been submitted to
the MoEF&CC for downgrading / exclusion of 70.60 sq km of Great Nicobar
Biosphere reserve.

Figure-1.3: National parks, Biosphere reserve and eco sensitive zones of GNI

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To achieve the holistic development of GNI as per Concept Plan, a few

modifications to the existing land reservation will have to be instrumented. This
would include de-notification of certain percentage of land under the Forest
Reserve, Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and Tribal Reserve. The effects of the
development area on the existing land reservations is as below:

• 81.74% of the Island Area comes under national parks, Great Nicobar Biosphere
reserve and Forest including tribal conservation areas. And only 166.1 sq.km. of
area has be designated for Development purpose.

• 15.02% of Forest Land to be diverted.

Figure-1.4: Forest Area Proposed to be diverted

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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
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An area of 166.10 sq. km of land is required for carrying out developmental

activities in first phase out of which 84.10 sq. km land falls under Tribal reserved
area' Great Nicobar lsland is inhabited by Nicobarese and Shompen tribe. Their
present population is 1094 and 237 respectively. An area of 11.032 sq. km of
tribal reserve also falls within revenue villages and is required to be de-notified
otherwise also' A & N Administration proposes to re-notify 45.23 sq. km of land in
Campbell bay& Galathea National Parks and 31.73 Sq. kms land outside the
project area which were de-notified in 1972' Therefore, effectively an area of 7.11
sq. kms will only be required for de-notification for phase-l of the Project. The
above proposal will be in the interest of the tribal as the land in proposal for re-
notification is near to their habitations.

The proposed project also falls under the CRZ area for which the detailed project
mapping at a scale of 1:4000 as well as 1:25000/50000 is under preparation by
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai.

GNI harbours a range of ecosystems, including tropical wet evergreen forests,

mountain ranges reaching a height of nearly 650 m (Mt. Thullier) above sea level,
and coastal plains. The island is noted for its rich biodiversity. It houses 650
species of angiosperms, ferns, gymnosperms, bryophytes and lichens among
others. The tract is rich in plant diversity and fosters a number of rare and
endemic species, including Cyathea albosetacea (tree fern) and Phalaenopsis
speciosa (orchid). A total of 14 species of mammals, 71 species of birds, 26
species of reptiles, 10 species of amphibians, and 113 species of fish have been
reported. The region also harbours a large number of endemic and endangered
species of fauna. To date, 11 species of mammals, 32 species of birds, 7 species
of reptiles and 4 species of amphibians have been found to be endemic. Of these,
the well-known Crab-eating Macaque, Nicobar Tree Shrew, Dugong, Nicobar
Megapode, Serpent Eagle, salt water crocodile, marine turtles and Reticulated
Python are endemic and/or endangered.

The area harbours coral reefs. These reefs are present around the island with
varied thickness and diversity. The corals were severely affected due to 2004
tsunami. In 2008, due to rise in sea water temperature, significant number of
corals were bleached all over the world; the corals of Nicobar Island also
experienced bleaching. However, the exact quantity of coral bleaching has not
been estimated. The corals generally exist along the rocky coastal stretches with
varied thicknesses. The island has plates of dead and live corals. In few areas,
new coral recruits were also observed. As a part of the EIA study for this
development, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has surveyed the area and the
final report is attached as an Attachment 1 to this EIA report.

Along the coastal beaches of the Nicobar Island, Leatherback and Olive Ridley
turtles are known to nest. The tsunami of 2004 modified the coastal morphology
significantly and the turtles stopped visiting the beaches for nesting. However,
with the passage of time, some turtles have returned for nesting. Each
Leatherback turtle lays about 100 eggs, and the succession rate of the hatchlings
is around 63.5% in 2020. Various reports suggest that one out of one thousand
turtles reach adulthood.

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Megapode nesting sites can be seen in various places around the island.
Megapodes are mainly solitary birds that do not incubate their eggs with their
body heat as other birds do but bury them in mound consisting of decaying
vegetation. ZSI is studying the megapode nesting sites as a part of the EIA. The
report is awaited.

Figure-1.5: Ecologically Sensitive Areas at GNI as per ZSI

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• Tsunami & Tectonic Subsidence

The GNI suffered severely during the 2004 tsunami. The Sumatra earthquake
(Mw 9.3) of 26 December 2004 was one of the most important earthquakes from
the point of view of plate tectonics. This event occurred along the plate boundary
marked by the subduction zone between the Indian Plate and the Burmese Plate
(a part of the Eurasian Plate). The southern portion of the GNI seems to have
subsided by about 3 m, as supported by changes in the natural water levels. The
entire Megapode Wildlife Sanctuary was submerged due to the submergence and
does not exist anymore. The sanctuary was de-notified through notification date
25 January 2021. The eastern coast also, the sea has advanced to the coast by
about 200-500 m, depending on the topography.

This sudden ‘land drowning’ (due to tectonic subsidence), coupled with the
tsunami, altered the structure of mangrove forests. As per the study by WII, the
mangrove covers in the Nicobar Islands declined by around 97 percent, which is
higher than the earlier estimation. The researchers form Centre for Ornithology
and Natural History (SACON) documented 20 mangrove species from 34 sites
across the Nicobar Islands, of which eight species were recorded for the first time
from the island group. There could be two major reasons for the new reports of
eight mangrove species. These islands are often underexplored, so the species
could have been there but not reported. The second factor could be that the
tsunami may have carried the seed material of the unreported species from
nearby sources (such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore) along with the huge
pile of debris that it dumped on the Nicobar coasts).

Figure-1.6: Indira Point Before Tsunami

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Chapter-1
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Figure-1.7: Indira Point After Tsunami

• Natural Disaster Vulnerability

The Ring of Fire (also known as the Rim of Fire or the Circum-Pacific belt) is a
major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions occur. In a large 40,000 km (25,000 mi) horseshoe shape, it is
associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and
volcanic belts and plate movements. It has 452 volcanoes (more than 75% of the
world’s active and dormant volcanoes). About 90% of the world’s earthquakes
and about 81% [3] of the world’s largest earthquakes occur along the Ring of
Fire. The Ring of Fire is a direct result of plate tectonics: the movement and
collisions of lithospheric plates, especially subduction in the northern portion. The
Ring of Fire is a direct result of plate tectonics: the movement and collisions of
lithospheric plates. The southern portion is more complex, with a number of
smaller tectonic plates in collision with the Pacific Plate from the Mariana Islands,
the Philippines, Bougainville, Tonga, and New Zealand; this portion excludes
Australia, since it lies in the centre of its tectonic plate. Indonesia lies between
the Ring of Fire along the north-eastern islands adjacent to and including New
Guinea and the Alpide belt along the south and west from Sumatra, Java, Bali,
Flores, and Timor.

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Figure-1.8: Ring of fire

As can be seen from the map above, Great Nicobar lies in close proximity to the
Ring of Fire and the Tsunami of 26 December 2004 is a clear demonstration of
how prone it is to severe natural disasters. Great Nicobar comes under the high-
risk seismic zone V category, the severest of them all. The severe earthquake of
9.3 magnitude in 2004 followed by Tsunami came with ruinage and washed away
mostly the populated areas of the settlement. Even the tribal areas were severely
affected by number of deaths and missing in Great Nicobar and caused cut-off
from all sides. Loss of property and lives was immeasurable. Many places were
submerged by the sea. The severe tsunami damaged the main market, roads,
bridges, and jetty, leaving behind sorrow and grief and homeless people.
Embarkation of ships alongside the jetty was not possible as causeway was totally
washed away. Lighthouse at Indira point got submerged into sea.

1.9 Conceptual Development Strategy

The holistic development of GNI is anchored around the ICTT project. The
Development focuses on establishing the entire new city that would catalyse the
development and be the magnets of growth in the region. The International
Airport in the eastern side of the development, the International Container
Transhipment Terminal in the southern end of the island and their precinct with
supporting functions would act as the impetus of growth by bringing in tourists,
inhabitants and traders. Because of these drivers, the city and downtown along
with the Port and International Airport would be developed, which is 166.1 sq. km
in area. The ancillary functions like hotels and hospitality, the commercial and
office district with institutes; service industries and research and development
offices; residential zones and social facilities and the tourism and hospitality

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district with themed resorts, beach hotels, high end residences and cultural
markets will also be activated with this development. The conceptual
development plan is given in Figure 1.9

Figure-1.9: Conceptual Plan

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In addition to this overarching rationale for undertaking the project, each of the
four interlinked projects has its own rationale, as described below.

• International Container Transshipment Terminal

At present, some 50 per cent of global container traffic and 70 per cent of the
world’s oil trade pass through the seaways of the Indian Ocean. Roughly 30 per
cent of all trade is handled in Indian Ocean ports. The Indian Ocean is the most
important ocean in the 21st century due to Growing Economic Importance of the
Indian Ocean, Increasing Geoeconomic Rivalry through Connectivity Initiatives
and Indian Ocean has vast stocks of resources like fish and minerals etc.

The development of a new cargo Transshipment terminal and associated

industrial facilities will allow India to leverage its excellent access to major
shipping routes between East Asia and South Asia in order to capture a significant
share of the regional maritime economy.

Due to geographical and logistic constraints, deep water berths in the ports along
the East & West Coasts of India have not been developed for berthing large inter-
continental vessels of drafts over 15 m. The present major Transshipment hubs in
South Asia at Colombo and Singapore provide deep water ports for main line
vessels carrying cargoes for smaller ports in the region. Feeder vessels presently
call Singapore and Colombo for loading cargoes bound for smaller ports in the
Bay of Bengal, Andaman and the Arabian Sea. The result is that India is losing
substantial revenue in terms of facilities and higher rate of landings.

It has also been observed that other countries like Myanmar, Foreign powers and
Sri Lanka are gearing up to develop deep water facilities for taking major share of
trade by developing suitable harbour facilities. From the foregoing, it is quite
evident that India should move towards setting up dedicated deep-water berths
for primarily Transshipment activities in its waters thereby generating revenue.
GNI is strategically located equidistant from Colombo, Port Klang and Singapore
and is also very close to the East-West international shipping corridor. Location
advantage of ICTT project of GNI is shown in Figure-1.10.

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Figure-1.10: Location Advance of Great Nicobar

Development of Transshipment terminal at South Bay would attract existing

traffic of ports along East Coast of India, Bangladesh and Myanmar as they form
primary catchment for Transshipment terminal for the following reasons:

 Proposed Terminal is strategically located on the East West container trade route;
 Strategic location advantage leads to overall cost savings for containers shipping
costs.
Locational setting of GNI with respect to major Indian Ports shown in Figure-
1.11.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

Figure-1.11: location setting of GNI w.r.t Major Indian ports

The proposed site is endowed with natural depth of 20 m as close as one Nautical
Mile from the seacoast. As may be appreciated, due to natural depth availability,
the site needs minimal capital dredging requirements and thus low costs (as
compared to the any other port in India within a reasonable distance from the
East-West Shipping axis). The proposed site has minimal Littoral drift and as such
would hardly require any maintenance dredging during the years of operation.
This will result in low O&M Costs. The proposed site is away from mainland /
urban / city limits, and thus can be master planned and shaped by the
professional and experienced developers as per their own efficient designs and
needs. Transshipment dynamics in Great Nicobar Catchment Area is given in
Figure-1.12.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

Figure-1.12: Transshipment Dynamics in Great Nicobar Catchment Area

Great Nicobar Container transshipment terminal would have business prospects

from following 2 avenues:

 Transshipment of Containers for feeder ports in the region

 Development of Storage and Re-processing zones

The majority of Transshipment terminals in Asia have developed large

warehouses behind Transshipment terminals. This includes Singapore, Jebel Ali,
etc. The free trade zones in these regions act as storage and distribution centre of
the region. Some of the Free Trade zones also allow minimal packaging and
processing for re-export. Singapore is the nearest competitor of proposed Great
Nicobar Transshipment terminal. Following 3 factors determine the dynamics of
Free trade zones beside Transshipment terminal:

 Large economy of Scale;

 Availability of large parcel of lands at economical rates; and
 Availability of low-cost manpower to work in Free Trade Zones.

The Project can provide direct and indirect employment to over 4200 people.
During construction an estimate 2000 people are expected to be employed. It
would increase the employability of the local population on the island.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

• Greenfield International Airport

The island and the archipelago feature world class ecological resources that, with
the right level of infrastructure development, can attract international and Indian
tourists. An international airport is necessary to improve connectivity to Great
Nicobar and open up the island to tourism.

Given its geographical context, an airport at Great Nicobar can serve not only the
island but also adjoining areas. Locational advantage of the islands is their close
proximity to international tourist island destinations like the upcoming Senang
City, the Phuket Island and Langkawi Island. Thus, the islands present a great
opportunity for a tourism-oriented island development that would put Andaman
and Nicobar on the global tourist destinations map.

Econometric modelling using various parameters individually and in combination

(as input independent variables) are in the process of being undertaken to find
the most correlated factor(s). The projections will also be informed by inputs from
key stakeholders. In the absence of any concrete data and very minimal
economic & tourist activity, it has been assessed that the projections would be
akin to what prevails at Port Blair. Currently, Port Blair Airport handles approx.
2000-2500 passengers per day bringing to an annual figure of approx. 1.8 million
passengers in 2019. It can be reasonably assumed that by the time the airport
opens, this international airport will also have an identical influx of passengers.
Hence, it is being assumed that the airport should be capable of handling at least
1million passengers at the instance of opening and thereafter be adequate to
sustain a figure of approx. 10 MPPA wherein after it would require further
enhancement.

• Township and Area Development

Mixed-use urban development is a necessary component of future development

on GNI. The people who manage and operate the transshipment terminal need a
place to live. Development of hotels and associated commercial land uses are
essential for growth of the tourism industry. The ancillary economic sectors,
including professional services, education, research others yet to be identified,
also need real estate and public services in order to grow. While the main drivers
of the economic growth and robust national presence on GNI are the
transshipment terminal and the tourism industry, the city fabric is necessary to
grow an urban agglomeration substantial enough to support and facilitate these
economic initiatives.

• Power Plant

Electric power is necessary for operation of the port, airport, and township.
Without power, there will be no Greenfield city at GNI. While the port and airport
are catalytical infrastructure facilities to the extent that they will generate and
economic growth, the power plant is an enabling and supporting infrastructure
facility that the city and the economy need in order to grow and prosper.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

Power or electricity is the most convenient and versatile form of energy. All forms
of economic activity, whether it be agriculture, industry or services rely upon the
uninterrupted power supply, as well as it is the most crucial source of supplying
domestic energy requirement. Diesel Generating (DG) sets are the major source
of energy in this Union Territory of A&NI.

The primary objective of the power infrastructure design is to provide good

quality, reliable electrical energy without interruptions. System design ensures
the continuity of power supply in the event of outage of any one primary
component of the system. Design of network is in tune with the phasing
strategies of the overall master plan.

For the proposed development at GNI such as industrial, residential and

commercial buildings, mobility, public built spaces and other urban arrangements,
the network of energy provision is basic requirement of these development. Thus,
higher level electricity is pre-requisite for better quality of living, and it is better
to plan additional generation from renewable sources for GNI.

An uninterrupted energy supply will be a key component in increasing the GDP of

any cities or island. Handling this urban evolution is a challenge and we need to
address the energy and climate implications it will entail.

With power infrastructure being vastly complex and intense as the channeling of
supply goes through various cities, island, towns and villages it now has become
paramount to have technology interference to conventional system.

Business and the economy in digital era depend upon reliable and quality power
supply. So far, the focus of the sector was limited to providing uninterrupted
power supply to consumers. This was understandable at the time of deficit when
the limited supply of power was available to meet peak demand and the
expectation of end consumers was availability of power supply.

1.10 Environmental Setting

The environmental setting of GNI project is given in Table-1.2. The study area
google map of the proposed project is shown in Figure-1.13.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

Figure-1.13: Google Imagery-10 Km Radius

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District

Chapter-1
Introduction

Table-1.2: Environmental Setting – Integrated Development Project

Sr. No Particulars Airport ICTT Power Plant Township

1 Location GNIs, Nicobar, GNIs, Nicobar, GNIs, Nicobar, GNIs, Nicobar,
Union Territory: Andaman & Nicobar Union Territory: Andaman & Union Territory: Andaman & Nicobar Union Territory: Andaman &
Island Nicobar Island Island Nicobar Island
2 Toposheet No B46J13 (88F/13) B46J13 (88F/13) B46J13 (88F/13) B46J13 (88F/13)
(88E/16) B46D16 (88E/16)
3 7 Geographical Co-ordinates
4 Elevation above MSL 5 to 53 a MSL 15 to 102 a MSL 23 to 35 a MSL 0 to 260 a MSL
5 Nearest Major Settlement Gandhinagar/Shastri nagar Shastri nagar and Galathea Galathea and Gandhi nagar Campbell Bay, Govind nagar and
Gandhinagar
6 Nearest Town Campbell Bay (22.5km, NNE) Campbell Bay (26.7km, NNE) Campbell Bay (27.8km, NNE) Campbell Bay (0.5km, W)
7 Nearest highway SH-2 with in Site. SH-2 with in Site. SH-2 (6.2 km, W) SH-2 with in Site.
8 Nearest Railway station Nil. Nil. Nil. Nil.
9 Nearest Airport Port Blair- Port Blair- Port Blair- Port Blair-
(545.0 km, NNW) (546.5 km, NNW) (546.0 km, NNW) (520.0 km, NNW)
10 Interstate Boundary Nil. Nil. Nil. Nil.
11 Places of Archaeological Nil. Nil. Nil. Nil.
importance
12 Protected areas as per Wildlife Campbell Bay National Park (24.1 Campbell Bay National Park Campbell Bay National Park (25.8 Campbell Bay National Park (2.6
(Protection) Act, 1972 (tiger km, NNW) (26.3 km, N) km, N) km, W)
reserve, elephant reserve, Galathea National Park (1.6 km, Galathea National Park (0.5 km, Galathea National Park (0.3 km, N)
wildlife sanctuaries, national NW) N) Galathea National Park (0.3 km,
park, conservation reserve and W)
community reserve)
13 Protected Forests Dense forest Dense forest Dense forest Dense forest

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District

Chapter-1
Introduction

Sr. No Particulars Airport ICTT Power Plant Township

14 Rivers/Lakes • Andaman Sea (Adjacent). • Andaman Sea (1.8 km W) • Andaman Sea (7.4 km W) • Andaman Sea (0.5 km E)
• Magar Nala near Govindnagar • Magar Nala near Govindnagar • Magar Nala near Govindnagar • Magar Nala near Govindnagar
(18.2 km, N) (21.5 km, NNE) (21.7 km, NNE) (with in site)
• Campbell Bay (20.2 km NNE) • Campbell Bay (26.8 km NNE) • Campbell Bay (25.1 km NNE) • Campbell Bay (0.7 km W)
• Matait Anla Near Gandhi Nagar • Matait Anla Near Gandhi Nagar • Matait Anla Near Gandhi Nagar • Matait Anla Near Gandhi Nagar
km, N) (5.2 km, NE) (7.5 km, NE) (0.5 km, E)
• South Bay (Galathea) 0.6 km, W • South Bay (Galathea) with in • South Bay (Galathea) 2.2 km, SSE • South Bay (Galathea) 1.6 km,
• Mata Taruwa Bay Site • Mata Taruwa Bay (7.9 km SW) SW
(10.4 km WSW) • Mata Taruwa Bay (4.0 km W) • Pemayya Bay near Pulobaha • Mata Taruwa Bay
• Pemayya Bay near Pulobaha • Pemayya Bay near Pulobaha (4.6 km, SW) (10.7 km SW)
(8.3 km, W) (3.6 km, W) • Nanjappa Bay near Pulo Bekka • Pemayya Bay near Pulobaha
• Nanjappa Bay near Pulo Bekka • Nanjappa Bay near Pulo Bekka (7.7 km, NW) (7.7 km, WSW)
(12.8 km, WNW) (7.8 km, NW) • Galathea River or Dak Kea • Nanjappa Bay near Pulo Bekka
• Galathea River or Dak Kea • Galathea River or Dak Kea • Dak Aleh (0.6 km, NE) (10.5 km, W)
• Dak Aleh (2.5 km, W) • Dak Aleh (Adjecent, W) • Dak Ubho (5.5 km, SW) • Galathea River or Dak Kea
• Dak Ubho (8.5 km, SW) • Dak Ubho (2.6 km, W) • Dak Tolai Near Pulabaha • Dak Aleh (Adjecent, W)
• Dak Tolai Near Pulabaha • Dak Tolai Near Pulabaha (3.6 km, SW) • Dak Ubho (8.5 km, SW)
(7.3 km, SW) (0.7 km, W) • Dak Air (1.1 km, SW) • Dak Tolai Near Pulabaha
• Dak Air (5.9 km, W) • Dak Air (0.7 km, NW) • Dak Thena (3.3 km, W) (5.3 km, SW)
• Dak Thena (8.3 km, W) • Dak Thena (3.1 km, NW) • Dak Air (3.2 km, W)
• Dak Thena (5.5 km, W)
15 Defence installations INS Baaz Indian Naval Air Station INS Baaz Indian Naval Air Station INS Baaz Indian Naval Air Station INS Baaz Indian Naval Air Station
(17.9 km NNE) (20.9 km NNE) (21.2 km NNE) (1.3 km NNE)
16 Seismic Zone/Landslide/Cloud Earthquakes: Site falls under seismic Zone-V and cyclone prone as per BIA IS 1893 Part-I:2002. The project site has highest risk of suffering
Burst earthquakes (Seismic Zone-V).
Floods: Vulnerable to tsunami and susceptible to floods. The project area is also susceptible to floods. Some so the coastal stretches along the
western and eastern end is erosion prone.
Landslide: The proposed integrated development project sites are located on a comparatively flat terrain. Hence, no land sliding is envisaged.
Cloud burst: As per the available secondary data, cloud burst occurred in 2020 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

1.11 Scope of the Study

The scope of the EIA-EMP studies includes the prior assessment of the future
impact of consequences of integrated developmental activity of GNI on the quality
and dynamism of environment. The study aims at integrating environmental
factors into project planning to achieve ecologically sustainable development.

With a view to assess the environmental impacts due to the proposed project,
AECOM has been appointed as the consultant for Holistic planning of Great
Nicobar Island. M/s. Vimta Labs Ltd, Hyderabad (A QCI/NABET accredited
organization with certificate no: NABET/EIA/1720/SA 088) prepared the EIA-EMP
Report for various environmental components including air, noise, water, land
and biological components and to prepare an EMP for mitigating adverse impacts.

The EIA report is prepared based on the TOR conditions issued by MoEF&CC vide
F.No.10/17/2021-IA.III dated 25th May 2021. Baseline environmental monitoring
has been carried out in winter season (1st December 2020 to 28th February 2021)
of the study area of 10 km radius as part of the EIA studies conducted for
integrated development project. Modelling exercises have been carried out to
predict and evaluate impacts due to proposed project. Mitigation measures have
been proposed on the basis of impact evaluation.

The scope of the study broadly includes:

• Generating field sampling results of environmental attributes to establish the

baseline environmental status;
• Collate and compile secondary data including socio-economic data from
published literature / Government publications;
• Estimate pollution loads that would be generated by the proposed expansion of
project;
• Predict incremental levels of pollutants in the study area due to the proposed
expansion of project;
• Evaluate the predicted impacts on the various environmental attributes by using
scientifically developed and widely accepted Environmental Impact Assessment
modelling methodologies;
• Prepare an EIA report, complying to all the TOR conditions issued by MoEF& CC;
• Prepare an Environment Management Plan (EMP) to mitigate the predicted
impacts;
• To identify critical environmental attributes required to be monitored and
suggest post project monitoring plan; and
• To carry out risk assessment and study the existing disaster management
plan.

The scope of the study carried out as per the sector specific Terms of References
issued by MoEF&CC broadly includes the development of GNI including four
interlinked projects:

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

1.11.1 Terms of Reference

As the Minutes of the 260th meeting of Expert Appraisal Committee held on 5th -
6th April, 2021 through Video Conferencing for the projects related to
Infrastructure Development, all Ship breaking yards including ship breaking units
7(b); Industrial Estate/Parks/Complexes/Areas, Export Processing Zones, Special
Economic Zones, Biotech Parks, Leather Complexes 7(c); Ports, harbours, break
waters, dredging 7(e) and National Highways 7(f) the recommended TOR for the
proposal no: IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 given in Annexure-I.

1.11.2 Methodology of the Study

Reconnaissance survey was conducted by the consultants and concerned officials
and sampling locations were identified on the basis of:

• Predominant wind directions in the study area as recorded by INS Bazz;

• Existing topography, location of surface water bodies like ponds, canals and
rivers;
• Location of villages/towns/sensitive areas; and
• Areas which represent baseline conditions.
The field observations are used to:
• Evaluate the environmental impacts through modeling techniques;
• Identify extent of negative impacts on community/natural resources; and
• Identify mitigation measures and monitoring requirements.

The study also provides framework and institutional strengthening for

implementing the mitigation measures. Field studies have been conducted during
1st December 2020 to 28th February 2021 to determine existing conditions of
various environmental attributes. The monitoring details and scope of work are
outlined in Table-1.3.

Table-1.3: Environmental Attributes and Frequency of Monitoring

Sr. Attributes Sampling Parameters Frequency
No. Locations
1 Meteorology 1 Wind speed, direction, One hourly
temperature, relative recording of wind
humidity, rainfall speed, wind
direction,
temperature (1
season)
2 Ambient Air Quality 6 As per NAAQS 2009 24 hourly sample,
twice a week.
CO and O3-8-hourly
samples
3 Water Quality 10 GW As per IS: 10500 Once during study
10 SW period
4 Soil 20 pH, Conductivity, Texture, Once during study
N, K, P, Organic Matter, period
SAR, Organic carbon, Cl, Na,
Ca, SO4, Fe, Hg
5 Noise 20 Lday, Lnight, Ldn, Leq Once during the
study period

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

Sr. Attributes Sampling Parameters Frequency

No. Locations
(24-hourly
monitoring)
6 Ecology (Terrestrial Identification of species Once during study
and Aquatic) diversity period
7 Land use6 Based on satellite imagery and ground truthing
8 Demography Based on data collected from secondary sources like Census of
India-2011
9 Geology & Hydro Based on Secondary Data
geology
10 Environmental Impact Impacts on various environmental attributes including air, water,
Assessment soil, noise, land use. Based on various environmental modeling
techniques and descriptive checklists
11 Environment EMP for various parameters including post project monitoring.
Management Plan Descriptive checklists for EMP and post project monitoring
12 Risk assessment and Identify areas where disaster can occur by fires and explosions and
Disaster Management release of toxic substances. Risk assessment and modeling, review
Plan of existing DMP.

The methodology adopted for monitoring and analysis is given in Annexure-V

and applicable environmental standards is given in Annexure-VI.

1.11.3 Chaptalization of the Report

The EIA report contents the environmental impact assessment for all the four
components of the project in one consolidated document. The report has been
divided into twelve chapters as per the EIA notification, 2006 of MoEF&CC and
presented as follows:

Chapter-1: Introduction

The chapter will cover comprehensive details about the proposed integrated
project including objective and justification of the project, environmental settings,
site details and scope of the EIA study.

Chapter-2: Project Description

This chapter addresses the details of the proposed integrated project in context
with the processes and capacities, utilities and services, infra-structural facilities,
sources of pollution and proposed mitigation measures.

Chapter-3: Description of the Environment

This chapter illustrates the description of the existing environmental status of the
study area with reference to the prominent environmental attributes and
sensitivity. The study area covers 10 km from the proposed integrated project
boundary.

Chapter-4: Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

The chapter will cover detailed impact of the proposed integrated project on
different environmental components during implementation and operation phase
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District
Chapter-1
Introduction

of the project. The chapter will also deal with the measures to be adopted to
mitigate the adverse impacts of the proposed holistic project development and
underscores the areas of concern, which need mitigation measures.

Chapter-5: Analysis of Alternatives

The chapter details the alternative sites and technologies considered.

Chapter-6: Environmental Monitoring Program

Environmental monitoring requirements for effective implementation of mitigatory

measures during implementation and operational phase.

Chapter-7: Additional Studies

The chapter describes various additional studies associated with the project which
includes public consultation, social impact assessment, R&R action plans hazard
identification & analysis and consequence analysis etc.

Chapter-8: Project Benefits

The chapter describes various social benefits of the project to the community in the
vicinity and as well as to the region.

Chapter-9: Environmental Cost-Benefit Analysis

Cost-Benefit Analysis in Environmental perspective.

Chapter-10: Environment Management Plan (EMP)

The chapter describes responsibility of management for environment.

Chapter-11: Summary and Conclusion

This chapter gives the summary of the report with observations and conclusion.

Chapter-12: Disclosure of Consultants

The list of various experts involved in preparation of the present EIA/EMP report
is given along with brief introduction of the consultancy organisation involved in
EIA report.

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CHAPTER 2A
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION-ICTT

2.1 General

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited

(ANIIDCO) propose Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island in Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. Integrated development of International Container
Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) -14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers-PHP), Township & Area
development and 450 MVA Gas, Diesel and Solar based power plant in Eastern
and Southern parts of Great Nicobar Islands. Land use has been worked out to
get the most out of the planned Transshipment terminal. As per the estimated
traffic of 3 million TEU’s during Phase-1 and 14.2 million TEU’s of traffic during
ultimate stage/master plan stage.

The EIA study covered the entire area required for all the phases including
rehabilitation & resettlement, breakwater, capital dredging, reclamation etc. The
modelling/shoreline change studies was also done considering the development of
all the phases. Environmental Clearance (EC) as per this EIA report is sought for
development of all the phases. Accordingly, in this chapter, the ICTT phase I and
ICTT master phase development plan for the proposed development is presented
in detail; summarizing the details of location, land availability, expected traffic,
field surveys to ensure the suitability of port development, etc. This chapter also
provides the details of phase I and master plan development such as port,
utilities and services, internal road connectivity, ancillary site facilities, estimated
cost for the development of project, project implementation schedule and overall
suitability of the site and the proposed activity with respect to existing
environmental regulations, including CRZ.

2.2 Project Location

The proposed ICTT at Galathea Bay is located near the southernmost tip of the
Great Nicobar Island and is approximately 40 km away from the mainline
shipping route. The sea-bed contours are steep, and the water depths of 20 m
and 30 m are available within a distance of 2.3 km and 3.6 km from the shoreline
respectively. The site offers the water area of about 517.60 hectares between
shoreline and the 20 m contour which could be optimally utilized for the
development of the harbour facilities. It could be observed that about 6.07 km of
total berth length is possible to be developed on the western side of the bay. Two
breakwaters of length 2.53 km and 0.74 km respectively provide round the year
wave tranquility. The port would be developed in phased manner and the berths
would be added as per the traffic growth. However, the breakwaters would need
to be fully constructed at the initial phase only.

The site is away from any habitation. The Backup area will have to be developed
by reclamation which will extend up to the intertidal zone. No cutting of hills is
required. The proposed integrated project area is shown in Figure-2.1(A). The

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

proposed port area is shown in Figure-2.1(B) and the land-use details are
shown in Figure-2.1(C).

Area falls partly under ICRZ Zone 1A. A small part of proposed port area falls
under the tribal reserve.

However, de-notification of tribal area of 84.1 sq.km is in progress. Turtle nesting

sites are observed at the mouth and west of Galathea river.

The port is designed to primarily cater to the container transshipment. A drawing

showing the layout of the port facilities for the phase I is given as Figure 2.2(A)
and the port master plan layout is given in Figure 2.2(B).

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Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure 2.1(A): Proposed Integrated Project Area

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure 2.1(B): Proposed Port Area

Land use has been worked out to get the most out of the planned Transshipment
terminal. As per the estimated traffic of 14.2 Million TEU’s during Master plan
phase, the total reclaimed land (227 Hac) has been redistributed between berths
(13%), container storage (71%), building & utilities (1%), road & pavements
(9%) & Green areas (6%).

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure-2.1(C): Land-use Details

Figure 2.2 (A): Layout of the Port Facilities for the Phase I

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure 2.2 (B):Port Master Plan Layout

2.2.1 Port Development

The total project area for port is 966 ha (out of which 739 ha is on land and 227
ha shall be created through reclamation). Out of the total land 228.4 ha is
Protected Forest and 48.5 ha is deemed forest land. 1.58 ha land is under
revenue (0.54 ha is owned by government and 1.04 ha is private land). The port
land will be used for developing port infrastructure, Port & Utility buildings and
facilities, Workshops, Container stacking yards, Reefer Areas, Vehicles and ITV
parking and movement areas, Port roads, Pavements and green areas. The
proposed layout plan details of ICTT port are given in Table-2.1. Breakup of the
total land required for ICTT is given in Table-2.2.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Table-2.1 Proposed layout plan details of International Container Transshipment

Terminal (ICTT)

Sr. No Layout Plan Details

1 Administrative Building
2 Security Building
3 Custom Building
4 Port Operation Building
5 Underground Water Tank
6 Pump House
7 Fire Station
8 Substation
9 Sewage Treatment Plant
10 Workshop & Store
11 Workers Canteen
12 Workers Toilet
13 Overhead Water Tank
14 Watch Tower
15 RTG Wash Slab
16 Storage Areas
17 Internal Roads
18 Parking

Table-2.2 Breakup of Land Required For ICTT

S. No Port Infrastructure Area (Ha)
1 Container Storage 151
2 Connectivity Aspects – Internal Roads 16.9
3 Port & Utility Buildings 2.2
4 Parking & Circulation 8.9
5 Green Belt 48
Subtotal 227*
6 Berth 28.7
7 Harbour area within Breakwater 250
8 Associated logistic area 233.3
Grand total 739
* Out of total land of 739 ha, currently only 227 ha will be utilized for the port.

2.2.2 Connectivity

Presently there is limited connectivity to the Great Nicobar Island with the main-
land and the Island can be accessed only by air and sea routes. For air routes, it
takes approximately 2.5 hours from the nearest airports in cities like Kolkata,
Chennai, Vishakhapatnam and Bengaluru to reach the Veer Savarkar
International Airport, located at Port Blair in Andaman. From there a helicopter
can be taken to reach INS BAAZ at Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar Island. This
INS BAAZ air landing facility, located in Campbell Bay, is the first naval air station
in the Nicobar group of islands. For sea-routes it takes approximately 3 days from
the nearest ports in cities like Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam to sail to the

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Port located at Port Blair in Andaman. Further, from Port Blair jetty it takes about
1 day to reach Great Nicobar Island. Ferries arrive at, or depart from, either the
Campbell Bay Jetty or the Breakwater Jetty in Great Nicobar. There is a 106 m
length wharf that is capable of handling medium size ship vessels and has been
proposed to be extended by another 45 meters to handle large size ship vessels.

The eastern coastal area is the habitation area on the island. Here there is a
simple transportation network of paved and unpaved roads. A single main north-
south spine connects the 7 villages here from Campbell bay area in North to
Shastri Nagar up to Galathea Bay in South. Continuation of this road crossing the
Galathea River and up to Indira Point is under construction by the Border Roads
Organization (BRO). The Campbell Bay has a local road hierarchy that serves the
local population. Informal and unpaved roads serve communities that are located
along the coastal villages.

Primary mobility on the project area is by bus, car, bike, or on foot. Buses are run
by state transportation services and provide transportation between the villages.

2.2.3 Ancillary Sites

As a part of port development, several infrastructure facilities have to be

developed in addition to road connectivity. Most of these infrastructure facilities
are to be developed close to the port. Therefore, adequate backup area and other
land resources have been acquired in the vicinity of proposed port. These are
together termed as ancillary sites which will be a part of the overall port
infrastructure. These ancillary sites and facilities are for developing (1) Port
Annex Facility (PAF) zone which includes (a) A 220/66 KV sub-station (b) port
backup areas for administrative and other utility requirements for initial phase
and master plan phase for the operators, with dedicated road, water harvesting
area, greenbelt, etc.

2.3 Traffic Projections for ICTT Port

A traffic forecast study was carried out by M/s Mantrana to assess the expected
traffic for various commodities and a strategy for capturing potential container
and bulk traffic over the forecast period at proposed port. The phase I cargo
traffic forecast expected to be handled at ICTT port is given in Table-2.3.

Table-2.3 Expected Traffic during Phase I of ICCT Port Development

(Million Teus)

Year 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 2055

India (East Coast) 0.9 1.4 1.9 3.7 4.7 5.9 7.4
Bangladesh 1.2 1.7 2 2.2 3 3.3 3.6
Myanmar 0.5 0.8 1 1.2 1.8 2 2.3
Sri Lanka 0 0 0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
(Repositioning)
Malaysia (Smaller 0.2 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6
Ports &

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Year 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 2055

Repositioning)
Singapore 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2
(Repositioning)
Total 3 4.5 5.6 7.8 10.2 12 14.2

2.4 Field Surveys and Investigations

Bathymetric and Geophysical surveys were carried out to collect Bathymetric

details, Side scan Sonar details, Shallow Geology, Current, Wave, Tide & Seabead
sample details. Detailed investigations that included seabed surveys (viz.
bathymetry, shallow seismic profiling), Oceanographic measurements (wave
measurements, current meter observations) and seabed sediment/marine
borehole sampling were carried for the planning and design of the proposed
facilities at ICTT port.

2.4.1 Bathymetry

M/s. Coastal Marine Construction & Engineering Ltd (COMACOE) were appointed
by AECOM to carry out site specific Bathymetry and Geophysical Survey of the
Galathea Bay. The survey was conducted from 5th March 2021 to 29th March
2021.

The objective of the survey (200 line kms) was the collection of the necessary
data that provides the detailed information on seabed morphology, bathymetry,
seabed level and depth of hard rock, shallow geology including rock levels, sub-
surface stratigraphy, Individual stratigraphic units and their thickness, Marking
the interfaces and finding out the nature of the surface and subsurface soils and
map surficial features in the survey area using DGPS, Multibeam Echo sounder,
Sub Bottom Profiler, Side scan Sonar and Total Station.

The contours seem to run almost parallel to the coast; towards the shore the
contours appear to be closer in nature up to a depth of approximately 14m.
Water depth within the survey area ranges between a minimum depth of 1.0m @
2535.2022X 346o to maximum depth of 25.4m @ 1145.3891x 61o.

Towards the western end of the survey area the depth increases from 1m to 3m
with a relatively less slope of 1:76(0.75 o), from where increases steeply to 14m
with a relatively steep slope of 1:14 (4o) from where it increases to gradually. The
contours appear to trend in NE SW direction is shown in Figure-2.3

Towards the northern end of the survey area, the survey could not be carried out
due to heavy breaker zone approximately for a distance of 600m from survey.
The depth started increasing from 5m to 9 m with a slope of 1:61 (0.9°) from
where it increases gradually to a depth of 25m with a relatively less slope of
1:154 (0.37°).

Towards the eastern end of the survey area, the contours appears to trend in
NW-SE direction. The depth increases from approximately 2m nearer to the shore
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

to 11 m towards the seaward direction with a relatively steep slope of 1:14 (4°),
from where the depth increases gradually
Figure-2.4 - Figure-2.6 show the Bathymetry & depth profile along SW-NE &
NW-SE Center line respectively

Figure-2.3: Bathymetry map

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure-2.4: Bathymetry of the Proposed Port Location

Figure 2.5: Depth Profile along the SW-NE Center Line

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure 2.6: Depth Profile along the NW-SE Center Line

2.4.2 Side Scan Sonar Survey

With respect to the side scan sonar survey data, the entire survey area, in
general, is marked with medium reflectivity which appears to be smooth in nature
and can be loose in nature and can be interpreted Clayey SILT/ Sandy SILT, Silty
SAND with traces of fine SAND as well as Coral Fragments. The area marked with
high reflectivity appears to be rugged in nature and the sediments also appears
to be consolidated in nature.

Thirty-Five (35) numbers of sonar contacts were observed in the survey area
during side scan sonar survey at the water depth of 9 m to 21 m. No pipeline
crossings were observed with in the survey area.

2.4.3 Geotechnical Investigation

As part of investigations, ten (10) boreholes i.e. (06) marine boreholes and (04)
land boreholes as presented in Table-2.4 & Figure-2.7 were undertaken and
samples were collected & analysed during previous studies, and the details of the
strata encountered landside and marine side are presented in Table-2.5 and
Table-2.6 respectively.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure 2.7: Borehole Location Plan

Table-2.4 Borehole Coordinates

Sr. Easting Northing

Field Marking
No. (m) (m)
Land Boreholes
1 LBH-1 593189.80 751505.91
2 LBH-2 592826.17 748772.05
3 LBH-3 591354.17 747418.27
4 LBH-4 590953.66 748707.42
Marine Boreholes
1 MBH-1 594661.63 752429.78
2 MBH-2 595461.55 751417.78
3 MBH-3 593776.07 749265.07
4 MBH-4 592184.87 746805.48
5 MBH-5 593874.05 746409.16
6 MBH-6 590342.89 746803.00

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

• Landside

The landside ground investigations in the region comprised 04 boreholes drilled to

depths of between 25 m and 27 m. The sequence of strata anticipated on the
site, in terms of superposition is estimated to comprise the followings:

Table-2.5: Landside General Soil Profile

Strata Description Thickness of Strata

1 Silty Sand 1.5 m - 2.0 m
2 Sandy Silt 2.0 m - 3.0 m
3 Silty sand 3.0 m - 6.0 m
4 Sandy Clay 6.0 m - 10.5 m
5 Clay 10.5 m -16.5 m
6 Cemented Sand 16.5 m – 21.0 m
7 Soft Rock 12.0 m – 27.0 m

• Marine Side

The marine ground investigation in the region comprised 06 boreholes drilled to

depths of between 21 m and 28.8 m. The sequence of strata anticipated on the
site, in terms of superposition is likely to comprise the following strata:

Table-2.6: Marine Side General Soil Profile

Strata Description Thickness of Strata

1 Silty sand 0 m-varying depth
2 Silty sandy clay 10.5-15 m
3 Cemented sand 15m-21 m
4 Soft rock 21 m-28.8 m

2.4.4 Oceanographic Investigations

M/s. COMACOE carried out the oceanographic measurements and investigations

in May 2021.

2.4.4.1 Waves

Data reported by ships plying fairly close to the Island has been studied from the
data for the whole region. The ship data is based on visual observations, though
available for a very long period thus has its own limitations. Ships tend to avoid
to navigate through storm path hence severe weather conditions would be not
recorded.

Ship observations from the area: Lat. 6.30 to 6.8 0 N, Long. 93.70 to 94.10 E, for
the 14-year period 1994 to 2007 were analyzed direction wise in eight main
directions at an interval of 0.5 m wave height. The analysis of Ship observed
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

wave height data is presented as Wave rose diagram in Figure-2.8 and also in
Table-2.7.

Figure-2.8: Wave Rose Diagram- Ship Observed Data

The table shows that significant waves are 3.0 m or less. 4 m wave is exceeded
for five times and 5m wave occurred only once in the 14-year period. The data
shows the significant wave direction to be S-W quadrant, and second significant
direction to be E-NE quadrant.

Table-2.7 Ship - observed Wave Height Data

Wave Height (m)

Waves
Total
(from)
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 (No. of
Quadrant
Obs.)
N 3 5 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 11
NE 2 6 6 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 19
E 0 7 6 0 5 1 1 1 0 0 21
SE 1 7 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 11
S 3 4 10 9 3 2 0 1 0 1 33
SW 2 8 11 15 4 5 0 1 0 0 46
W 3 7 7 11 4 5 1 2 0 0 40
NW 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Total 14 44 45 40 17 14 2 5 0 1 182

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

2.4.4.2 Tides

The tidal levels with respect to Chart Datum are given below:

HHW : + 1.95 m
MHWS : + 1.6 m
MHWN : + 1.1 m
MSL : + 0.9 m
MLWN : + 0.7 m
MLWS : + 0.2 m

The maximum tidal range in the region is about 1.75 m.

2.4.4.3 Storm Surge and Currents

Storm Surge

Based on past data and previous studies a storm surge of 0.5 m can be
considered around the Great Nicobar Islands.

Current

The APCP data was collected using RDI Workhorse Sentinel 300 KHz. The current
data was collected at 15 minutes interval starting from 07 March 2021 13.43 Hrs
to 29 March 2021 11.43 Hrs. The software module WinSC was used to downwind
the data from the APCP to the processing station and there after WinAPCP is used
for data viewing analysis and exporting.

Based on the tidal variation, the processed APCP data were analyzed for the
effect of current during the spring and Neap Seasons during the observation.

From tidal variations during the period, it is observed that 2 Spring periods and 2
Neap periods were present. Hence the average of flood current and ebb current
during each Spring event and Neap event were calculated for the vertical profile
representing Bottom, Mid and Surface.

From the 2 spring periods observed and 2 Neap periods observed, the average
were calculated for Flood and Ebb Current for three depth viz., 0.5m below
surface, mid depth and 0.5m above the seabed.

During the measurement period, the directions of the current were distributed
mainly towards ENE - SW direction. During the spring period, both the magnitude
of Mid-depth appears to slightly higher compared to the Bottom and Surface
during Flood, whereas magnitude increases from bottom to surface during Ebb
stream.

During the Neap period, the magnitude of current increases from Bottom to
Surface during both Flood and Ebb stream. The maximum Flood stream observed

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

was during Spring tides at 0.21 knots in a direction 213° at Mid- depth. The
minimum Flood stream observed was during Neap tides at 0.10 knots in a
direction 135° at Bottom.

The maximum Ebb stream observed was during Spring tides as well as Neap
Tides at 0.21 knots in a direction 116°and 143° at Surface. The minimum Ebb
stream observed was during Neap tides at 0.10 knots in a direction 135° at
Bottom. During Spring period, the currents were predominantly between 164° -
213° during Flood stream and 73° - 116° during Ebb stream During Neap period,
the currents were predominantly between 135° - 165° during Flood stream and
102° - 148° during Ebb stream. The Summary of ADCP Collected Data is given in
Table-2.8.

Table-2.8 Summary of ADCP Collected Data

Mag Dir Mag Dir Mag Dir

Tidal State Knots deg Knots deg Knots deg
Bottom Mid Surface
Flood 0.09 55 0.23 135 0.15 194
Spring
Ebb 0.13 128 0.15 79 0.18 79

Flood 0.1 116 0.1 210 0.12 128

Neap
Ebb 0.1 148 0.27 54 0.11 101

Flood 0.15 273 0.18 290 0.14 148

Spring
Ebb 0.11 103 0.13 66 0.23 152

Flood 0.09 155 0.13 91 0.22 201

Neap
Ebb 0.15 148 0.09 151 0.31 184

Spring Flood 0.12 164 0.21 213 0.15 171

Average Ebb 0.12 116 0.14 73 0.21 116

Neap Flood 0.10 136 0.12 151 0.17 165

Average Ebb 0.13 148 0.18 103 0.21 143

2.4.5 Design Criteria

Container terminals play an important role in the transportation of containerized

goods in global supply chains. The number of containers handled in container
terminals has increased astronomically. To accommodate and handle the
increasing number of containers entering and leaving container terminals, their
layout has seen several changes. New layouts require smaller footprint and must
ensure faster, cheaper, and more efficient transfer of containers between the
landside and seaside.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

To achieve an efficient design of a container terminal layout, methods which

support the terminal planners during the design process can be an important
factor. The aim of this chapter is to provide key parameters mentioned below
while planning the Galathea Bay Terminal.

• Ship Sizes • Facilities Requirements for the

Purpose of Layout Development
• Positioning of Facilities • Breakwater
• Dredged Depths • Capital Dredging
• Reclamation • Berths
• Container Yard
• Reclamation & Site Grading
• Equipment
• Utilities
2.4.5.1 Ship Sizes

The target cargo volumes and ship size adopted for planning of the container
Transhipment port is presented in this section.

Economy of scale effects in container shipping have led to a rapid increase in size
for all types of vessels, from feeders to the large inter-continental carriers. The
trend towards larger ships has accelerated in recent years. The facilities planning
shall be based on the maximum size of the container ship that would be visiting
the port for coal will be governing the harbour / channel depth for the proposed
Project.

Container ships are classified into six broad categories viz. Feeder, Feeder Max,
Handy, Sub-Panamax, Panamax and Post-Panamax. The following table, which
has been compiled through data from the Shipping Register of Lloyds Fair play
database, gives a broad outline of the principal dimensions of the ships under the
different categories. The Table-2.9 gives the dimensions of the smallest and the
largest ship in each category. This will help in planning the layout of the container
Transhipment port and the other facilities.

Table-2.9: Dimensions of the Smallest and Largest Ship

Capacity Dimensions (m)

Category
(TEUs) LOA Beam Loaded Draft
Feeder 1,000 175 27 10.0
Feeder Max 2,000 210 32 12.0
Handy to Sub-Panamax 6,000 285 40 14.5
>Panamax 8,000 335 42 14.5
Post-Panamax 12,500 397 56 16.0
18,000 400 59 16.0
Super Post-Panamax
24,000 398 61.5 16.6
[Source: Lloyds Fair play Database]

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

2.4.5.2 Positioning of Facilities

This section examines the layout of facilities for the proposed Project. Since the
coastline is exposed to open sea, breakwater(s) will be required to shelter the
manoeuvring area and the berths. The orientation of the breakwater shall be such
as to provide tranquillity at the berths (wave heights limited to 0.5 m) for round
the year operations.

The harbour should be sized adequately so as to provide adequate stopping

distance and manoeuvring space for the largest ship to be handled at the port.
The berths have to be planned and designed so that they can handle the largest
and smallest ships visiting the port. Also, the berths should be located where the
significant wave heights under operational conditions do not exceed 0.5 m.

2.4.5.3 Dredged Depths

The dredged depths required in various parts of the harbour area are based on
the design vessel sizes provided in the earlier section & are calculated as below
adopting standard norms as shown in Table-2.10 below.

Table-2.10: Dredged Depth Summary & Quantities

Dredging
Sr.
Location Depth Quantities Remarks
No.
(mcum)
-
20% additional over the
Loaded Draft of 16.5 m
1 Approach Channel -19.8 m CD
of the largest container
vessel.
2.03 15% additional over the
Loaded Draft of 16.5 m
of the largest container
vessel. Similarly, the
2 Turning Basin -19.0 m CD
diameter of turning circle
adopted is 800 m which
is 2 times the LOA of
largest vessel
1.79 10% additional over the
Loaded Draft of 16.5 m
3 Berth Pockets -18.2 m CD
of the largest container
vessel.
4 Maneuvering area 13.87 -
Total 17.69

It needs to be ensured that the harbour area is located so that the capital
dredging required to create the above water depths is optimal by way of
eliminating the rock dredging to the extent possible as that can seriously impact
project financials.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

2.4.5.4 Reclamation

It is estimated that around 33.35 million m3 & 15.87 million m3 of material will be
required for reclamation during final phase & initial phase respectively. However,
only 6.40 million m3 of the dredging is anticipated during phase -1 and it is
estimated that out of 6.40 million m3 dredged material, 3.20 million m3 of
suitable dredged material shall be used for reclamation, remaining of 12.67
million m3 reclamation shall be achieved by borrowed fill.

Quantities for construction material excluding reclamation is given in Chapter 2C

table 2.13.

2.4.5.5 Facilities Requirements for the Purpose of Layout Development

The following facilities are envisaged for the proposed container Transhipment
port in the final phase:

Breakwaters

Breakwaters of suitable length and orientation would be required to provide round

the year tranquillity in the harbour with significant wave heights not exceeding
0.5 m under normal wave conditions.

Capital dredging

To create the required water depths in navigational channel and harbour area
capital dredging would be needed.

Berths

The number of berths to be provided depends upon the Berth capacity (measured
in twenty-foot equivalent units or TEU) which is dependent upon many factors as
give below:

• Design Vessel Sizes – Mainline vessels as well as Feeder vessels.

• TEUs exchange per Vessel Call – Higher TEUs exchange per vessel increases
the berth capacity.
• Dock Cranes Assigned per Vessel – 5 to 6 in case of mainline vessels Vs 3 to 4
in case of feeder vessels.
• Productivity per Dock Crane - Depends on the crane capacity of moving Boxes
per hour. It also increases in case more 40’ units are to be handled and ability
of twin lifting (moving two containers at a time).
• Maximum Practical Berth Utilization – Ideally 50% for up to 3 berths but can
go up to for 60% to 65% in case of higher number of berths.
• Operational Time - Modern terminals operate 24 hours per day.
• Unproductive Time at Berth – Shall be limited to 2 hours per day initially.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

In view of the above the berth capacity to handle the mainline vessels would be
different than that in the case of feeder vessels. In case of the proposed container
Transhipment terminal envisaged the share of containers to be handled by
mainline and feeder vessels will be 50% each. Accordingly it is calculated that
total berth length of about 2.17 km in initial phase and 5.4 km in final phase.

Table-2.11: Phase Wise Berths Provided

Sr. Year Phase Number of Total Length Incremental

No. Berths of Berths (m) Length of Berths
(m)
1 2025 Initial Phase 5 1,700 -
2 2055 Final Phase 16 5,400 3,700

In addition to the above one (01) Port Crafts berth of 100 m length is also
proposed in the initial phase & one (01) fuel berth of 300 m length for handling
LNG vessel in subsequent phases. The fuel birth development will also be
dependent to the development Power plant.

Container Yard

The size of the container yard dependent on following factors:

• Mean Dwell Time: The number of days a container sits inside the container
terminal (dwell), which significantly varies for transshipment (usually 2 to 3
days) vs. the gateway traffic (varies from 3 to 7 days). In the present case a
value of 3 have been considered on conservative side.

• TGS Capacity: Represents the static storage capacity in terms of total number
of twenty feet ground slots (TGS) or net acres available to store those
containers inside the container yard per hectare.

• Mean Storage Height: A mean storage height is calculated which takes into
account the peak stacking height of the machine and various utilization
factors than can be applied. It is proposed to stack containers 5 high for
planning purposes.

• Seasonal Peaking Factor: It is assumed that a peak demand of container yard

will be 25% higher than the average demand.

• Capacity of the Handling Equipment (RTGs): Depends on the crane capacity of

moving Boxes per hour.

Basis above it is estimated that container yard area of 38.2 Ha in initial phase and
144.8 Ha in final phase would be required.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Table-2.12: Container Yard Storage Area Requirements

Phase 1 Phase 4
Sr. No. Description Unit
2025 2055
1 Annual Throughput mTEU 3.0 14.2
2 Dwell Time Days 5 4
3 Average Stack Height m 3.5 3.5
4 Peaking Factor 25% 25%
5 Number of Ground Slots Required No. 7,653 28,980
6 Ground Slots Available per Hectare No. 200 200
7 Parking Yard Area Required Sqm 382,653 1,448,980

Apart from the container parking yard, circulations space for vehicles, port
buildings, workshops, utility buildings etc., would need to be located on the
backup area to be developed through reclamation as well as site grading.

The backup area should ideally be located immediately behind the berths for
operational efficiency. Based on the projected annual throughput of the terminal,
the requirement of the backup area shall be arrived at. The limit for land
reclamation shall be determined through an initial economic assessment of the
cut and fills balance of material, ease of dredging and environmental
considerations rather than a requirement to provide additional site area.

Reclamation and Site Grading

To develop the backup area container parking yard, port buildings, workshops,
utility buildings etc., reclamation as well as site grading would be needed.

Equipment

The following equipment are envisaged in the proposed container terminal:

• Rail Mounted Quay Cranes (RMQCs) on berths

• Rubber Tyres Gantry Cranes (RTGs) in container yard
• Other container handling equipment like Reach stackers, Fork lifts, Internal
Transfer Vehicles (ITV) etc.

Port Buildings

Port Administration Building

It will be a 2 storied building housing the following:

• Administrative offices of various operational departments including

documentation space
• Canteen
• First aid post
• Central control room for terminal operations
• A VIP floor on top floor to have an overall view of the terminal
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

An area of 1,000 sqm is dedicated for Port Administration Building. The building
will an RCC structure supported on pile foundation.

Port Operation Building

Port Operations building inside the port area at an appropriate location adjacent
to the yard for carrying out the operation of port is envisaged. An area of 1000
sqm is dedicated for each Port operation Building. The building will an RCC
structure supported on pile foundation.

Customs Building

An office building inside the port area at an appropriate location to accommodate

the customs officials who are required to inspect the ships and give clearance for
movement of cargo in and out of the bonded area. An area of 500sqm is
dedicated for custom Building. The building will an RCC structure supported on
open foundation.

Fire station Building

To cater to the firefighting requirement a fire station of 450 m2. Area is provided
at location as marked ion the layout. The fire station will house two mobile fire
tenders. One fire tender will be provided with snorkel attachment. The fire station
building shall be RCC frame structure supported on open foundations.

Substation

Two substations are envisaged to be provided, one each for container and coal
terminals, apart from the main receiving substation at the terminal boundary. The
building is an RCC frame structure with brick infills. Open foundations at 2.0m
below ground level are proposed. An area of 200 sqm is dedicated for substation
Building.

Workers Canteen & Toilet

This shall provide locker and store rooms. It will also include bath and lavatory
facilities. The workers amenity building shall be provided adjacent to the Yard.
This building shall accommodate about 100 persons at a time. Height of building is
considered as 4 m. This building would provide for the basic amenities of the
workers in the yard namely:

• Locker and Store room

• Rest/changing area for workers
• Toilets/shower facilities
• Canteen
• Recreational room
• Dispensary

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

An area of 900 sqm & 300 sqm is dedicated for workers canteen & toilet building
respectively Building.

Maintenance and Repair Building

The building needs to be positioned near the perimeter of the container terminal
so as not to interfere with terminal traffic circulation. The building has been
planned in such a way that it can be easily expanded if needed. Sufficient area
has been provided for additional maintenance and repair building for future
phases.

Electrical Buildings

A main receiving station would be located at one end of the terminal. Smaller
satellite substations and electrical rooms will be provided at various locations in
the terminal areas as well.

Other Miscellaneous Buildings

The following miscellaneous buildings shall also be provided in the port area:

• Security cabins
• Watch towers
• UG Reservoir with Pump House and OHT
• Other Utilities buildings.

Utilities like water supply, power supply and distribution, lighting, firefighting
system, drainage, sewerage system, security system etc. would need to be
provided as per requirements.

2.5 Mathematical Model Studies

As per MoEF&CC suggestion, model studies were carried out for the for the
proposed port development. These model studies include the following:

• Hydrodynamics study
• Sediment transport study
• Dredge spoil disposal study
• Wave transformation and wave disturbance/tranquility study
• Shoreline changes study

Hydrodynamics study

In order to evaluate the impact of breakwaters near the shore region, the flow
field has been passed over the proposed project region with and without the
presence of proposed port layout. Model findings are given below:

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

The tide and wind induced flow fields during flood and ebb tides on a spring tidal
day in case of without port facilities is shown in Figure-2.9. During the flood tide,
the direction of flow is towards northwest at the entrance and inside the bay. The
magnitude of current speed is observed as 0.08 m/similarly, it is observed that
during ebb tide, the magnitude of current speed is observed as 0.06 m/s and the
current direction is towards southeast.
The tide and wind induced flow fields during flood and ebb tides on a neap tidal
day in case of without port facilities is shown in Figure-2.9. During the flood tide,
the direction of flow is towards northwest at the entrance and inside the bay. The
magnitude of current speed is observed as 0.07 m/s. Similarly, it is observed that
during ebb tide, the magnitude of current speed is observed as 0.05 m/s and the
current direction is towards southeast.
Figure-2.9: Hydrodynamics at Galathea bay (Pre-Construction)

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Hydrodynamics at Galathea bay (Post constrution)

The tide and wind induced flow fields during flood and ebb tides on a spring tidal
day in case of with port facilities is shown in Figure-2.10. During the flood tide,
the direction of flow is towards northwest at the entrance and inside the bay. The
magnitude of current speed is observed as 0.03 m/s. Similarly, it is observed that
during ebb tide, the magnitude of current speed is observed as 0.02 m/s and the
current direction is towards southeast.
The tide and wind induced flow fields during flood and ebb tides on a neap tidal
day in case of with port facilities is shown in Figure-2.10. During the flood tide,
the direction of flow is towards northwest at the entrance and inside the bay. The
magnitude of current speed is observed as 0.02 m/s. Similarly, it is observed that
during ebb tide, the magnitude of current speed is observed as 0.01 m/s and the
current direction is towards southeast.

Effect on Hydrodynamics

The hydrodynamic model was undertake as described above. The model suggests
sedimentation due to the construction of the port berths and the break water.
Due to the construction of break waters and berths, the area will be cut-off from
the wave action which brings sediments, to the bay. However, the low also tides
take s away some of the sediments back to the sea. This natural process will be
affected due to construction of the port. There will be sedimentation around the
breakwaters and the berths is given in Figure-2.10. No erosion is expected as per
the model. Therefore, there will be no erosion on the beach especially on the
western flank of the bay where the leatherback turtles breed. As per the model
results there will be sedimentation of around 0.04m/yr on the western beach.
Therefore, the beach is likely to be widened over long period giving more space
for breeding to the turtles.

The sedimentation process may affect the Galathea river mouth to some extent.
Though the model does not suggest any sedimentation, over time there could be
some deposits on the fan of the Galathea mouth. This area needs to be dredged
periodically to the keep the mouth open so that the salinity of the estuary
maintained.

The hydrodynamic model shows that the current speeds is relatively low showing
less than 0.2 m/s. There is no significant change in the flow field outside the
Galathea Bay before and after the construction. Due to the construction of
proposed port and associated facilities, there is only a minor change in current
speed inside the Galathea Bay.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure-2.10: Hydrodynamics at Galathea bay (Post Construction)

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

• Sediment transport study

Sediment transport modelling methods are aimed at providing information

regarding the movement of sediment within hydrodynamic systems, such as
estuaries. Outputs from a sediment transport model includes estimates of
suspended sediment concentrations, rates of sediment erosion and deposition and
sediment transport pathways.

The majority of sediment transport models are based on either output from
hydrodynamic models or solve both hydrodynamic and sediment related
equations at each time step of the model simulation. In both cases predictions of
water levels and currents, driven by tidal, discharge, wave and meteorological
forcing are used in the numerical solving of the equations describing sediment
movements.

Because of the variety of sediment types, sizes and transport mechanisms

occurring within an estuary a range of mathematical equations are required to
simulate the sedimentary processes occurring in estuarine systems.

Model Findings in Brief

Bed level change before construction: The Bed level change before construction
over a period of one year is shown in Figure-2.11. The results show that before
any construction, the bed level remains in balanced condition and not any
untoward siltation is seen. The seabed experiences an insignificant change of
<0.08 m over a period of one year.

Bed level change after construction: The Bed level change after construction over
a period of one year is shown in Figure-2.11. The results show that due to
construction of proposed port facilities and associated breakwater, the change in
bed level due to deposition near the tip of breakwater is very low and it is of the
order of 0.12 m over a period of one year. The deposition inside the port basin is
very minimum and shows around 0.02 to 0.04 m in one year.

Proposed airport reclamation area: There is no significant changes in the seabed

close to the proposed airstrips both at northern and southern side of locations.

MIKE 21 Sediment transport model study shows that the changes in seabed level
is very minimum to the order of 0.12 m over a period of one year. It is noticed
that the bed level changes with proposed layout is not significant. The deposition
pattern over the area indicates that the maintenance dredging required will be
around 0.1 x 106 m3 per year. At the proposed airstrip locations, the seabed
remains almost the same after construction of proposed airstrip.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure: 2.11: Sedimentation around Break Waters and Berths

• Dredge spoil disposal study

In the proposed project of development of Galathea Bay, it has been proposed to

carry out a capital dredging of 6.5 x 106 m3 in initial phase the dredged material
will be safely disposed at offshore at suitable location with suitable configuration
arrived based on the MIKE 21 Particle Analysis (PA) model study. The dredged
C2-29
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

materials disposed at suitable offshore location will have minimum impact on the
marine environment. The MIKE 21-PA (Particle Analysis) module was used to
identify a suitable location for dumping the dredge spoil and to understand the
dispersion pattern of disposed material after dumping. It is assumed that the
capital dredging operation will be completed in 3 to 12 months.
The dispersion of dredge material around the disposal area as marked in Figure-
2.12 was simulated for a period of one year. For the purpose of simulation,
uniform rate of dumping of dredged material over the entire disposal area evenly
distributed over a period of one year is assumed.
Based on the simulation, the change in seabed level over the disposal area is
shown in Figure-2.13. The maximum increase in seabed level over the disposal
area is about 0.03 m at the proposed dumping location. Due to availability of
deeper water depth of 600m the change in bed level at the proposed disposal
location due to dumping is insignificant. The plume of suspended sediment after
dumping tends to spread towards northeast to an extent of 1 km with an increase
in seabed level of <0.008 m. Therefore, the proposed disposal location is found to
be more ideal and it will not cause any adverse impact on the proposed port
development facilities and the marine environment.

Figure-2.12: Dredge Dump Location

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure-2.13: Bed level Changes Due to Dredge Disposal

• Wave transformation and wave disturbance/tranquility study

For the wave tranquility study, wave disturbance coefficients for incident wave
with 1 m significant wave height have been extracted at various point inside the
port basin and harbour entrance. The location of extraction points is shown in
Error! Reference source not found.. The wave disturbance factor at various
extraction points is given Table-2.13
Table-2.13: Wave Disturbance Factor at Various Extraction Points
Wave Incident Waves Wave Disturbance Factors
Direction Wave Wave (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G)
(θ) Height Period Entrance Turning Berth Berth Berth
Berth II Berth III
w.r.t. N (m) (s) Channel Circle I IV V
6 0.9 - 1.0 0.2 - 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 0.1 - 0.2 <0.1 <0.1
8 0.9 - 1.0 0.2 - 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 0.1 - 0.2 <0.1 <0.1
157.5° 1
10 0.9 - 1.0 0.2 - 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
12 0.9 - 1.0 0.2 - 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
6 0.9 - 1.0 0.7 - 0.8 <0.1 0.3–0.4 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
8 0.9 - 1.0 0.7 - 0.8 <0.1 0.3- 0.4 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
180° 1
10 0.9 - 1.0 0.7 - 0.8 <0.1 0.3- 0.4 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
12 0.9 - 1.0 0.7 - 0.8 <0.1 0.3- 0.4 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
6 0.6 - 0.7 0.2 - 0.3 <0.1 0.1- 0.2 0.1- 0.2 <0.1 <0.1
8 0.6 - 0.7 0.2 - 0.3 <0.1 0.1- 0.2 0.1- 0.2 <0.1 <0.1
225° 1
10 0.6 - 0.7 0.1 - 0.2 <0.1 0.1- 0.2 0.1- 0.2 <0.1 <0.1
12 0.6 - 0.7 0.1 - 0.2 <0.1 0.1- 0.2 0.1- 0.2 <0.1 <0.1

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure-2.14: The location of extraction points

• Shoreline Changes Study

To assess the evolution of shoreline at the project site, Google earth imageries of
shoreline over the past 5 years were extracted and the corresponding shoreline
was digitized. The observed trend of the shoreline at the proposed project
location is shown in Figure-2.15. The image reveals that the shoreline remains
with not noticeable change over a period of 5 years from 2015 to 2020. Based on
the Google earth imageries for the years 2015 and 2020 the trend of shoreline
was observed to be nearly stable.
The proposed project location is with the formation of hills in the backshore with
narrow beaches with confined intertidal region. The trend of shoreline between
2015 and 2020 shows that the coastline is stable over the past 5 years. Based on
the model studies it is noted that with the proposed port development there is
insignificant changes to the shoreline. However, a shoreline monitoring
programme shall be taken up during the post construction period.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure-2.15 Observed Trend of the Shoreline at the Proposed Project Location

2.6 Port Layout

The following facilities are envisaged for the proposed container Transshipment
port in the master plan stage:

• Breakwaters 3.27 Km (2.53 km east breakwater & 0.74 km offshore

breakwater).
• The entire length of breakwater would be constructed at Phase 1.
• Capital dredging approximately 17.69 million m3 in Master plan phase & 6.40
million m3 in Phase 1.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

• A navigational channel in natural water depths and a turning circle of 800 m

diameter.
• Reclamation of about 33.35 million m3 (227 hectare) in Master plan phase &
15.87 million m3 (102 hectare) in Phase 1 respectively to develop the backup
area.
• Total berth length of about 5.4 km in Master plan phase & 1.7 km in Phase 1
for handling container vessels
• In addition to the above one (01) Port Crafts berth of 100 m length is also
proposed in the initial phase & one (01) fuel berth of 300 m length for handling
LNG vessel in subsequent phases.
• RMQCs on berths, RTGs in container yard and other container handling
Equipment like forklift, ITVs, Reach Stacker etc.

The port is designed to primarily cater to the container transshipment business. A

drawing showing the layout of the port facilities for the phase I is given as Figure
2.2 (a) and the port master plan layout is given in Figure 2.2 (b).

2.7 Cargo Handling Capacity

The cargo planned at proposed port is given in Table-2.14

Table-2.14: Cargo handling capacity

Type of Cargo Units Phase 1 Master plan Phase

Container Transshipment TEU’s 3 million 14.2 million
(Source: DPR AECOM, April 2021)

2.8 Design Vessels

The size of ships calling at the port will also have a bearing on the facilities
available at the ports of origin/destination. Detailed vessel size analysis was
carried out to estimate the vessel sizes, which is an important factor in planning
of port.

The size of ships that would call at proposed port will be governed by the following
aspects:

• Trading route and distance between port and origin/destination ports.

• Facilities available at the loading/unloading port including the draft.
• Availability of a suitable ship in the market.
• Future availability of vessel on the market including „trickle down‟ effects
from mainline routes to secondary routes.
• Volume of annual traffic to be handled and the likely parcel size.
• Balance between capital costs for ICTT port development and freight transport
costs.

The design vessel sizes considered for planning of port facilities are given in the
Table-2.15.
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Table-2.15: Design Vessel Sizes and Dimensions

Category Capacity Dimensions (m)

(TEUs) LOA (m) Beam Loaded
(m) Draft (m)
Feeder 1,000 175 27 10
Feeder Max 2,000 210 32 12
Handy to Sub-Panamax 6,000 285 40 14.5
>Panamax 8,000 335 42 14.5
Post -Panamax 12,500 397 56 16
Super Post-Panamax 18,000 400 59 16
24,000 398 61.5 16.6

2.9 Cargo Berths

2.9.1 Berth Length

The berth length needs to be sufficient to accommodate the length of the vessel
plus an allowance at either end for mooring and clearances between vessels. The
amount of clearance required at either end of the vessel depends upon the vessel
size. Minimum single berth length for the design vessels are shown in Table-2.16
and the schematic container diagram is shown in Figure-2.16.

Table-2.16: Minimum Berth Lengths

Sr. Berth Type Design ship Phase-I Master plan phase

No size (km) (km)
1 Container 24,000 TEU 1.70 5.40
Berths
(Source: DPR AECOM, April 2021)

2.9.2 Berth Capacity

The number of berths to be provided depends upon the Berth capacity (measured
in twenty-foot equivalent units or TEU) which is dependent upon many factors as
give below:

• Design Vessel Sizes – Mainline vessels as well as Feeder vessels

• TEUs exchange per Vessel Call – Higher TEUs exchange per vessel increases
the berth capacity

• Dock Cranes Assigned per Vessel – 5 to 6 in case of mainline vessels Vs 3 to 4

in case of feeder vessels

• Productivity per Dock Crane - Depends on the crane capacity of moving Boxes
per hour. It also increases in case more 40’ units are to be handled and ability
of twin lifting (moving two containers at a time)
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

• Maximum Practical Berth Utilization – Ideally 50% for up to 3 berths but can
go up to for 60% to 65% in case of higher number of berths

• Operational Time - Modern terminals operate 24 hours per day

• Unproductive Time at Berth – Shall be limited to 2 hours per day

In view of the above the berth capacity to handle the mainline vessels would
be different than that in the case of feeder vessels. In case of the proposed
container Transshipment terminal envisaged the share of containers to be
handled by mainline and feeder vessels will be 50% each. Accordingly, it is
calculated that total berth length of about 1.7 km in initial phase and 5.4 km
in final phase.

In addition to the above one (01) Port Crafts berth of 100 m length is also
proposed in the initial phase & one (01) fuel berth of 300 m length for
handling LNG vessel in subsequent phases

2.10 Storage Requirements

2.10.1 Container Yard Capacity

Container yard capacity is defined as the potential maximum throughput of

containers handled inside the container yard (measured in twenty-foot equivalent
units or TEU). With available number of Total Ground Slots (TGS) in phase I
development, the proposed port will be able to handle the berth throughput from
the planned container yard. The container yard capacity provided is higher than
the berth capacity so, with higher utilization of berth capacity, additional
throughput will be also possible from the container yard. TGS split is indicated in
Table-2.17 to accommodate the empties and reefer storage to cater the required
capacities.

Table-2.17: Container Yard Storage Split

Sr. No Container Storage Total Ground Slots (TGS)

1 RTG storage Non-Reefer Storage Non-Reefer – 25,722 TGS
Reefer Storage Reefer Storage – 1,449 TGS
2 Empty Storage 2,160 TGS

2.10.2 Receipt and Evacuation of Cargo

Since the Galathea Bay ICTT is being developed as a dedicated Transhipment

facility and in absence of significant gateway traffic of Great Nicobar, most of the
containers would stay at yard and only a few container shall move in/out of the
gate. The incoming containers will be unloaded on the berth from the mainline
vessel and shall be loaded onto the feeder vessel and vice versa. In the transit
time i.e. between loading and unloading the containers would be stacked in the
container yard waiting for their evacuation. Error! Reference source not found.
shows a schematic of each container flow at the proposed ICTT.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure-2.16: Schematic Container Flow Diagram

2.10.2.1 Operation Strategy

The container transhipment terminal will have five container berths in the initial
phase i.e. for mainline as well as feeder vessels) with total quay length of 1700m.
It is proposed to provide 17 Rail Mounted Quay Cranes (RMQCs) on these berths,
one (1) no. for every 100m as per TAMP guidelines. There would be flexibility of
moving the quay cranes to the adjacent berths so that 2 to 5 cranes can be
deployed on a ship, depending upon its size.

It is to be noted that the actual operation strategy is to be decided by the

selected operator who would be operating the terminal. However, the number of
equipment is arrived at based on the terminal capacity to cater the projected
forecast.

2.10.2.2 Storage and Evacuation strategies

The container yard is planned based on the transhipment container forecast,

expected dwell time at yard and the storage height of the containers. Considered
dwell time for planning perspective is taken as 5 days initially and reducing to 4
days in future phases. As the dwell time decreases, the overall productivity or
container handling capacity of the yard increases. The actual dwell time will be
based on business strategies of the Terminal Operator.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Average stack height of the containers shall be 3.5 m high. The Reefer containers
will have the provision of electricity supply. Size, specifications and handling
capacity of the equipment will be decided by the operator so the handling
patterns may change than the pattern considered capacity analysis.

2.10.2.3 Container Yard Operation strategy

RTGs along with Reach Stackers are provided in the yard to handle the containers
up to six high and seven wide blocks and it can be moved from one block to other
blocks. ITVs would be utilized for transfer of containers between yard and the
berths.

2.10.2.4 Container Terminal Capacity

The Table-2-18 summarizes the development needs of berths, gate, yard and rail
elements for the proposed port. The phase I and master plan phase has been
prepared to meet this development needs.

Table-2.18: Terminal Development Summary for ICTT Port

Sr. No Port Components Phase-1 Master Plan

Phase
1 Berth Length 1.70 5.40
2 Container Yard Storage (TGS) 7,653 29,331
3 Entry/Exit Gate (lanes each) 2 2

Table-2.19 shows a summary of the estimated traffic and the planned capacity
for the proposed port based on the port components planned for phase I and
master plan development. As evident from the table, the phase I & master plan
development will provide optimum capacity for handling the projected traffic for
phase I & Master plan phase.

Table-2.19: Terminal Development Capacity Summary for Phase I & Master Plan
Phase Development

Description Total Transshipment Traffic

TEU
Phase I - Container Traffic Forecast 3 million 3 million
Master plan Phase - Container Traffic 14.2 million 14.2 million
Forecast

2.11 Breakwaters

For carrying out cargo handling operations at the berths, there is a limiting wave
conditions at the berths to ensure that there are no excessive movements of the
ships that will hamper the loading/unloading operations. This limit varies with the
handling system for the different types of cargo. Hence, the breakwater
configuration and the overall port layout should ensure adequate tranquility at the
berths so that cargo handling may continue even when the offshore wave climate
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

exceeds the limit for ships‟ movement in and out of the harbour. The maximum
acceptable wave conditions for cargo handling operations at the berth are
dependent on ship size, the type and method of cargo handling, and the direction
of the wave attack. Beam waves cause the vessel to roll and affect the cargo
handling operations more than head waves. The limiting wave heights (Hs) for
different wave directions for cargo handling operations are summarized in Table-
2.20. These numbers are based on IAPH5 guidelines and apply to the worst wave
periods for each direction.

Table-2-20: Limiting Wave Heights for Cargo Handling

Sr. No Type of ship Limiting Wave Height (Hs)

Head or Stern Quadrant (450-
(00)(m) 900) (m)
1 Container Vessels 0.5m 0.5m

The breakwaters are printed so as to prevent the direct attack of the waves to the
harbour area. The breakwaters are shore connected with a length of 3.90 km.
The east & west breakwater extends till the 20 m & 25 m contour respectively.
Both the breakwaters are envisaged to be rubble mound and shall be constructed
using marine mode.

The total length of the breakwater is approximately 3.27 km (i.e. east breakwater
of 2.53 km & offshore breakwater of 0.74 km). The east breakwater extends from
0 m contour to 25.0 m contour & offshore breakwater extends from 10.0 m
contour to 25.0 m contour. The height of breakwater would be limited to 8.5 m
CD. The total quantity of rock required for construction of breakwater would be
around 9.36 MT (7.6 MT for east breakwater & 1.76MT for offshore breakwater).
The breakwater crest would have 7.0 m motorable width at top, 1 m width of
wave wall. The berm will be formed with three (03) numbers Accropode units. A
side slope of 1:1.5 will be maintained on both rear & sea side and it is shown in
Figure-2.17.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure-2.17: Wave Heights for Cargo Handling

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

2.12 Approach Channel

An approach channel in natural water depths and a turning circle of 800 m

Diameter is provided. The approach channel is proposed to be 300 m wide to
cater to the design ship size with beam of 61.5 m. As the 20 m contour is very
close to the shoreline, the channel is in natural water depths to cater for vessels
proposed. The channel is oriented NNE.

2.13 Dredging

Capital Dredging

The total quantity of capital dredging for the development of port is about 6.4
million cum in Phase 1 and 17.7 million cum in Master Plan Phase. Based on
assessment of the site investigation information, the material to be dredged will
be mainly silty sand and silty sandy clay. From the available boreholes data, soft
rock is observed in the deeper layers and therefore the involvement of rock
dredging would be minimal in the chosen layout. It is estimated that only part of
the dredged material shall be suitable for reclamation (only 50%). The unsuitable
material shall be disposed at an identified offshore location in about 40 m contour
as per dredging guidelines.

• Dredged Depths

The dredged depths required in various parts of the harbour area are based on
the design vessel sizes provided in the earlier section & are calculated as below
adopting standard norms as shown in Table-2.21 below.

Table-2.21: Dredged Depth Summary

Sr.No. Location Depth Remarks

1 Approach -19.8 m CD 20% additional over the Loaded
Channel Draft of 16.5 m of the largest
container vessel.
2 Turning Basin -19.0 m CD 15% additional over the Loaded
Draft of 16.5 m of the largest
container vessel. Similarly, the
diameter of turning circle adopted is
800 m which is 2 times the LOA of
largest vessel
3 Berth Pockets -18.2 m CD 10% additional over the Loaded
Draft of 16.5 m of the largest
container vessel.

It needs to be ensured that the harbour area is located so that the capital
dredging required to create the above water depths is optimal by way of
eliminating the rock dredging to the extent possible as that can seriously impact
project financials.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

2.14 Reclamation

For the total area under reclamation is 227 ha. It is estimated that around
33.35 million m3 & 15.9 million m3 of material will be required for reclamation
during final phase & initial phase respectively. However, only 6.40 million m3 of
the dredging is anticipated during phase -1 and it is estimated that out of 6.40
million m3 dredged material, 3.20 million m3 of suitable dredged material shall be
used for reclamation, remaining of 12.67 million m3 reclamation shall be achieved
by borrowed fill.

The suitable dredged materials will be discharged by the CSD or TSHD into one of
the reclamation areas.

The reclamation areas to be filled in a number of layers to final fill level. Suitable
sub-grade and pavement will be used on top of the fill level. Land-based
equipment will be used to spread and level the delivered materials.

On reaching the design fill level, vibrating roller compaction is applied before
placing of the surcharge loads (if required). This is in order to reach the required
95 % MDD (Maximum Dry Density) for the top 1.5m of the fill. After a fill area is
completed, parts of the shore pipeline can be disconnected and used at the next
fill area.

2.15 Navigational Aids

Aids to Navigation are required to ensure safe and efficient navigation of ships
entering and leaving the port through the approach channel as well as berthing /
un-berthing requirements to the berths. It is envisaged that navigation will be
carried out throughout the year, by day and night, except during cyclonic
weather. These aids will assist the captains and pilots in determining the position
of vessel while transiting the navigational channel and maneuvering inside the
port.

These aids as listed below are proposed to be installed on land or in water for
guidance to all vessels for safe and regulated navigation in channels, basin,
berths and docks.

For Phase -1, the port shall be equipped with navigational aids as below:

 5 Tugs of 50 T bollard pull capacity, including1 standby

 2 Pilot cum Survey Launches
 2 Mooring Launches
 Channel marking buoys
 Maneuvering area buoys
 Leading & transit lights
 Breakwater Beacon Lights
 Berth lights
 Racon
 VTMS
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Navigational Aids for both, Non-Precision Approach (NPA) and Precision /

Instrument Approach & Landing (IAL), will be as follows:

• Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range (DVOR) and High-Power Distance
Measuring Equipment (DME).
• Dual Frequency Capture Effect Instrument Landing System (ILS) with Low
Power DME (LPDME) collocated with the Glide Slope. For Runway 02 and
runway 20.

The channel width has been calculated from the latest PIANC Guidelines “Harbour
Approach Channels – Design Guidelines: Report No. 121 – 2014”. The width of
the approach channel for the design container ship works out to 300 m.

2.16 Container Terminal Equipments

• Handling Equipment

The equipment required for the proposed container Transshipment port is

estimated in Table-2.22 for phase 1 & master plan development.

Table-2.22: List of Equipment’s for ICTT

Sr. No Equipment Phase-1 Master Plan Incremental

over Master
plan Phase
1 Equipment for Containers terminal
1.1 RMQCs – Mainline 17 54 37
1.2 Rubber Tired 51 162 111
Gantry Cranes
1.3 Reach Stacker 6 18 12
1.4 ITVs 102 324 222
1.5 Forklift 6 18 12
2 Equipment for Fuel Handling
2.1 Crane 1 3 2
2.2 Hoses 1 3 2
2.3 Pipeline 1000m 3000m 2000m
3 Weigh Bridge
3.1 Weigh Bridge 2 6 4
(Source: AECOM)

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

2.17 Utilities and Services

2.17.1 Water Requirements

2.17.1.1 Water requirement for ICTT

Water requirement for ICTT Port: A water demand of 0.4 MLD & 1.7 MLD is
estimated in initial phase and final phase respectively. The same will be supplied
through the integrated water supply network proposed for the entire project. The
water balance diagram of the project is shown in Figure-2.18.

Figure-2.18: Water Balance Diagram

Since Great Nicobar Island is an island, the source of water for this shall be a
combination of Sea Water and surface water. Sea Water shall be treated at
Desalination Plant (at a later stage) and Surface Water shall be treated through
different process.

2.17.1.2 Storage & Distribution of Water

Main Underground water reservoir of minimum 1100 cum will be constructed
within the Port boundary and the complete water supply distribution system
within the port area including the supply of potable water to buildings, supply of
raw water for landscaping, greenery and for fire-fighting system as mentioned
below:
• A pump house shall be built on main reservoir with two pumps (including
one standby) for supply of raw water

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

• Another pump house on main reservoir with two fire-fighting pumps

(including one standby) and jockey pumps on a separate chamber for the
supply of fire water to respective locations.
• A Overhead water Tank of min 200 KL for supply of portable water
Separate individual water tanks are proposed for the port buildings

2.17.2 Power Requirements

The estimated power requirements for the port in initial phase and Final phase is
about 13 MW & is about 45 MW respectively. The power will be supplied through
the centralized power facility meat for the whole GNI development. Initially it is
proposed to source the power through diesel Gensets and subsequently a gas
based captive power plant shall be built as part of the overall development plan of
the Nicobar Island.

The total power required will constitute for the following electrical services also:

• Electrical system consisting of a Main power supply and several sub-stations

• Lighting towers or masts
• Security Systems such as fencing and CCTV cameras

A detailed split up of the power requirement for phase I and master plan phase is
given in Table-2.23.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District

Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Table-2.23: Power Requirement for Phase I and Master Plan Phase

Installed Load
Sr. No Equipment/ Component Description Qty Unit Diversity Factor Demand KVA/ hr
Per Equip Total
1 RMQC 3 No. 1500 4500 0.25 1125
2 Reefer Points 300 No. 10 3000 0.40 1200
3 Office Building 2000 sqm 0.15 300 0.7 210
4 Street and Jetty Lighting 2000 m 0.02 40 0.8 32
5 High Masts 12 No. 5 60 0.8 48
6 Water supply pumps 2 No. 5 10 0.5 5
7 Fire Fighting System 2 No 10 20 0.50 10
8 Miscellaneous 100 sqm 0.1 10 0.50 5
Total Demand Load of Terminal in KW 7940 2635
Power Factor 0.85
Demand in KVA 3100

For Master Plan = 3100 * 16 berths = 49,600 KVA

For Phase 1 = 3100 * 5 berths = 15,500 KVA

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

2.17.3 Buildings

The phase I development of port has identified the conceptual footprint and
location for various terminal buildings required for the functional port operations
as provided Table-2.24. A provisional location for these buildings with flexibility
for future expansion.

Table-2.24: Typical buildings and other buildings common to a Container

Terminal

Typical Building Other Functional Building Required for the

Port Operations
Administration Building; ANIIDCO port administration building for
Entry/Exit Gate Inspection functioning of ANIIDCO in managing the port
Canopy; operations
Security Guard Booths; Substation buildings to house the transformers
and other electrical equipment as per the load
Pre-gate and Customs requirements in the different parts of the port
Building; area.
Fire Station building to house firefighting
Maintenance Workshop and equipment, fire tenders, etc.
Repair Building; Dispensary building to be located near the
Quay Crane Maintenance operational areas and provide minimum facilities
and port Operations Building required for the first aid.
Other miscellaneous utility sheds as per
requirements of a particular terminal
Canteen buildings to provide space for catering
staff, messing facilities for the terminal
personnel and for utilities.

2.17.3.1 Building Requirement Summary

Most of the port buildings are low rise buildings and it is expected that these can
be safely founded on shallow foundation comprising of a combination of strip and
isolated footing. The estimated building areas required for the phase I
development are provided in. Table-2.25.

Table-2.25: ICTT Port Buildings

Sr. No Particulars Area (SQM)

1 Administrative Building 1000
2 Security Building (4 Building: 50 sqm/each) 200
3 Custom Building 500
4 Fire Station 450
5 Utility 450
6 Port Operation Building (3 Building: 1,000sqm / each) 3000
7 Workshop & Store 1250
8 Workers Canteen 900
9 Workers Toilet 300
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Sr. No Particulars Area (SQM)

10 Substation (3 Building: 2,00sqm / each) 600
11 Main Receiving Substation 900
12 Water tank 400

2.17.4 Communications

A communication system comprising telephones, fax machines, wireless sets

computers, etc. and a public address system will be provided at all port
operational areas.

An efficient and effective operation of a port terminal requires the provision of

reliable and adequate communication facilities. Communication is usually required
between the outside world and the port, between and within the terminals as well
as other locations where port staff, customs officials etc. are located. To meet
these requirements, a communication system comprising telephones, fax
machines, wireless sets, computers, etc. and a public address system will have to
be provided. These aspects are broadly described here.

2.17.4.1 Telephone System

An electronic (digital) automatic PBX exchange will be provided for the port.
Adequate connections will be taken to all required places within the port’s limits.
A telephone system in open and in high sound areas will be provided with
adequate weather and sound proof arrangements. Telephone connections will also
be provided for each berth for use by vessels moored alongside.

2.17.4.2 Radio Communications

The efficiency of port terminal operations depends on a speedy flow of

information between the key personnel who are directly involved in the handling
of cargo. A radio communications system will be developed in order to handle the
flow of information which passes between the personnel engaged in the following
operations:

• Ship working duties

• Quay crane and mobile equipment operations
• Shore side duties
• Control office
• Terminal engineering services
• Operations management
• Supervision
• Port Security
• In order to ensure an effective radio communication network, the port
operations have been divided into the following four organizational segments
each of which requires a dedicated radio channel(s):
• Ship work
• Quay and Storage work
• Control (base station)

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

• Port Security/Customs
• The system will need to reflect the importance of establishing and maintaining
contact between the following areas of operation:
• Ship and crane
• Ship and quay/stacking yard/storage area(s)
• Ship and base station
• Base station and engineers
• Engineers and supervisors
• Supervisors and all foremen, ship and quay/stacking yard/storage area(s)
• Base station and supervisors
• Management and supervisors
• Port security staff and customs officials

In planning the radio communication system, it is essential that the installations

provided in the initial scenario be readily expanded in response to the future
growth of the port.

2.17.4.3 Public Address System

The public address system will supplement the above two systems. The central
control for the system will be kept with the control room. The public address
system would provide a comprehensive paging system for oral communication
and announcement by loud speakers covering all working areas of the port
terminal. The loud speakers would be mounted on purpose-built supports
provided on permanent structures. The exterior speakers would be weather-
proof.

2.17.5 Fire Fighting Facilities

The firefighting system is to be designed to be capable of both controlling and

extinguishing fires. There will be two types of systems i.e., sea water system and
fresh water system. The sea water system would broadly consist of a fire water
intake to draw water from the sea, pump house with pumps, nozzles for water
curtains along the front side of operating platform, hydrants and distribution
networks. The container and car carrier berths will also be covered under the sea
water system.

A centralized fire station will be provided for attending to all calls which will house
2 mobile fire tenders. One fire tender will be provided with snorkel attachment.

Fire Alarm Bells will be located on permanent structures at strategic locations that
can be heard by the terminal operators. Buildings where the hazard of fire and
the occupancy are high will be provided with alarm bells (e.g., the workshop,
administration building etc.). The fire alarm system will be activated by push
buttons located at strategic places within the terminal areas and around the port’s
perimeter.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

2.17.6 Bunkering Facilities

No bunker is proposed

2.18 Road/Rail Corridor for ICTT Port

No Rail Connectivity.

Road Connectivity for Port Terminal:

The International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) Greater Nicobar

Island (GNI) is proposed at the southern part of the island and is located in the
Galathea Bay.

Based on the peak hour traffic requirements of the ICTT, the road network
providing the connection to the airport should have the capacity to cater to the
traffic needs and provide accessibility at an uncongested Level of Service (LoS).
Thus, keeping that in mind a Right of Way of 45 m with a six-lane divided
carriageway configuration is the minimum requirement to cater for the traffic
requirement. Provision for walk ways is on either side of the carriageway with a
footpath width of 3 m. A median of 3 m is provided which shall also suffice the
future land requirements of an elevated Mass transit system if proposed in the
center to cater the travel demand of the ICTT. The proposed 45 m cross section is
shown in the following Figure: 2.19

Figure: 2.19: Road Connectivity

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure 2.20: Typical Cross Section of 45 m.

2.19 Onshore Infrastructure and Utilities

2.19.1 Container Yard

Pavement area of 38.2 Hac & 145 Hac in initial phase and final phase respectively
will be designed for stacking of 6 high container stacking. After consolidation and
removal of preload material, the yard area will be levelled and fill material (CBR
20) will be spread and compacted for base layer. The pavement consists of 500 m
thk compacted subgrade with a Granular sub-base GSB layer 300 mm thick. Sand
of 25 mm thick is laid over the lean mix concrete layer. The top layer of the
stacking area will be paved with M50 cement concrete CC blocks of 100 mm
thick.

In the container yard, electrical conduits and pits are to be provided for cranes,
HT electrical, general lighting, communications and reefer arrangements. Also
Miscellaneous works like kerbs, foundations for lighting, RTGC tie down are to be
provided.

2.19.2 Reefer Gantries

Reefer containers are planned to be stacked in 3.5 high average. Plug in and plug
out the power supply and monitoring the reefer container parameters are the
operations carried out in each reefer boxes. To carry out these operations of
reefer boxes which are stacked above ground level, an operation platform is
required. Hence a GI gantry structure is planned in each slot to accommodate the
power plugs as well as carry out operations. Under these platforms the compact
substation and the reefer power distribution panels will be installed. From the
Reefer distribution panel along the platform structure the power cable will be laid
for each reefer power plugs.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

2.19.3 Gate House

Although the number of containers to be moved in and out of yard are negligible,
2 no. in-gates lanes and 2 no. out-gates lanes shall be provided for the container
gate house area.

2.19.4 Terminal Fencing

Container terminal fencing will be provided as per ISPS requirements. The fencing
is planned along the periphery of the container yard

2.20 Pollution Control Aspects

One of the essential regulatory functions of a port authority is to ensure that the
port waters are free from pollution. The main sources of pollution in the port are:

• Discharge of oil by ships/crafts.

• Discharge of bilge by ships/crafts.
• Discharge of dirty/contaminated ballast by ships.
• Discharge of cargo overboard.
• Spillage of cargo during unloading/loading operations.
• Discharge of garbage, sweepings, sewage, etc.
• Discharge of industrial effluents.
• Municipal sewage and drainage.
• Dust from cargo
• Smoke from ships, vehicles.
• Noise from vehicles, machinery.

• Containers being low hazardous cargo, no specific pollution control facilities

are required for a container terminal. The following steps shall be taken for
pollution control at the port:

• For containment and cleaning of oil spillage from fuel stations, a special
drainage system shall be planned for the area which can separate oils from
drain water. The reefer washes down area shall also be provided with an oil-
sediment separator unit as part of the drainage system.

• For containment and cleaning of oil spillage from vessels, a portable inflatable
type oil spill containment booms and oil skimmer is proposed.

• High mast lights with shielding arrangements shall be used at the terminal to
minimize light pollution.

The port is envisaged as a green port and usage of eRTGs and hybrid ITVs is
proposed amongst other measures to reduce the environmental impact of the
port. In addition, the port is planned as a world-class facility with efficient

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

systems that minimize processing times which reduce fuel consumption and air
pollution, thus positively impacting the environment.

2.20.1 Drainage and Sewerage System

2.20.1.1 Drainage System

The drainage system needs to be designed to minimize the potential pollution in

the port basin.

The primary objective of flood control /drainage design is to protect the area
during the design storm events. The drainage system is designed to collect storm
water run-off from roadway surface, right-of-way and entire plot/project surface
and convey it through a network of storm water system to discharge into a
receiving body/outlet without causing adverse site impacts. A separate collection
network is proposed for collection of Storm water

Storm runoff is that portion of the precipitation which drains over the ground
surface. Estimation of such runoff is dependent on the intensity and duration of
rainfall, characteristics of tributary area and the time required for such flow to
reach the drain.

Providing sustainable Drainage is one of the basic parameters for measuring

infrastructure status of any Urban Town. The system shall contain dedicated
storm water through RCC drains/Pipe Drains/Swales etc., designed with features
such as energy dissipation structures etc. to mitigate the sudden fall in velocity,
while at the same time maintaining the self-cleaning velocity. This shall not only
mitigate the ponding in the system but make the system self-enough to carry the
discharge for which it is designed to the final sink.

A Well designed & Operated Storm water will bring tangible benefits such as
better health with abridged water borne & Vector borne diseases. A better health
leads to better life, as it is said better health is vital to human happiness and
economic wellbeing.

2.20.1.2 Sewerage System

The ships shall not be allowed to discharge their sewage in the port complex. As
per MARPOL convention, the ships are now required to have a Sewage Treatment
Plant (STP) on board. In the initial phase of development, STP of 1.5 MLD
capacity has been planned in the port complex.

2.20.2 Solid Waste Management

The solid waste generation will be basically from 2 sources – cargo handling and
the garbage/ human waste. The cargo envisaged at the port is primarily container
cargo. The garbage and human waste generation will be minimal and is proposed
to be taken care through the integrated waste management facility proposed for
entire GNI development (Refer Chapter-2C (2.7.4), Township). The solid waste

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

generated by humans during the initial phase is expected to be of the order of

1000 kg/day.

2.20.3 Green Areas and Greenbelt Development

A Greenbelt Development Plan will be implemented around the various project

components of proposed port. This will help to achieve environmental protection
and mitigation of pollution levels in the area.

2.21 Project Cost

The capital cost is divided into major components such as Project Preliminaries &
Site Development, Dredging & Reclamation, Breakwaters, Berthing Structures,
Buildings, Container Yard, Equipment’s, Utilities, and Port Crafts & Aids to
Navigation etc.

The capital cost estimates are based on the project descriptions and drawings as
given in the this report. These will need to be developed, revised, and refined
during the detailed design phase, and, therefore, cost estimates may undergo
revision.

The summary of the capital cost estimates for the development of ICTT at
Galathea bay are provided in Table-2.26 below:

Table-2.26: Detailed Cost Estimates (INR in Crore)

Initial Incremental
Final Phase Cost
Sr. No. Item Phase
(2055)
(2025)
Project Preliminaries and Site
1 35 100 65
Development
2 Dredging 480 1,327 847
3 Reclamation 4,764 10,005 5,241
4 Breakwaters & Shore Protection 6,318 6,543 225
5 Berths 1,740 5,680 3,940
6 Storage Areas 432 1,606 1,174
7 Equipment 2,196 6,997 4,801
8 Buildings 81 192 111
9 Roads& Pavements 31 61 31
External Power, Water &
10 22 43 22
Telecommunication
11 Utilities and Others 156 468 312
12 Port Crafts and Aids to Navigation 274 799 525
13 Total 16,528 33,821 17,293
14 Contingencies @3% 496 1,015 519
Detailed Engineering & Project
15 496 1,015 519
Management Services @3%
16 Cost of Land Acquisition 0 0 0
17 Grand Total Cost (Rs. In crores) 17,520 35,850 18,330

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

2.22 Project Implementation Schedule

The project implementation schedule has been prepared for the proposed facilities
as shown in Figure-2.21. The overall project schedule of 48 months is prepared
taking into account all the items of the project, the various activities involved, the
duration of each activity and the interdependencies.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District

Chapter-2(A)
Project Description - ICTT

Figure-2.21: Project implementation schedule

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CHAPTER 2B
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION-AIRPORT

This chapter provides details of airport and its salient features, brief description,
resources requirement, associated infrastructure and services. The sources of
pollution with control measures proposed are also discussed in this chapter.

2.1 Need for the Project

The island and the archipelago feature world-class ecological resources that, with
the right level of infrastructure development, can attract international and Indian
tourists. An international airport is necessary to improve connectivity to Great
Nicobar and open up the island to tourism.

An airport at Great Nicobar can serve not only the island but also adjoining areas.
Locational advantage of the islands is their close proximity to international tourist
island destinations like the upcoming Senang City, the Phuket Island and
Langkawi Island. Thus, the islands present a great opportunity for a tourism-
oriented island development that would put Andaman and Nicobar on the global
tourist destinations map.

Currently, Port Blair Airport handles approximately 2000-2500 passengers per

day bringing to an annual figure of approximately 1.8 million passengers in 2019.
It can be reasonably assumed that by the time the airport opens, this
international airport will also have an identical influx of passengers. Hence, it is
being assumed that the airport should be capable of handling at least 1 million
passengers at the instance of opening and thereafter be adequate to sustain a
figure of approximately 10 MPPA wherein after it would require further
enhancement.

2.2 Justification of the Project & Importance to Country

The justification and need for the project and its importance to the country is
explained through the following multi-pronged facets:

• Strategic importance

7 countries are close to the Great Nicobar Island and the island is about 40 km
from the major international sea route which carries about 20-25% of global sea
trade and 35% of world oil supplies (2011). The route is known to be one of the
most important shipping waterways in the world from both an economic and a
strategic perspective. This strategic location presents immense opportunities to
further strengthen India’s trading position in the world.

• Security

The development of Great Nicobar is significant also from the point of view of
national security. This is considering the increasing Chinese consolidation in the
Indian Ocean Region and the military and economic impacts of this consolidation.
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in general, and the Indian Ocean, in particular,

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

has turned into a strategic hot spot in the recent years. Always a great oceanic
expanse of geo-strategic significance due to its centrality in continental
commerce and a conduit of energy supply to the Asiatic powers, China has
therefore launched a massive programme to establish its presence in this region.
The Great Nicobar Island being closest to the Indian Ocean has a distinct
strategic advantage in being developed as a substantial Defence Base for the
country. Therefore, India’s presence in the Great Nicobar Island must be strongly
demonstrated to counter position China’s aggressive consolidation in the IOR.

• Connectivity

In order to develop Great Nicobar Island the reasons cited earlier, it is imperative
to improve its connectivity to the Indian mainland and other cities of the world.,
which is limited at present.

• Eco-tourism

Great Nicobar Island has long been neglected and isolated from the rest of the
country. At best, there have been sporadic efforts at tourism but these have been
largely disconcerted and till date there is no visionary comprehensive policy to tap
the vast unexplored potential of this island. As a landmass, it is even bigger than
Singapore. However, the population density and per capita income is far lesser
when compared to Singapore. There is a strong potential to cater to a long term
strategy for sustainable development.

• Socio-economic growth of Local Populace

The costs and benefits of developing the islands and its utility are the subject for
a complicated study. The financial costs are significantly high with serious
environmental constraints. The presence of indigenous tribes and concerns for
their welfare has been a key factor challenging island development. However, in
recent times, the security environment in India’s maritime domain has changed
drastically. After years of neglect, the present government is finally making a
push to develop the Islands. This will ultimately enhance the socio-economic
growth of the local populace and usher in a new era for their all-round
development.

2.3 Description of the Airport Complex

The peak hour traffic for medium horizon period of 16 years (Year 2037) is 748
Peak Hour Passengers (arrival + departure) which will be extended later on to
handle 1036 Peak Hour Passengers (arrival + departure) in year 2052 for long
term horizon period of 30 years.

The airport complex comprises of airport terminal building, air field pavements
consisting of runway, aprons, air traffic control tower and technical building,
project office, navigation and safety/air traffic management facilities and
complete range of facilities for baggage handling and passenger handling,
including waiting-in lounges, retail areas etc.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

2.3.1 Key Design Features of the Airport

The facilities at airport comprise terminal building for 1036 Pax, air-field
pavements consisting of runway, aprons, air traffic control tower along with
CNS/ATM facilities and complete range of facilities for baggage handling and
passenger handling, including waiting-in lounges, retail, flight catering facilities
etc. Aircraft parking orientation will be designed for improved aircraft safety and
enhanced pilot efficiency in ergonomic condition. The key design features of the
airport are

A. Civil Works

The airside civil works are given in brief below:

 Runway having 3000x45 m length, Basic Strip 280 m, RESA 2x240x150,

Runway Overrun 2x60x60;
 Taxiway having 3800x45 m (including shoulders);
 An main apron to accommodate 3 no. Code B aircrafts and 18 Code C narrow
body aircrafts (like Airbus-320/321 etc.)
 Category 7 level of protection, minimum 2 No. of Crash Fire Tender is
required to be provided;
 RCC framed with filler bricks, boundary wall of height 3 m (with 0.60 m
concertina wire on top) is proposed;
 Chain link fencing is proposed to be erected to segregate operational area
with non-operational area and the length of the fencing will be approximately
4,800 m.

B. Terminal Building

The peak hour traffic for Year 2052 is 1036 Peak Hour Passengers (arrival +
departure) considering 24 sq.m /passenger a terminal building of 24,864 Sq. m is
planned to be constructed in. The building will be extended later on to handle
additional Peak Hour Passengers (arrival + departure) for long term horizon
period beyond 2052 if required. Car parking for adequate peak hour traffic will
also be developed.

C. Miscellaneous Facilities

Information and mandatory signage, canopies on city as well as on air side, sub-
station and AC plant room, landscaping and horticulture work, provision of hooter
system for access points, provision of explosive detection system.

D. Electrical Works & Other Equipment/Services

Electric substation building of 6,300 Sqm is proposed to be constructed on city

side to house HT and LT panels, DG set, Transformers, APFC Panel, Bus duct
cabling etc. with control office. Pump house and UG sump will also be developed
alongside of the substation for water supplies to the airport.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

E. Communication, Navigation & Surveillance (CNS)

Planning Works- Provision of security system surveillance CCTV, Baggage

Scanner, DFMDs, HHMDs, ILS, DVOR-DME, Flight Information Display, Intelligent
building management, energy efficient internal / external lighting, LED TVs etc.

a. Communication. Communication facilities associated with Air Traffic Services

will be as follows:

 VHF Channels: Arrival Departure Control (ADC), Approach Control (APP),

Surface Movement Control (SMC), Apron Control and Search & Rescue (SAR)
channels to aircraft, channel to the SAR Jeep & Channel to Crash/Fire Fighting
Vehicles;
 Aeronautical Telecommunication Network (ATN) Compatible Router/
Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) for Flight Plan through-put and
other Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) related
messages;
 VHF Broadcast Airport Terminal Information System (ATIS).
 Direct Speech Circuits (DSS) to Diabolism (Approach Control) and Mumbai
(Area Control);
 Data and Speech lines or wireless network to cover all NAVAID and
Surveillance Locations (VOR/DME, Localizers, Glide Slopes and Airport
Surveillance Radar sites) with remote control facility from Maintenance
Control and Remote Display at ATC;
 Speech Circuit to Military Liaison Cell (MLC) for Air Defence Clearance (ADC);
 Speech-cum-Data Satellite Communication Node on Airport Authority of
India’s countrywide network.

Surveillance

 Surveillance Aids required will be as follows and will be installed;

 An S-Band Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) with a range of 60 NM;
 An ADS-B Node.

Visual Aids

Visual Aids required for Day & Night operation in good visibility under Visual
Flight Rules (VFR) will be as follows:

Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) for both approaches (02 & 20).

The airport will occupy a 916 Ha site (for air side, Land Side, approach road
& a defence apron). The airstrip will be developed to cater for operation of
Code C type of aircraft in all weather conditions having peak hour passenger’s
capacity of 1036 PHP. This will involve construction of new runway with all
allied facilities like terminal building, Apron, Taxi Track, Shoulder boundary
wall, perimeter roads, parking facilities, ATC, Fire Station, Technical block,
electric substation etc.

C2-60
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

The conceptual plan showing the layout of the airport with all the key features is
shown in Figure-2.1 and Airport layout shown in Figure-2.2

Figure-2.1: Airport Plan with key features

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Figure-2.2: Airport Layout Plan

2.4 Traffic Projection

Peak hour traffic of 1036 passengers are considered for planning of airport.
Accordingly, it is proposed that the airport will be planned for the operations of
Code C type of aircraft. Details of passenger traffic growth, Air traffic Movements
(ATMs) and cargo handling from the year 2052 and the Compound Annual Growth
Rate (CAGR) are presented in Table-2.1.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Table-2.1: Traffic Projections

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Table-2.2: Air Traffic Movements

Source: Prefeasibility Report, GHIAL

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

2.4.1 Cargo Forecast

The Airport will have requisite infrastructure to handle various types of cargo
including hazardous materials, animal & vegetable products, perishable, human
remains, explosive, electrical & electronic goods, petroleum products, etc. Cargo
Handling will be according to IATA regulations and guidelines. There will be
dedicated sections and earmarked zones for each set of cargo handling with
required infrastructure and skilled manpower to cater to the need of specialized/
customized air cargo services. The cargo terminals will be equipped with
appropriate handling equipment ranging from sensitive screening equipment to
bulk lifters like cranes, capable of handling any type and size of cargo that is
moved by air. Adequate storage capacity to store perishable and sensitive cargo
will be catered for by providing covered and temperature-controlled environment.
For ultimate phase the cargo storage space catered is 32800 sqm.

The relative growth patterns reflect both the forecast growth in passenger
movements, which will continue to carry significant volumes of cargo tonnage, as
well as the expected higher potential for international percentage growth.

The passenger traffic forecast along with graphical representation from the year
2025-2055 is given in Table-2.3. The distribution of air lifted commodities shown
in Figure-2.3. Percentage distribution of commodities handled in cargo is given
below in Table-2.4.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Table-2.3: Cargo Traffic Forecast

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Distribution of Air Lifted Commodities

Table-2.4: Distribution of Air Lifted Commodities

Figure-2.3: Cargo Forecast

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Estimation of Air Lifted Commodities handling till the ultimate phase i.e. till the
year 2055 given in Table-2.5.

Table-2.5: Airlifted Commodities

Table-2.6 provides the detailed salient features of airport project.

Table-2.6: Salient Features of The Airport

Sr. No Heads Sub Heads Detail

Shastri Nagar, Gandhinagar, Greater Nicobar
Physical Address:
Island
Greater Nicobar Islands International Airport Ltd
Official Name:
(GNIIAL)
Airport Code: Not Applied
Ownership/Operator: AAI
a. NW - N6° 50' 50.5 " E93° 54'
11.2 "
b. NE - N6° 50' 58.6 " E93° 53'
40.7 "
Latitude / Longitude:
1 General Details c. SE - N6° 48' 19.1 " E93° 53'
36.4 "
d. SW - N6° 47' 47.2 " E93° 53'
03.2 "
ARP Latitude / Longitude N6° 49' 13.35" E93° 53' 33.15"
5.5/ 10m above MSL (Based on Detailed
ARP Elevation
Hydrological study)
Airport Website URL Not established
Distance from Campbell Bay: 35 Km
Airport Acreage 916 Ha
ILS Category CAT-III for 02-THR / CAT-I for 20-THR
Elevation/reference Temperature 10m / 29.54° C
Aerodrome Reference Code 4C
Aerodrome Traffic Density Study in progress
Aerodrome Rescue Fire Fighting Category A7
2
Technical Details Isolation Bay 1
Ground Lighting Facility YES
Communication and Navigation
DVOR, DME, ASR & MSSR, ILS, PAPI, AGL
Aids

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Sr. No Heads Sub Heads Detail

CAT-III Approach for 02-THR / CAT-I Approach
Description
for 20-THR
Numbers 1
3000 m x 45 m with additional shoulders of 15 M
DETAILS
each side
Runway Surface Types Flexible / Black Top
Orientation 02-20 (OLS Study in Progress)
Geometry 4C
Category 4C
Planned for 3000m; Based on OLS Survey in
Declared distances
progress
Not Yet decided; Based on OLS Survey in
Displaced Threshold
progress
3 Runway
Runway End Safety Area (RESA) YES, Both sides (240 x 150 m)
Runway Marking YES; As per CAR / ICAO
PAPI at both ends: Located as per ICAO /
PAPI/VASI_ WRT respective ends
manufacturers recommendation
Runway Strip Dimension 280 m x 3120 m
Runway operations IFR / VFR
Obstacle Limitation Surfaces
OLS Study in progress
(OLS)
ILS YES – CAT I & CAT III
Pavement design FAA Design (FAARFIELD)
Pavement type Flexible; Few areas Rigid on Turnings & Threshold
Runway Entry & Exits 05 Links
Taxiway System Link with Parallel
Taxiway Orientation Parallel
Taxiway Geometry 4C
Taxiway Types Entry/Exit, Parallel, Apron
Parallel taxiway system 1
Apron taxiways 2
4 Taxiways Holding Bays One
Apron Taxiway length & width 430 x 25 m
Cross Taxiway NO
Pavement design FAA Flexible Design (FAARFIELD)
Pavement type Flexible along with part Rigid on critical areas
Taxiway Marking YES
Runway and Taxiway Lighting YES
Runway End Identifier Light
NO
(REIL) systems
Airport Windsocks and Airport
YES, 02 Windsocks, 01 Beacon
Beacons
Automated Weather Reporting
YES
Equipment
Visual Approach Slope Indicators
(VASI) and Precision Approach PAPI
Slope Indicators (PAPI)
Approach Lighting Systems YES, RWY: 02, CAT-I, RWY-20: CAT-III
Visual and Instrument Approach Capabilities Approach, PAPI, ILS, DME
5 Navigational Aids Automatic Terminal Information YES
(NAVAIDS) Service (ATIS)
ASR & MSSR YES
Advanced Surface Movement
Guidance and Control System/ YES
Ground Control
VOR/DME YES
Docking guidance/ VDGS YES
Stop bars or runway guard lights YES, Both
Apron lighting YES
Cabling and intensity control YES
Obstacle lighting YES
Signage’s YES
Aircraft Parking Numbers of Passenger aircraft
6 21
Apron Stands

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Sr. No Heads Sub Heads Detail

Number of Cargo Stands 2
Stands classification MARS, Code-C, Cargo
Pavement Specification Rigid
Fuel Hydrant system NO
7 Airside Facilities
Airside/landside boundary wall YES
ARFF Facility YES; A7
8 ARFF Storage YES
List of ARFF vehicles/Equipment’s ARFF Vehicles- 02, All other equipment
Automobile &
9 Ground Power YES
Equipment Parking
Composite Domestic and International Terminal
General Description
with Separate Arrival and Departure levels
Terminal Space 24,864 sqm
Passengers per year 5 MPPA (Ultimate Phase)
Terminal Levels 3 levels (Arrival + Departure+ Mezzanine)

Passenger Process As per IATA

Airport Forecourt YES

Security systems YES
The Pier YES
07 Contact Gates for code C and 04 for MARS +
Gates (contact & Remote Gates)
08 Remote Gates
Passenger
10 Passenger Aircraft Stands Code C 21, MARS 03
Terminal Complex
Passenger Boarding Bridges/
Code C 07, MARS 03
Aerobridges
Remote Gates 06
Remote stands 06

Airport Medical Center Facility YES

Air-conditioning system YES

Electrical services YES

IT systems YES

ATC tower (Air Traffic Control) YES

Special Handling Terminal Cargo, General Aviation, Defense Enclave
Cargo Terminal YES
Cargo Satellite building YES

CFR Station (Crash, Fire and

YES
Rescue)

AIRSIDE FUEL STATION YES

Office Complex YES
Airside Equipment Shed YES
Catering Facilities YES
11 Other Buildings
MRO NO
Passenger Transport Center YES
DG YARD Building YES
Engineering Building YES
Main Power Substation YES
Compost Plant YES
Ground handling workshop YES
Commercial Outlets YES
CFM Training NO
Indian Rotorcraft Limited (IRL) NO
Hotels NO

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Sr. No Heads Sub Heads Detail

Petrol Bunk/Fuel farm Aviation Fuel Dump
General YES
Passenger Car Parking YES
Taxi Parking YES
12 Parking Bus Parking YES
VIP Parking YES
Long term Parking YES
Staff Parking YES
Operator BPCL / IOC
Storage YES – 15 DAYS GENERAL RESERVE
Tanks & Tank Capacity YES – 15 DAYS GENERAL RESERVE
13 Fuel Farm
Supply system Fuel Bowsers
Access YES
Area 11000 sqm
Air side Road YES
Road & Transport
14 Landside YES
System
Road Lighting YES
Landside plantation/Green Cover YES
15 Landscaping Airside Grass/Green Cover YES
Landside undeveloped Open area YES
Power Utilities YES
Water Utilities YES
Integrated External Sewage System of GNI
External Sewage System development, and internal will be developed
under this project
16 Airport System Fire Fighting System YES
Electrical Systems YES

CNS, Ground Handling and Cargo

YES
Handling Equipment

Drainage &
Extensive and efficient Drainage and elaborate
17 Rainwater Airside
Rainwater harvesting will be planned; YES
Harvesting

2.4.2 Airport Infrastructure

Airside is mainly comprised of:

• The runway and taxiway system including adjacent restricted areas;

• Aircraft aprons designated for passenger aircraft, cargo and aircraft
maintenance;
• Visual aids on runway, taxiways and aprons to secure that aircraft can operate
safely on a 24 hours basis;
• Navigational aids to secure the safe operations of aircraft when approaching,
landing or taking off from the airport;
• Equipment for collection of surface meteorological data to serve air traffic
controllers, local meteorological services and forecasts;
• Air traffic control systems such as radio communication equipment and radar
systems;
• Fuel hydrant system; and
• Fences and gates, drainage, water harvesting, STP/WTP facilities, a fire drill
facility, crash, fire and rescue (CFR) vehicles and other equipment related to the
airside.
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

The landside comprises majorly of the following:

• ATC communication equipment

• Meteorological equipment
• Revolving Beacon
• Landing T / H indicator
• Runway / taxiway / apron edge lighting (CAT-1)
• Cat- III/ I approach lights on both ends of main runway
• Runway -end / threshold lights
• PAPI
• DVOR-DME
• ILS Cat-III/I
• ASSR

Airfield Lighting

• The need for a High Intensity Runway Lighting System along with Constant
Current Regulators (CCR) and Remote Digital Control from the ATC will be
studied. The light segments to be covered are as under:
• Precision Approach Category III lighting system extending to 900 meters from
the runway thresholds for approach RWY 01 & CAT I for RWY 19.
• Runway Threshold Lights for both thresholds
• Runway Edge Lights.
• Runway End Lights (at both ends)
• Taxiway edge lights
• Apron Lights (Including Isolation Bay)

Meteorological Systems

Following Meteorological Sensors/Instruments are required to provide vital

weather inputs to pilots and air traffic controllers to enable flight operations
without jeopardizing air safety:

• Standard Anemometer or an Ultrasonic Sensor: To measure Wind Speed &

Direction.
• Dry & Wet Thermometers: To measure Temperature and Humidity
• Mercury or Aneroid Barometer: To measure ambient pressure
• Transmission meter at each Runway end: To measure Runway Visual Range
(RVR)
• Laser-based Ceilometers on the extended centre line of runway: To measure
and record Cloud Base. As a low-cost alternative, a Binocular Laser Ranger
can be provided which enables measurement, without automatic recording

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Taxiways & Apron

One parallel taxiway is planned along the runway which will connect to the main
apron. The runway is connected to main parallel taxiway by 5 runway exits.
Details of dimension of Taxiway given in Table-2.7.

Table-2.7: Main Parallel Taxiway Dimension

Sr. No Item Dimension

1 Length 3800 m
2 Width 45 m

An apron to accommodate 03 Code C Aircraft (MARS Stands) & 18 Code C aircraft

has been proposed to be constructed. Sufficient space has been kept for future
extension. The apron dimension is presented in Table-2.8.

Table-2.8: Apron Dimension

Sizing Area (Sqm)

Commercial aircraft apron 1,16,000
Cargo & MRO aircraft aprons 15,950
General Aviation Apron 18,500
GSE Area 9,185

Isolation Bay

An isolation bay of 10,080 sqm has been proposed to be constructed as per

requirements.

Pavement

Runways will be constructed as flexible pavements in order to secure optimal

runway surface evenness for aircraft landing and taking off. Only the runway ends
will be constructed as a rigid pavement so that aircraft can perform a 180º turn
on the runway without damaging the flexible pavement. Aprons and aircraft
stands will be constructed as rigid pavement. Concrete pavements are necessary
on aprons since fuel spillage during re-fuelling is likely to occur. Flexible
pavements are not able to withstand fuel spillage or high temperatures of
summer in combination with static loads from aircraft without being damaged.
Taxiways can be constructed both as rigid and flexible pavements.

Air Traffic Control Tower

ATC Tower with a tower cab floor area of about 50 sqm proposed. To meet the
minimum line of sight and grade intersection angle of 0.80, the height of the
tower will be maintained as 25 m above GL with an eye level of more than 3 m
above the average runway level, which will facilitate un-obstructed view of
operational areas as well as surrounding air space. The Tower will provide
Aerodrome Control and Flight Information Services. On the ground and first floor
tower will have administrative block of 6,000 sqm area.
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Figure-2.4: Taxiway

Figure-2.5: Runway-01-19

Table-2.9: Features of Runway

Sr. No. Facilities Design Features

1 Runway orientation 01-19
2 Runway surface type Paved; Flexible with rigid on
Critical areas
3 Geometry As per ICAO/ DGCA/ CAR
4 Category Code 4
5 Runway End Safety Area (RESA) Yes
6 PAPI Yes, on both ends
7 Runway strip dimensions 140 m one each side of Centre
Line; 60 m along runway Centre
Line
8 Runway operations VFR/ IFR/ Instrument
9 OLS (Obstacle Limitation Surfaces) As per OLS survey
10 Runway entry & exit Link Taxiways, RETs, Isolation
Bay Link, Defence Enclave link

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Height of Control Tower

Besides the general requirements mentioned above, Federal Aviation Agency

(FAA) recommends that the line of sight from the control tower to the runway
ends should not be less than 0.80 when measured against the ground line
between the runway end and tower ground level. A height of 25 m is required to
achieve an angle of 0.80 to the runway end 01 & 19.

Airside Roads

The airside service road system is planned to connect the apron and service areas
with each other. The road system will be laid out with as few intersections with
taxiways as possible. Crash road system leading from the aircraft rescue and fire-
fighting stations to the runways will be established.

Car Parking

Parking space to handle a peak hour passenger traffic of 1036 and airport staff
will be planned for the proposed project. The project parking area will be utilized
during the arrival and departure of the flight.

C2-75
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Figure-2.6: Parking Area

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Summarized Project Facilities & Area Details

Project facilities & area details are summarized in Table-2.10.

Table-2.10: Summarized Facilities at Proposed Airport

Sr. No. Description Specifications

1 Aerodrome Reference Code 4F
2 Design Aircraft Code F
3 Flights per hour 09 flights in peak hour
4 Passenger Terminal Capacity (million per 1036 PHP
annum)
5 Runway 3000 m x 45 m
6 Turning Pads
7 Taxiway 3800x25 m
8 Apron 252,800 sqm
9 RESA 2X240X150 m
10 Isolation Bay 10,080 sqm
11 Taxiway to Isolation Bay Link Provided
12 Overruns 2 x 60 m
13 GSE area 9,185 sqm
14 Terminal Building sqm 24,864 sqm

2.4.3 Airport Land Use

The airside is a highly restrictive contiguous secured land parcel which facilitates
the aircraft landing, takeoff & ground movements whereas landside has all the
facilities which caters to passenger & other commercial & business needs of
associated with airports. Table-2.11 and Table-2.12 give the land utilization
pattern of airside and land side respectively.

Table-2.11: Aeronautical Facilities

Sr. No. Item Area – Ultimate Phase

SQ.M HA %
1 3000x45 m
Runway 2,40,200 24.02 (Future Safe for
4000m x 60 m)
2 Taxiway system 1,65,150 16.515 3650 X 45 m
Link Taxiway 61,425 6.1425 5X153X45 m;
3 1,16,000 (With
Commercial Aircraft Apron 11.6 145 X 800 m
Shoulders)
4 Passenger Terminal
24,864 2.4864 300X80 m
Building
5 ATC and Technical building 6000 0.6 100 x 60 m
6 Cargo Aircraft & MRO
15,950 1.595 110 x 145 m
Apron
7 Cargo building 8,800 0.88 110 x 80 m
8 General Aviation Apron 18,500 1.85 185x100 m
9 ARFF 4800 0.48 80 x 60 m

C2-77
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Sr. No. Item Area – Ultimate Phase

SQ.M HA %
10 Ground support
equipment/DVOR/DME and 9185 0.9185 167x55 m
AST/ASSR
11 GSE maintenance building 9185 0.9185 167 x 55 m
12 Isolated Aircraft Parking
10,080 1.008 112 x 90 m
Position
13 Defence Enclave (Navy-60
3,06,000 30.6 1020 x 300 m
acre) & Future expansion
14 Defence Apron 83,600 8.36 440 x 190
Total 10,79,739 107.9739 -
Table-2.12: Non-Aeronautical Facilities
Sr. No. Item Area – Ultimate Phase
SQ.M HA %
1 Vehicle parking 60,000 6 200 x 230 m
2 ESS and Power Station 12,600 1.26 2x70x90 m
3 Sewage Treatment Plant &
8400 0.84 70x60 m – 2 nos
Waste Disposal Plant
4 Fuel farm 11,000 1.1 110x100 m
5 Solar farm 1,33,200 13.32 740X180 m
6 Airline Services Catering 10,260 1.026 90 x 114 m
7 Access Road 34,000 3.4 2 km 4 lane
8 Peripheral road 1,26,000 12.6 18 km 2 lane
9 Admin & Health Org
19,200 1.92 160 x 120
Building
10 Space reserved for support
2,00,000 20
activity
Total 6,14,660 61.466 -
Grand Total – Aeronautical + Non-
16,94,399 169.4399 -
Aeronautical facilities

2.4.3.1 Airport Access Roadways

Greater Nicobar Island Airport location is adjacent to the International Container

Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) of the island near the Galathea Bay. GNI Airport
will be catering to 2 million passengers per annum for the ultimate phase of
development of the island city.

Based on the peak hour landside traffic requirements for the airport, the road
connection with a Right of way of 45 m is the minimum requirement to cater for
the landside airport traffic.

The proposed cross section for this road will be of six lane divided carriageway
configuration with a 3 m median. Provision of a 3 m wide median will also suffice
the future right of way requirements if an elevated mass rapid transit is proposed
in the center. Three-meter pedestrian walkways on the either side for the safe
movement of pedestrians are also provided. The cross section is shown in the
Figure-2.7.

C2-78
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Figure-2.7: Road Connectivity

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

2.5 Project Cost and Schedule

The various facilities considered in the Capital Expenditure of the proposed Phase
- I development are as follows:
Site preparation & Earthwork (Cut & Fill works)

• Clearing & Grubbing

• Cutting/Filling and levelling

Aeronautical Facilities:

• Runway System
• Taxiway System
• Apron Works (Commercial Apron, Cargo Aircraft Apron, General Aviation
Apron, Ground Support Equipment Apron, Defense Enclave, Isolated
Aircraft Parking, etc).
• Passenger Terminal Building
• ATC And Technical Building
• Cargo Building
• ARFF
• DVOR/DME
• ASR/MSSR
• GSE Maintenance Building
• Runway Approach System
• Meteorological Equipment

Non-Aeronautical Facilities:

• Vehicular Parking
• ESS and Power Station
• Space for Solar Panel
• Sewage Treatment Plant & Waste Disposal Plant
• Fuel Farm
• Access Road
• Airline Services Catering
• Peripheral Road
• Space Reserved for Support Activity
• Solar Farm
• Utilities:
• Storm water drainage
• Sewage and water supply systems

Basis of Estimate

The scope / quantities for various activities / elements are derived based on block
area allocation, Master Plan and Concept Level D&D.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Site Preparation & Earthworks (Cut & Fill Works), Runways, Taxiways, Aprons, At
Grade Parking, and Road works:

 It is assumed that the site comprises of hilly terrain requiring balancing of

cutting and filling.
 For preliminary estimates, cutting in ordinary rock of 16914648 Cum as per
calculation sheet has been considered.
 The excavated rock is assumed to be filled within the balance project area
after necessary crushing, etc.
 400 mm moorum layer for reclamation of entire project area has been
considered in the estimate.
 An average lead of 5 kms is considered for estimating cost.
 The rates are adopted based on CPWD DSR 2018 rates, duly enhanced with
191% escalation until Jan 2021.

Pavement Works (Runway, Taxiway, Shoulders, Taxi lanes/Apron, Peripheral

Roads and Access Roads):

 The Proposed Pavement Sections is as per section 2.1 page-9 of this report.
 40cm thickness of commercial dry lime (slaked), fly ash stabilized soil with a
mix of 3% lime, 12% fly ash and 85% local suitable soil by weight has been
used for soil stabilization.
 The unit cost has been worked out using CPWD DSR Rates 2018, duly
enhanced with 191% escalation till Jan 2021.

Terminal Buildings, other Support Services - Buildings & Utility Buildings /

Structures:

i. For the scheduled items, the rates have been taken as per CPWD PAR-2012,
duly enhanced with 135% escalation per year till Jan 2021. For non-
scheduled items, rate has been adopted based on similar works carried out at
other airports and inputs obtained from the vendors / specialized agencies.

ii. E&M elements-

The unit cost has been worked out using Plinth Area Rates (PAR) 2012 for
Specialized E&M Works of CPWD, duly enhanced with 135% escalation till Jan
2021.

iii. Specialized Items-

Unit Price worked out based on benchmarking of recently completed airport

projects of similar nature and magnitude and rates obtained from specialized
agencies.

Limitation of Estimate

The cost estimate is limited by current level of Planning for various facilities
and general information available in the Initial Master Plan.

C2-81
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Exclusions

Following works / facilities have been excluded in the cost estimate:

• Shifting/relocation of existing utilities or other infrastructure.

• External Surface Connectivity
• External Drainage connectivity
• Compensation related to removal of obstacles.
• External works for power supply
• Land Acquisition cost
• CSR activities
• Any other infrastructural or works related with compliances to various
Regulatory Clearances or Approvals.

Table-2.13: Summary of Cost estimate

SUMMARY OF THE COST ESTIMATE

Cost (INR Crore)
Phase 1
Sr. No Capital Expenditure Item
2021-24 2021(5%) 2022(15%) 2023(20%) 2024(20%) 2025(20%) 2026(20%)
1 Site Preparation & Earthworks (Cut & Fill Works) 2563 128 384 513 513 513 513
Air side Pavement Works (Runway, Taxiway, Parallel
2 1330 67 200 266 266 266 266
taxiway, Apron) including earthwork
3 Terminal Building and other building works 1484 74 223 297 297 297 297
4 City side pavement works (Internal road & car park) 550 28 83 110 110 110 110
5 ATC/ATM/CNS equipment 25 1 4 5 5 5 5
6 Utilities 893 45 134 179 179 179 179
SUB TOTAL (A) 6,845 342 1,027 1,369 1,369 1,369 1,369
7 Design & PMC @ 10 % on " A" 684 34 103 137 137 137 137
8 Preliminaries @ 3% On "A" 205 10 31 41 41 41 41
9 Insurance & Permits @1% On "A" 68 3 10 14 14 14 14
SUB TOTAL (B) 7,803 390 1,170 1,561 1,561 1,561 1,561
10 Contingency @ 10 % on " B" 780 39 117 156 156 156 156
TOTAL (C) - HARD COST 8,583 429 1,288 1,717 1,717 1,717 1,717

2.6 Resource Requirement

2.6.1 Land form, Land use and Ownership

916 Ha of area has been identified for development of International Airport, which
includes 845 ha of land and 71 ha of reclaimed area. Out of which 700 Ha will be
utilised in Phase 1 and balance will be utilised in subsequent developments. The
extent of the most part proposed airfield falls under revenue land; however, there
is some forest land will also be included.

C2-82
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

The Gandhi Nagar site (South Site) includes a large area of revenue land, and
minimal forestland will be affected. In order to achieve the required length of the
runway, reclamation of the seacoast in North and South will be required.

Rehabilitation and Resettlement:

The proposed area is sparsely populated and there are only two villages in the
area of proposed airport. Most of the area is revenue land except for
approximately 141 ha, which is under forestland and deemed forest. The revenue
villages lying in the area of proposed airport are Gandhi Nagar and Shastri Nagar,
part of which will need to be displaced. The land to be utilised for the proposed
airport is presently part vacant, tsunami submerged land, part is owned by
villager’s part owned by the Government. In view of this, a limited rehabilitation
and resettlement plan for human habitat is required or is foreseen. The ownership
details for proposed airport site is shown in the map below Figure-2.8. The
details of the population in revenue villages are given in Table-2.14.

Figure-2.8: Ownership details of proposed airport site

C2-83
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Table-2.14: Details of Households in Revenue Villages

Sr. No. of House

No. Revenue Villages Habitation holds Population
Shastri Nagar &
1 Gandhinagar Yes 230 1032
Source: Revenue Deptt Campbell Bay

Site Topography and Earthwork Details

The site is approx. 4000 m long, running along a flat open patch ay an average
elevation of 3 to 20 m above MSL. The site is dominated by a 100 m high
ridgeline on the West and has two isolated knolls on the East. A few of spurs jets
out from either direction, which can be levelled in the event of selecting this site.
The site has tidal area jetting inside, which would need to be filled and levelled. A
part of the tidal area could be developed into a Sea Jetty for High-speed boats
connecting the Airport with the Port and Campbell bay. Establishing of approach
lights, ILS etc for the first runway and providing full-length second runway (if
required in future) will require some reclamation of land on north and south.

The area is shielded from sea with two high grounds of approx. 70 to 100 m
elevation above MSL for almost 70 % of length of airport. The site passes through
an inundated patch of approximately 0.73 Sq km in the centre of Site. Rest of the
area is relatively at higher ground with average elevation of 3 to 20 m. Dredging
Reclamation details for runway extending into sea (if applicable). The present site
needs to reclaim land approx. 1.94 Ha of land in order to establish an operational
airport. This area extends 55 % in the South and about 45 % in the North in the
Sea.

2.6.2 Water Requirement

About 1 MLD of water would be required for the proposed airport project. The
total requirement of water during operational phase will be met from the overall
supply by Town planning. The projected ultimate water demand is given in
Table-2.15.

Table 2.15: Water Requirement Breakup

Sr. Description Water Consumption/ Wastewa Remarks

No Demand Losses ter
Generati
on
Fresh Water Demand
1 Domestic water Treated in STP
and treated water
782 114 668
used for
gardening
2 Filter back wash & Used for dust
regeneration, Floor suppression
218 96 121
cleaning & makeup
water
A Total 1000 - 789

C2-84
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Sr. Description Water Consumption/ Wastewa Remarks

No Demand Losses ter
Generati
on
Recycle & Reuse
1 Flushing, HVAC & 789
Greenbelt & green 100% utilization of wastewater
cover development
B Total 789
Total Water Demand A+B =1789

2.6.3 Power Requirement

Total load estimation for Great Nicobar Island International Airport works out to
10,000 KVA (approx.) or 10 MVA. Out of which part will be met by the DG sets of
2 x 5 MVA each and part will be met from solar park of 1,33,200 Sq m is being
planned which is likely to generate 0.8 KW/sqm which will be established along
with the construction of the International Airport. All the electrical HT & LT cables
will be laid as per the stipulations of CPWD specifications.

Supply installation testing and commissioning of 1 KW peak grid connected

ground mounted solar power plant is proposed within the airport premises. Level
controllers will be provided in all day oil tanks to ensure that the refilling of the
day oil tanks is automatic. The overflow from day oil tanks will be fed back to the
bulk storage tanks. This will prevent accidental overflow of HSD in the DG area.
Entire installation and distribution will be in accordance with guidelines by the
Chief Inspectorate of Explosives.

2.6.4 Manpower requirement

The total manpower required during construction phase would be approx. 1100
personnel including officials, residential labour and daily wage labourers. During
the operational phase, the total airport staff would be approx. 500 officials
including security, airport staff and essential duties.

2.7 Infrastructure Facilities

• Fire Safety

This section only deals with the fire protection services related to Hydrants,
Sprinklers and Extinguisher. Fire protection in the context of this project is
required for the following:

 Protection of occupied buildings like Terminal Building, ATC Tower, AFI,

Commercial Development.
 Protection of ancillary buildings like Maintenance buildings, Workshop &
utilities etc.
 Protection of amenity centres like Shopping & Kiosks.
 Protection of Fuel Farm.
 Protection of Apron & Runways
 Electric substation, Plant rooms
C2-85
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

 Aircraft related fires

Fire Reserves

The type of fire within an aircraft complex may range from those caused in the
human occupied structures like Terminal Building, ATC Tower, Offices, Shopping
& Commercial, where human safety is of prime consideration to the workshop and
hanger where equipment protection is primary objective. Besides this is the
additional task of aircraft fire rescue. Considering the diverse requirement of air
and land side fire service multiple underground fire reserve with pumping stations
are proposed.

Category 7 level of protection is required to be provided to meet the of design

aircraft. For category 9 level of protection, minimum 2 No. of Crash Fire Tender
are required to be provided. A fully equipped

Ambulance will also support the Crash Fire Rescue Services. Two fire stations of
5400 sqm each is proposed to house the CFTs, Ambulance and an SAR vehicle.

Airside hydrants are also proposed to supplement the water requirements for fire
fighting vehicles. Thus, the following is proposed:

Pilot Fire Reserve tank with pumping arrangement and ring main, serving air and
land side.

For Air side - Fire Water Reserve of adequate capacity for ARFF station.

For Land side - Static Fire Water Reserve of adequate capacity for both Hydrant &
Sprinklers system located in Terminal Building.

Pumping Agreement

Pump house and UG sump will also be developed alongside of the substation for
water supplies & fire emergency for the airport.

Fire Fighting Fitments

External yard Hydrant will be provided on the land side accompanied by a Hose
cabinet, weatherproof type, housing branch pipe, nozzles, two 15m long CP Fire
Hoses and one coupling for Foam Systems. Pressure more than 7.0 kg /cm2 will
be controlled with provision of orifice plates in the Hydrant.

All landside buildings/structures will be provided with Landing Valve, each valve
serving a design influence area of 1,000 sqm. The landing valves are tapped from
the hydrant risers or the external ring main in case of Ground structures. In
addition to the Landing valve, swing type Hose Reels with 20mm rubber tubing
along with 63 mm RRL Hoses Nozzles, Branch Pipe and fireman axe all housed in
a Fire Hose cabinet will be provided.

C2-86
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

Support Amenities

The following facilities will be available in the proposed airport

 Baggage handling system

 Passenger boarding bridges
 Flight information and displays
 Sewage treatment facility
 Fire-fighting system
 Security equipment
 Restaurants
 Medical facilities
 Quarantine facilities

2.8 Sources of Pollution

The various types of pollution envisaged from the proposed airport will be of
following types:

• Air pollution – Vehicular movement, Aircraft movements, Ground equipment,

DG sets and machineries.
• Noise pollution – Vehicular movement, Aircraft movements, Ground
equipment, DG sets and machineries.
• Water pollution – Waster water, cleaning of equipment, aircraft, floors etc;
and
• Solid waste generation

It is proposed to maintain pollution control facilities to keep the gaseous emission,

liquid effluent and noise emission within the permissible limits prescribed by
Central and State Pollution Control Board. Details of emissions from the proposed
activity are given in the following sections.

2.8.1 Air Pollution

2.8.1.1 Air Pollution Sources at Airport

Potential sources of air pollution at the airport can be categorized as direct and
indirect emissions. The direct emissions include aircraft engine emissions,
emissions from the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), emissions from the Ground
Support Equipment (GSE), emissions from the Ground Access Vehicles (GAV) and
stationary sources such as emissions from standby DG sets, fire training facilities,
aircraft engine testing facilities, fuel storage tanks.

The indirect emissions include vehicular emissions that result from the passengers
or employees coming to the airport.

C2-87
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

• Direct Emissions

Aircraft Emissions

The air emission from the proposed project is expected to be from aircraft engines
during approach, landing, taxiing, take-off and initial climb or also called as
reference Landing and Take-Off cycle (LTO cycle). The air pollutants of concern
from the aircraft emissions will be un-burnt hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide
(CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) as specified by ICAO.

Emissions from Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)

It is a component of a large aircraft and essentially a small turbine engine. This

works only when main engines of the aircraft are shutoff to provide electricity and
compressed air to operate the aircraft instruments and lights. Typically, the APU
is turned off after the main engines have been started prior to take-off. These
emissions (like CO and HC) are very less compared to the direct aircraft
emissions.

Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

A variety of ground equipment service are operated for the large aircrafts while
they load and unload the passengers and freight at the airport. As a group, this
equipment is known as Ground Support Equipment (GSE) at civilian airports. This
consists of aircraft tugs, air start units, loaders, tractors, air conditioning units
and service vehicles. Thus, the possibility of air emissions from the GSE is
minimum.

Ground Access Vehicles (GAV)

Ground Access Vehicles (GAVs) encompass all on road or highway vehicles

increase generated by the airport. GAV include all vehicles traveling to and from
the airport. These vehicles essentially contribute carbon monoxide and oxides of
nitrogen.

Motor vehicles emissions result from movement of passengers or employees

coming to the airport and additional vehicular movement due to the ancillary
development in the region. The vehicular emissions while on the airport property
would be included in the direct emissions and outside the premises of the airport
will be indirect emissions. These emissions include oxides of nitrogen and carbon
monoxide.

Emissions from Standby DG Set

The air emissions comprising PM, NOX, SO2 and CO will be generated from the
operation of DG sets having total capacity of 2X5 KVA. The emissions from DG
sets are proposed to be monitored regularly at the airport.

C2-88
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

2.8.2 Water Pollution

The wastewater generation mainly consists of sanitary waste, sewage from airport
terminal, flight kitchen etc. The sewage and sanitary waste from the airport
terminal, and other allied facilities is routed to 400 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant
(STP) and is treated based on Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technology.
Sewage from the aircrafts is also being sent to the STP for treatment. The treated
wastewater from the STP is used for flushing and green cover development. There
is no discharge of any wastewater outside the airport premises.
Storm Water Drainage

Storm drainage will be designed using the rational formula

Q = Cia

Where,

C = Coefficient of Run off

i = Intensity of rainfall in m/sec
a = Contributing area in m2
Runoff coefficients to be assumed are as below:

Paved area = 0.9

Building Roofs = 0.85
Soil / Grass = 0.30
Gravelled Area = 0.50

Since the airport is in a rain belt having annual rainfall exceeding 3000 mm, the
storm drainage system will be designed for suitable intensity.

Noise Levels

The major noise generating sources at the airport are from aircraft take-off &
landing and ground operations (ground power units, auxiliary power units, taxing
and engine run-up tests etc). Besides this, there is noise from standby DG set
operation and vehicular movement around the airport. The noise during the take-
off will be dominant among all the sources. The aircraft movement generally
produces maximum noise level of about 100-110 dB(A) during take-off and 90-
100 dB(A) during landing (as per studies carried out by CPCB at Netaji Subhash
Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata), which is instantaneous and depends
on the type of aircraft.

The green cover in and around the airport premises acts as noise attenuator so as
to arrest any noise propagation to the neighborhood areas. Besides appropriate
landing- takeoff procedures, flight schedules of larger aircraft also help in
producing the lower noise levels. The occupational safety of the workers near the
high noise level generating sources is taken care by providing ear mufflers and
exposures of the workers are restricted to the prescribed norms.

C2-89
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

2.8.3 Solid Waste Generation

Solid waste generated from the airport complex comprise sludge generated from
STP, separated oil from oily wastewater and garbage from the restaurants and
airport operations in the operational phase as well as solid waste generated due
to spill containment in any untoward event.

2.8.3.1 Solid Waste from Airport Terminal

Solid waste generated from the proposed airport and allied facilities mainly
comprises of food waste and garbage. Further, small quantities of sludge from
STP, medical waste and other waste will be generated. Collection and handling of
domestic solid waste would be done in line with the provisions of the Municipal
Solid Waste Rules 2016 (as amended).

Food waste and garbage from the airport terminal & aircrafts

The solid waste from the terminal building is envisaged to be at the rate of about
0.15 kg/capita/day for 2000 PAX and 0.3 kg/capita/day for 4416 (final phase in
the year 2051) staff and vendors. This works out to be about 1625 kg/day.
Sludge from the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)

The total wastewater to STP is about 400 KLD. The estimated solid concentration
is about 1000 mg/l. The sludge quantity will be about 65 kg/day.

Solid waste generation from the airport till the year 2052 (Ultimate phase) is
given in Table-2.16.

Table-2.16: Solid Waste Generation

Sr. Details Waste Generation (kg/day) Disposal

No.
1 Total no. of 300 (2000- PAX+ Crew+ others) Solid waste will be
passengers @ 0.15 taken from the
kg/person/day premises by
2 Staff and vendors in 1325 municipality for
airport on duty @ (4416 nos.) – Ultimate phase for composting and final
0.3 kg/person/day the year 2052 disposal
3 Sludge from STP 65 Used as manure for
greenbelt development
Total 1690

The solid waste will be disposed of as described below:

 Collection and segregation of the solid waste management facility is proposed

within the complex. Garbage and food waste will be separated out for recovery
of recyclable material. Waste will be transferred to the integrated solid waste
facility (refer Chapter-2C (2.7.4), township) for treatment and disposal;

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(B)
Project Description - Airport

2.9 Carbon Footprint

Around 10% CO2 emissions are associated with the construction industry. This
includes the manufacture and transportation of construction materials as well as
the CO2 generated during the building process. Reducing the carbon footprint of
construction requires a number of different approaches covering several core
issues. Alternative cements are available which contain different chemicals which
make them less energy-intensive to produce. Low-carbon cements generally
incorporate magnesia, which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they
set. Tterminal building will be built complying ECBC standards and thus reducing
the carbon footprint. In the proposed project all the civil construction works will
be carried by using construction materials which help in reducing embodied
carbon emissions and over carbon footprint.

Quantities for construction material excluding reclamation is given in Chapter 2C

table 2.13.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION-TOWNSHIP

The large majority of the township area extends north-eastward from this
multimodal hub north to Campbell Bay and to Ranganatha Bay. It also includes a
small logistics development area west of the port.

In the township area, the Concept Master Plan calls for the development along
the coast of a series of compact, walkable, mixed-use urban centres separated by
natural features such as forested hills and stream buffers. Set against the
backdrop of the steep forested hills towards the interior and set back from the
coastline to build resiliency to natural shocks, this will be a ‘city in the forest’ that
brings the ‘forest into the city’. Compact development is not only more liveable
and attractive; it will also reduce Great Nicobar’s future carbon footprint, promote
conservation of resources, and limit the overall development area, thereby
preserving more of the existing forest and other natural resources. The largest
urban centre will be at Campbell Bay.

There are mixed use commercial areas around many of the stations. Beyond
those and moving towards the shoreline, there are residential mixed-use areas
and tourism and hospitality areas that include hotels, food and beverage
establishments, housing entertainment, and social infrastructure, as well as
general public open space.

To the west of the main road in the mountainous, forested areas, the plan calls
for Ecotourism uses (described above), extremely low-density residential
development, and the occasional institutional campus (higher education
establishment, research facility, etc.) which can be built on some of the rare
relatively flat areas found within the mountains.

The multimodal transport hub, including the port and the airport, is centered at
Galathea Bay and Shastri Nagar respectively. All mixed use and tourism
development are on the east of this bay. To the west, is a logistics zone and
some land zoned for institutional campuses also part of the development area of
proposed Township. The master plan showing the proposed township is shown in
the Figure-2.1. The contour plan of the project site is given in Figure-2.2.

2.1 Type of the Proposed Project

Mixed-use urban development is a necessary component of future development

on Great Nicobar Island. The people who manage and operate the transshipment
terminal need a place to live. Development of hotels and associated commercial
land uses are essential for growth of the tourism industry. The ancillary economic
sectors, including professional services, education, research others yet to be
identified, also need real estate and public services in order to grow. While the
main drivers of the economic growth and robust national presence on Great
Nicobar Island are the transshipment terminal and the tourism industry, the city
fabric is necessary to grow an urban agglomeration substantial enough to support
and facilitate these economic initiatives.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Figure-2.1: Master Plan

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Figure-2.2: Contour Plan

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Township creates an opportunity to provide diverse and active developments to

attract residents and visitors alike to the island cities in the world. The GNI area
includes Eco Tourism, Coastal tourism, institution, greens in addition to
residential, commercial, industrial, and other associated land uses.

Proposed Land uses

• Residential Area

Residential areas proposed in the Concept Masterplan incorporate other uses such
as neighborhood-serving commercial. The proposed residential area is planned as
compact development with mix of medium and high density considering the
natural surroundings. An exception is the Residential Low-Density land use
category, which includes only single-family housing. Residential areas will be
served by water supply, wastewater, storm water, electrical power and solid
waste services. High-density mixed-use areas in Campbell Bay may be served by
district cooling systems. (Economic and technical viability to be ascertained later
in the study.) the residential land use further sub divided into three major
categories as Mixed use, Medium Density and Low density.

• Commercial Area

Two type of commercial areas has been proposed in the Concept Masterplan
which have mixed use provision and dedicated office spaces. The commercial
areas will be served by water supply, wastewater, storm water, electrical power
and solid waste services. These areas are well distributed in the planning area
considering the coverage as well as well connected with the proposed road
network.

• Industrial Area

The limited industrial area proposed in the master plan of the Township is a strip
of coastal land at Campbell Bay that is currently put to industrial, logistics and
transport use. There are two existing jetties within this area. The Concept Master
Plan proposes to retain the existing industrial land use and allow parcels to be
redeveloped as higher performing, more cutting-edge industrial facilities. These
could include expansion of cold storage facilities (critical for development of the
fishing industry) as well as ship repair and/or warehousing of goods for local
consumption. Fish processing and packing is another potential activity on this
industrial land. In addition to this is included a logistics centre at the west of the
port. After the port is functional, this land can be programmed for the
development of warehouses and other logistics facilities. Given the minor
environmental impacts associated with future light industrial development, it is
anticipated that the island’s future wastewater collection and treatment system
can also serve the industrial area. Pre-treatment may be required for industries
such as seafood processing. The industrial area will also be served by municipal
water and power systems.

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

• Institution Area

Major pockets within the planning area has been designated as institutional area
which will be utilized for development of university/ institute campus or sports
academy. These areas will also be utilized for development of Medi-city or
healthcare facilities for the residents of the township.

• Tourism and Hospitality

Considering the existing site condition and available natural features, which are
very favorable to activate tourism sector, Tourism and Hospitality land use has
been proposed in the planning area to cater the projected demand of tourism.
This will also help to promote the economy of GNI.

• Logistic Area

As the major economic activities other then tourism will be ICTT and Airport, a
designated area for logistic has been proposed near to the ICTT (Port) and Airport
to facility the logistic needs.

• Eco-Tourism, Coastal tourism and green area

Besides the above land uses, three major land uses including Eco-tourism,
Coastal tourism and green has been taken into account to preserve the existing
green and to fulfill the need of greenery to the residential pockets. the Township
development in Great Nicobar includes green buffers separating the city from the
national parks and the biosphere, on the one hand, and running along the
coastline, on the other. The Coastal Buffer is as described above, and the forest
buffer is described under the Ecotourism land use category.

• Social Infrastructure

Future residents of Great Nicobar will enjoy a high level of social infrastructure
services, including Educational facilities, healthcare facilities and community
facilities. The coverage area of these services will vary with the size of the urban
centre. The city centre at Campbell Bay will be the site of a new or improved
hospital and will also include public schools at all levels. The smaller sub-centers
from Anderson Bay to Gandhi Nagar will have individual or shared primary
healthcare clinics, primary and secondary schools and community centers. The
current residents of the site clearly expressed to the consultant team during their
visit, their desire for improved social infrastructure (especially schools and
healthcare) to be provided as part of the future development of the city, which
shall be catered to in the Masterplan.

• Connectivity

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

External and internal connectivity are both critical for the future success of the
proposed city. External connections by air and by sea to Port Blair must become
more frequent, faster, and more affordable. Great Nicobar will require direct air
connections from other Indian cities and connections to Southeast and East Asian
destinations. The internal connectivity will be greatly improved by the
construction of a central transport spine—combining a parkway that integrates
Campbell Bay. All communities in this area will have ‘last mile’ road, bicycle and
pedestrian connections to the central spine. The cost of the township area and
contingencies are given in Table-2.1.

Table-2.1: Cost of Township Area & Contingencies

Final Phase
Sr.
Item Cost
No.
(INR in Crore)
1 Roads Infrastructure 8,500
Power Utilities (including Power Plant, Transmission &
2 8,000
Distribution)
Other Utilities (STP, ETP, WTP, Water Network, Sewerage
3 Network, Fire Networks, Recycle Network, Drainage/Storm 9,500
Water system, Solid Waste, ICT etc)
Sub Total 26,265
4 Contingencies @3% 787.95
5 Detailed Engineering & Project Management Services @5% 787.95
Grand Total Cost (Rs. In crores) 27,840.9

2.2 Details of Transportation Plan

The holistic development of the island is composed of various aspects such as

proposed zoning, socio-economic and employment forecasts, land use
distribution, detailed development program of each designated use zone, a
phasing strategy, legislative implications, and infrastructure interventions.
Transport infrastructure is the lifeline of every city. It plays a vital role in
economic development by providing accessibility and mobility to goods and
services. Adequacy of the infrastructure plays significant role in the growth of the
city.

To achieve the vision of the holistic development of the island, travel demand
assessment is the necessity. Travel Demand Assessment study is very important
in order to assess the travel characteristics of the area. The travel characteristics
of the area influence the existing and proposed infrastructure. Therefore, in order
to estimate capacity requirements of proposed network, along with planning of
transport infrastructure, detail travel demand assessment of the site has been
carried out. This chapter describes the methodology adopted to forecast the
demand generated by proposed development in Great Nicobar Island.

Study Methodology

Key steps involved to estimate the travel demand in the present study are
mentioned below:
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Highway Network Coding: Entire proposed network of GNI were coded in

VISUM-13 travel demand modelling software.

Network Attributes: Major parameters to network like speed, number of lanes

and capacity along with transport systems (mode wise) were added to this model.

Trip Generation: Estimated by adopting suitable generation rates for different

land uses to residential population and considering total employment as total
work trips.

Trip Distribution: Estimated by assuming directional distribution of traffic

towards various road network which further link to major destinations.

Modal Split: Suitable modal compositions based upon the type of land uses were
adopted for the horizon year.

Traffic Assignment: Based upon type of land use/ development a suitable peak
hour share was assumed to estimate traffic flow during peak hours precisely. For
assigning the forecast traffic time equilibrium assignment was adopted for
estimating link loadings and intersection volumes.

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Study Area Zoning

For the demand forecasting exercise, the study area is required to be divided into
Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs) based on geographic contiguity, land use, distinct in
character in terms of traffic generation. For the present study proposed
development in GNI has been divided into 106 internal Traffic Analysis Zones
(TAZs). Each land parcel proposed in the masterplan has been considered as a
separate traffic zone in the present study. These parcels have been further
classified into different traffic zones, if two or more different land uses have been
proposed in it. Due to geographical dislocation from the mainland, external zones
are not considered in the study. Detail list of traffic analysis zones is given in the
following Table-2.2.

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Table-2.2: Traffic Analysis zones

TAZ no. TAZ Name TAZ detail

1 T2_1 Airport Boundary
2 OP3_1 Coastal tourism
3 OP3_1 Coastal tourism
4 OP3_1 Coastal tourism
5 OP3_1 Coastal tourism
6 OP3_1 Coastal tourism
7 OP3_1 Coastal tourism
8 OP3_1 Coastal tourism
9 OP3_1 Coastal tourism
10 OP3_1 Coastal tourism
11 C1_1 Commercial mixed use
12 C1_1 Commercial mixed use
13 C1_1 Commercial mixed use
14 C1_1 Commercial mixed use
15 C1_1 Commercial mixed use
16 C2_1 Commercial Office
17 DA_1 Defense land
18 DA_1 Defence land
19 DA_1 Defence land
20 DA_1 Defence land
21 DA_1 Defence land
22 DA_1 Defence land
23 DA_1 Defence land
24 DA_1 Defence land
25 DA_1 Defence land
26 OP2_1 Ecotourism
27 OP2_1 Ecotourism
28 OP2_1 Ecotourism
29 OP2_1 Ecotourism
30 OP2_1 Ecotourism
31 OP2_1 Ecotourism
32 OP2_1 Ecotourism
33 OP2_1 Ecotourism
34 OP2_1 Ecotourism
35 OP2_1 Ecotourism
36 OP1_1 Green
37 OP1_1 Green
38 OP1_1 Green
39 OP1_1 Green
40 OP1_1 Green
41 OP1_1 Green
42 OP1_1 Green
43 OP1_1 Green
44 OP1_1 Green
45 OP1_1 Green
46 OP1_1 Green
47 OP1_1 Green
48 OP1_1 Green
49 OP1_1 Green
50 OP1_1 Green
51 OP1_1 Airport Boundary
52 OP1_1 Coastal tourism
53 OP1_1 Coastal tourism

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Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

TAZ no. TAZ Name TAZ detail

54 OP1_1 Green
55 OP1_1 Green
56 OP1_1 Industrial
57 In1 Institutional
58 PSP1_1 Institutional
59 PSP1_1 Institutional
60 PSP1_1 Institutional
61 PSP1_1 Logistics
62 T3_1 Low Density residential
63 R3_1 Low Density residential
64 R3_1 Residential
65 R2_1 Residential
66 R2_1 Residential
67 R2_1 Residential
68 R2_1 Residential
69 R2_1 Residential
70 R2_1 Residential
71 R2_1 Residential
72 R2_1 Residential
73 R2_1 Residential
74 R2_1 Residential
75 R2_1 Residential
76 R2_1 Residential
77 R2_1 Residential
78 R2_1 Residential
79 R2_1 Residential
80 R2_1 Residential
81 R2_1 Residential
82 R2_1 Other utilities
83 U2_1 Other utilities
84 U2_1 Other utilities
85 U2_1 Other utilities
86 U2_1 Other utilities
87 U2_1 Other utilities
88 U2_1 Other utilities
89 U2_1 Other utilities
90 U2_1 Port Boundary
91 T1_1 Port Boundary
92 T1_1 Power Plant
93 U1_1 Residential mixed use
94 R1_1 Residential mixed use
95 R1_1 Residential mixed use
96 R1_1 Residential mixed use
97 R1_1 Residential mixed use
98 R1_1 Residential mixed use
99 R1_1 Residential mixed use
100 R1_1 Tourism & hospitality
101 C3_1 Tourism & hospitality
102 C3_1 Tourism & hospitality
103 C3_1 water body
104 OP4_1 water body
105 OP4_1 water body
106 OP4_1 Airport Boundary

Map of proposed traffic analysis zones (TAZ) with TAZ names is shown in
the Figure-2.3. and Map Showing Zoning Diagram as Figure-2.4

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Figure-2.3 (A): Map showing Land Uses of the site

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Figure-2.3 (B): Map showing Land Uses of the site

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Figure-2.3 (C): Map showing Land Uses of the site

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Figure-2.4: Map Showing Zoning Diagram

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Coded Network Development

The prime reason for coding highway network is to add network specific attributes
to each road link such as speed, capacity and length. The assignment model will
then use these parameters to work out shortest paths between respective OD
pairs and will help in identifying critical links and intersections that require
upgradation. Links are coded to identify numerous link attributes including the
following:

• Functional classification,
• Link type,
• Number of lanes,
• One or two-way traffic identifier,
• Capacity,
• Length,
• Speed,
• Volume

The proposed hierarchy of road network in GNI is categorized into three levels.
Spine road is the highest hierarchy followed by sub arterial and collector road. Details
of the road network is given in the following Table-2.3

Table 2.3: Characteristics of Proposed road network

Configuration
Sr.
Name of the Road Hierarchy Main Service Remarks
No
Carriageway Road
Provision of
7.0 m wide 11m space
Arterial 4 Lane Divided service for future
1 Spine Road 55m RoW
Road Carriageway road on widening and
either side a mass
transit
Sub
4 Lane Divided
2 26m RoW Arterial
Carriageway
Road
2 Lane
Collector
3 18 m RoW undivided
Road
Carriageways

The proposed cross sections of the road are as shown in the following Figure-2.5
and Figure-2.6:

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Figure-2.5: TCS of Sub Arterial Road

Figure-2.6: TCS for Arterial Road (Spine Road)

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Figure 2.7: TCS for 18m RoW

For purposes of the traffic

c assignment model, roadway capacities by functional classification are set

utilizing recommendations of IRC 106 (Guidelines for Capacity of Urban Roads in
Plain Areas). Representative capacities for various road links by type are listed in
following table:

Table-2.4: Capacities of urban roads

Design Service Volumes

Ultimate Capacity (PCU/Hr)
Type of (PCU/Hr)*
Carriageway Sub Sub
Arterial Collector Arterial Collector
Arterial Arterial
2L-1WAY 2400 1900 1400 3429 2714 2000
2L-2WAY 1500 1200 900 2143 1714 1286
3L-1WAY 3600 2900 2200 5143 4143 3143
4L-Undivided -2W 3000 2400 1800 4286 3429 2571
4L-Divided--2W 3600 2900 ---- 5143 4143 ----
6L-Undivided-2W 4800 3800 ---- 6857 5429 ----
6L-Divided-2W 5400 4300 ---- 7714 6143 ----
8L-Divided-2W 7200 ---- ---- 10286 ---- ----

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Population & Employment Estimates

As discussed in earlier chapters, Great Nicobar island is designed for resident

population of around 3.3 lakh persons and for an employment of 1.3 lakh
persons. Same has been adopted for the purpose of trip generation estimation
and ultimately to estimate the total traffic generation. However, to estimate the
quantum of traffic generated by various land uses for each TAZ, visitor and
employee population was estimated by adopting following assumptions based on
ITE trip generation manual and further some modification has been done as per
the location attribute of the area using our past experiences. Land use wise
assumption has been given in the following table:

Table-2.5: Assumptions for estimating Land use wise Employees and visitors

Land use area/employee area/Visitor

Residential mixed use 120 588
Medium Density - 450
Residential
Low Density Residential - 1023
Commercial mixed use 50 40
Commercial Office 50 50
Tourism & hospitality 50 50
Institutional 50 25
Industrial - 29
Land Use Trips per Sq. Meter
Power Plant 0.008
Other utilities 0.008
Green 0.00046352
water body 0.00046352
Ecotourism 0.0007
Coastal tourism 0.006365299

Estimated population, employment and quantum of visitors adopted for each TAZ
is mentioned in the following table.

Table-2.6: TAZ wise Population, Employment and Visitor details

TAZ Estimated Estimated Estimated

TAZ no. TAZ detail
Name Population Employment Visitor
1 T2_1 Airport Boundary 0 4416 8985
2 OP3_1 Coastal tourism 0 272 6326
3 OP3_2 Coastal tourism 0 323 7512
4 OP3_3 Coastal tourism 0 80 1860
5 OP3_4 Coastal tourism 0 251 5837
6 OP3_5 Coastal tourism 0 2063 47977
7 OP3_6 Coastal tourism 0 143 3326

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

TAZ Estimated Estimated Estimated

TAZ no. TAZ detail
Name Population Employment Visitor
8 OP3_7 Coastal tourism 0 432 10047
9 OP3_8 Coastal tourism 0 96 2233
10 OP3_9 Coastal tourism 0 673 15651
11 C1_1 Commercial mixed use 18211 16128 18547
12 C1_2 Commercial mixed use 15301 13551 15584
13 C1_3 Commercial mixed use 9173 8124 9343
14 C1_4 Commercial mixed use 14894 13191 15170
15 C1_5 Commercial mixed use 8877 7862 9041
16 C2_1 Commercial Office 0 12146 13187
17 DA_1 Defence land 2200 0 0
18 DA_2 Defence land 73 0 0
19 DA_3 Defence land 874 0 0
20 DA_4 Defence land 2 0 0
21 DA_5 Defence land 1 0 0
22 DA_6 Defence land 30 0 0
23 DA_7 Defence land 3684 0 0
24 DA_8 Defence land 1799 0 0
25 DA_9 Defence land 10465 0 0
26 OP2_1 Ecotourism 0 42 977
27 OP2_2 Ecotourism 0 3 70
28 OP2_3 Ecotourism 0 12 279
29 OP2_4 Ecotourism 0 7 163
30 OP2_5 Ecotourism 0 7 163
31 OP2_6 Ecotourism 0 41 953
32 OP2_7 Ecotourism 0 94 2186
33 OP2_8 Ecotourism 0 70 1628
34 OP2_9 Ecotourism 0 11 256
35 OP2_10 Ecotourism 0 13 302
36 OP1_1 Green 0 487 11326
37 OP1_2 Green 0 160 3721
38 OP1_3 Green 0 412 9581
39 OP1_4 Green 0 13 302
40 OP1_5 Green 0 609 14163
41 OP1_6 Green 0 86 2000
42 OP1_7 Green 0 174 4047
43 OP1_8 Green 0 668 15535
44 OP1_9 Green 0 1481 34442
45 OP1_10 Green 0 190 4419
46 OP1_11 Green 0 364 8465
47 OP1_12 Green 0 1225 28488
48 OP1_13 Green 0 1192 27721
49 OP1_14 Green 0 1682 39116
50 OP1_15 Green 0 419 9744
51 OP1_16 Green 0 299 6953
52 OP1_17 Green 0 87 2023
53 OP1_18 Green 0 974 22651
54 OP1_19 Green 0 1937 45047
55 OP1_20 Green 0 824 19163
56 OP1_21 Green 0 792 18419
57 In1 Industrial 0 2275 3049

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

TAZ Estimated Estimated Estimated

TAZ no. TAZ detail
Name Population Employment Visitor
58 PSP1_1 Institutional 1968 1833 3666
59 PSP1_2 Institutional 190 177 355
60 PSP1_3 Institutional 67 62 124
61 PSP1_4 Institutional 271 253 506
62 T3_1 Logistics 0 5447 0
63 R3_1 Low Density residential 650 0 65
64 R3_2 Low Density residential 742 0 74
65 R2_1 Residential 61355 0 6136
66 R2_2 Residential 6953 0 695
67 R2_3 Residential 6661 0 666
68 R2_4 Residential 4825 0 483
69 R2_5 Residential 6779 0 678
70 R2_6 Residential 5490 0 549
71 R2_7 Residential 15911 0 1591
72 R2_8 Residential 7442 0 744
73 R2_9 Residential 5693 0 569
74 R2_10 Residential 3170 0 317
75 R2_11 Residential 9663 0 966
76 R2_12 Residential 13098 0 1310
77 R2_13 Residential 4776 0 478
78 R2_14 Residential 4423 0 442
79 R2_15 Residential 4269 0 427
80 R2_16 Residential 7224 0 722
81 R2_17 Residential 6722 0 672
82 R2_18 Residential 5386 0 539
83 U2_1 Other utilities 0 1179 118
84 U2_2 Other utilities 0 242 24
85 U2_3 Other utilities 0 427.8 43
86 U2_4 Other utilities 0 241.8 24
87 U2_5 Other utilities 0 371.9997 37
88 U2_6 Other utilities 0 1216.571 122
89 U2_7 Other utilities 0 1208.399 121
90 U2_8 Other utilities 0 1196.042 120
91 T1_1 Port Boundary 0 3080 0
92 T1_2 Port Boundary 0 1973 0
93 U1_1 Power Plant 0 2948 0
94 R1_1 Residential 7213 0 721
95 R1_2 Residential 31287 0 3129
96 R1_3 Residential 16364 0 1636
97 R1_4 Residential 9069 0 907
98 R1_5 Residential 6177 0 618
99 R1_6 Residential 3653 0 365
100 R1_7 Residential 43753 0 4375
101 C3_1 Tourism & hospitality 855 4196 4308
102 C3_2 Tourism & hospitality 376 1847 1896
103 C3_3 Tourism & hospitality 2380 11681 11992
104 OP4_1 water body 0 360 8372
105 OP4_2 water body 0 119 2767
106 OP4_3 water body 0 891 20721

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Trip Generation

Following the traditional method of forecasting trip ends and making a trip
generation model, the trips were estimated based on the land use which is
proposed in the ultimate development program of Great Nicobar Islands. Some of
the assumptions adopted for trip generation are described below:

For estimation of total trip generation, per capita trip rate (PCTR) of 1.0 for the
residential population has been adopted.

For estimation of work trips of the residential population, WFPR of 33% has been
adopted for estimating the workers population from the residential population for
estimating work trips.

Therefore, total average daily work trips that will be produced by the population
of GNI will be 137,351 for an estimated population of 3.4 lakh.

For the estimation of total daily trip attraction, total employment potential of each
land parcel/ TAZ was considered. The total employment offered by each TAZ will
be the total trip attractions of respective TAZ. Further, the estimated visitor
population was considered as a single trip and added to the total trips by the
respective TAZs. The zone wise trips are described in the following table :

Table-2.7: TAZ wise Trip estimations

TAZ no. TAZ Name TAZ detail Total Trips

1 T2_1 Airport Boundary 16081
2 OP3_1 Coastal tourism 6598
3 OP3_2 Coastal tourism 7835
4 OP3_3 Coastal tourism 1940
5 OP3_4 Coastal tourism 6088
6 OP3_5 Coastal tourism 50040
7 OP3_6 Coastal tourism 3469
8 OP3_7 Coastal tourism 10479
9 OP3_8 Coastal tourism 2329
10 OP3_9 Coastal tourism 16324
11 C1_1 Commercial mixed use 52886
12 C1_2 Commercial mixed use 44436
13 C1_3 Commercial mixed use 26640
14 C1_4 Commercial mixed use 43255
15 C1_5 Commercial mixed use 25780
16 C2_1 Commercial Office 25333
17 DA_1 Defence land 2200
18 DA_2 Defence land 73
19 DA_3 Defence land 874
20 DA_4 Defence land 2
21 DA_5 Defence land 1
22 DA_6 Defence land 30
23 DA_7 Defence land 3684
24 DA_8 Defence land 1799
25 DA_9 Defence land 10465
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

TAZ no. TAZ Name TAZ detail Total Trips

26 OP2_1 Ecotourism 1019
27 OP2_2 Ecotourism 73
28 OP2_3 Ecotourism 291
29 OP2_4 Ecotourism 170
30 OP2_5 Ecotourism 170
31 OP2_6 Ecotourism 994
32 OP2_7 Ecotourism 2280
33 OP2_8 Ecotourism 1698
34 OP2_9 Ecotourism 267
35 OP2_10 Ecotourism 315
36 OP1_1 Green 11813
37 OP1_2 Green 3881
38 OP1_3 Green 9993
39 OP1_4 Green 315
40 OP1_5 Green 14772
41 OP1_6 Green 2086
42 OP1_7 Green 4221
43 OP1_8 Green 16203
44 OP1_9 Green 35923
45 OP1_10 Green 4609
46 OP1_11 Green 8829
47 OP1_12 Green 29713
48 OP1_13 Green 28913
49 OP1_14 Green 40798
50 OP1_15 Green 10163
51 OP1_16 Green 7252
52 OP1_17 Green 2110
53 OP1_18 Green 23625
54 OP1_19 Green 46984
55 OP1_20 Green 19987
56 OP1_21 Green 19211
57 In1 Industrial 5324
58 PSP1_1 Institutional 7467
59 PSP1_2 Institutional 722
60 PSP1_3 Institutional 253
61 PSP1_4 Institutional 1030
62 T3_1 Logistics 8171
63 R3_1 Low Density residential 715
64 R3_2 Low Density residential 816
65 R2_1 Residential 67491
66 R2_2 Residential 7648
67 R2_3 Residential 7327
68 R2_4 Residential 5308
69 R2_5 Residential 7457
70 R2_6 Residential 6039
71 R2_7 Residential 17502
72 R2_8 Residential 8186
73 R2_9 Residential 6262
74 R2_10 Residential 3487
75 R2_11 Residential 10629
76 R2_12 Residential 14408

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

TAZ no. TAZ Name TAZ detail Total Trips

77 R2_13 Residential 5254
78 R2_14 Residential 4865
79 R2_15 Residential 4696
80 R2_16 Residential 7946
81 R2_17 Residential 7394
82 R2_18 Residential 5925
83 U2_1 Other utilities 1297
84 U2_2 Other utilities 266
85 U2_3 Other utilities 471
86 U2_4 Other utilities 266
87 U2_5 Other utilities 409
88 U2_6 Other utilities 1339
89 U2_7 Other utilities 1329
90 U2_8 Other utilities 1316
91 T1_1 Port Boundary 4435
92 T1_2 Port Boundary 2842
93 U1_1 Power Plant 2948
94 R1_1 Residential 7934
95 R1_2 Residential 34416
96 R1_3 Residential 18000
97 R1_4 Residential 9976
98 R1_5 Residential 6795
99 R1_6 Residential 4018
100 R1_7 Residential 48128
101 C3_1 Tourism & hospitality 9359
102 C3_2 Tourism & hospitality 4119
103 C3_3 Tourism & hospitality 26053
104 OP4_1 water body 8732
105 OP4_2 water body 2886
106 OP4_3 water body 21612

Trip Distribution

The decision to travel for a particular purpose is called trip generation. Then the
generated trips from each zone is then distributed spatially to all the other zones
based on the destination. The generated trips in the above section were
distributed on the software platform PTV VISUM on the coded network of Greater
Nicobar Island. The trip distribution is then done by a doubly constrained Gravity
Model with travel distance matrix as a utility input to the deterrence function,
which is combined function.

Doubly constrained Gravity Model Equation:

Where ai and bj are the balancing factors

Pi and Aj are productions and attractions of Zone i and j respectively.
Fij is the friction factor (Impedance)
Deterrence Equation:

Where U is the utility function (Travel Distance) a, b & c are the balancing
parameters.
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

The result of this stage is a distributed OD Matrix. After this stage the mode wise
OD matrix is generated and then assigned on to the road network.

Modal Composition

In order to estimate traffic volume on roads, it is prudent to understand the

distribution of trips by various modes which will be ultimately used for travel.
Since proposed development of Great Nicobar island has diverse land uses such
as, transshipment port, coastal and eco tourism, office and technology centres
along with residential., modal split of these land uses will also be different. In the
absence of any similar facility being operational and, in order to adopt the modal
split distribution, discussions with various experts on distinct transportation fields
has been carried out and based on their experiences the modal split has been
adopted for each of separate facilities proposed in Great Nicobar Islands for the
purpose of traffic estimations.

Other basis for adopting public transport share is as per various studies
conducted by MoUD in various towns and cities in India of varying population
sizes. Public transport share as observed in cities having various population sizes
is described in following table

Table-2.8: Public Transport Share as per Studies Conducted by MoUD

Sr. No Population Range WSA, MoUD RITES, MoUD

(in lakhs)
1 < 5.0 15.6 22.7
2 5.0 -10.0 22.5 29.1
3 10.0 -20.0 50.8 35.6
4 20.0 – 40.0 22.2 45.8
5 40.0 - 80.0 32.1 59.7
6 Above 80.0 54.0 59.7 - 78.7

Modal split adopted for each of the distinct land uses proposed in GNI are given in
the following table

Table-2.9: Modal split adopted for each of the distinct land uses

Land use\ Mode Walk/NMT TW Car IPT Bus PT (Mass Transit)

Residential mixed use 5% 20% 10% 5% 30% 30%
Medium Density Residential 5% 20% 10% 5% 30% 30%
Low Density Residential 5% 20% 10% 5% 30% 30%
Commercial mixed use 8% 10% 20% 10% 22% 30%
Commercial Office 5% 10% 25% 10% 20% 30%
Tourism & hospitality 5% 20% 30% 15% 15% 15%
Institutional 10% 10% 5% 5% 50% 20%
Industrial 5% 20% 8% 5% 30% 32%
Port Boundary 0% 20% 15% 5% 25% 35%
Airport Boundary 0% 5% 20% 35% 20% 20%
Logistics 0% 25% 10% 10% 25% 30%
Power Plant 10% 20% 5% 5% 25% 35%
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Land use\ Mode Walk/NMT TW Car IPT Bus PT (Mass Transit)

Other utilities 10% 20% 5% 5% 25% 35%
Green 10% 5% 10% 10% 35% 30%
water body 10% 5% 10% 5% 40% 30%
Ecotourism 10% 6% 10% 6% 40% 30%
Coastal tourism 20% 10% 5% 3% 32% 30%
Defence land 5% 10% 45% 0% 10% 30%

Average Public transport modal share has been taken as 30% for the Greater
Nicobar island. By utilising the above described modal composition, occupancy
and PCU conversion factors prescribed in IRC 106, the estimated total daily traffic
for study area is 2,92,718 PCU which, will be produced/ attracted once study area
is fully developed.

S. No Mode Average Occupancy

1 TW 1.2
2 Car 1.8
3 IPT 2.2
4 Bus 20

For understanding the long-term effects of providing Light Rail Transit or a Bus
Rapid Transit on the Spine road. We have also developed a non- mass transit
scenario. The modal split of that scenario is given in the following table:

Land use\ Mode Walk/NMT TW Car IPT Bus

Residential mixed use 10% 20% 25% 5% 40%
Medium Density Residential 10% 20% 25% 5% 40%
Low Density Residential 10% 20% 25% 5% 40%
Commercial mixed use 10% 20% 30% 10% 30%
Commercial Office 10% 20% 30% 10% 30%
Tourism & hospitality 10% 20% 25% 15% 30%
Institutional 10% 15% 15% 5% 55%
Industrial 10% 30% 15% 5% 40%
Port Boundary 0% 30% 25% 5% 40%
Airport Boundary 0% 10% 25% 35% 30%
Logistics 5% 30% 10% 10% 45%
Power Plant 15% 25% 15% 5% 40%
Other utilities 15% 25% 15% 5% 40%
Green 15% 15% 10% 20% 40%
water body 15% 15% 20% 50% 0%
Ecotourism 15% 15% 20% 50% 0%
Coastal tourism 20% 25% 20% 35% 0%
Defence land 5% 20% 55% 20% 0%

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Peak Hour Traffic

The capacity of urban road network is normally designed considering the peak
hour traffic which is maximum volume during any hour of the day. Therefore, in
order to design and recommend the proposals for external as well as internal road
network, it is important to estimate the peak hour traffic share. For the
estimation of peak hour traffic following assumptions have been adopted:

The peak hour will be observed on weekdays during morning and evening work
trip hours. The morning peak will be observed between 08:30 – 09:30 hours
while evening peak hour will be observed between 17:30-18:30 hours.

Differential peak hours have been adopted for different land uses such as offices
and commercial retail.

Peak hour share of commercial retail and hospitality will be higher during evening
peak hours.

For I-I interaction (Residential Land use) a peak hour share factor of 20% of the
total internal traffic was assumed based previous studies.

An occupancy/attendance factor for employees and visitors was also adopted

considering employment centres will not have 100% attendance on an average
working day.

The peak hour factors adopted for the present study are shown in the following
table

Table-2.10: Adopted Morning and Evening Peak Hour shares

Land use AM Peak PM Peak

Residential mixed use 20% 25%
Medium Density Residential 20% 15%
Low Density Residential 20% 15%
Commercial mixed use 18% 25%
Commercial Office 18% 25%
Tourism & hospitality 20% 25%
Institutional 25% 20%
Industrial 25% 25%
Port Boundary 30% 25%
Airport Boundary 30% 20%
Logistics 30% 30%
Power Plant 22% 22%
Other utilities 18% 18%
Green 10% 15%
water body 10% 15%
Ecotourism 12% 12%
Coastal tourism 6% 10%
Defence land 10% 10%

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Considering above, peak hour traffic for both morning and evening peaks has
been estimated for the ultimate development of study area, same is described below:

Morning Peak Hour: 33,211 PCUs

Evening Peak Hour: 33,247 PCUs

Trip Assignment

Trip assignment model is used to estimate traffic volume on each link and
intersection of the road network. The model algorithm routes the estimated origin
– destination travel demands to the actual road network based on network
parameters such as speed, capacity and distance. In a road network, trips from a
particular origin to a particular destination may have more than one route to
choose from. The assigned traffic volumes on each of the road link then becomes
the basis of deciding the capacity requirements and need for grade separations in
case of intersections.

The assignment procedure adopted for the traffic model is based on a Time
Equilibrium Assignment model with multiple demand segments. In the case of
VISUM model the process was continued until full convergence was achieved. The
methodology used for assignment of Private trips in this study is known as
Equilibrium assignment.

Traffic Assignment

Using the model described above, the peak hour traffic matrices for both morning
and evening peak hours for the ultimate development of Greater Nicobar Island
were then assigned on the horizon year network for the purpose of obtaining link
wise traffic flows on each road link. The capacity analysis was done based on the
assigned traffic flows and check the adequacy of the proposed road network and
propose a sustainable and a long-term road infrastructure.

Morning peak trip assignment results are presented in the figure below in PCUs
Figure-2.8:

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Figure-2.8: Morning peak hour traffic assignment

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Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

The maximum link volume during the morning peak hour is present on the Spine
Road Link as 4,831 PCUs.

Evening peak trip assignment results are presented in the figure below in PCUs in
Figure-2.9:

Figure-2.9: Evening Peak Traffic Assignment

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Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

The maximum link volume during the evening peak hour is present on the Spine
Road Link as 4,420 PCUs.

Capacity Analysis:

After the traffic assignment on the proposed road network of GNI, the capacity
analysis of the road network in terms in Volume/Capacity (V/C) ratios. V/C ratio it
is further categorized into level of service, which is defined as a qualitative
measure describing operational conditions within a traffic stream, and their
perception by drivers /passengers. Following table depicts the level of service of
urban roads:

LoS V/C Ratio Remarks

Free Flow
A 0.00-0.15
Reasonably Free flow
B 0.15-0.45
Stable Operation
C 0.45-0.75
Borderline Unstable
D 0.75-0.85
Extremely Unstable
E 0.85-1.00
Breakdown
F >1.00

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Hence, to understand the capacity requirements the capacity analysis was done
based on the Morning and Evening flows shown in the Figure 2.10 and Figure-
2.11. Following maps depict the Level of Services of road network of GNI in the
morning peak hour:

Figure-2.10: AM Peak Capacity Analysis

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Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Subsequent Images depict the level of Services of the Evening peak hour:

From the above diagrams we infer that the majority road network is under the
Levels A, B and C. Hence, the proposed road network is under stable traffic
conditions.

To understand the sustainable mobility choice effects of the Mass Rapid Transit
System on the spine road, we have also a model in the PTV Visum software and
the following figures depict the capacity analysis of the road network in a non-
Mass Rapid Transit System scenario Figure-2.12:

Figure-2.11: Capacity Analysis of the Evening Peak.

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Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

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Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Figure-2.12: Non- Mass Rapid Transit System Scenario Results

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

C2-143
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

From the above analysis, it can be understood, in the absence of a transit on the
main spine road. The level of service of the main spine road in the north of the
development has dropped to a Level D and bordering on Level E. Hence, it can be
inferred that presence of Mass Rapid Transit System on the main spine shall
have positive results in terms of alleviating congestion and seamless mobility of
the people of the Greater Nicobar Island.

Conclusion

After the capacity analysis, the major inference is that the main spine road
running from north to south of the island should be an access controlled (With
service road running all along) and with a Mass Rapid Transit System moving in
the middle providing a sustainable mobility solution to the residents of the island.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

2.3 Resources and Requirements for Proposed township Project

The area development and township project will cater to the needs of integrated
development projects and will boost Eco tourism resulting in Socio-economic
growth of local populace. The land use categories are given in Table-2.11 and
land use area break-up is given in Table-2.12.

Table-2.11: Land Use Categories

Sr. Land Use Category Permitted Land Uses Description

No
I COMMERCIAL
Commercial Mixed- Office Compact, walkable, high-
Use Retail density mixed-use
Hotel development located in city
Food & beverage centre or near transit stations.
Entertainment Long list of by-right uses;
Institutional some conditional uses can also
Multifamily residential be identified. High quality
public realm
Commercial-Office Office -
Tourism and Hotel Walkable medium- to low-
Hospitality Food & beverage density development at the
Entertainment edge of town centres, with
Retail access to the sea and the
Mice (Convention forest.
Centres, etc.)
II RESIDENTIAL
Residential Mixed-Use Multifamily residential Compact, walkable, High to
(High Density) Row housing Medium-density residential
Duplexes/Triplexes development located near
Retail transit stations or adjacent to
Hotel Commercial Mixed-Use
Food & Beverage districts. Multiple housing
Institutional types permitted.
Neighborhood-serving
commercial development also
permitted. High quality public
realm
Residential (Medium Multifamily residential Compact, walkable, medium-
Density) Row housing density residential
Duplexes/Triplexes development located near
transit stations or adjacent to
Commercial Mixed-Use
districts. Multiple housing
types permitted.
Residential (Low Single-family housing Single-family houses on large
Density) plots (>10 ha) in forested
areas. Light touch, minimal
impact on forest. No clearing
allowed, except at residence.
Serves as buffer between
urbanized areas (mostly on

C2-145
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Sr. Land Use Category Permitted Land Uses Description

No
revenue land) and forest
outside Phase 1 boundary.
III INSTITUTIONAL
Urban Social School Integrated into new urban
Infrastructure Health facility communities.
Religious
Institutional- Campus College Stand-alone campus built on
Research centre relatively flat land within
Health facility forested areas. Light touch,
minimal impact on forest. No
clearing allowed, except at
campus site. Ceiling on % of
total area allowed to be
developed as campus
IV INDUSTRIAL
Industrial Light manufacturing Industrial estates and
warehouses with ready access
to power, port and airport. No
residential or commercial
development.

V UTILITIES
Water Supply Water treatment plant Facilities required for water
Pump station supply treatment and
distribution system.
Wastewater Wastewater treatment Facilities required for
plant wastewater collection and
Pump station treatment system.
Energy Electrical power plant Facilities required for electrical
District cooling station power and district cooling
Pump station systems.
VI OPEN SPACE
Park Regional park Natural parks at all scales.
Nature reserves
Local park
Playground
Plaza Plaza Hardscape public open space.
Square
Sports and Sports fields / facilities Recreational facilities.
Recreational Greens
Ecotourism Museum Vertical development limited to
Cultural Centre Welcome Centre, museum or
Camping other facility.
Vehicular access to facility.
Walking paths in forest.
Coastal tourism Sports -
Recreation
Low-impact hotel
Marina

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Table-2.12: Proposed Land Use Area Break Up

Sr. No Land Use Category Area (sq.km.) Area (Ha.)

I RESIDENTIAL
1 Residential Mixed-Use High Density 5.76 576
2 Residential Medium Density 9.81 981
3 Residential Low Density 0.99 99
II COMMERCIAL
4 Commercial Mixed-Use 4.52 452
5 Commercial Office 0.19 19
6 Tourism and Hospitality 5.01 501
III INSTITUTIONAL
7 Institutional Campus 6.10 610
IV INDUSTRIAL
8 Industrial 0.13 13
V OPEN SPACE
9 Greens 26.57 2657
10 Eco-Tourism 41.06 4106
11 Coastal tourism 9.71 971
12 Defense 12.60 1260
13 Logistics 7.87 787
14 Utilities 0.57 57
VI Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ)* 18.98 1898
TOWNSHIP AREA 149.87 14987
* part of the CRZ area (~0.6 sqkm) is also covers the western part of the port
land which is not included in the current port development plan

2.3.1 Raw Material Requirement

Materials such as sand and aggregates will be required during the construction
phase. All raw materials for construction will be sourced through feasible
mainlands from India as well as from the nearby countries. Raw material will be
stored at site in a covered area. Cement will be separately stored. Sand will be
stacked under tarpaulin cover. Bricks and steel will be laid in open.

During the construction phase, transport of materials is estimated by ships.

Adequate parking space within the project site for loading and unloading of
materials will be provided.

The earthwork involving cutting will be taken place to make the foundations of
the facilities. The topsoil will be separately segregated and will be stored for the
green belt development and landscaping. The bottom soil and boulders will be
used to level the site and fill the low-lying area nearby vicinity. The quantities of
the construction material will be worked out. The tentative details of raw material
requirement for Township, port, airport and power plant are given in Table-2.13.

C2-147
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Table-2.13: Details of Raw Material Requirement for Township, Port, Airport and
Power plant

Sr. Description Quantity* Mode of Source

No. Transport
1 Stone 250M Sqm Ship Desktop
assessment
2 Sand 350M Cum Ship Desktop
assessment
3 Aggregate 250M Cum Ship Desktop
assessment
4 Steel 750M Kg Ship Desktop
assessment
5 Cement 75M Bags Ship Desktop
assessment
* Approximate quantities in million

2.4 Built Up Area

The details of the residential, commercial, institutional built-up areas, FAR,

Average number of floors and average dwelling unit size is given in Table-2.14.

Table-2.14: Built Up Area & Other Details of The Township Area

Sr. Land Use Category Total Residential Avg Dwelling

No Built-up Area (m2)* Unit Size (m2)
1 4
A RESIDENTIAL
Residential Mixed-Use (Medium
2,360,000 275
density)
Residential (Medium Density) 4,793,600 250
Residential Low Density 46,980 400
B COMMERCIAL
Commercial Mixed-Use 1,092,000 275
Commercial Office 14,400 275
Tourism and Hospitality 22,950 400
C INSTITUTIONAL
Institutional Campus 171,920 400

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Table-2.15: Total Dwelling Units, Population in The Township Area

Sr. Land Use Category Total Household Population at

No. Dwelling Size Buildout
Units
5 7 9
A Residential
Residential Mixed-Use (High
21,116 4.0 1,08,116
density)
Residential (Medium Density) 39,308 4.0 1,69,044
Residential Low Density 570 4.0 1,392
B Commercial
Commercial Mixed-Use 13,114 4.0 67,216
Commercial Office 775 -
Tourism and Hospitality 2,822 1.5 3,683
C Institutional
Institutional Campus 7564 4.0 2,496

Parking Facilities

Adequate parking space provision will be imposed through development control

regulations. At present it is difficult to calculate the number of parking
requirement for entire city development. Parking areas shall be dispersed all
about the premises and is planned with adequate green cover and lights
arrangement.

2.5 Other Facilities within township area

2.5.1 Lightning Protection System

Adequate lightning protection facilities will be provided during the buildings

construction which will be imposed through the development control regulations
at the time of building plan approval as per the applicable Indian codes of
practice.

2.5.2 Fire Protection System

Adequate fire protection system will be provided during the buildings construction
which will be imposed through the development control regulations at the time of
building plan approval as per the applicable Indian codes of practice and Tariff
Advisory Committee (TAC) guidelines. Also, an appropriate On-site Disaster
Management Plan (DMP) is prepared for the facility which is included in this
report.

2.5.3 Road and Site Drainage

As explained in the above section of transportation, adequate circular and other

roads are provided for smooth operation and effective emergency response. The

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

drainage network is designed to prevent water accumulation in the plant area and
to avoid mixing of plant effluent with storm water.

2.5.4 Communication

An independent telephone exchange is proposed to cater to the requirement of

the township as well as its associated projects. Intercom network is served as the
main communication link for internal communication of the township.

2.5.5 Water Receipt & Storage System

Rainwater will be captured in the two major water reservoirs proposed within the
planning area which will be further be treated in Water Treatment plant facility.
After treatment at WTP, the drinking water will be pumped and stored in
overhead tank located at designated places. From overhead tank the drinking
water is supplied at various points of township. However, for fire water system,
separate lines will be laid.

Figure-2.13: Location and catchment of proposed reservoirs

2.5.5.1 Drinking Water System

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

The distribution of drinking water to be done by gravity system from the

overhead storage tank through a network of GI pipelines laid underground to
cater the requirement of all units and buildings.

2.5.5.2 Fire Water System

The basic philosophy of the fire protection system design is centered on water as
the main fire extinguishing medium, although other types of firefighting devices
are provided. The system is designed to provide adequate quantity of water at a
specified pressure. Provision of building specific fire protection will be made
through the development control regulations for GNI development.

2.5.6 Water Requirement and Sewage generation

The site has a huge potential of about 2500 mm + of annual rainfall, two
ponds/lakes with a total plan area of 2.25 sq.km is proposed within the
development area. Therefore, with a very conservative figure of the Catchment
area of about 10 sq km and as per the natural existing topography about 650 M
m3 of quantum/ volume with Runoff coefficient of 0.3 average and 80 mm hourly
rainfall (Conservative value) during the rainy period shall drain/ flow to the
proposed tanks/ponds/lakes. Now assuming an efficiency of only 20% the run off
shall be 130 M m3, against the potable water requirement of 16 M m3.

Further the storage is required for about 7 months a year, as rest will be feed in
and out through due to heavy runoff. The average of 7 Months of demand shall
be above 9 M m3. Thus, with an average depth of 5 m, the storage area shall be
11.25 M m3, giving in a buffer margin.

Also, another 7 days of daily demand storage of 300,000 cum is created/planned

within the WTP premises, which shall be feed through these lakes.

Table-2.16: Water Requirement Break-Up for Proposed Township Project

Sr. Description Potable/Fresh Non-Potable Sewerage

No. Water Demand Water Demand Generation in
in MLD in MLD MLD
1 For Resident Population 34 17 42.5
2 For Floating Population 1 3 4
3 Proposed Industries 1 1 1
4 Green area/Open area/Road 0 10 3
Gutter Washing etc.

5 Port, Airport etc. 1 2 2

6 Hospitals/Medical Care etc. 2 2 3

7 Defense Area, Euro 3 5 5

Tourism, Utilities etc.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Sr. Description Potable/Fresh Non-Potable Sewerage

No. Water Demand Water Demand Generation in
in MLD in MLD MLD
8 Fire Demand 1% of Total 1 0 0
Water Demand (Round Off
to nearest whole number)
to be from Fresh Water

Total 43 40 60
The Sewerage generated shall be collected through a dedicated network of
sewerage collection network and conveyed to proposed Sewage Treatment Plant
for treatment and re-use for non-potable usages.

The most suitable technology for the sewage treatment is the MBR for following
reasons:

• MBR is an advanced technology having less foot.

• Due to the nature of project, a high quality of effluent is requiring for irrigation
non potable use for recycle.
• The water produced from MBR is for direct reuse. No tertiary treatment
requires.
• Due to absence of tertiary treatment there will be maximum recovery of
treated sewage (up 98%)
• MBR plants do not generate odor which is quite common with conventional
plants
• Modular Approach for provision of Electro – Mechanical units will reduce the
initial investment.
• Low sludge generation

The process diagram of waster water treatment is given below:

Figure-2.14: Wastewater treatment process

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

2.5.7 Power Requirement

The power requirement of the proposed township project including Port and
Airport is about 450 MW. The power requirement will be met from the proposed
Diesel and Gas based Power Plant located proximity to the Port for fuel linkages.

2.5.8 Manpower for Township Project

The proposed township project will be constructed by skilled and semi-skilled personal.
The details of manpower requirement for the construction and operation phase is
presented in Table-2.17.

Table-2.17: Details of Manpower Requirement for Township Construction

Sr. No. Description Persons

A Construction Phase
1 Permanent employment 5500
2 Temporary employment (indirect & construction workmen) 2200
Total 7700
Total no. of working days 365
Source: AECOM

2.6 Utilities

Various utilities are provided for the smooth and efficient functioning of the
township.

2.6.1 Centralised Raw Water Treatment Facility

Based on the potable water demand analysis, the total potable water demand for
ultimate phase shall be 42 MLD. Therefore, this plant shall be constructed to
produce the 42 MLD of treated water. There will be a treatment loss around 1 –
2% from the water treatment plant therefore the ultimate capacity of this plant
shall be 45 MLD (round off) to be developed in phases. Based on potable water
demand and additional 1 – 2% treatment losses, WTP of 45 MLD capacity is
proposed. A WTP comprising of two modules each of capacity 22.5 MLD (Total
treatment capacity – 45 MLD) is proposed considering phased construction. The
WTP will be based on Tube settlers, followed by rapid gravity sand filtration.

Inlet and outlet Parameters for WTP

The water source for the supply of raw water for the water treatment plant shall
be from surface run off collected in the proposed Reservoir. The raw water hall be
suitable for potable purpose after clarification, filtration and disinfection.
However, during the monsoon period there will be more turbidity in the raw
water. Therefore, this plant shall be designed for removal of turbidity and
carrying out the disinfection process. Treated Water The treated water quality
after treatment shall be as per as Acceptable Limit of IS 10500:2012.

C2-153
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

2.6.2 Treatment technology for the WTP

The raw water received from the reservoir shall bear the impurities like turbidity,
odour and presence of bacteria and due to these impurities, this raw water will
not be suitable for human consumption directly.

The conceptual approach of treatment shall include removal of coarse solids;

settleable and suspended particles, colloids, and organic matters and the
destruction of algae and other organisms. The water emanating after treatment
is safe for human consumption after treatment.

A conventional water treatment system shall be adopted for the treatment of raw
water. Coagulation, flocculation and clarification, followed by filtration, are the
main steps in conventional water treatment systems.

The salient unit processes adopted for this treatment plant here are as under: -

• Pre-Chlorination of Raw Water

• Coagulation with chemical addition in Flash Mixer.
• Flocculation and Settling to get clarified water in tube settler/ lamella clarifier
• Filtration in Rapid Gravity Filter.
• Post Chlorination for removal of organic matter/disinfection.
• Sludge Management
• Treated Water Tank
• The Plant shall be fully automated and operated through SCADA.

2.6.3 Fire Protection System

As a provision of fire fighting in a building, the potable water will first enter the
Fire water tank and subsequently overflow to domestic/potable water tank, if any
based-on demand management. There shall de dedicated fire tank with required
pumping for fire protection.
The fire hydrants are proposed on potable water network with three-way type fire
hydrants spaced at 30-50 m center to center with min 3.5 bar at the hydraulically
far end.

The fire protection network and services work will include the following major
components:

• Firefighting water storage reservoirs: Firefighting water reservoirs is to be

provided for storage of potable water for firefighting purposes

• Firefighting Pumping station: Pumping stations shall be provided adjacent to

the firefighting storage reservoir.
2.6.4 Safety Systems

Appropriate safety earthing systems for plant and equipment, lightning protection
systems for structures and installations are provided.

C2-154
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

2.7 Other Facilities within township area

2.7.1 Lightning Protection System

Adequate lightning protection facilities are provided as per the applicable Indian
codes of practice through the Development Control Regulations

2.7.2 Road and Site Drainage

Adequate circular and other roads are provided for smooth operation and
effective emergency response. The drainage network is designed to prevent water
accumulation in the plant area and to avoid mixing of plant effluent with storm
water.

2.7.3 Communication

It is set-up independent telephone exchange to cater to the requirement of the

township. Intercom network is served as the main communication link for internal
communication of the plants & township.

2.7.4 Centralized Solid Waste Management facility

With the planned land uses such as residential areas, industrial areas, commercial
spaces, public amenities, green and open spaces with a total design resident
population of about more than 3 lakh people, significant quantities of solid wastes
of different characteristics are likely to be generated from the Project area. The
solid waste likely to be generated will include domestic waste (general and
hazardous waste), street sweeping waste, green waste from landscaped areas,
industrial waste (hazardous and non-hazardous), biomedical waste, electronic
waste (E) and Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste.

Effective management of such significant quantities of waste is paramount to

avoid any issues related to public health and environment protection. A
comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan is being formulated to provide
state-of-the-art, cost-effective, sustainable solutions to the problems related to
solid waste. The Plan shall be developed keeping in consideration, the
international best practices in the field of solid waste management, suited to
Indian conditions and complying with the statutory requirements.

The waste management plan recommends solutions for waste collection and
transportation, storage, segregation, treatment and disposal, which are
advanced, futuristic and techno-economically feasible. Concepts of 3 Rs- reduce,
recycle and reuse form an integral part of the development principles. The Key
Performance Indicators for design basis and assess the effectiveness of the solid
waste management plan is as following:

• Source Segregation of waste streams, the fore most important

• 100% collection and transportation of solid waste

C2-155
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

• Clean roads/parks/open spaces with no sights of solid waste dumping and foul
odour.
• Maximize recycle of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste material.
• Target - Zero incident-accident due to waste mismanagement
• Achieve LEED points from waste management and Reduction of waste landfill
site
• Use of RFID tagged bins; GPS enabled vehicles and in totally an automated
system

The following section provides the strategy proposed for storage, collection and
transportation of Municipal Waste

Storage of Municipal Waste at Source: A source-segregated waste storage

system is recommended with bins being RFID tagged for residential areas,
commercial spaces, restaurants, hotels, office spaces, using different coloured
separate bins - separate for wet kitchen waste, Recyclable waste, inherit/ landfill
disposal waste etc. The waste bins will be required to be lined by biodegradable
plastic bags of defined configuration. Other household hazardous wastes such as
used Ni-Cd batteries, broken /fused light bulbs, tube lights, CFLs, old paints, oils,
lubricants, glue, detergents, expired medicines, baby diapers, sanitary waste etc,
will be stored separately in a black plastic bag and not mixed with other
household wastes. The coloured bags will be made available to the users on
chargeable basis from local grocery shop.

Collection and Transportation (C&T): The waste collection and transportation

(C&T) in Proposed township will be carried out as per the requirements of the
Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016.

Door to door collection of segregated bio-degradable wet and non-

biodegradable

Dry solid wastes on a daily basis at pre-informed timings from all residential and
non-residential premises using Electric closed body vehicles or compartmentalized
mini-tipper vehicles running on Electrical Energy, handcarts (local streets)
suitable for collection of segregated waste without necessitating deposition of
waste on the ground and multiple handling of waste is suggested. The minimum
capacity of these mini-tipper vehicles for door to door collection will be 1.75 cu. m
(0.5-0.7-ton capacity). The tipping height of the MT will be such that the waste
can also be dumped into another pickup such as a refuse compactor truck
hopper.

The garden waste from green plots will be stored separately which will be
collected separately on weekly basis. Wastes will be collected using small mini-
tipper vehicles which will transfer wastes to bigger waste collection vehicles with
higher waste carrying capacity. The locations/ points of waste transfer will be
defined locations “Waste Transfer Points (WTrPs)” identified at strategic points.
These WTrPs will have adequate space for temporary storage of waste, parking of
larger vehicles for waste transfer.

C2-156
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

At these WTrPs, four (4) coloured trolley bins of higher capacity (1100 litre or
higher, depending upon waste quantity generated in that area) will also be placed
at these WTrPs, to enable users dispose of the solid waste on their own, at a time
convenient to them or if they fail to avail the door-to collection service. The four
trolleys will include-

o Green trolley bin (wet kitchen waste, horticulture waste),

o Blue trolley bin (dry recyclables)
o Brown trolley bin (street sweeping) and
o Black trolley bin (for domestic hazardous/ empty chemicals containers etc/
domestic infectious waste)

Bio-degradable wastes from fruits and vegetable markets, meat and fish markets,
horticulture waste from parks and gardens, will be collected separately. Feasibility
of setting up small composting facilities or small Organic Waste Convertors (OWC)
within the market area will be ascertained during detailed design stage. During the
initial stages of construction, the kitchen waster forms the labour colonies will also
be treated through OWCs. Provision for total 10 number of OWCs each with a
capacity of 1 to 1.5 tons has been made. Similar approach will be adopted for
setting up in-situ processing facilities within the community parks and gardens to
process the green waste. Large private institutional premises, private residential
complexes will be motivated to process bio-degradable waste within their campus
to the extent it is feasible to do so. This will reduce the cost of collection and
transportation of such waste. However composting plant is proposed within the
proposed project.

Expected Waste Types and waste generating Sources

The solid waste generation would be mainly from following sectors:

Construction and Demolition waste: Waste generated during the construction

of buildings, infrastructure etc. and during demolition of any existing or
temporary structure comprising cement concrete, Bricks., Steel (from RCC
structure, cutting & bending), Stone (stone pitching, stone masonry etc.).
Approximately 2000 tons per day of construction waste might be generated
depending on the intensity of the construction.

Residential: Waste generation from residential colonies such as dairy products,

egg shells, fruit or vegetable peels, paper, inert material such as plastic, metal,
household hazardous waste like batteries Light bulbs, tube lights, CFLs, paints.

Commercial: Dry waste from commercial areas like shopping malls, Banks etc
comprising packaging material, food waste, plastic bottles, glass, metal scrap

Institutional: Solid waste such as paper, plastic, e-wastes, detergents, canteen

waste, cardboard from educational institutions, other similar facilities like schools
and colleges.

C2-157
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Biomedical waste: Biomedical waste, general non-hazardous waste, municipal

waste from hospitals

Industrial Waste: Hazardous and non-hazardous industrial solid waste such as

solvents, used oils, Sludge, discarded containers/barrels/liners contaminated with
hazardous wastes/chemicals, packaging material, paper cardboard etc.

Street sweeping and garden waste including sewage sludge: Small amount
of waste would be generated from street and road sweepings and garden waste.

E-waste: Some electronic waste will also be generated during the operation of
the scheme from institutional areas, administrative areas and domestic
household.

Waste quantification

The waste quantification is based on Solid Waste Manual 2020 by The Central
Public Health & Environmental Engineering Organization (CPHEEO) and National
Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) reports/ conducted studies
on waste generation and management for Indian Metro cities.

Quantity and characteristics are two major factors, which are considered as the
basis for the planning /design of an efficient, cost effective and environmentally
compatible waste disposal system. The basis of solid waste generation will be
based on figures in Table-2.18 below:

Table-2.18: Basis of Solid waste generation from different sectors

Sr. No. Source of Waste CPHEEO / NEERI Unit

1 Residential 0.5 Kgpcd
2 Commercial 0.2 Kgpcd
3 Institutional 0.2 Kgpcd
4 Hospital 0.5 Kg/bed/day
5 STP Sludge 300 Kg/MLD
6 Industrial WW 300 Kg/ha/day

The percentage composition of the MSW expected to be generated as are follows:

Table 2.19: Percentage composition of the MSW

Waste composition Percentage breakup assumed*

Bio-degradable 55%
Recyclables 30%
Inert Waste 15%

With the above the Municipal solid waste shall be about 200 MT per day. Whereas
the biomedical waste shall be 2.5-3 MT. There shall be about 7-8 MT of Industrial
waste, which shall be quantified based on industries.

C2-158
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Total quantity of the waste generated by the GNI development is given in Table-
2.20 below:

Table-2.20: Waste generation quantities

Sr. Type Quantity (TPD)

No
1 Municipal Solid Waste 200
2 Biomedical Waste 3
3 Industrial Waste 8
4 STP Sludge 15-18
5 Construction & Demolition waste 2000

Industrial Solid Waste (MSW) Management

As mentioned above, industrial units shall be generating both hazardous and non-
hazardous solid waste. Non-hazardous industrial wastes shall be recycled and
reused as far as possible and the rest shall be handled and managed like
municipal waste. The hazardous industrial waste shall be handled as per
Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules,
2016, MoEF (Chapter 2 of said Rules). Before sending the hazardous waste for
treatment at IWMF, it shall be the responsibility of every industrial unit to:

• Obtain an authorization from State Pollution Control Board for hazardous

waste generation and handling.
• Properly handle and store hazardous waste (as per section 7, Hazardous
Waste Rules 2008)
• Carry out comprehensive waste characterization,
• Segregate hazardous and non-hazardous waste
• Carry out appropriate labelling of all waste containers and storage aspects,
(Chapter 6, section 19 Hazardous Waste Rules 2008)

Storage of Industrial Waste:

Industrial hazardous waste shall be packaged and labelled based on composition

in a manner suitable for handling, storage and transport as per the guidelines
issued by CPCB and Chapter VI of Hazardous Waste Rules, 2008. Industries shall
maintain a record of waste stored within their premises.

Collection and Transportation of Industrial Waste:

• The industry owner shall be responsible for safe and environmentally sound
handling of hazardous wastes generated in his establishment. Collection of
hazardous waste shall be done by trained staff only while using appropriate
protective clothing.
• The transport shall be in accordance with the provision of Hazardous Waste
Rules, 2008 and Motor Vehicle Act 1988 and thereafter amended up to date.
• The occupier shall provide the transporter relevant information as prescribed
in the Form 11 of the said Rules. The occupier shall also implement the
C2-159
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Manifest System (Movement Document) as specified in Section 21 of

Hazardous Waste Management Rules, 2008.

Other Waste and their Management

Green Waste: Green waste collected from landscaped areas will be shredded
and processed using a biological treatment technology such as OWC and
Biomethanation to produce compost/ manure. Green waste collected from
landscaped areas will be either disposed in-situ by using portable organic waste
composter machines or pit composting within the community parks and gardens.
The manure/ compost generated will be used within the parks and thus will also
reduce the cost of transportation of waste and bringing in compost. During
autumn season, the additional green waste generated may be sent to the
proposed Biomethanation Plant to produce compost/ manure.

Biomedical Waste: Individual hospitals shall install in-situ treatment facilities

such as autoclaves/ microwaves/incinerator based on the number of patient beds.

Processing and Disposal Biomedical waste

The processing and disposal of biomedical infectious waste will be the

responsibility of individual health care units and will be done as per the
requirements of the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules,2016, Schedule I of
the rules which gives categories of biomedical wastes and their segregation,
collection, treatment, processing and disposal options. Disposal by deep burial will
not be permitted. Standards for the treatment technologies as given in Schedule
II of the Rules 2016 will be complied with.

Sludge: The bio-sludges from the wastewater treatment plants have Volatile
Suspended Solids (VSS) content in the range of 60 % to 70% of the total sludge
(dry basis). Such sludge types are disposed-off after thickening and dewatering.
Sludge treatment schemes which might be used include gravity thickeners,
centrifuge for dewatering, etc.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)/ E-waste: E-waste

comprises of wastes generated from used electronic devices and household
appliances, which are not fit for their original intended use and are destined for
recovery, recycling or disposal. Such wastes encompass a wide range of electrical
and electronic devices such as computers, hand held cellular phones, personal
stereos, including large household appliances such as refrigerators, and air
conditioners. E-wastes are considered dangerous, as certain components of some
electronic products contain materials that are hazardous, depending on their
condition and density. Some of the components of e-waste contain materials such
as lead, cadmium, mercury, and polychlorinated bi-phenyls (PCBs), which are
hazardous in nature.

Management of e-waste: Collection, storage, transportation, segregation,

recycling and disposal of e-waste shall be done in accordance with the
requirements of e-waste (Handling and Management) Rules, 2016 and procedures

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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

prescribed in the guidelines published by CPCB from time to time. All the
consumers and bulk consumers shall channelize the generated e-waste through
authorized collection center(s) or registered dismantler(s) or recycled or will be
returned to the pick up or take back services provided by the producers and will
maintain records of e waste generated by them in Form 2 (prescribed by CPCB),
and make these records available for scrutiny by State Pollution Control Board
(SPCB) or the Pollution Control Committee (PCC) concerned.

Considering the characteristics and quantities of the waste generated from the
project area, technologies like OWC, Biomethanation, & Incineration, for
waste treatment and disposal are considered to be most appropriate and have
been analysed in detail in the subsections below.

Waste Incineration

Incineration is the process of burning waste materials at high temperatures in the

range of > 850oC- 1300oC, at which a wide range of highly contaminated wastes
get destroyed and the volume of solid wastes to be disposed is reduced by an
average of 90%. Incineration is a type of furnace designed for burning waste
materials (solid, liquid, hazardous) in a combustion chamber. Incineration
significantly reduces the volume of waste to be landfilled. Current technology of
incinerators is designed with scrubber, advanced leachate collection and
treatment measures.

Solid waste incineration is a highly complex technology, which involves large

investments and high operating costs. Income from sale of energy makes an
important (and necessary) contribution to the total plant economy, and,
consequently, the energy market plays an important role in deciding whether to
establish a plant

Several advantages of incinerators include the following:

• Volume reduction: Reduces the volume of solid wastes to be disposed of by an

average of 90%; Weight of the solid wastes is reduced by 90%, thereby
reducing load on landfills.
• Stabilisation of waste: Incinerator output (i.e., ash) is considerably more inert
than incinerator input (i.e., solid wastes), mainly due to the oxidation of
organic compounds.
• Recovery of energy from waste: Energy recovered from burning the wastes
may be used to generate steam for use in onsite electricity generation.

Several types of incineration technologies are available, and the most widely used
is mass burning incineration—with a movable grate or rotary kilns. Figure-2.13
presents a simplified diagram to describe the incineration process.

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Figure-2.13: Simplified diagram to understand incineration process

Simplified Process Brief: The Waste is tipped into a holding area (1) where it is
picked up by grabs/ EOT cranes and dropped into a hopper (2). The waste is
pushed gradually into the incinerator/ furnace (3) which runs at
a temperature above 850 °C. Heat from the burning waste is used in a boiler (4)
and steam from this is piped to a turbine generator to create electricity. The
heavy ash falls into a collection point (5) and is passed over with an
electromagnet to extract metal content for recycling. Flue gases containing fine
ash then pass through a scrubber reactor (6) to treat acid pollutants such as
SO2 and also dioxins. The gases then pass through a fine particulate removal
system (7) and are released through the chimney stack (8). A 30 TPD incinerator
is proposed to be installed for GNI development.

Biomethanation

Bio-methanation is the anaerobic digestion of biodegradable organic waste in an

enclosed space under controlled conditions of temperature, moisture, pH, etc. It
is a human engineered decomposing system wherein - depending on the waste
characteristics - the waste mass undergoes decomposition thereby generating
biogas comprising mainly of methane and carbon dioxide. Methane can be
cleansed and piped and used for cooking, heating and power generation. Bio-
methanation plants require a consistent source of well segregated biodegradable
organic matter, mostly free from inert material. Hence, voluminous putrescible
waste from fruit and vegetable markets, hotels and restaurants, horticulture
waste from landscaped areas etc. can be effectively processed in such facilities.
The advantages of Bio-methanation Process are:

• Energy generation.
• Reduction in land requirement for MSW disposal.

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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

• Reduction of environmental impacts from landfilling by avoiding contamination

of land and water sources from leachate.
• Biomethanation of biodegradable organic material would ultimately result in
stabilized sludge which can be used as a soil conditioner.

Figure-2.14: Typical Biomethanation plant showing various sections

Landfill

There will not be any municipal landfill for GNI development. However, small
landfill will be engineered to take care of rejects from treatment processes like
Bio-methanation rejects, incinerator ash and industrial waste; etc. The landfill will
have several cells and only individual cell will be operated at any point of time.
Once the cell is filled up, it will be caped. The landfill will be suitably lying to
ensure that no latchet percolates down to ground or the surface water. The
facilities at the landfill include leachate collection and treatment system, storm
water management system avoiding ground and surface water pollution.

Typically, following infrastructure facilities are developed within a landfill:

• Access roads;
• Equipment shelters;
• Weighing scales;
• Office space;
• Location of waste inspection and transfer station (if used);
• Temporary waste storage and/or disposal sites for special wastes;
• Areas to be used for waste processing (e.g. shredding);

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

• Demarcation of the Landfill areas and areas for stockpiling cover material and
liner material;
• Drainage facilities;
• Location of leachate treatment facilities;
• Location of monitoring wells and
• Tyre cleaning unit
The standard design requirements for landfill are provided in Table below.

Table-2.21: Standard design requirement for landfill design

Landfill Requirement Reference

Component
Bottom Liner / A 90 cm thick compacted clay or amended soil (amended MSW Rules,
Composite with bentonite) of permeability not greater than 1X10-7 2016
Liner cm/sec.

A HDPE geo-membrane liner of thickness 1.5mm

A drainage layer of 300 mm thick granular material of

permeability not greater than 1X10-2 cm/sec.
Final Cover Vegetative layer of 450 mm thick with good vegetation MSW Rules,
supporting soil 2016

Barrier layer of 600 mm thick clay/amended soil with

permeability 1 X 10-7cm/sec

Gas venting layer of 450mm thick granular material with

permeability 1 X 10-2cm/sec
Base slope 2% CPHEEO Manual
Cover Slope Not steeper than 1:4 (for the above -ground portion of CPHEEO Manual
the landfill)

Processing and Disposal Industrial Waste

The industrial units planned in project area will be generating hazardous and non-
hazardous wastes. The non-hazardous industrial wastes will be recycled and
reused as far as possible and will be handled and managed like municipal waste.

The hazardous industrial waste will be handled as per Hazardous Wastes

(Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. The
hazardous waste will be treated and disposed of to the designated Hazardous land
fill site. Design standards for hazardous waste landfills in addition to above will
require:

• Double liner
• Double leachate collection and removal systems
• Leak detection system
• Run on, runoff, and wind dispersal controls
• Construction quality assurance program
Operators must also comply with inspection, monitoring, and release response
requirements. Since landfills are permanent disposal sites and are closed with
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

waste in place, they are subject to closure and post-closure care requirements
including:

• Installing and maintaining a final cover

• Continuing operation of the leachate collection and removal system until

leachate is no longer detected

• Maintaining and monitoring the leak detection system

• Maintaining ground water monitoring

• Preventing storm water run on and runoff

• Installing and protecting surveyed benchmarks

2.7.5 Sewage treatment facilities

Objective of Sewage Treatment

Sewage treatment is the process that removes the majority of the contaminants
from domestic wastewater or sewage and produces treated water suitable for Re-
use for non-potable usages, disposal to the natural environment. Domestic
wastewater contains both solid and dissolved pollutants including fecal matter,
paper, urine, sanitary items, food residues and a variety of other contaminants.

There will be 3 STPs, one with the capacity of 34 MLD, and other two with the
capcity of 16 MLD are proposed.
Brief Note on Treatment Scheme

The treatment scheme proposed is split into three distinct parts:

Pre-treatment: this comprises of screening, Grit Removal.

Biological treatment: this is comprised of removal of organic (biodegradable)

pollutants.

Sludge Handling: this comprising the thickening, Dewatering and dispose of

biological sludge produce in biological treatment.

Characteristic of Raw Sewage

The Raw domestic sewage generated due to residential, commercial and other
activities shall have the following characteristics.

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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

Table-2.22: Characteristics of Raw Sewage (Ref: Normal Municipal Domestic

Sewage parameters in India)

Sr.No. Parameters of Raw Sewage Values Unit

1 BOD5 250 - 300 Mg/l
2 COD 500 - 600 Mg/l
3 Suspended Solids 300 - 350 Mg/l
4 pH 6.5 – 8.5
5 Total alkalinity as CaCO3 300 - 400 Mg/l
6 Chlorides 250 - 300 Mg/l
7 Sulphate 100 - 150 Mg/l
8 Total Kjeldahl nitrogen 45 -50 Mg/l
9 Ammonical Nitrogen 35 - 40 Mg/l
10 Total Phosphorus 5–7 Mg/l
11 Temperature 15 – 35 0
C

Treated Water Characteristics

The treatment plant shall be designed to treat the sewage as per the following
standards to make it suitable to recycling of treated water after filtration. The
parameter shall be guaranteed in as follows:

Table-2.23: Characteristics of Treated Sewage (Recycled water standard) (Ref:

CPCB/ USEPA standards)

Sr.No. Parameters of treated Sewage • Values • Unit

1 BOD5 <5 Mg/l

2 COD <30 Mg/l

3 TSS <1 Mg/l
4 TKN <5 Mg/l
5 Ammoniacal Nitrogen <2 Mg/l
6 Total Nitrogen <10 Mg/l
7 Total Phosphorus <1 Mg/l
8 pH 6.5 – 8.5 Mg/l
9 Turbidity <1 NTU
10 Bacteria Removal 5 Logs
11 Virus Removal 6 logs

Selection of Technology for Sewage Treatment plant

The most suitable technology for the sewage treatment is the Membrane Bio
Reactor (MBR) for following reasons

• MBR is an advanced technology having less foot.

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(C)
Project Description-Township

• Due to the nature of project, a high quality of effluent is requiring for non
potable use for recycle.
• The water produced from MBR is for direct reuse. No tertiary treatment
requires.
• Due to absence of tertiary treatment there will be maximum recovery of
treated sewage (up 98%)
• MBR plants do not generate odor which is quite common with conventional
plants
• Modular Approach for provision of Electro – Mechanical units will reduce the
initial investment.
• Low sludge generation

Figure-2.15: Sewage Treatment Plant

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION-POWER PLANT

The Proposed Power plant shall be combination of Diesel and Gas based.

Diesel Gensets shall be used in initial phase of development and shall be about
15% of the total Demand of 450 MVA. About 10% is planned through stand alone
solar panels. Balance shall be gas based. Details are as further:

Table-2.1: Power generation sources

Type and % Capacity Area
LNG based (75%) 337 MVA
39 ha
DG Set Power (15%) 68 MVA
Solar Power (10%) 45 MVA Stand-alone street lights and roof top
Source: AECOM

2.1 Need for the Project

Electric power is necessary for operation of the port, airport, and township.
Without power, there will be no Greenfield city at Great Nicobar Island. While the
port and airport are catalytical infrastructure facilities to the extent that they will
generate and economic growth, the power plant is an enabling and supporting
infrastructure facility that the city and the economy need in order to grow and
prosper.

Power or electricity is the most convenient and versatile form of energy. All forms
of economic activity, whether it be agriculture, industry or services rely upon the
uninterrupted power supply, as well as it is the most crucial source of supplying
domestic energy requirement. Diesel Generating (DG) sets are the major source
of energy in this Union Territory of A&NI at present.

The primary objective of the power infrastructure design is to provide good

quality, reliable electrical energy without interruptions. System design ensures
the continuity of power supply in the event of outage of any one primary
component of the system. Design of network is in tune with the phasing
strategies of the overall master plan.

For the proposed development at GNI such as industrial, residential and

commercial buildings, mobility, public built spaces and other urban arrangements,
the network of energy provision is basic requirement of these development. Thus,
good quality electricity is pre-requisite for better quality of living, and overall
development of GNI.

An uninterrupted energy supply will be a key component in increasing the GDP of

any cities or island. Handling this urban evolution is a challenge and we need to
address the energy and climate implications it will entail. With power
infrastructure being vastly complex and intense as the channelling of supply goes
through various cities, island, towns and villages it now has become paramount to
have technology interference to conventional system. Business and the economy
in digital era depend upon reliable and quality power supply.
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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

2.2 Location of the Project

The project site is in close proximity of the Port Location in Great Nicobar Islands.
The project site is located adjacent to the proposed International Container
Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) port.

2.2.1 Layout of the Proposed Project

The location of power plant shown in Figure 2.1 and general layout plan of the
proposed power plant is shown in Figure-2.2.

Planned layout has been developed in order to accommodate the plant facilities
within the proposed 39 Hectare of land parcel. The land faces river in one
direction.

The Main Powerhouse is expanding from North to South. Switch yard is located -
North to the Plant. Constraints of General layout plan are listed below:

• Topography of site is irregular and undulating.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

Figure-2.1: Location of Power Plant

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

Figure-2.2: Layout Plan of The Proposed Power Plant

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

2.3 Magnitude of Operation

The salient features of the power plant are given in Table-2.2.

Table-2.2: Salient Features of Proposed Power Project

Sr. No. Particulars Details
1 Capacity of the Plant Greenfield project :337 MVA (LNG based Fuel Power Project);
68 MVA Diesel based (Integrated facility)
2 Total area of the plant 39 Acres
3 Location of the Plant The project site is located adjacent to ICTT port, Great Nicobar
Islands.
4 Fuel Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG); HSD
A Source of Fuel HSD from IOC/PSU Oil Marketing Company
A Fuel Transportation LNG through pipeline
5 Cooling System Air Cooled System
6 Wastewater ETP
Treatment
7 Fire Fighting System Adequate fire fighting systems as per Tariff Advisory Committee
(TAC) and OISD guidelines will be provided.

Fire water tank of 2 No. with 700 m3 effective capacity each (MS
Construction)
8 Noise Levels Equipments are designed to conform to prescribed noise levels
[<85 dB(A)] at a distance of 1.86 m from the said equipment
9 Cost of the Project Approx. Rs. 3500 crores
Source: Pre-Feasibility Report

2.4 Proposed Schedule and Approval for Implementation

The project development activities are proposed to commence at the site in the
year 2022 -23 and the port is expected to be commissioned by the year 2027 -
28. This includes the time required for statutory approvals and financial closure.
Therefore, initial phase shall be based on Diesel.
I.C.R.Z issue

The proposed greenfield power project with respect to ICRZ plan (Enlarged map)
prepared by NCSCM in 1.25000 scale is shown in Figure-2.3.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

Figure-2.2: ICRZ Map (enlarged from 1:25000 scale map) for the Proposed Power
Plant

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

2.5 Project Description & Process Details

M/s. ANIIDCO proposes to construct Diesel & LNG based Power Project of capacity
68 MVA Diesel; 337 MVA gas based at, Great Nicobar Islands.

The diesel power plant shall have more than two generators that operate in
parallel. For the parallel operation, the generators are electrically connected in
synchronization (matching voltage, frequency and phase). A diesel power
generator uses the combination of a diesel engine and an electric generator for
the generation of electricity. In the project proposed diesel generators are
generally used at the initial stage of construction & operational period and in
cases of emergency when the power supply from the grid is unavailable and
where continuous power supply is important. A diesel generator set will be
enclosed in a sound attenuated enclosure along with the control circuits and
circuit breakers.

The generating set shall be complete with diesel engine conforming to BS:
649/1958, alternator control panel, instruments, control cables and all other
accessories and batteries. The equipment shall have tropical fungicidal and saline
atmosphere treatment as per BS: CP: 1014-1963 (protection of Electrical
Equipment against climatic conditions).

Daily service fuel tank suitable for 990 ltr. Capacity shall be provided complete
with stand, level gauge, fuel piping for supply/return, vent, filling cover drain
plug, valves etc. The logic shall be set by vendor of synchronization panel / 11kV
panel for auto change over between Grid supply & mains supply.

Table-2.3 : DG Data Sheet

Sr. No. Component Characteristics
1 DG Model 3100 PH /C3500D5e
2 Capacity 3000/3350KVA Prime Power
3 Speed 1500 RPM
4 Power Factor 0.8
Deration (Ambient No deration with the 50° C design temp & base of
5
Temperature) cooling tower system
6 Fuel Consumption ISO Condition Site Condition
100% 569 LPH/As per OEM 569 LPH/ As per OEM
75% 425 LPH/ As per OEM 425 LPH/ As per OEM
7 Lube Oil Capacity 390 Litres / As per OEM
8 Lube Oil Consumption Max. 0.1% of Fuel Consumption
9 Efficiency 95% @ 415V & 96% @ 11kV
10 Size (Open DG Set)
Length 7500-7900 mm (approx.)
Width 2000-3000 mm (approx.)
Height 2700-3700 mm (approx.)
DG Weight Approx. 25000 -30000 kgs
11 Fuel Tank Capacity 990 Litres
12 Battery Sizing 8 Nos 200 Ah, 12 V Battery Lead Acid Batteries
Interval of every 500 Hours or 6 months for change of
13 Service Schedule (hours) filters and lube oil, 2000 hours or 2 year for change of
air filter.
14 Flow Rate (LPM) 1400 LPM

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

The engine shall be electric starting with 24V starter motor and 24volt heavy duty
lead acid battery of required ampere hour (Ah) with adequate battery leads. For
transmission of vibration and structure borne noise is minimized by having the
DG set mounted on to the foundation through resilient mountings to the pipes
and steel structures and with anti-pad locks.

2.5.1 Synchronization of DG sets through synchronization Panel

The System shall be monitored through SCADA; hence the system shall be
designed to provide following salient features for DG sets:

a) Auto Mains Failure (AMF) or Load management (mains available)

b) Electrical parameter monitoring

c) Auto synchronization

d) Auto load sharing

e) Load management (when main is not available)

f) Protection

2.5.2 DG Exhaust Stack

• Diameter - 10 – 20 Inch

• Height - Minimum 30 Mtr.

• Temperature - Surface temperature of the exhaust piping

does not exceed 60 degree centigrade

• Velocity - Exhaust velocity of typical 35 to 40 m/sec is

often suitable but depends on actual pipe
configuration (For 2.25MVA is 33.05 m/sec.)

Gas Based Power Plant: Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has an increasingly role in
the global natural gas market. Natural gas is a relatively clean energy source,
which produces much less pollution than coal or oil. During liquefaction process
the natural gas volume is reduced by the ratio of 1/600. Through this volume
reduction liquefied natural gas can be transported by ships and stored in storage
tanks. In the next step the LNG is pumped to required pressure and transformed
into vapor phase. Vaporized natural gas is transferred into pipeline system. A
high efficiency, natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant might consume
about 7000 BTUS of gas to produce one kilowatt-hour of electricity. Therefore, it
would therefore take about 7000 cubic feet of gas to produce one megawatt-
hour.

The common facilities such as the important utilities and auxiliary services for
plant operation would include the following:

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

a. Adequate quality of source.

b. Cooling air for removing the excessive heat from the gases.
c. De-mineralized (DM) water for steam generation for boiler.
d. Effluent treatment plant.
e. Centralized control room and sub-station.
f. Storage tanks for liquid fuel.
g. LNG receiving and metering station etc.

The two / three level steam turbine shall be accompanied with suitable control
system on the inlet pressure of steam to take care of the variation in load and
frequency of the power generator.

The gas turbine will be equipped with a suitable gas burner system with low
emission of the oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide to conform to permissible
norms. The air for combustion shall be supplied by a suitable intake fan and
turbine exhaust gas. The plant shall be operated from centralized control room
through suitable DCS / PCS system under a professional supervision on data
acquisition, energy management and monitoring system to ensure high efficiency
and reliable operation of the power plant.

For LNG Gas based power plant proposed scheme of generation with gas and
steam is describe below:

Combined Cycle Power (CCPP) performance based on 3 nos. generating units, in

each unit include 2 unit of Gas Turbine + 2 unit of Heat recovery steam generator
+ Steam turbine.

Following are the Nominal performance details of each Turbine Unit:

Proposed Configuration : 2 GT-800 + 2 HRSG + 1 ST

Net Power : 110 - 130 MW (approx.)
Net Electrical Efficiency : 50 - 55%
Net Electrical Heat Rate : 6500 - 7000 kJ/kWh

The above performances are considering following inputs confirmed from your
side:

Design Ambient Temperature :40 degree C

Design Relative Humidity :80% RH
Design Site Elevation :45 m from masl
Fuel :Natural gas with GCV 52000 BTU/kg
(LHV 46,800 BTU/kg)
Cooling System : Air Cooled Condenser

A typical P&ID Diagram of Gas turbine and steam turbine are described in below
figure:2.4

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

Figure-2.4: Typical P&ID Diagram of Gas turbine and steam turbine

2.5.3 Air Cooling System

The engine is cooled by Air cooled system and the voices of society are
increasingly calling for a balance between energy supply and environmental
protection. Unlike the water-cooled LNG plants commonly used in the past, air-
cooled LNG plants produce LNG without causing changes in the surrounding
marine environment, providing one effective solution to meet global expectations.

The performance of gas turbine-based power plants decreases significantly as

ambient temperature increases, hence to mitigate the same air cooled system
shall be used. The system consists of two organic Rankine cycles in series and a
mechanical vapor compression chiller. A simulation-based optimization method is
developed to optimize its design parameters for maximizing the power plant
performance. Furthermore, for similar ambient temperatures, the power plant
with the air cooling produces higher power output than that without inlet air
cooling. Importantly, the cooling system improves the plant power output.

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Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

2.6 Raw Material Requirement

2.6.1 Fuel Source

Diesel shall be meet through IOCl/PSU oil Marketing Companies and LNG required
for 337 MVA LNG based Power Project is proposed to be met from gas supply
infrastructure for the proposed integrated development projects at Great Nicobar
Islands. The gas specification for proposed power plant is presented in Table-
2.4.

Table-2.4: Gas Specifications for Proposed Power Plant

(i) Gross Calorific Value - 51500 – 52000 BTU/kg

(ii) Molecular Weight - 16.0 approx
(iii) Melting point @1 atm - -296°F
(iv) Boiling point @1 atm - -161°C
(v) Auto Ignition Temperature - 537.20°C
(vi) Expansion Ratio for liquid - 1 to 600 At boiling point
(vii) Liquid Density - 426kg/m³
(viii) Appearance - Color less

Source: AECOM

The tentative details of raw material requirement for Township, port, airport and
power plant is given in Chapter 2C (2.3.1).

2.7 Infrastructure Facilities for Proposed Power Project

2.7.1 Land Requirement

The proposed site is located next to proposed ICTT terminal in, Great Nicobar
Islands which is about 39 acres.

2.7.2 Manpower

The manpower requirement for the operational phase of the power plant shall be
about 150-200 persons. However, during Construction of each phase Labor shall
be around 300-350 souls. Skilled (Blue Color): 20-30 souls (Vary time to time)
Semiskilled: 150 souls (Vary time to time depending on Erection)

2.8 Sources of Pollution

The various types of pollution from the proposed power plant are categorized
under the following types:

• Air pollution;
• Water pollution;
• Solid waste; and
• Noise pollution.

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Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

The major type of pollution from the power plant is gaseous emissions. In
addition, wastewater and solid waste will also be generated. The quantities and
the composition of the gaseous, liquid and solid waste that are likely to be
generated in the plant will be managed and treated such that their final disposal
into the environment meets all the statutory requirements and thus the
environmental impacts are minimized.

2.8.1 Air Emissions

Gas based power plants are considered relatively cleaner and Oxides of Nitrogen
(NOx) are the only major gaseous pollutant emanating from it. The NOx
emissions from the units shall be controlled by adopting suitable technology and
suitable pollution control equipment. The NOx emissions shall be limited as
prescribed by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC).

The stack will have provisions for monitoring of gaseous pollutants such as NOx
in stack emissions. Provision shall also be kept for continuous monitoring of
Oxides of Nitrogen and other gaseous emissions. To facilitate wider dispersal of
emissions, project shall be provided with a steel stack of 30 m height. The stack
would be provided with personal access for regular monitoring of stack emissions.

For diesel also the fuel would be less Sulphur and much cleaner. Stack shall be
provided as cited above herein the emissions shall be limited within the standards
prescribed by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC)
Notification.

2.8.2 Liquid Waste Generation

The proposed LNG based Power Project is based on gas engine and steam engine
electric technology, LNG create steam and that steam will used in Steam turbine
for power generation.

However, through Air cooled systems the effluent management scheme would
essentially involve collection, treatment and recirculation/ disposal of various
effluents mainly from human and balance of plant. Adequate treatment facilities
would be provided to all the waste streams emanating from the power plant.
Once the integrated treatment system is in place, all the sewage will be conveyed
to the main system through underground pipes. This would include physico-
chemical and biological treatment for other effluents conforming to the standards
prescribed under Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.

Efficient operation of treatment plants would be ensured so that the quality of

effluents conforms to the relevant standards prescribed by the Regulatory
Agencies.

Treated Waste Water shall be recycled & re-used for non-potable usages and
plantation. Adequate storm drains will be constructed along the boundary of the
plant area and within the plant area to drain off the storm water during monsoon
period.

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Chapter-2(D)
Project Description- Power Plant

2.8.3 Solid Waste Generation in Power Plant

Domestic Solid Waste Management

The domestic solid waste to be generated from domestic and plant facilities will
be disposed as per Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Through the integrated
solid water management facility proposed for the GNI development. (Refer
Chapter 2C (2.7.4), township for details)

2.8.4 Noise Pollution

The noise levels expected from various noise generating sources in the proposed
plant are given in Table-2.5.

Table-2.5: Source Noise Levels in the Proposed Plant

Sr. No. Unit Expected Noise Level dB(A) [1.86m away]

1 Gas Engine units >=85
2 Air compressors >=85

 Noise Control

Acoustic enclosures will be provided wherever required to control the noise level
below 85 dB(A). Anywhere not possible technically to meet the required noise
levels, personal protection equipment will be provided to the workers.

2.9 Infrastructure for Labours/Drivers

The basic amenities for the labour force during construction and operation phase
are proposed. The facilities comprise of the following;

• Separate shelters will be provided for male and female labours/drivers for
resting;
• Separate wash rooms (sanitary facilities) will be provided for male and female
labours;
• The contractors will be directed to provide fuel to labours for cooking;
• The first aid facilities will be made available; and
• Drinking water will be provided.

Beside above provisions, measures and facilities will be provided for labour force
as per Factory Act.

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CHAPTER 3
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Chapter-3
Desription of Environment

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

This chapter illustrates the description of the existing environmental status of the
study area with reference to the prominent environmental attributes. As part of the
study, description of biological environment and human environment such as
environmental settings, demography & socio-economics, land-use/ land cover,
ecology & biodiversity have been carried out for entire study area. However, as a
universally accepted methodology of EIA studies, physical environmental attributes
such as ambient air quality, water quality, soil quality, noise levels, physiography,
hydrology, ecology have been studied at selective locations representing various
land uses such as industrial, rural/ residential, commercial and sensitive locations
including the densely populated areas, agricultural lands, forest lands and other
ecologically sensitive areas.

A regional background to the baseline data is being presented at the very outset,
which will help in better appreciation of micro-level field data generated on several
environmental and ecological attributes of the study.

Environmental baseline studies were conducted during winter season (1st December
2020 to 28th February 2021). The baseline environmental study also helps to
identify the critical environmental attributes, which are required to be monitored
after implementation of the project. It is to be noted that entire GNI has been
considered as a general study area.

This baseline reports illustrates the status of the study area with reference to the
prominent environmental attributes such as geology hydrogeology, land use, soil
characteristics, meteorology, ambient air quality, water quality, noise levels, ecology
(aquatic and terrestrial) and demography and socio economics.

3.1 Geology, Geomorphology and Geotectonics

Marine Sedimentary formations (Mithakhari & Flysch) comprising fine grained

sandstone, siltsone, shale, conglomerate; Ignoeo-us ophiolite suite comprising Acid-
& Intermediate lava, Pillow basalt, Ultramafic. The generalized geological succession
is given in Table-3.1

Table-3.1: Generalized Geological Succession of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Age Group Formation

Recent to sub-Recent Quaternary Holocene Group Beach sands, Alluvium, Coral
rags and Shell limestone, loosely
consolidated pebble beds
Unconformity
Pleistocene to Late Nicobar Group Abbeville Shell limestone,
Pliocene Nicobar Marl; Sandstone,
Claystone, etc.
Miocene Archipelago Group (Upper) White claystone, Melville
Limestone
Unconformity

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Age Group Formation

Oligocene to Andaman Flysh, Mithakhari Thinly bedded alternations of
Paleocene Group Sandstones and siltstones, grit,
conglomerate, Limestones, black
Shales with olistoliths.
Unconformity
Late Cretaceous Ophiolite Group Dyke swarms, acidic suite, Pillow
lava with radiolarian chert and
ultramafic suite.
Source: CGWB Report A&N Islands

3.1.1 Geomorphology

Geomorphology of various islands in the district is highly varied. At places small to

moderately high hills flanked by narrow coast could be seen as in case of Great
Nicobar, Little Nicobar, Kamorta, Katchal, Teressa, Bampooka, Nancowry,
Tillonchang islands where as small low lying to flat islands like Kondul, Pillow
millow, Chowra etc. are also available in the district. Irrespective of the size of the
islands, luxuriant coral growthoccur encircling the islands. Rugged topography,
steep slope, low infiltration capacity and close proximity of hill to sea disallow
creation of potential groundwater reservoirs in many of the islands except the
Coralline (atoll) Islands like Car Nicobar which are endowed by bonanza of
groundwater resources due to highly porous and permeable limestone underlying
the island. Typical geomorphologic setup of the island is responsible for absence of
fresh ground water lens developed in the island.

3.1.2 Drainage

Nicobar district is endowed with stupendous rainfall. Facilitated by the flow from
perennial springs as also the base flow and rainfall, perennial flow throughout the
year could be observed in the streams. In Great Nicobar, Kamorta, Nancowry,
Trinket, Tillonchong, Teressa, Bampooka, Katchal, Little Nicobar, Pilllomillo, Kondul
etc. drainage density is high, while in Car Nicobar, Chowra Islands drainage system
is either absent or poor. However, potential springs are developed in Carnicobar
because of cavernous condition in Limestone. At places copious emanation from
springs also give rise to potential drainage in Car Nicobar. Because of relatively less
areal extent and paucity of catchments in the islands of Nicobar, river systems are
almost absent barring the Galathea, Amrit Kaur, Alexandria rivers in Great Nicobar.
However, a few perennial streams such as Magar Nala in Great Nicobar and
numerous other streams in other islands drain the Nicobar district. All the nalas
meet the sea in Bays through creeks. The general drainage pattern of the islands
varies from dendritic to sub-dendritic. Land subsidence in the Post-tsunami have
greatly influenced the tidal ingress along the streams of Nicobar District.

3.1.3 Geotechtonics

Nicobar district is endowed with stupendous rainfall. Facilitated by the flow from
perennial springs as also the base flow and rainfall, perennial flow throughout the
year could be observed in the streams. In Great Nicobar, Kamorta, Nancowry,

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Trinket, Tillonchong, Teressa, Bampooka, Katchal, Little Nicobar, Pilllomillo, Kondul

etc. drainage density is high, while in Car Nicobar, Chowra Islands drainage system
is either absent or poor. However, potential springs are developed in Carnicobar
because of cavernous condition in Limestone. At places copious emanation from
springs also give rise to potential drainage in Car Nicobar. Because of relatively less
areal extent and paucity of catchments in the islands of Nicobar, river systems are
almost absent barring the Galathea, Amrit Kaur, Alexandria rivers in Great Nicobar.
However, a few perennial streams such as Magar Nala in Great Nicobar and
numerous other streams in other islands drain the Nicobar district. All the nalas
meet the sea in Bays through creeks. The general drainage pattern of the islands
varies from dendritic to sub-dendritic. Land subsidence in the Post-tsunami have
greatly influenced the tidal ingress along the streams of Nicobar District.

The lslands in the Nicobar district are composed mainly of thick Eocene sediments
pre-teritary sandstone, silt stone and shale with intrusions of basic and ultrabasic
igneous rocks (Ophiolites). The teritary group is overlain successively by the
Nicoabr Group and the Quaternary Holocene Group, intervening with unconformity.
Marine inorganic sedimentary group of rocks comprising shale, sandstone, grit and
conglomerate (Mithakhari Groups), mudstone and siltstone and organic
sedimentaries like Coralline atolls and limestone belonging to Nicobar Group and
extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks (volcanics and ultramafics) of Ophiolite suite
occupy the entire geographical area of the district. Amongst these, the Sedimentary
Mithakhari and Nicobar Group is most pervasive and occupy nearly 80% of the
entire area of the islands while the Igneous group covers nearly 5% and the rest
15% goes to the coralline and limestone formations. All these rock formations are
brought under tectonism because of their alignment in a tectonically active zone,
evident from the occurrence of shallow and deep focus earthquakes in the islands.
The last earthquake and devastation by tsunami were also the effect of tectonic
setting of this archipelago in a converging plate margin. Because of tectonism, the
igneous and Sedimentary groups of rocks are highly fractured and fissured. The
fracturing in hard rocks form conduits for movement of ground water in the deeper
horizon. The geology of the islands is highly varied and even changes within a small
distance.

Landscape Changes in the Nicobar Islands (India) after the December

2004 Great Sumatra Earthquake and Tsunami

Plate tectonics after the 26 December 2004 Great Sumatra earthquake resulted in
major topological changes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Aerial and land
reconnaissance surveys of those islands after the earthquake provide evidence of
spectacular plate tectonics that took place during the earthquake. Initial
submergence of the built environment and the subsequent inundation upon arrival
of the tsunami wave, as well as emergence of the new beaches along the islands
particularly on the western rims of the islands and in the northern islands are the
major signatures of this Mw=9.3 event.

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3.1.4 Seismology Characteristics

As per Seismic Zoning Map of India contained in IS 1893-1984 the A&N Islands fall
in the Zone V (Figure-3.1), which is the most severe seismic zone (very high
damage risk zone). The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located near the
boundary of the Indian plate and the Burmese Microplate. The Andaman trench
marks this boundary and lies in the Bay of Bengal to the west of the archipelago.
Another prominent feature is the North-South West Andaman fault which is strike-
slip in nature and lies in the Andaman Sea, to the east of this island chain. A tectonic
process called “Sea Floor Spreading” is presently widening the Andaman Sea, just
like the Atlantic Ocean. This is taking place along undersea ridges on the seafloor.
The Indian plate is diving beneath the Burmese Microplate along the Andaman
Trench in a process known as "Subduction". Shallow and occasional intermediate-
depth earthquakes delineate the subducted slab under the Andaman-Nicobar
islands joining the seismicity trend of the Indo-Burma ranges. In recent and historic
times only two high magnitude earthquakes have occurred in this region. The first
of these was in 1881, in the Andaman Sea, near the Nicobar Island and the second,
off the west coast of Middle Andaman Island in June 1941.

Figure- 3.1: Seismic Zonation Map of India

Source: Seismic Zonation Map of India (BIS, 1893-2002)

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• Seismotectonics Of The A&N Islands Region

The regional tectonic setting of the northeast Indian Ocean is very complex. The
subduction of the major plates with respect to one another has resulted in the
formation of a deep trench, a back-arc island and basins, and a spreading center.
This convergent margin is one of the most prominent tectonic features in the region
marked by the Sunda-Andaman trench, which has resulted from the subduction of
the Indo-Australian plates below the Eurasian plate. Other names have been
assigned to this sinuous-arcuate trench through the Sunda trench or Java trench
along the Java-Sumatra islands; for example, it has been called the Andaman
trench along the A&N islands and the Burma trench in the north along the Indo-
Burma ridges. The A&N islands north of the 90° E ridge are aligned in a north-south
direction in an arcuate shape, which separates the Indian and Sunda plates.

The A&N islands are bounded by the Andaman trench to the west and by the Sunda
fault system to the east along with the Andaman spreading zone between latitudes
10° N and 12° N. The Andaman trench marks the active subduction zone where
the northeast-moving Indian plate is subducting below the Eurasian plate. This
island chain acts as a small tectonic plate that has also been referred as the Burma
microplate Dasgupta and Mukhopadhyay 1993, Ortiz and Bilham 2003, Kayal et al.
2004. The Andaman Sea to the east of these islands represents the back-arc basin
characterized by a complex arc spreading center the Andaman spreading center,
which connects to the south with the Sunda fault and to the north with the major
transform fault in Burma Ortiz and Bilham 2003. This tectonic setting has resulted
in the development of several thrust and strike-slip faults. Among these, the West
Andaman fault WAF is the most prominent right-lateral strike-slip fault that has
continuity all along the islands. This fault appears to extend from Sumatra in the
southwest up to the Burma microplate in the north.

The Andaman outer arc ridge, the right-lateral WAF, and the Barren volcano are
the major tectonic features in the region. The trench along the margin in the west
of the A&N islands is as deep as 3,000–3,500 m. The ridges, indicative of a
topographic high, consist of scrapped accretion oceanic sediments, which were
uplifted during the Oligocene epoch. The eastern part of the Andaman Islands is
made up of highly deformed rocks _ophiolites from the oceanic floor_ of
Cretaceous-Early Eocene ultrabasic/ volcanic/pelagic sediments along with older
metamorphics. The western part of the islands is occupied by sediments that belong
to an accretionary prism consisting of Eocene-Oligocene flysch-sandstone/siltstone
with conglomerates along with Mio-Pliocene calcareous sediments. Like the WAF,
the Eastern Boundary thrust EBT is also an important fault, which extends
regionally from Burma in the north and Sumatra in the south. The EBT marks the
contact between the western accretionary prism and the eastern ophiolite-bearing
accretionary complex.

Figure 3.2 shows that the thick line with triangles marks the andaman-sunda
trench. The subduction zone between the Indian plate and the Burmese/sunda
plate. The thick line without triangles marks the Sumatra fault system and the
Andaman spreading center. The white arrow shows the direction of the movement
of the Indian plate.
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Figure- 3.2: Generalized Tectonic Map of the A&N Islands and the adjacent region

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Past and Present Seismicity

The region of the A&N islands has experienced several large-magnitude

earthquakes in recent history. These were mainly thrust earthquakes, such as those
in 1847, 1881, and 1941, which appear to have occurred in this region Rajendran
et al. 2003, Bilham et al. 2005. Recent global plate reconstruction data suggest
that the northeast-moving Indian plate converges obliquely at 54 mm/yr. with
respect to the Eurasian plate (DeMets et al 1994).

Also, the GPS observations between Bangalore and Port Blair the capital of the A&N
islands suggest that the Indian plate is approaching the Burma plate at a rate
of15.3±3 mm/yr. DeMets et al. 1994, Paul et al. 2001, Ortiz and Bilham 2003. The
GPS measurements suggest that great earthquakes with slip that is similar to the
2004 event cannot occur more frequently than once every 1,000 years; a shorter
recurrence interval of 400 years has been calculated for the epicentral region,
where convergence rates are higher (Bilham et al. 2005).

The seismicity of the A&N region is marked by several small, moderate and large
magnitude earthquakes with M=4–8. Most of the earthquakes in this region show
thrust and strike-slip faulting associated with oblique subduction of the Indian
plate, along with some faulting associated with extensional stresses in the northern
Andaman Sea Eguchi et al. 1979. Several reports and other published data suggest
that some of the events that occurred in the vicinity of the A&N island chain were
as shallow as 10 km or less, and some were deeper than 250 km.These earthquakes
were mostly concentrated on the east and west of the islands along the trench and
along the spreading center, respectively, barring some on the mainland. The
shallow-to intermediate thrust earthquakes are the result of the Indian plate
thrusting under the Burma microplate, along with several events showing a
prominent strike-slip mechanism with some component of thrust inferred to be
associated with oblique subduction between the Indian plate and the Burma plate.
The normal faulting events associated with shallower depth are the result of the
bending of the plate below the island arc. It has also been noted that the focal
depth decreases as a function of latitude from south to north.

The 26 December Earthquake

The great megathrust earthquake of 26 December occurred at 7:58:53 A.M.

Indonesian local time 00:58:52 UTC, 06:28:53 A.M. IST west of Sumatra. This was
the world’s most devastating earthquake in the last two centuries; by comparison,
other great earthquakes include Kamchatka 1952 M=9.0, Alaska 1964 M=9.1, and
Chile 1960M=9.5.

The 26 December earthquake, which is the second largest in magnitude in 200

years, occurred along the plate boundary marked by the subduction zone between
the Indian plate and the Burmese plate a part of the Eurasian plate which are shown
at right in Figure-3.3. The rupture was about 1,200 km along the subduction plate
boundary in the Sumatra and A&N region, registering a slip of about 20–25 m. On
the basis of the distribution of moderate-to-large-magnitude aftershocks that
occurred just after the main shock, it has been suggested that the rupture did not
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occur instantaneously, but rather in two phases. Seismic data indicate that in the
first phase a rupture about 400 km long occurred, 30 km beneath the seabed, along
the coast of Banda Aceh in the epicentral area. In the second phase, a rupture
about 600 km long occurred along the Andaman Islands. The main shock focal
mechanism suggests a thrust motion with a gently dipping plane toward the
northeast. The swarm of aftershocks propagated northward from Sumatra along
the Andaman arc, where one of the aftershocks was of magnitude M =7.3 with a
strike-slip component. In general, most of the aftershocks were dominated by a
thrust and strike-slip fault mechanism, along with some that showed normal
faulting in the back-arc region at left in Figure-3.2.

In the image below, the solid black dot shows the location of an M=7.3 earthquake
that occurred just after the main event, and the star shows the location of the 26
December earthquake. The focal mechanisms of both these earthquakes are
shown. Major tectonic features and focal plane mechanisms of the earthquakes that
occurred from 17 November 2004 to 12 January 2005. The locations of earthquake
epicenters were obtained from the India Meteorological Department, New Delhi;
the U.S. Geological Survey USGS; and Harvard University. Focal plane mechanisms
were obtained from the Harvard Seismology Center Moment Tensor Catalog.

Figure-3.3: Epicenters of the earthquakes

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Coseismic Land-Level Changes and Tsunami Effects

To understand the overall pattern of geomorphological changes and the effects of

tsunami waves, aerial and field surveys were carried out along most of the A&N
islands, whereas the field investigations were restricted to the North, Middle, South,
and Little Andaman Islands and the Great and Car Nicobar Islands. Most of the
damage and loss of life was caused by the giant tsunami waves generated by the
26 December earthquake. Earthquake-related ground shaking was observed all
along these islands; however, the intensity of shaking was too low to expect
significant liquefaction along the coastline of the A&N islands. Evidence of
liquefaction was not available at most places on the ground surface, because the
high-energy tsunami waves followed by shaking carried away large amounts of
debris and topsoil and redeposited them in many regions along the coastline.

The only record available from the A&N islands is from the digital gauge operated
by the Integrated Center for Marine Area Management ICMAM in the Port Blair area.
This record indicates a sharp change in the mean sea level of about 1.2 m after the
earthquake is shown in Figure-3.4.

Figure-3.4: mean sea level of about 1.2 m after the earthquake

Arrival of tsunami waves, indicated by a sudden rise in seawater level as recorded

by the tide gauge at Chatam Island, South Andaman Island (source: ICMAM).

Great Nicobar Island

Great Nicobar Island marks the southernmost tip of India 7° N, about 700 km north
of Sumatra, and is closest to the epicenter of the 26 December earthquake. There
was not much damage related to ground shaking, barring some cracks in light tin-
roofed and two-story buildings in the army area. Mainly, the damage along the
coastline was caused by tsunami waves. Lightweight huts made from wood and
coconut leaves were affected. Severe damage was caused to the jetty of the
Andaman Harbor Works, where a portion of the jetty was washed away by the
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tsunami. At the main harbor works office, a thin layer of sand deposit 6–8 cm was
observed. According to a local army officer Captain Mahabir Singh, the shaking was
felt at about 06:28 A.M. IST, followed by a tide surge within 5 minutes, resulting
in major flooding in the area. This tide surge is indicative of subsidence of the area
during the earthquake. At about 6:50 A.M., after the shaking, a tsunami wave
about 6 m high was observed. This shows that the expected negative wave on the
Burma microplate caused by the tectonic movement was not experienced by the
people in the Campbell Bay area, possibly because of the dominance of the
submergence effects.

The tsunami wave was less than the 10-m height observed by people in other
islands, such as Car Nicobar, Little Andaman, and Main Andaman including the
North, Middle, and South Andaman Islands. This could be because of the local
topographic variations of the islands and the distance from where the tsunami
originated. Great Nicobar is characterized by hilly terrain with a maximum elevation
of 600 m. The coastal road encircling the island was badly affected it was damaged
and submerged at several locations by the tsunami Figure-3.5 (a & b). The waves
travelled about 1.5–2 km, inundating most of the low-lying areas inland. The effect
of the wave as it traveled inland was indicated by the scattered tar barrels that
were dragged about 200–300 m away from their original location at the Andaman
Public Works Division office, which is 1 km from the coast. Compound or boundary
walls encircling several buildings inland was toppled by high-energy tsunami waves.
At the Coast Guard Headquarters building in Campbell Bay, the average water level
increased after the earthquake by about 2 m, as demonstrated by the ocean water
lashing the floor of the building located a few meters from the sea. According to
the Coast Guard officer, during the high tides prior to the earthquake, at least 25–
30 m of beach used to be exposed in front of the building, and during low tide,
more than 100 m was exposed. In contrast, now no beach can be seen. Such
submergence is also observed at Indira Point.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Chapter-3
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Figure-3.5: The coastal road encircling the island was badly affected it was damaged and
submerged at several locations by the tsunami

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Inundation and submergence of the area along the eastern coastline of Great
Nicobar Island because of subsidence caused by the 26 December earthquake. A
coastal road encircling the island was damaged and submerged due to subsidence
southernmost tip of Great Nicobar Island. Here, the base of the 23-m-high
lighthouse tower is now submerged in at least 3 m of water; several houses, the
helipad, and vegetation near the lighthouse have been washed away by the tsunami
with respect to the overall damage and landscape, it is suggested that the ground
shaking might have resulted in some liquefaction in the coastal area; however,
damage was mainly due to the high-energy tsunami waves. The liquefaction might
have also facilitated the easy erosion of concrete and masonry structures, which is
well exemplified by the washed-out portion of the jetty and houses at Indira Point.
With respect to the high-water level around the Coast Guard office area and the
submerged lighthouse tower at Indira Point, it seems reasonable to suggest that
the coastline has subsided by about 2.5–3.0 m at the southern portion of Great
Nicobar Island.

Figure-3.6: The eastern coastline at Campbell Bay part of Great Nicobar Islands
now permanently inundated; the normal coastal waves cross over the tree line.

The most remarkable signature evidence was the Military Engineering Service MES
inspection bungalow, a two-story structure with a reinforced concrete RC frame
and hollow-block masonry infills that was previously about 100 m from the
shoreline

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The Mw=9.3 earthquake of 26 December 2004 along the subduction zone of the
Sunda arc produced several results. First, there was subsidence of the eastern
coast of the areas stretching over South Andaman Island and all the Nicobar Islands
by about 1.2±0.2 m along Car Nicobar and Andaman Islands, and by about 3 m
along the southern tip of Great Nicobar Island. Second, subsidence did not occur
at the same time along all islands, because the rupture propagated northward
slowly; immediate flooding after shaking at many locations suggests coseismic
subsidence caused by the main shock. Third, uplifting of the North and Middle
Andaman Islands occurred, up to a maximum of 3 m in the northern tip of North
Andaman Island. Fourth, relative uplift along the western side occurred, resulting
in the emergence of coast—as evidenced by the exposed sheet rocks and coral
beds. Thus, islands closer to the epicenter of the subduction event experienced
more relative subsidence than other islands to the north did. The relative
subsidence of the Burma plate along an east-west strike was about 1.2±0.2 m; the
consequent angle of tilt over the 15–25-km width of the A&N islands resulted in
only a marginal tilt of up to 1 mm, even in a tall structure like the 23-m-high
lighthouse at Indira Point. Therefore, despite this subsidence-related tilt of the
Burma plate, no prominent tilt was visible in the civil engineering structures.

Evidence of land subsidence was also observed along the other groups of islands
between Little Andaman and Great Nicobar for example, along the Trinket and
Kamorta islands Figure-3.7 (a). At Trinket Island, due to subsidence, the tsunami
waves passed over the land area, giving the appearance of having split the island
into two parts Figure-3.7 (b). This resulted because of the lower elevation and
the narrowness of the island at some locations.

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Figure-3.7: The tsunami wave over Trinket Island

The arrows show the area of subsidence. The eastern coastline of the island,
showing the old drowned shoreline and recent submergence of the area caused by
the 2004 event at Kamorta Island

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Indira Point

Indira Point (6°45’10″N and 93°49’36″E) is the southernmost point of the Great
Nicobar Island and India itself. Indira Point subsided 4.25 m in the 26 December
2004 tsunami and the lighthouse there was damaged. The lighthouse was
subsequently made functional. It is located 540 km and more than a day's sea
voyage from Port Blair the capital city and main port of the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. It is approximately 163 km by sea from Sumatra, Indonesia. Rondo Island,
Indonesia's northernmost island in Sabang district of Aceh province of Sumatra,
lies south of Indira point. India and Indonesia are planning to collaborate to
construct a port at Sabang to protect the channel between Great Nicobar Island
and Rondo Island. It is an important landmark on the international shipping lane
Colombo-Singapore route via Malacca Strait that passes south of Indira Point. It
also has a helipad. Indira point is the southernmost point and it indicates end point
of India.

Submergence of West Coast

Significant change occurred post tsunami resulting complete submergence of

Megapode Island which is located west of Great Nicobar Island. About 550 sq.km
was badly affected. Before Tusnami the GNI had total area of 1045 sq km which
reduced to 910 sqkm after the Tsunami due to the submergence of part of the
island. The google images of GNI representing pre-tsunami and post-tsunami
conditions are shown in Figure-3.8 and Figure-3.9 respectively.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Figure-3.8: Great Nicobar Map before Tsunami (December 1998)

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Figure-3.9: Great Nicobar Map after Tsunami (December,2020)

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3.2 Geohydrogeology

The geographical area of island is 910 Sq. Km. It is high rainfall area that sustain
perennial drainage system. The island is underlain by sandstone, siltstone, shale
and conglomerite but do not favour good potential for occurrence of ground water.
However coralline limestone rock formations in coastal area sustain ground water
by wells but salinity ingress is reported to occur in such areas.

Ground water in Marine sedimentary formation occurs under unconfined condition

in weathered residuum. Preponderance of clayey mineral renders groundwater
development possibility very low. Yield of dug well (5-6 m dia, 6m depth) in Marine
sedimentary group varies from 4000-5000 litres/day. Ground water in Ophiolites
occurs under unconfined to semi-confined condition in weathered residuum while
in fractured hard rock in deeper horizon in confined condition. Yield of dug well (5-
6 m dia, 6 m depth) in Marine sedimentary group varies from 40,000 - 50000
litres/day. The formation is yet to be explored for development in the district. In
Coralline limestone in Nicobar group yield of dug well (5-6 m dia, 6 m depth) varies
from 1,00,000-1,50,000 litres/day or even high. Springs are profuse in all the
geological formations. However, springs are sustainable in ophiolite formation and
in the limestones of Nicobar group.

Physiography, high rainfall and geology facilitates formation of highly perennial

drainage system which sustains significant flow throughout the year. However after
the current tsunami and devastating earth quake the area has been hit hard for
being very close to the epicenter at Banda Aech in Sumatra. The island is underlain
by sandstone, silt stone, shale, and conglomerate of Mithakhari Group and does
not favour good potential of groundwater both in the shallow and the deeper
horizon. Because of this the groundwater exploration carried out in the island was
not successful. However, coralline formations are available in the coastal area
which sustains good groundwater in wells. However, with the subsidence of land to
the tune of 1.8 to 2.5 m salinity ingress in subsurface is noticed.

3.2.1 Ground Water Resources

The main source of ground water recharge is by the rainfall by direct percolation to
the zone of saturation. A significant part of the rainfall is lost as run-off from area
while a limited percentage of rainfall therefore reaches zone of saturation and
becomes the part of ground water storage after meeting the evaporation and
evapo-transpiration losses. There is also ground water recharge from the return
flow of irrigation water from dug wells and tube wells operated by the cultivators
and from canals.

No groundwater studies have been carried out on Great Nicobar Island and the
dynamic groundwater resources of Nicobar district has been estimated jointly by
CGWB and SWID. Govt of A & N Islands, following the norms laid down by revised
GEC-2015 methodology and projected as on March 2017 is given in Table-3.2.

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Table-3.2: The Dynamic Groundwater Resources of Nicobar District

Sr. No. Particulars Quantity (Ha m)

1 Total Annual Ground Water Recharge 18352.03
2 Total Natural Discharges 1835.20
3 Annual Extractable Ground Water Resources 16516.83
4 Total Current Annual Ground Water Extraction 109.52
5 Annual GW allocation for Domestic use as on 2025 96.15
6 Net Ground Water Availability for future use 16391.36
7 Stage of Ground Water Extraction (%) 0.66% (“Safe”)
Source: Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, July-2019

The mega earthquake (M=9.3) and the tsunami on 26.12.04 have made significant
impact on the fresh water resources especially groundwater of Nicobar Islands. The
earthquake had developed deep-seated fractures in the earth while the pressure
exerted by the propagating tsunami on the aquifer had created several unusual
phenomena whose case studies are not abundant in the literature. Along the
fractures free flowing water came to the surface. Along the valleys at places along
with sand and mud, new mud volcanoes generated with intermittent emanation of
mud slurry slaked with saline water. Pressure fountain was generated at Car
Nicobar, just before the arrival of tsunami waves. The entire Nicobar district was
subsided which caused natural ingress of seawater. The tsunami waves height
varying from 3.5 m to 10.5 m also contaminated the water resources in the low-
lying coastal areas of the affected islands. The tsunami waves devastated the
coastal tracts claimed lot of areas which was mostly underlain by Coralline
Limestones and had good potential for ground water. Such areas are available in
the entire coast lines of Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, Kondul, PiloMillo, Teressa,
Nancowry, Katchal etc. which are mostly submerged under sea water. Tsunami
wave also contaminated the fresh water yielding wells. In many areas along the
coastline due to land subsidence the tide has ingressed and the saline fresh water
front and thickness of freshwater lens in the subsurface has been reduced. As for
example the main supply well of APWD at Campbell Bay behind the stadium
adjacent to the filter bed which was formerly fresh had become saline after the
tsunami as also the supply well of MES near Navy Air Port. Both the wells were
completely emptied after the tsunami on 27.12.04 with sludge pump by MES. The
result shows that the APWD well was only yielding brackish water with EC 11000
Ms/cm even after pumping while the Navy well revived to fresh (EC-870 Ms/cm).
The observation was made by CGWB on 2.1.05. Subsequently the salinity in MES
well was increased. Finally the Electrical conductivity of groundwater in the coastal
areas were stabilised at higher values (3500-4000 MS/Cm) .The tsunami wave also
had destroyed a significant landmass in the coastal tract of few highly affected
islands, which is supposed to make a significant reduction in the fresh water volume
as conjectured by the study carried out by CGWB (Kar, 2008, 2010) and also opined
by the International Ground water resources assessment centre (IGRAC). The
study conducted by CGWB has revealed that the qualitative changes, i.e. the
ground water salinity, are not fully obliterated and the brackishness still persist at
places. The expected depth wise reduction has warranted very cautious
development of ground water and to some extent handicapping the ground water
resources development in the Post tsunami. Continuous qualitative monitoring is
required to be undertaken for sustainable development of groundwater in these
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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disaster prone and ecologically fragile islands. Besides the qualitative degradation,
the colossal earthquake made significant changes in the quantitavte availability of
ground water at various topographic locales.

The following salient observations were noticed:

On 26.12.2004 during the earthquake free flow on the ground surface was
observed in Car Nicobar;

• Cracks were generated in the aquifers which are cropping our in the surface;
• Field studies by various land survey Departments as also the field observations
reveal that all the islands in Nicobar district are suffered from land subsidence
evident from permanent saline water ingress;
• The reported range in subsidence vary from 1.8 to 2.5 m; and
• The low-lying areas in the Nicobar District were devastated by Tsunami waves
whose height varied from 3.5 m to 11.5 m. These waves contaminated the
ponds, wells and all fresh water bodies along the Coast.

After Tsunami at various places in the affected islands, the contaminated wells were
pumped out. At many places pumping was done cyclically.

Following observations were noted:

• In many areas during the first phase the wells showed positive result (i.e.
gradual decrease in salinity). However, after wards it started showing increase
in salinity;
• In many places the salinity did not change at all even after evacuation or
repeated pumping;
• At places the wells become naturally flushed without pumping;
• At places they are still low brackish; and
• From the above observation it may be opined that continuous monitoring should
be undertaken for successful construction, proper design and site selection of
the water development structures as also the change in sea level due to global
sea level rise.

Depending upon the hydrogeological, situation and terrain and aquifer condition
the following structures in different Islands are recommended. The various types
of structures which are required Nicobar district to conserve recharge and
exploitation of ground water and rain water are:

1. Ponds, 2. Check dams, 3. Sub surface dams, 4. Recharge shaft, 5. Intake wells
6. Collector wells with infiltration gallery, 7. Lift irrigation points, 8. Roof top rain
water harvesting and recharge 9. Dykes along the coast to stop salinity ingress and
land reclamation.

From the extensive studies carried out by CGWB from 2000-2004 (Pre-Tsunami)
as also in Post Tsunami in the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands in general and

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South Andaman district in particular had been extensively utilised for rain water
harvesting, conservation of surplus run-off and other watershed management
practices with the structures.

3.3 Land Use Studies

For land use, IRS satellite images were used. Images were geo-referenced with
topo sheets.

Table 3.3: Satellite Data of National Remote Sensing Centre

Sr. No. Season Sensor path/row Resolution Satellite/Sensor Date of Pass

1 Summer 116-69-B & 117-69-C 5.8m IRS RS-2A LISS IV FX 19-March-2016 &
May-2016
2 Summer 117-69-C 5.8m IRS RS-2A LISS IV FX 27-January-2021

3.3.1 Land Use / Land Cover Map

Land use / land cover map is prepared by visual interpretation of high-resolution

(5.8 m) satellite data with the help of Topographic maps. The units are confirmed
by the ground truth/field visits.

Level-II classification of National (Natural) Resources Information System (NRIS)

has been followed for the delineation of units.

Land use / Land cover map of the study area is integrated with village map and
analyzed with the help of GIS to get the village wise findings of the present land
use of the study area, which is given elaborately in the following tables:

3.3.2 Methodology for Land Use / Land Cover Mapping

The land use / land cover map is prepared by adopting the interpretation techniques
of the image in conjunction with collateral data such as Survey of India
topographical maps and census records. Image classification can be done by using
visual interpretation techniques and digital classification using any of the image
processing software. For the present study, ERDAS 9.1 version software is used for
preprocessing, rectification, enhancements and classifying the satellite data for
preparation of land use land cover map for assessing and monitoring the temporal
changes in land use land cover and land developmental activities.

The imagery is interpreted, and ground checked for corrections. The final map is
prepared after field check. Flow chart showing the methodology adopted is given
in the different land use / land cover categories in the study area has been carried
out based on the NRSC land use / land cover classification system.

For analysis and interpretation, and preparation of LU / LC map, two types of

data are needed:

1. Basic data 2. Ground data

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Basic data includes:

 Fused data of LISS IV

 Toposheets
 Local knowledge
 Area map on any scale to transfer details
 Reports and other literature of the study area

Ground data: Ground data is very much essential to verify and to increase the
accuracy of the interpreted classes and also to minimize the field work.

Data analysis: For analysis and interpretation of satellite data, the study can be
divided into three parts:

A. Preliminary work
B. Field work
C. Post field work

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Figure-3.10: Flowchart showing the Methodology Adopted for LU/LC Mapping

Basic data Data source Secondary data

IRS LISS IV FMX

(5.8 m resolution 2016 and 2021
imagery)

Preparation
Khariff Rabi of base
season season maps

Development of
interpretation keys based
on image characteristics.
Interpretation and mapping of
land use /land cover categories

Ground verification of doubtful areas

Validation and final and modification of thematic details
interpretation key

Transfer of Khariff and Rabi season Final land use/land cover

land use/land cover details on to a map with symbols and
single base map. colours

Area estimation of each

land use/land cover class.

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Table-3.4: Comparaison of Land Use / Land Cover Statistics of The GNI Year 2016 And 2021

Sr. No. Land use 2016 Area % Land use 2021 Area (Sq. % Remarks
(Sq. km) km)
1 BUILT-UP AREA BUILT-UP AREA
A. Settlement/Airstrip 19.341 2.1 C. Settlement/Airstrip 22.104 2.4 +0.3
B. Industrial area 0.000921 0.0001 D. Industrial area 0.000921 0.0001 ----
2 WATERBODIES WATERBODIES
A. River/Tank/Pond 21.551 3.1 B. River/Tank/Pond 21.551 3.1 ----
etc. etc.
3 CROP LAND CROP LAND
A. Agriculturable Land 37.761 4.1 A. Agriculturable Land 39.603 4.3 +0.2
(including fallow land) 74.601 8.1 (including fallow land) 76.443 8.3 +0.2
B. Coconut trees B. Coconut trees
4 FOREST FOREST
A. Dense Vegetation 326.033079 35.3999 A. Dense Vegetation 325.113 35.3 -0.0999
B. Dense Mixed Scrub 306.693 33.3 B. Dense Mixed Scrub 300.245079 32.5999 -0.7001
5 WASTELAND WASTELAND
A. Land with Scrub 11.973 1.3 A. Land with Scrub 11.973 1.3
B. Land without scrub 10.131 1.1 B. Land without scrub 10.131 1.1
C. Beech area 28.551 3.1 C. Beech area 30.393 3.3 +0.2
D. Creek 38.682 4.2 D. Creek 39.603 4.3 +0.1
E. Jetty 7.368 0.8 E. Jetty 7.368 0.8 ----
F. Mudflat 29.472 3.2 F. Mudflat 37.63 3.0 -0.2
6 OTHERS OTHERS
A. Mangroves 1.842 0.2 A. Mangroves 1.842 0.2 ---
Total 921 km2 100 Total 921 km2 100
Note : The margine of error in the sattelite image in about 1.01%
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Figure-3.11: Satellite Imagery Year Of 2016

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Figure-3.12: Land Use / Land Cover of The Study Area Year Of 2016

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Figure-3.13: Satellite Imagery Year Of 2021

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Figure-3.14: Land Use / Land Cover of The Study Area Year Of 2021

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3.3.2.1 Land Use Scenario in Great Nicobar Island

The study assesses the spatial-temporal land use and land cover changes between
2016 and 2021 for the eastern part of the Great Nicobar Island (GNI). IRS RS-2/A
LISS-IV satellite images were used to identify and map the various features of
landscapes. In Great Nicobars Island the development of land use is slightly
increasing steadily in the last five years. The change in land use prominently
depends on the tourism, civil, defence and fishing sectors which plays an important
economic role of development of the Great Nicobar Island. From the last five years
varies from settlement with houses and major infrastructures whereas rural
settlement with adjacent vegetation. Campbell Bay is the major settlement so the
density of population is high. Agriculturable land observed in hilly terrain and low-
lying areas which covers around 7197.3 ha. Tree Plants observed in flat terrain,
coastal low-lying areas and hilly slopes of the island. The tourism and recreational
activities increase stress on sandy beaches. Sandy beaches are the most
threatened ecosystem in the study area. It is in need for the sustainable
development of land use in this island to protect the island ecosystem.

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes are local, place specific and occurring
incrementally, which finally leads to attention in global scale. Humans have been
altering land cover since pre-history through the clearance of patches of land for
agriculture and livestock during the past two centuries the impact of human
activities on the land has grown enormously, altering entire landscapes, and
ultimately impacting the earth's nature. The results of the pressure are numerous,
and they include intensified agriculture, decreasing amount of forestland, loss of
biodiversity, enormous land degradation and soil erosion Particular coastal areas
are highly sensitive and have valuable ecological areas with extensive biodiversity
and high productivity. Because of this importance, the population in the coastal
zones is increasing rapidly, which leads to industrialization and urbanization. So, it
is necessary to study the changes in LULC features in coastal zones, to
understanding and assessing the environmental consequences of such changes.
GIS and Remote Sensing is the indispensable tool that has been widely used for
assessing, analysing and monitoring of land use and land cover change. It is the
cost and time benefit technique used and also possible to update and retrieve the
data which is used in this study for assessing the LULC changes of Great Nicobar
Island.

Agriculture

Agriculturable lands were identified by yellow to bright red tone, smooth texture,
sharp boundary and square or rectangular shape. When compare to other parts of
GNI agriculture practices are less in east Nicobar along the coast line and village
centers which also gradually decreased due to urbanization and presently occupies
only 7197.3 ha. In agriculturable land only 1.1 % is under intense cultivation
cultivable rocky out crops, plantation crops cover 2.3% of the revenue land. In
recent year’s significant changes in the agriculturable area observed due to
increasing settlement and infrastructures. Cultivation crops include coconut,
pulses, oil seeds and vegetables are in agriculture practices. Most of agriculture
activities practiced in flat terrains and low-lying areas. Extensive damage was
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caused to agriculturable land by December 2004 Tsunami around 1317 ha of the

agriculturable land are fully submerged by the tsunami inundation impacts. There
is no change of agriculturable land from 2016 and 2021.

Plantations

Natural plantations were identified by its bright red to red tone, coarse to smooth
texture, defined boundary and located in foot hills and uplands. Natural plantations
include coconut areca nut and Beetle nut is the major plantation found around the
study area. When compared to presently the land under plantation is around
15048.9 ha. In the year of 2016 coconut plantation was 13740.3 ha. But some of
the scattered plantations also practices by the horticultural missions by the
government such as mango, Banana and citrus fruits. Apart from above rubber,
teak and pad auk are also planted for industrial purposes. Hence from 2016 to
2021 the difference is 1,308.6 ha only

As per 2016 imagery the natural coconut plantation is about 74.601 sq.km and as
per 2021 imagery the natural coconut plantation is about 76.443 sq.km. Hence,
there is an increase in coconut plantation of about +0.2%.

Dense Vegetation/Dense Mixed scrub

Dense Vegetation/Dense Mixed scrub was identified imagery by its red tone,
irregular shape and coarse texture. The forest type of GNI is classified into two
types varies from evergreen to deciduous forest. It forms important ecosystem role
in preserving the natural treasures of the island.

Mangroves

The bright red color, smooth texture, irregular shape, located in the intertidal area
and associated with low energy coasts or quiet depositional areas were kept used
to identify the mangrove forest in FCC. The Mangroves are protected from cyclone
and tsunami and coastal erossion also serves as a nursery ground for fishes, crabs
and shells etc. In Great Nicobar Island mangroves occupy nearly 0.01% of the
forest area. Approximately 65.43 ha of the mangroves were affected, and 32.06
ha are submerged and degraded during 26th December 2004 tsunami. Presently
there are around 3337 ha of mangroves exist in the study area. There are no
changes of the year 2016 to 2021.

Sandy beaches

Sandy beaches can be identified by its white, linear crescent shape and smooth
texture which is situated adjacent to the coast. According to both satellite imageries
and ground truthings the coastal sandy area is identified 71.973 Sq. Km and
occupies 1.1% of the study area. Natural hazards such as tsunami, cyclones and
coastal erosion have adverse impacts on these beaches. It is the most imperiled
ecosystem in Nicobar Island, particularly after the December 2004 tsunami this
ecosystem is endangered in this island. Anthropogenic impact like sand mining is
a major threat that leads to loss of sandy beaches in this island. Apart from these
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tourism activities, major constructions and shore protection structures also have
impacts on this beach ecosystem.

Mudflats

Mudflats are the coastal wetlands in the intertidal zones which are mostly found
near the mangroves back swamps of the study area. Mudflats can be identified by
the Persian green with brownish tone and smooth texture in FCC. These mudflats
will mostly be submerging during the high tide. Mudflats presently occupy area of
about 29.472 sq.km in the year 2016 and 37.63 sq.km in the year 2021. The
difference is about +8.158 %.

Water body

The water bodies like river, tank and lakes are manmade in the Great Nicobar
Island which provides water for the domestic purposes. Presently the water bodies
occupy about 21.551 sq. km in the Great Nicobar Island. Two major rivers namely
are present in GNI as Galathea river and Alex Andra River.

LULC changes in Great Nicobar Island mainly due to the population growth, costal
changes and tourism recreations. The LULC change indicates that very few
percentages of forest were cleared from the past five years due to anthropogenic
developmental activities. Further, the rural area was extending steadily in the
island especially in the eastern part of the GNI. The trend in developing land use
was inevitable in Campbell bay and gradual in other areas of East Nicobar Island
which occupies few hectares. These developmental activities increase the stress on
natural ecosystems mainly on sandy beaches, forest, mangroves only. Sandy
beaches of this island are the threatened ecosystem which presently occupies only
nominal changes in the study area. It is in need to monitor the LULC change to
prepare the appropriate land use plan for the sustainable development of Great
Nicobar Island.

It is observed that during last 5 years an increase of about +0.3% in settlements,

+0.4% in Agriculture lands and +0.2% Coconut plantations was observed. Dense
vegetation is cleared for settlements and agriculture purpose. A change of 0.02%
in Mangroves was observed. No change in sandy beach area. Mud flats has
increased about +8.158% during last 5years interval. Vegetation was found to be
about 32,060.7 ha. Dense vegetation is identified and in the year of 2016 were
34,677.9 ha. N. In some areas, plantations replaced natural vegetation which
decreases the natural forest cover.

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3.3.3 Field Photographs

Figure 3.15: Campbell Bay and Coconut Plantation

Figure-3.16: Jetty at Campbell Bay

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Figure-3.17: Mangrove sat Campbell Bay

Figure-3.18: Q-Quarry Beach at Campbell Bay

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Figure-3.19: Crop Land at Indira Nagar

Figure 3.20: Mixed Plantation at Indira Nagar

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Figure-3.21: Shows Habitation/Health Centre At Govind Nagar

Figure-3.22: Abandoned Quarry at Joginder Nagar

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Figure-3.23: Mixed Plantation at Vijay Nagar

Figure-3.24: Coconut Plantation

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Figure-3.25: Coconut Plantation at Laxmi Nagar

Figure-3.26: Coconut Plantation at Gandhi Nagar

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Figure-3.27: Coconut Plantation Asatru Nagar

3.4 Soil Characteristics

It is essential to determine the potential of soil in the area and identify the current
impacts of urbanization on soil quality and predict impacts, which may arise due to
the proposed project operations. Accordingly, a study on assessment of the
baseline soil quality status has been carried out.

3.4.1 Data Generation

For studying soil profile of the region, sampling locations were selected to assess
the existing soil conditions in and around the proposed project areas representing
various land use conditions. The physical, chemical and heavy metal concentrations
were determined. The samples were collected by ramming a core-cutter into the
soil up to a depth of 30 cm.

The present study of the soil profile establishes the baseline characteristics, and
this will help in future in identifying the incremental concentrations if any, due to
the operation of the proposed project areas. The sampling locations have been
identified with the following objectives:

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• To determine the baseline soil characteristics of the study area;

• To determine the impact of development on soil characteristics; and
• To determine the impact on soils more importantly from agricultural
productivity point of view

20 locations within study area from the proposed development area were selected
for soil sampling. At each location, soil samples were collected from three different
depths viz. 30 cm below the surface and are homogenized. This is in line with IS:
2720 and Methods of Soil Analysis, Part-1, 2nd edition, 1986 of (American Society
for Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America). The homogenized samples
were analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics. The samples have been
analyzed as per the established scientific methods for physico-chemical
parameters. The heavy metals have been analyzed by using Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer and Inductive Coupled Plasma (ICP) Analyzer. The
methodology adopted for each parameter is described in Table-3.5.

For studying soil profile of the region, sampling locations were selected to assess
the existing soil characteristics in and around the proposed project site
representing various land use conditions. The physical, chemical and heavy metal
concentrations were determined. The samples were collected by ramming a core-
cutter into the soil up to a depth of 30 cm. A total of 10 numbers of samples within
the study area were collected and analyzed. The sampling has been carried for
Winter season in the study period.

Table-3.5: Analytical techniques for soil analysis

Parameter Method (ASTM Number)

Grain size distribution Sieve analysis (D 422 – 63)
Textural classification Chart developed by Public Roads Administration
Bulk density Sand replacement, core cutter
Sodium absorption ratio Flame photometric (D 1428-82)
PH pH meter (D 1293-84)
Electrical conductivity Conductivity meter (D 1125-82)
Nitrogen Kjeldahl distillation (D 3590-84)
Phosphorus Molybdenum blue, colourimetric (D 515-82)
Potassium Flame photometric (D 1428-82)
Iron AAS (D 1068-84)
Zinc AAS (D 1691-84)
Boron Surcumin, colourimetric (D 3082-79)
Chlorides Argentometric (D 512-81 Rev 85)

The details of the sampling locations are given in Table-3.6 and are shown in
Figure-3.28. The soil quality at all the locations during the study period is
tabulated in Table-3.7 & Table-3.8. The results during the study period are
compared with standard classification given in Table-3.9.

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Table-3.6: Details of Soil Sampling Locations

Sr. No Location
S1 Campbell Bay
S2 RPRS Colony- Campbell Bay
S3 Rajiv Nagar- Campbell Bay
S4 Near Govind Nagar
S5 Govind Nagar
S6 Near Govind Nagar Health Centre
S7 Near Mogarnala
S8 Near Mogarnala Forest
S9 Joginder Nagar
S10 Forest Near Joginder Nagar
S11 Forest Near Vijay Nagar
S12 Vijay Nagar
S13 Laxmi Nagar
S14 Near MataitAnla
S15 Near PHC - Gandhi Nagar
S16 Gandhi Nagar
S17 North of –Shastri agar
S18 Shastri Nagar
S19 Proposed Seaport Area
S20 Galathea Forest

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Figure-3.28: Soil Sampling Locations

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Table-3.7: Soil Analysis Results during study period (December 2020 to February 2021)

Sr. Location UOM S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10

No.
1 pH -- 7.52 7.49 7.2 7.35 7.57 7.83 7.32 7.18 7.56 7.7
2 Conductivity µs/cm 83.2 42 235 96.3 178 86.5 229 61.1 193.5 65.7
3 Texture -- Silty clay
Silty clay clay clay clay clay clay Loam Clay sandy clay clay
4 Sand % 14 17 22 17 19 18 20 17 46 16
5 Silt % 44 26 20 21 23 21 41 21 15 21
6 Clay % 42 57 58 62 58 61 39 62 39 63
7 Bulk Density g/cc 1.3 1.4 1.35 1.22 1.36 1.28 1.36 1.3 1.24 1.26
8 Exchangeable Calcium as Ca mg/kg 1175 975 1875 1350 2074 1050 1350 1150 2399 850
9 Exchangeable Magnesium as Mg mg/kg 1314 1213 2344 1547 2045 1145 1621 1070 2266 1018
10 Exchangeable Sodium as Na mg/kg 175 160 265 208 229 217 143 126 109 123
11 Available Potassium as K Kg/ha 674.3 424.8 676.6 306.8 299.5 691.1 662.3 257.3 253.3 401.3
12 Available Phosphorous Kg/ha 64.5 103.7 116.5 58.1 59.2 82.7 87.8 59.7 64.7 74.3
13 Available Nitrogen as N Kg/ha 168.8 151.4 131.4 138.4 161.7 131.4 111.7 161.2 83.3 130.2
14 Organic Matter % 1.34 1.12 1.00 1.17 1.23 1.06 0.85 1.28 0.69 1.07
15 Organic carbon % 0.78 0.65 0.58 0.68 0.71 0.61 0.49 0.74 0.40 0.62
16 Water soluble chloride as Cl mg/kg 118.0 117.9 94.5 47.0 45.3 46.9 118.1 68.9 70.4 94.5
17 Water soluble sulphates as SO4 mg/kg 75.9 59.7 35.5 27.1 23.1 28.0 58.0 34.6 30.9 46.0
18 Sodium Absorption Ratio mg/kg 0.37 0.36 0.43 0.41 0.38 0.49 0.28 0.29 0.17 0.30
19 Aluminium % 0.87 1.01 0.98 0.96 0.75 1.08 1.12 0.94 1.24 1.14
20 Total Iron % 2.13 1.98 1.57 2.16 1.47 1.69 2.05 1.56 1.78 2.18
21 Manganese mg/kg 426 325 478 569 412 532 487 325 641 258
22 Boron mg/kg 16.7 21.5 18.5 14.5 26.3 24.5 18.4 19.6 24.6 36.3
23 Zinc mg/kg 36.2 42.5 39.6 42.5 29.4 46.5 24.8 46.3 24.1 43.9
24 Total Chromium as Cr mg/kg 12.3 8.6 11.5 16.3 18.9 21.5 8.9 14.6 9.6 12.6
25 Lead as Pb mg/kg 0.98 1.02 0.75 0.96 1.05 0.65 0.69 0.47 0.89 1.07
26 Nickel as Ni mg/kg 2.8 3.6 2.9 1.7 3.4 4.6 1.2 1.9 0.95 2.13
27 Arsenic as mg/kg <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
28 Mercury as Hg mg/kg <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
29 Cadmium as Cd mg/kg <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.14 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.36 0.62 0.54

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
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16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District

Chapter-3
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Table-3.8: Soil Analysis Results during study period (December 2020 to February 2021)

Sr. Location UOM S11 S12 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20
No.
1 pH -- 7.37 7.5 7.55 7.52 7.67 7.3 7.63 7.51 7.6 7.54
2 Conductivity µs/cm 131.4 222 139 101 28.2 120 78 58.8 37.5 23.1
3 Texture -- Silty clay sandy clay Silty clay
loam loam clay Silty loam Clay Sandy clay Sandy clay loam Clay Clay
4 Sand % 16 64 17 21 19 48 51 18 23 21
5 Silt % 45 15 24 68 22 14 11 44 16 23
6 Clay % 39 21 59 11 59 38 38 38 61 56
7 Bulk Density g/cc 1.35 1.42 1.38 1.29 1.25 1.24 1.39 1.35 1.42 1.36
8 Exchangeable Calcium as Ca mg/kg 1300 2400 1825 1575 775 2275 1200 925 800 850
9 Exchangeable Magnesium as Mg mg/kg 1834 2791 2506 1792 986 2747 1283 1200 880 743
10 Exchangeable Sodium as Na mg/kg 108 126 215 164 212 182 205 220 118 148
11 Available Potassium as K Kg/ha 572.1 382.5 751.9 277.3 384.9 425.6 459.2 503.1 520.4 365.3
12 Available Phosphorous Kg/ha 66.9 105.2 119.1 61.4 54.4 80.1 89.7 62.0 74.1 80.2
13 Available Nitrogen as N Kg/ha 182.6 161.3 141.8 153.4 162.1 87.1 107.1 139.5 124.7 133.5
14 Organic Matter % 1.40 1.17 1.06 1.23 1.34 0.73 0.80 1.07 0.91 1.01
15 Organic carbon % 0.81 0.68 0.62 0.71 0.78 0.42 0.46 0.62 0.53 0.59
16 Water soluble chloride as Cl mg/kg 70.8 94.3 165.3 47.3 70.4 69.1 70.9 68.5 47.3 118.1
17 Water soluble sulphates as SO4 mg/kg 44.0 38.8 67.8 29.9 32.8 44.8 49.2 54.3 52.4 69.2
18 Sodium Absorption Ratio mg/kg 0.20 0.19 0.34 0.30 0.53 0.27 0.44 0.50 0.31 0.40
19 Aluminium % 1.16 1.05 0.91 1.41 0.84 1.12 0.79 1.06 1.16 0.97
20 Total Iron % 1.06 1.08 2.11 2.06 1.16 1.41 2.36 1.84 2.36 2.74
21 Manganese mg/kg 369 457 489 389 347 325 841 587 345 319
22 Boron mg/kg 24.2 18.7 25.2 14.6 27.4 14.6 18.6 32.3 24.6 34.8
23 Zinc mg/kg 37.8 23.5 46.5 33.2 41.6 33.4 21.5 39.5 29.4 46.3
24 Total Chromium as Cr mg/kg 15.8 14.6 9.6 11.4 8.7 6.8 7.4 19.6 17.4 13.8
25 Lead as Pb mg/kg 0.89 0.45 0.63 0.36 0.54 0.34 0.21 0.14 0.27 0.21
26 Nickel as Ni mg/kg 2.7 1.8 2.4 1.4 3.3 1.4 1.7 2.7 3.9 2.4
27 Arsenic as mg/kg <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
28 Mercury as Hg mg/kg <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
29 Cadmium as Cd mg/kg 0.32 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Figure-3.29: USDA Soil Classification Triangle

Table-3.9: Standard Soil Classification

Sr. No. Soil Test Classification

1 pH <4.5 Extremely acidic
4.51- 5.50 Very strongly acidic
5.51-6.00 moderately acidic
6.01-6.50 slightly acidic
6.51-7.30 Neutral
7.31-7.80 slightly alkaline
7.81-8.50 moderately alkaline
8.51-9.0 strongly alkaline
9.01 very strongly alkaline
2 Salinity Electrical Conductivity Up to 1.00 Average
(mmhos/cm) 1.01-2.00 harmful to germination
(1ppm = 640 mmhos/cm) 2.01-3.00 harmful to crops (sensitive to salts)
3 Organic Carbon (%) Up to 0.2: very less
0.21-0.4: less
0.41-0.5 medium,
0.51-0.8: on an average sufficient
0.81-1.00: sufficient
>1.0 more than sufficient
4 Nitrogen (Kg/ha) Up to 50 very less
51-100 less
101-150 good
151-300 Better
>300 sufficient
5 Phosphorus (Kg/ha) Up to 15 very less
16-30 less
31-50 medium,
51-65 on an average sufficient
66-80 sufficient
>80 more than sufficient
6 Potash (Kg/ha) 0 -120 very less
120-180 less
181-240 medium
241-300 average
301-360 better
>360 more than sufficient
Source: Hand Book of Agriculture, ICAR, New Delhi

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3.4.2 Baseline Soil Status

 It has been observed that the pH of the soil in the study area ranged from 7.18
to 7.83 the maximum pH value of 7.83 was observed at Near Govind Nagar
Health Centre (S6), whereas the minimum value of 7.18 was observed at Near
Mogarnala Forest (S8).
 The electrical conductivity was observed to be in the range of 23.1 µs/cm to
235 µs/cm with the maximum observed at Rajiv Nagar- Cambell Bay (S3) with
the minimum observed at Galathea Forest (S20).
 The nitrogen values range between 253.3 to 751.9 kg/ha. The nitrogen content
in the study area falls in better to sufficient category.
 The phosphorus values range between 54.4 to 119.1 kg/ha, indicating that the
phosphorus content in the study area falls in medium to more than sufficient
category.
 The potassium values range between 83.3 to 182.6 kg/ha. The potassium
content in the study area falls in very less to better category suitable for
vegetation growth.
 The chlorides were found to be in the range of 45.3 to 165.3 mg/kg of soil.

3.4.3 Conclussions

Soils in Great Nicobar are generally having fine texture. Soil samples were collected
from 20 locations representing various land uses. Depending upon the topography,
they ranged from clay to Silty clay loam. Clay soils were common in low lying areas.
pH of the soils varied from a low of 7.2 to a high of 7.83. Hence, they can be classified
as slightly alkaline. EC ranged from a low of 23.1 to a high of 229. Soils obtained from
higher elevations had lower EC and those that were exposed to submergence by sea
had higher EC. But in all the cases, the value was lower than 1.0ppm or 640
mmho/cm. Hence, salinity is not an issue.

Organic carbon content in the soils ranged from a low of 0.4 toc high of 0.78. It
indicates that soils are not deficient in Organic carbon. In fact, the soils are expected
to have more of organic carbon but on account of hot and wet climate, rapid rate of
mineralization of organic matter takes place. Nitrogen content of the soils ranged
from a low of 87.1 to a high of 182.6. In fact, in most of the soil samples, it is higher
than 100. It indicates that the soils are fairly good in Nitrogen. Intra-biotic nutrient
cycling is an important character of tropical rain forests and hence there shall be no
nutrient deficiency. The soils are fairly rich in phosphorus. The phosphorus content
ranged from 59.7 to 119.1. In most of the soil samples, it was higher than 65. It
shows that there was sufficient amount of Phosphorus in the soils. The soils are fairly
rich in Potassium. The Potassium content ranged from 253.3 to 674.3. In most of
the soil samples, it was higher than 300. It shows that there was sufficient amount
of Potassium in the soils. All soils were fine textured the variations were mainly due
to topography which accounts for erosion and sedimentation. As far as the pH is
concerned, there were no acidic soils and the soils were slightly alkaline. They are
not deficient in organic carbon, and NPK. Owing to the intra-biotic nutrient cycles in
dense tropical forests like the Great Nicobar, even nutrient poor soils can support rich
plant growth. The fine texture of the soil is facilitating growth of coconut, areca nut
and various types of fruits like guava, sapota, mango and spices.

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3.5 Meteorology

The meteorological data recorded during the monitoring period is very useful for
proper interpretation of the baseline information as well as for input, to predictive
models for air quality dispersion. The year may broadly be divided into four seasons.

• Winter season : December to February

• Pre monsoon season : March to May
• Monsoon season : June to September
• Post monsoon : October to November

3.5.1 Methodology

The methodology adopted for monitoring surface observations is as per the standard
norms laid down by Bureau of Indian Standards and the India Meteorological
Department (IMD). On site monitoring was undertaken for various meteorological
variables in order to generate site specific data. The generated data is then compared
with the meteorological data generated by IMD-Car Nicobar.

3.5.1.1 Methodology of Data Generation

The Central Monitoring Station was set up near project site at the top of fisheres
building, Campbell Bay above 10 m height. The Central Monitoring Station (CMS) was
equipped with monitoring equipment to record Wind speed and direction,
temperature, relative humidity and cloud cover, rainfall and solar radiation. All the
meteorological parameters were recorded continuously on hourly basis except
rainfall. Rainfall was recorded on daily basis by using rain gauge. The present report
incorporates the data monitored over a period of 3 months from 1st December 2020
to 28th February 2021.

3.5.1.2 Sources of Information

Secondary Data collected from INS Baaz

INS Baaz is an Indian naval air station under the joint-services Andaman and
Nicobar Command of the Indian Armed Forces. It is located near Campbell Bay, on
Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is the southernmost air
station of the Indian Armed Forces.

Secondary data from INS Baaz meteorological station collected for pressure,
temperature, Relative Humidity, rainfall, evaporation, wind speed and direction.
INS Baaz observatory was established in July 2012 and is in operational for
06:00hrs to 13:30hrs for a short period of time; thereafter, its operational hours
enhanced to 05:30 hrs to 23:30 hrs till about July 2020.Further, the ambit was
expanded to entire 24 hrs, 00:30 h to 23:30hrs.

As per the available data, the total observations recorded were about 43000 over
a period of eight years. Theoretically, there should have been approx. 70,000
observations if the span encompasses 24 hrs. This accounts for about 61 % of time
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the data has been captured. Hence, the wind roses could not be generated with
limited meteorological data availability.

3.5.2 Presentation of Data

3.5.2.1Meteorological Data Recorded at INS Baaz

The data collected from INS Baaz includes wind speed, wind direction (recorded in
sixteen directions), temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and cloud cover over a
period of 8 years. The monthly maximum, minimum and average values are
collected for all the parameters except wind speed and direction. All these
parameters are recorded twice a day viz at 08:30 and 17:30 hours. The collected
data is tabulated below.

1] Temperature

The average temperatures are ranging from 26°C to 30°C. The yearly variations of
temperature are presented in Table-3.10.

Table 3.10: Average Temperature (°C) (January 2013 – December 2020) – Great
Nicobar Islands

Month/Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
January NA 27.61 26.99 27.77 27.11 27.08 27.30 27.97 28.16
February NA 28.44 27.46 27.97 27.76 27.17 27.92 28.32 28.70
March NA 29.21 28.31 28.42 27.99 26.93 27.94 27.96 28.46
April NA 28.79 28.17 28.55 28.46 27.52 27.7 28.12 28.7
May NA 27.23 27.06 28.58 28.51 27.40 28.4 28.07 27.61
June NA 27.09 30.4 28.73 27.42 27.51 27.29 27.746 27.67
July NA 27.73 29.68 28.17 27.5 27.63 26.87 27.79 27.55
August NA 26.88 28.5 27.41 27.54 26.80 26.7 27.42 27.62
September NA 30.76 27.78 27.04 27.77 27.31 26.90 27.39 27.1
October NA 27.5 27.93 27.32 26.95 28.16 26.81 26.68 26.73
November NA 27.94 27.28 27.05 27.02 26.91 27.10 26.94 26.92
December NA 26.44 27.33 27.15 27.24 26.86 27.40 26.97 26.93
Source: INS Baaz

2] Relative Humidity

The average humidity is ranging from75% to 90%. The yearly variations in the
relative humidity are presented in Table-3.11.

Table 3.11: Average Humidity (%) (July 2016 – December 2020) – Great Nicobar Islands

Month/Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
January NA NA NA NA NA 84.74 82.70 79.37 79.98
February NA NA NA NA NA 77.73 80.85 78.35 76.25
March NA NA NA NA NA 81 82.64 78.35 78.43
April NA NA NA NA NA 81.78 83.95 80.95 80.68
May NA NA NA NA NA 83.14 82.35 82.96 86.25

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Month/Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
June NA NA NA NA NA 84.1 84.5 83.85 86.16
July NA NA NA NA 82.3 84.41 83.88 81.04 84.96
August NA NA NA NA 82.7 85.64 84.064 83.46 85.48
September NA NA NA NA 86.68 86.25 83.1 84.66 86.4
October NA NA NA NA 87.61 80.59 82.67 85.91 88.24
November NA NA NA NA 84.78 84.7 83.91 84.86 88.08
December NA NA NA NA 82.91 84.75 80.75 82.83 84.11
Source: INS Baaz

3] Rainfall

The southwest monsoon generally sets in during the last week of May. About 30.9%
of the rainfall is received during the southwest monsoon. The rainfall gradually
increases after July. The northeast monsoon sets in the month of October and
contributes to the rainfall by about 52.5% of the total rainfall. The maximum
number of rainy days occur in the months of October and then in November.

Rainfall data is not found in INS Baaz meteorological data sets. As per the nearest
IMD-Car Nicobar records meteorological data and the average annual rainfall in the
region was found to be 2790.7 mm.

4] Wind Speed/Direction

Generally, light to moderate winds prevail throughout the year. Winds were light
and moderate particularly during the morning hours, while during the afternoon
hours the winds were stronger. The summary of wind pattern as per INS Baaz is
given in Table-3.12.

Table-3.12: Average Wind Speed (M/S) (July 2012 – December 2020) – Greater
Nicobar Islands

Month/Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
January NA 3.2 2.77 3.8 3.3 2.7 2.0 2.98 4.1
February NA 2.8 2.18 3.2 3.2 2.2 1.8 2.42 4.0
March NA 2.9 2.2 2.2 2.9 2.1 2.2 1.86 2.7
April NA 2.4 2.6 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.4 2.19 2.9
May NA 2.9 2.5 4.3 2.9 2.1 2.5 3 2.2
June NA 2.9 2.8 1.6 2.4 2.0 2.3 2.87 2.6
July 3.05 3 2.6 1.9 3.1 2.1 2.1 1.6 3.7
August 2.97 2.6 2 4.4 1.8 2.8 2.0 2.5 2.4
September 3.13 2.6 2.6 3.1 1.9 2.3 2.8 3.1 2.3
October 2.88 3.1 2.5 2.1 2.6 2.2 2.2 2.9 1.8
November 2.83 2.9 2.5 2.7 4.3 2.6 2.4 2.0 2.5
December 2.72 2.76 3.0 2.3 2.9 2.1 2.9 2.1 3.7
Source: INS Baaz

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3.5.2.2 Observations on Primary Data –December 2020 to February 2021

A continuous weather monitoring station was installed on top of Fisheries office at

Campbell Bay. An autometic met station and data logger has been installed at
Campbell Bay and the photograph is given in Figure3.30:

Figure 3.30: autometic met station and data logger

The site-specific data is presented in Table-3.13 and is discussed below:

Table-3.13: Summary of The Meteorological Data Generated at Campbell Bay

Month Temperature (0C) Relative Humidity (%) Total Rainfall

Min Max Min Max (mm)
December, 2020 21.6 29.3 70.7 97.1 320.7
January, 2021 24.7 30.7 78.9 84.8 206.1
February, 2021 23.2 31.1 67.6 82.8 149.8
Range 21.6 – 31.1 67.6 – 97.1 676.6

1) Temperature

The maximum temperature was observed to be 31.1oC during February 2021 and
minimum temperature was observed to be 21.6oC during December 2020.

2) Relative Humidity

The relative humidity was observed to be a maximum of 97.1% for the month of
December 2020 and a minimum of 67.6 % for the month of February 2021.

3) Rainfall

The maximum rainfall during the study period was observed to be 676.6 mm in the
month of December 2020.

4] Cloud Cover

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During the study period, light clouds (2/3 octas) were observed during mornings
and evenings and full clouds observed (8/8 octas) during rainy days.
5) Wind Speed/Direction

The predominant winds along with wind speeds during the study period are
represented as wind rose in Figure-3.31.

Figure-3.31: Site Specific Wind Rose (December 2020 to February 2021)

.5%

3%
E4

8.
N 2.0%

E
N
NN
NN
W

.2%
E7
N

0.8

N
W

E
WN
0.

W
7%

0.5
%
W 0.1% C-42.8% E 9.6%
%
0.1
W
WS
2%

ES
1.

0.9
S 1.3%

E9
.3%
SW

SS
W
SS

E3

SE
7.
.4%

3%

SCALE 5%
SPEED CALM

1 5 11 19 >19 Km/hr

The predominant winds are blowing from E (9.6%) followed by ESE (9.3%) direction
and direction followed by NE (8.3%). The calm conditions were observed to be
42.8%.

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3.6 Ambient Air Quality

The ambient air quality with respect to the study area around the proposed
integrated development projects forms the baseline information. The various sources
of air pollution in the region are mostly rural activities. This will also be useful for
assessing the conformity to standards of the ambient air quality during the proposed
project operation. The study area represents mostly rural environment. This section
describes the selection of sampling locations, methodology adopted for sampling,
analytical techniques and frequency of sampling.
3.6.1 Methodology Adopted for Air Quality Survey

3.6.1.1Selection of Sampling Locations

The baseline status of the ambient air quality has been assessed through a
scientifically designed ambient air quality monitoring network. Figure 3.32 shows the
high-volume air quality sampler used for this project.

Figure 3.32: high-volume air quality sampler

The design of monitoring network in the air quality surveillance programme has been
based on the following considerations:

• Meteorological conditions on synoptic basis;

• Topography of the study area;
• Representativeness of regional background air quality for obtaining baseline
status; and
• Representativeness of likely impact areas.

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM) stations were set up at Six locations with
due consideration to the above-mentioned points. It is to be noted that there are no
receptors in southern portion after Shastri Nagar area. The Indira point area is not
accessible through road and it’s a defence controlled land where entry is restricted.
Table-3.14 gives the details of environmental setting around each monitoring
station. The location of the selected stations with reference to the proposed project
boundary is given in the same table and shown in Figure-3.32. The National
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Ambient Air Quality standards, CPCB Notification issued on 18th November 2009 is
included in Annexure-VI.

3.6.1.2 Frequency and Parameters for Sampling

Ambient air quality monitoring was carried out at a frequency of two days per week
at each location. The baseline data of air environment was generated for the
following parameters:

• Respirable Particulate matter (PM10);

• Fine respirable particulate matter (PM2.5);
• Sulphur dioxide (SO2);
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2);
• Carbon monoxide (CO);
• Ozone (O3);
• Lead (Pb);
• Ammonia (NH3);
• Benzo(a) pyrene (BaP) in particulate phase;
• Benzene (C6H6);
• Arsenic (As);
• Mercury (Hg);
• Nickel (Ni);
• Hydrocarbons (HC); and
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s).

Table-3.14: Details Of Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations

Station Code Name of the Station Environmental Settings

AAQ1 Campbell Bay Rural/Residential Area
AAQ2 Govind Nagar Rural/Residential Area
AAQ3 Joginder Nagar Rural/Residential Area
AAQ4 Vijay Nagar Rural/Residential Area
AAQ5 Laxmi Nagar Rural/Residential Area
AAQ6 Shastri Nagar Rural/Residential Area

3.6.1.3 Duration of Sampling

The duration of sampling of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Fine Particulate

Matter (PM2.5), Particulate Matter (PM10), SO2, NO2 and Mercury (Hg) twice in a
week for 24 hours continuously, whereas O3 and CO was sampled for 8 hours thrice
in 24-hour duration. This is to allow a comparison with the present revised
standards mentioned in the latest Gazette Notification of the Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB) (November 18, 2009). The ambient air quality parameters
along with their frequency of sampling are given in Table-3.17.

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Table-3.15: Monitored Parameters and Frequency of Sampling

Parameters Sampling Frequency

Particulate Matter (PM10) 24 hourly sample twice a week in a month
Respirable Particulate Matter (PM2.5) 24 hourly sample twice a week in a month
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) 24 hourly sample twice a week in a month
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 24 hourly sample twice a week in a month
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 8 hourly samples for 24 hours twice a week in a month
Ozone (O3) 8 hourly samples for 24 hours twice a week in a month
Ammonia, NH3 24 hourly sample twice a week in a month
Benzene, C6H6 24 hourly sample twice a week in a month
Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) 24 hourly sample twice a week in a month
Arsenic (As) 24 hourly sample twice a week in a month
Nickel (Ni) 24 hourly sample twice a week in a month
Lead (Pb) 24 hourly sample twice a week in a month
Mercury (Hg) 24 hourly sample twice a week in a month

3.6.1.4 Method of Analysis

The air samples were analyzed as per standard methods specified by Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB), IS: 10500 and American Public Health Association
(APHA).

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Figure-3.33: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations

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3.6.2 Presentation of Primary Data

The summary of the results represented winter season are presented in Table 3.16.
Various statistical parameters like 98th percentile, average, maximum and minimum
values have been computed from the observed raw data for all the AAQ monitoring
stations. The summary of these results for each location representing study period
are presented in Table-3.17. These are compared with the standards prescribed by
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for industrial, commercial and
rural/residential zone. The results of ambient air quality monitoring carried out
during winter season are enclosed as Annexure-VII.

3.6.2.1Observations of Primary Data

Study period (December 2020 to February 2021)

Particulate Matter (PM10):

The minimum and maximum concentrations for PM10 were recorded as 10.5µg/m3
and 22.6µg/m3 respectively. The minimum and maximum concentration was
recorded at Shastri Nagar (AAQ6) and Campbell Bay (AAQ1) respectively.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5):

The minimum and maximum concentrations for PM2.5 were recorded as 6.2µg/m3
and 14.3µg/m3 respectively. The minimum and maximum concentration was
recorded at Shastri Nagar (AAQ6) and Campbell Bay (AAQ1) respectively.

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2):

The minimum and maximum SO2 concentrations were recorded as 4.1µg/m3

and8.3µg/m3. The minimum and maximum concentration was recorded at Joginder
Nagar (AAQ3) and Campbell Bay (AAQ1) respectively.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2):

The minimum and maximum NO2 concentrations were recorded as 5.2µg/m3 and
10.1µg/m3. The minimum and maximum concentration was recorded at Shastri Nagar
(AAQ6) and Campbell Bay (AAQ1) respectively.

Carbon Monoxide (CO):

The minimum and maximum CO concentrations were recorded as 54µg/m3 and

245µg/m3. The minimum and maximum concentration was recorded at Shastri Nagar
(AAQ6) and Campbell Bay (AAQ1) respectively.

Ozone (O3):

The minimum and maximum O3 concentrations were recorded as 12.1 µg/m3 and
54.1µg/m3. The minimum concentration was recorded at Shastri Nagar (AAQ6). The
maximum concentration was recorded at Campbell Bay (AAQ1).
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Lead (Pb):

Lead concentrations were observed <0.001 µg/µm3 in all the sampling locations.

Arsenic (As):

Arsenic values in all the locations are observed to be less than 1 ng/m3.

Nickel (Ni):

Nickel values in all the locations are observed to be less than 1 ng/m3.

Ammonia (NH3):

Ammonia concentration observed in all the locations is less than 20.0 µg/m3.

Mercury (Hg):

Mercury concentration observed in all the locations is less than 1 ng/m3.

Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP):

BaP values observed in all the locations are <0.1 ng/m3.

Benzene (C6H6):

Benzene concentration was observed in all the locations are <0.001 µg/m3.

Hydrocarbon (HC):

HC values observed in all the locations are<0.1 ppm.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s):

VOC’s values observed in all the locations are<0.1 ppm.

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Table-3.16: Summary of Ambient Air Quality Results during study period (December 2020 to February 2021)

Station Locations PM10 (µg/m3) PM2.5 (µg/m3) SO2 (µg/m3) NO2 (µg/m3)
Code Min Max Avg 98th
Min Max Avg 98th
Min Max Avg 98 th
Min Max Avg 98th
%le %le %le %le
AAQ1 Campbell
Bay 17.4 22.6 19.1 22.1 11.1 14.3 12.6 14.2 5.8 8.3 7.1 8.2 7.3 10.1 8.4 9.9
AAQ2 Govind
Nagar 13.6 18.8 15.3 18.3 8.6 11.8 10.1 11.7 5.1 6.5 5.8 6.5 7.3 9.2 8.2 9.1
AAQ3 Joginder
Nagar 12.1 16.6 13.5 16.1 7.1 9.6 8.1 9.5 4.1 6.0 5.1 6.0 6.1 7.8 6.9 7.7
AAQ4 Vijay Nagar 11.4 14.2 12.7 14.2 6.8 8.8 7.8 8.7 BDL BDL BDL BDL 5.7 7.2 6.4 7.2
AAQ5 Laxmi Nagar 10.8 13.1 11.7 12.9 6.5 8.3 7.2 8.2 BDL BDL BDL BDL 5.6 7.1 6.2 7.1
AAQ6 Shastri
Nagar 10.5 12.6 11.4 12.5 6.2 7.8 6.9 7.8 BDL BDL BDL BDL 5.2 6.9 5.8 6.8
Range 10.5 – 22.6 6.2 – 14.3 4.1 – 8.3 5.2 – 10.1
CPCB standards 100 60 80 80

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Table-3.17: Summary of Ambient Air Quality during study period (December 2020 to February 2021)

Station Locations CO (µg/m3) O3 (µg/m3) NH3 C6H6 BaP As Ni Pb Hg HC VOC’s

Code Min Max Avg 98th
Min Max Avg 98th (µg/m3) (µg/m3) (ng/m3) (ng/m3 (ng/m3) (µg/m3 (ng/m3) (ppm) (ppm)
%le %le ) )
AAQ1 Campbell <20.0 <0.001 <0.1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1
Bay 162 245 204 243 45.8 54.1 48.7 53.0
AAQ2 Govind <20.0 <0.001 <0.1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Nagar 113 196 155 194 34.9 43.5 37.8 42.4 <1 <1 <1
AAQ3 Joginder <20.0 <0.001 <0.1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Nagar 71 154 113 152 29.6 36.4 31.9 35.3 <1 <1 <1
AAQ4 Vijay Nagar 65 116 91 114 22.7 27.8 25.1 27.4 <20.0 <0.001 <0.1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <0.1 <0.1
AAQ5 Laxmi Nagar 59 95 76 93 16.7 21.6 18.7 21.2 <20.0 <0.001 <0.1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <0.1 <0.1
AAQ6 Shastri <20.0 <0.001 <0.1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <0.1 <0.1
Nagar 54 90 71 88 12.1 17.7 14.8 17.5
Range 54 - 245 12.1 – 54.1 <20.0 <0.001 <0.1 <1 <1 <0.001 <1 <0.1 <0.1
CPCB standards 2000 100 400 5.0 1.0 6.0 20.0 1.0 - - -

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3.6.3 Conclusions

The air quality in Great Nicobar Island is generally good. Great Nicobar Islands
represents a rural environment. Ambient air quality monitoring was carried out at
6 locations. The minimum and maximum concentrations for PM10 were recorded as
10.5µg/m3and 22.6 µg/m3respectively. The minimum concentrations were
recorded at Shastri Nagar and maximum concentrations at Campbell Bay. The
minimum and maximum concentrations for PM2.5 were recorded as 6.2µg/m3 and
14.3µg/m3respectively. The minimum concentrations were recorded at Shastri
Nagar and maximum concentrations at Campbell Bay. Similarly, the minimum and
maximum concentrations for NO2 were recorded as 5.2µg/m3and
10.1µg/m respectively.The minimum and maximum concentrations for CO were
3

recorded as 54µg/m3and 245µg/m3respectively.The minimum and maximum

concentrations for O3 were recorded as 12.1 µg/m3and 54.1 µg/m3respectively. The
other pollutants such as Lead, Arsenic. Nickel, Ammonia Mercury BaP, Benzene,
HC, VOC’s values were observed to be less than the detectable limits. The ambient
air quality was found to be within the NAAQ standards.

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3.7 Water Quality

Selected water quality parameters of surface and ground water resources within the
proposed project study area has been studied for assessing the water environment
and evaluate anticipated impact of the proposed project. Understanding the water
quality is essential in preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment and to
identify critical issues with a view to suggest appropriate mitigation measures for
implementation.

The purpose of this study is to:

• Assess the water quality characteristics for critical parameters;

• Evaluate the impacts on agricultural productivity, forest, habitat conditions,
recreational resources and aesthetics in the vicinity; and
• Predict impact on water quality by this project and related activities.

The information required has been collected through primary surveys and secondary
sources.

3.7.1 Methodology

Reconnaissance survey was undertaken, and monitoring locations were finalized

based on:

• Drainage pattern;
• Location of residential areas representing different activities/likely impact areas;
and
• Likely areas, which can represent baseline conditions.

Eight surface water and Eight ground water sources covering were examined for
physio-chemical, heavy metals and bacteriological parameters in order to assess the
effect of industrial and other activities on surface and ground water. The samples
were analyzed as per the procedures specified in 'Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater' published by American Public Health
Association (APHA).

3.7.2 Water Sampling Locations

Water samples were collected from sixteen locations. These samples were taken as
grab samples and were analyzed for various parameters to compare with the
standards for drinking water as per IS: 10500 for ground water sources. The water
sampling locations are identified in Table-3.20 and shown in Figure-3.34.

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Table-3.18: Water Sampling Locations

Ground Water Sampling Locations

Sr. No Location Type of Well
GW1 Campbell Bay Dug Well
GW2 RPRS Colony- Campbell Bay Dug Well
GW3 Govind Nagar Dug Well
GW4 Rajiv Nagar- Campbell Bay Dug Well
GW5 Joginder Nagar Dug Well
GW6 Laxmi Nagar Dug Well
GW7 Near PHC - Gandhi Nagar Dug Well
GW8 Shastri Nagar
Surface Water Sampling Locations
SW1 Govind Nagar Reservoir Reservoir
SW2 Mogarnala Near Govind Nagar Nala
SW3 Mogarnala Near Govind Nagar (Back Water) Nala
SW4 Nala Near Joginder Nagar Nala
SW5 Nala Near Vijay Nagar Nala
SW6 Nala Near Laxmi Nagar Nala
SW7 Nala Near Laxmi Nagar Nala
SW8 Galathea River U/S Nala

3.7.3 Presentation of Results

The results of the water quality monitored during the study period are given in Table
3.19 andTable-3.20. The groundwater samples were collected from dug wells with
concrete lining. The depth of the well’s ranges between6ft-10ft. The surface water
samples were collected from reservoir and nallas.

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Figure-3.34: Water Sampling Locations

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Table-3.19: Surface Water Quality- Study Period (December 2020 – February 2021)

Sr. No. Parameters Unit Study Period

(December 2020 – February 2021)
SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 SW5 SW6 SW7 SW8
1 pH - 6.76 6.75 6.38 7.28 7.27 7.24 7.06 7.2
2 Colour Hazen 6 8 7 6 8 9 6 8
3 Conductivity µS/cm 308 7040 51300 2900 110.3 364 129.8 42600
4 TDS mg/l 205.8 4357.2 35400.0 1784.3 69.0 243.1 81.6 29390.0
5 DO mg/l 5.8 5.4 6.2 5.8 5.6 5.7 5.6 5.9
6 BOD mg/l <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
7 COD mg/l <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5
8 Total Hardness as CaCO3 mg/l 76.0 486.1 7713.3 441.3 40.1 83.2 46.3 5759.1
9 Total Alkalinity as CaCO3 mg/l 107.2 122.8 321.8 132.6 23.8 128.6 28.6 286.4
10 Calcium as Ca mg/l 18.2 121.2 557.4 108.7 9.8 19.6 11.6 460
11 Magnesium as Mg mg/l 7.4 44.5 1535.7 41.2 3.8 8.3 4.2 1120.0
12 Chlorides as Cl mg/l 25.3 1680 16300 702 18 29.6 21.1 13500
13 Residual Free Chlorine mg/l <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
14 Phosphates as PO4 mg/l <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
15 Sulphates as SO4 mg/l 8.8 980 2150 324 4.8 9.2 6.1 1860
16 Fluorides as F mg/l 0.3 1.1 1.4 0.9 0.2 0.4 0.4 1.3
17 Nitrates as NO3 mg/l 1.2 3.8 3.8 2.9 1.1 0.8 0.6 2.1
18 Sodium as Na mg/l 34.2 1382.2 8140 455.7 6.6 43.8 8.3 7060
19 Potassium as K mg/l 3.2 21.6 186.4 16.3 0.9 2.8 0.7 164
20 Total Boron as B mg/l 0.32 0.22 0.63 0.21 0.18 0.17 0.32 0.54
21 Phenolic Compounds mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
22 Cyanides mg/l <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02
23 Oil and grease mg/l <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0
24 Cadmium as Cd mg/l <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003
25 Arsenic as mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
26 Copper as Cu mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
27 Lead as Pb mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
28 Iron as Fe mg/l 0.09 0.13 0.41 0.08 0.11 0.14 0.08 0.36
29 Chromium as Cr+6 mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
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16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District

Chapter-3
Desription of Environment

Sr. No. Parameters Unit Study Period

(December 2020 – February 2021)
SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 SW5 SW6 SW7 SW8
30 Selenium as Se mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
31 Zinc as Zn mg/l 0.21 0.11 0.36 0.08 0.09 0.13 0.07 0.62
32 Aluminum as Al mg/l 0.05 0.08 0.21 0.12 0.07 0.09 0.08 0.44
33 Mercury as Hg mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
34 SAR - 1.71 27.29 40.33 9.44 0.45 2.09 0.53 40.48
35 Insecticides mg/l Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent
36 Anionic Detergents as MBAS mg/l Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent
37 Total Coliforms MPN/100ml 1120 890 Absent 780 940 1060 1120 Absent

Table-3.20: Ground Water Quality- Study Period (December 2020 – February 2021)

Sr. Parameters Units IS: 10500 Study Period

No. Limits (December 2020 – February 2021)
GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 GW5 GW6 GW7 GW8
1 pH - 6.5-8.5 7.68 7.67 7.73 7.72 7.82 7.53 7.59 8.01
2 Colour Hazen 5(15) 2 3 3 4 3 4 3 2
Agreeabl Agreea Agreea Agreea Agreea Agreea Agreea Agreea
3 Taste - Agreeable
e ble ble ble ble ble ble ble
Agreeabl Agreea Agreea Agreea Agreea Agreea Agreea Agreea
4 Odour - Agreeable
e ble ble ble ble ble ble ble
5 Conductivity µS/cm $ 1037 1365 672 1542 587 1071 1287 1618
6 Turbidity NTU 1(5) 1 2 2 3 2 3 2 4
7 TDS Mg/l 500 (2000) 636.4 828.5 416.11 926.8 361.86 658.7 783.8 986.9
Total Hardness as
8 mg/l 200 (600) 217.1 264.0 178.0 471.3 150.2 209.5 244.1 411.1
Caco3
9 Total Alkalinity mg/l 200 (600) 158 182.2 124.2 228 98.7 144 169.7 235
10 Calcium as Ca2+ mg/l 75 (200) 56.4 68.4 44.2 112.3 36.7 51.2 62.4 99.4
11 Magnesium as Mg2+ mg/l 30 (100) 18.5 22.6 16.4 46.3 14.2 19.8 21.4 39.5
12 Residual Chlorine mg/l 0.2 (1) <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
13 Boron mg/l 0.5(1) 0.12 0.08 0.13 0.11 0.09 0.06 0.09 0.07
14 Chloride as Cl mg/l 250 (1000) 222 310.2 132.1 342.7 117.6 251.7 292.7 361.2
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
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16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District

Chapter-3
Desription of Environment

Sr. Parameters Units IS: 10500 Study Period

No. Limits (December 2020 – February 2021)
GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 GW5 GW6 GW7 GW8
15 Sulfates as So42- mg/l 200 (400) 35.6 46.9 21.8 52.6 23.8 32.1 44.4 55.4
16 Fluoride as F mg/l 1.0 (1.5) 0.6 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.9 0.9
17 Nitrates as NO3 mg/l 45 (NR) 4.8 3.1 2.9 4.6 3.6 4.3 4.6 5.9
18 Sodium as Na mg/l $ 138.2 191.2 71.8 136 64.2 143.6 177.5 175.3
19 Potassium as K mg/l $ 2.3 3.1 2.11 3.8 2.66 11.3 10.2 14.3
0.001
20 Phenolic Compounds mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
(0.002)
21 Cyanides as CN- mg/l 0.05 (NR) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02
22 Anionic Detergents mg/l 0.2 (1.0) <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2
23 Mineral Oil mg/l 0.5(NR) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
24 Cadmium as Cd mg/l 0.003(NR) <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003
0.01
25 Arsenic as mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
(0.05)
26 Copper as Cu mg/l 0.05 (1.5) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
27 Lead as Pb mg/l 0.01 (NR) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.01
28 Manganese as Mn mg/l 0.1 (0.3) 0.01 <0.01 0.02 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01
29 Iron as Fe mg/l 0.3 (NR) 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.11 0.08 0.09 0.12 0.09
30 Chromium as Cr+6 mg/l 0.05 (NR) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
31 Selenium as Se mg/l 0.01 (NR) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
32 Zinc as Zn mg/l 5 (15) 0.08 0.05 0.07 0.06 0.09 0.03 0.05 0.07
33 Aluminum as Al mg/l 0.03 (0.2) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
34 Mercury as Hg mg/l 0.001 (NR) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
35 Pesticides mg/l Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent
36 E. Coli - Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent
37 Total Coliforms MPN/100ml 10 Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent
Note: Limits in parenthesis are permissible limits in absence of alternate source;
($) Indicates no Limits have been specified
NR Indicates no Relaxation
() Permissible limits

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Chapter-3
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3.7.3.1 Surface Water Quality

December 2020 to February 2021

 The analysis results indicate that the pH values in the range of 6.38 to 7.28 The
maximum value was observed at Nala Near Joginder Nagar (SW4). The
minimum value was observed at Mogarnala Near Govind Nagar (SW3), which is
well within the specified standard of 6.5 to 8.5.

 The TDS was observed in the range of 69 mg/l to 35400 mg/l, the maximum
TDS value was observed at Mogarnala Near Govind Nagar (SW3), whereas
minimum value was observed at Nala Near Vijay Nagar (SW5).

 The chlorides and sulphates were found to be in the range of 18 to 16300 mg/l
and 4.8 to 2150 mg/l respectively. The surface water quality does not indicate
any industrial contamination.

3.7.3.2 Ground Water Quality

December 2020 to February 2021

 The analysis results of ground water samples showed the pH in range of 7.53 –
8.01 which are with the specified standard limits of 6.5 to 8.5. The maximum pH
of 8.01 was observed at Shastri Nagar (GW8) and minimum pH of 7.53 was
observed at Laxmi Nagar (GW6).

 The total hardness of the samples ranged from 150.2 – 471.3 mg/l. The maximum
hardness 471.3 mg/l was recorded at Rajiv Nagar- Campbell Bay (GW4) and the
minimum 150.2 mg/l was recorded at Joginder Nagar (GW5).

 Range of chlorides and sulphates concentrations at all the locations 117.6 – 361.2
mg/l and 21.8 – 55.4 mg/l respectively.

 All other metal concentrations are observed to be below detectable limits.

3.7.4 Conclusions

Water quality studies have been carried out by collecting water samples from the
field. About 8 Ground water and 8 surface water samples were collected from Great
Nicobar Islands.

Ground Water Quality:

The groundwater analysis showed that majority of the sample’s quality (Cations,
anions, Metals and Salinity) were good in quality. Water quality for all of the
parameters tested was good and can safely be used for irrigation purpose.

The analysis results indicate that the pH ranges in between 7.53 to 8.01, which is
well within the specified standard of 6.5 to 8.5. Total hardness was observed to be
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-3
Desription of Environment

ranging from 150.2 to 471.3 mg/l. Chlorides were found to be in the range of
117.6 mg/l to 361.2 mg/l and Sulphates were found to be in the range of 21.8 mg/l
to 55.4 mg/l. All other metal concentrations are observed to be below detectable
limits.

Surface Water Quality:

The analysis results indicate that the pH values in the range of 6.38 to 7.28. The
TDS was observed in the range of 69 mg/l to 35,400 mg/l. The chlorides and
sulphates were found to be in the range of 18 to 16,300 mg/l and 4.8 to 2150 mg/l
respectively. The surface water quality does not indicate any industrial
contamination. The DO was observed in the range of 5.4 to 6.2 mg/l. The BOD
and COD were found to be in the range of <3 mg/l and <5 to 110 mg/l respectively.
The coliform levels were found to be in the range of 780 to 1120 MPN/100ml and
a few locations coliform observed to be absent.

3.8 Noise Level Survey

The physical description of sound concerns its loudness as a function of frequency.

Noise in general is sound which is composed of many frequency components of
various types of loudness distributed over the audible frequency range. Various noise
scales have been introduced to describe, in a single number, the response of an
average human to a complex sound made up of various frequencies at different
loudness levels. The most common and universally accepted scale is the A weighted
Scale which is measured as dB (A). This is more suitable for audible range of 20 to
20,000 Hz. The scale has been designed to weigh various components of noise
according to the response of a human ear.

The impact of noise sources on surrounding community depends on:

• Characteristics of noise sources (instantaneous, intermittent or continuous in

nature). It can be observed that steady noise is not as annoying as one which is
continuously varying in loudness;

• The time of day at which noise occurs, for example high noise levels at night in
residential areas are not acceptable because of sleep disturbance; and

• The location of the noise source, with respect to noise sensitive land-use
determines the loudness and period of exposure.

The environmental impact of noise can have several effects varying from Noise
Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) to annoyance depending on loudness of noise. The
environmental impact assessment of noise from the proposed project, construction
activity and vehicular traffic can be undertaken by taking into consideration various
factors like potential damage to hearing, physiological responses and annoyance and
general community responses. The Noise pollution (regulation and control) rules,
2000 issued by CPCB is included in Annexure-VI.

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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-3
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3.8.1 Identification of Sampling Locations

A preliminary reconnaissance survey has been undertaken to identify the major noise
generating sources in the area. Noise at different noise generating sources has been
identified based on the activities in the village area, ambient noise due to traffic and
the noise at sensitive areas like hospitals and schools.

The noise monitoring has been conducted for determination of noise levels at 20
locations in the study area for winter season (1st December 2020 to 28th February
2021). The noise levels at each location were recorded for 24 hours. The environment
setting of each noise monitoring location is given in Table-3.21 and depicted in
Figure-3.35.

Table-3.21: Details of Noise Monitoring Locations

Sr. No. Name of the location Category of Area

1 Campbell Bay Rural/Residential Area
2 RPRS Colony- Campbell Bay Rural/Residential Area
3 Rajiv Nagar- Campbell Bay Rural/Residential Area
4 Near Govind Nagar Rural/Residential Area
5 Govind Nagar Rural/Residential Area
6 Near Magar Nala Beach Silence Zone
7 Joginder Nagar Rural/Residential Area
8 Vijay Nagar Rural/Residential Area
9 Laxmi Nagar Silence Zone
10 Near Laxmi Nagar Rural/Residential Area
11 Near PHC - Gandhi Nagar Rural/Residential Area
12 Gandhi Nagar Silence Zone
13 North of –Shastri agar Rural/Residential Area
14 Shastri Nagar Silence Zone
15 Near Banti Store –Shastri agar Silence Zone
16 Proposed Seaport Area Rural/Residential Area
17 Galathea Rural/Residential Area
18 Koe Silence Zone
19 Near Helipad- Indira Point Silence Zone
20 Shastri Nagar Rural/Residential Area

3.8.2 Methodology of Data Generation

3.8.2.1 Instrument Used for Monitoring

Noise levels were measured using integrated sound level meter manufactured by
Quest Technologies, USA (Model No.2900). The integrating sound level meter is an
integrating/logging type with Octave filter attachment (model OB-100) with
frequency range of 31.5 to 16000 Hz. This instrument is capable of measuring the
Sound Pressure Level (SPL), Leq and octave band frequency analysis.
3.8.2.2 Method of Monitoring

Noise level monitoring was carried out continuously for 24 hours with one-hour
interval starting at 06:00 hrs to 06:00 hrs next day. The noise levels were monitored
on working days only and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays were not
monitored. During each hour, Leq were directly computed by the instrument based

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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-3
Desription of Environment

on the sound pressure levels. Lday (Ld), Lnight (Ln) and Ldn values were computed
using corresponding hourly Leq of day and night respectively. Monitoring was carried
out at ‘A’ response and fast mode.

3.8.2.3 Parameters Measured During Monitoring

For noise levels measured over a given period of time, it is possible to describe
important features of noise using statistical quantities. This is calculated using the
percent of the time certain noise levels are exceeding the time interval. The notation
for the statistical quantities of noise levels are described below:

• L10 is the noise level exceeded 10 per cent of the time;

• L50 is the noise level exceeded 50 per cent of the time; and
• L90 is the noise level exceeded 90 per cent of the time.

Equivalent Sound Pressure Level (Leq):

The Leq is the equivalent continuous sound level, which is equivalent to the same
sound energy as the actual fluctuating sound measured in the same period. This is
necessary because sound from noise source often fluctuates widely during a given
period of time. This is calculated from the following equation:

( L10 _L90 ) 2
Leq = L50 +
60

Lday is defined as the equivalent noise level measured over a period of time during
day (6 am to 10 pm).
Lnight is defined as the equivalent noise level measured over a period of time during
night (10 pm to 6 am).

Day-Night Sound Level (Ldn):

The noise rating developed for community noise from all sources is the Day-Night
Sound Level (Ldn). It is similar to a 24 hr equivalent sound level except that during
night time period (10 pm to 6 am) a 10 dB (A) weighting penalty is added to the
instantaneous sound level before computing the 24 hr average.

This night time penalty is added to account for the fact that the noise during night,
when people are usually in sleep, is judged as more annoying than the same noise
during the day time.

The Ldn for a given location in a community may be calculated from the hourly Leq’s,
by the following equation.

L dn = 10 log{1 / 24[16(10Ld / 10 ) + 8(10(Ln +10) / 10 )]}

Where Ld is the equivalent sound level during the day time (6 am to 10 pm) and Ln
is the equivalent sound level during the night time (10 pm to 6 am).

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Desription of Environment

Figure-3.35: Noise Monitoring Locations

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Chapter-3
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3.8.3 Presentation of Results

The statistical analysis is done for measured noise levels at twenty locations during
January 2021 and February 2021 of the study period. The parameters are analyzed
for Lday, Lnight, and Ldn. These results are tabulated in Table-3.22. Standard noise
limits are given in the Table 3.23.
Table-3.22: Noise Levels in The Study Area

Location Name of Location Category of Area L10 L50 L90 Leq Lday Lnight Ldn
N1 Campbell Bay Rural/Residential Area 54.3 50.6 49.9 50.9 52.1 49.0 56.0
RPRS Colony- Campbell
N2 Rural/Residential Area 52.8 49.1 48.4 49.4 50.6 47.5 54.5
Bay
Rajiv Nagar- Campbell
N3 Rural/Residential Area 51.7 48.0 47.3 48.3 49.5 46.4 53.4
Bay
N4 Near Govind Nagar Rural/Residential Area 49.6 45.9 45.2 46.2 47.4 44.3 51.3
N5 Govind Nagar Rural/Residential Area 47.8 44.1 43.4 44.4 45.6 42.5 49.5
N6 Near Magar Nala Beach Silence Zone 44.7 40.9 39.0 41.4 42.4 38.2 45.5
N7 Joginder Nagar Rural/Residential Area 48.8 45.1 44.4 45.4 46.6 43.5 50.5
N8 Vijay Nagar Rural/Residential Area 47.8 44.0 42.1 44.5 45.5 41.3 48.6
N9 Laxmi Nagar Silence Zone 43.7 40.0 39.3 40.3 41.5 38.4 45.4
N10 Near Laxmi Nagar Rural/Residential Area 45.4 41.7 41.0 42.0 43.2 40.1 47.1
Near PHC - Gandhi
N11 Rural/Residential Area 52.1 48.4 47.7 48.7 49.9 46.8 53.8
Nagar
N12 Gandhi Nagar Silence Zone 42.8 39.1 38.4 39.4 40.6 37.5 44.5
N13 North of –Shastri Nagar Rural/Residential Area 46.8 43.0 41.1 43.5 44.5 40.3 47.6
N14 Shastri Nagar Silence Zone 42.3 38.5 36.6 39.0 40.0 35.8 43.1
Near Banti Store –
N15 Silence Zone 43.7 39.9 38.0 40.4 41.4 37.2 44.5
Shastri agar
N16 Proposed Seaport Area Rural/Residential Area 49.6 45.8 43.9 46.3 47.3 43.1 50.4
N17 Galathea Rural/Residential Area 46.9 43.1 41.2 43.6 44.6 40.4 47.7
N18 Koe Silence Zone 42.9 39.2 38.5 39.5 40.7 37.6 44.6
Near Helipad- Indira
N19 Silence Zone 44.2 40.5 39.8 40.8 42.0 38.9 45.9
Point
N20 Shastri Nagar Rural/Residential Area 49.6 45.9 45.2 46.2 47.4 44.3 51.3

Table-3.23: Ambient Noise Standards

Area Code Category of Area Noise Levels (dB (A) Leq (Limits)
Day time Night time
A Industrial Area 75 70
B Commercial Area 65 55
C Residential Area 55 45
D Silence Zone 50 40
Ambient Noise Standards of CPCB

3.8.4 Observation of Results

Day time Noise Levels (Lday)

The day time noise levels at all the locations were ranged in between 40.0 dB(A)
to 52.1 dB(A). The maximum value 52.1 dB(A) was recorded at Campbell Bay, and
the minimum value 40.0 dB(A) was recorded at Shastri Nagar.

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The values recorded at all locations when compared to ambient noise standards
shows that the observed values were well below the stipulated standards mentioned
in Table-3.23.

Night time Noise Levels (Lnight)

The night time noise levels were ranged in between 35.8 dB(A) to 49.0 dB(A). The
maximum value 49.0 dB(A) was recorded at Campbell Bay, and the minimum value
35.8 dB(A) was recorded at Shastri Nagar. The exceedences in the noise levels at
Campbell bay can be attributed due to natural occurring sound near sea shore.

Night time noise levels when compared to the Ambient Noise Standards shows that
the observed values were well below the stipulated standards mentioned in Table-
3.23.

3.9 Ecology and Biodiversity

3.9.1 Introduction to the Biodiversity of Great Nicobar Island:

The archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands holds fascination for its unique
features in biodiversity, endemic fauna and flora, and tropical evergreen forest.
Relative to the total surface area of the Island, nowhere else in the world, biosphere
reserves, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Tribal reserve, for the
conservation of unique biodiversity and protection of primitive aboriginals cover
about 85% of the total surface area.

The southern-most point of the Islands, as well as of India, lies at Pygmalian point
(now known as Indira Point) of Great Nicobar. Out of the 24 islands in the Nicobar
group, Great Nicobar is the largest island situated at about 482 km south of Port
Blair and about 145 km north of Sumatra (Indonesia). The island covers an area of
l045 Km2, of which 885 Km2area is protected under Biosphere Reserve. It houses
two national parks, namely, the Campbell National Park (CNP) and the Galathea
National Park (GNP). These national parks were notified on 18th March 1992 for
the purpose of protecting, propagating and evolution of wildlife and its
environment, which is of ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological and geological
importance. The Great Nicobar Island is rugged with several hill ranges running
from north to south, the highest known peak is the Mount Thuiller with a height of
670m above sea level, situated in north - eastern side of the island. The coastal
line is highly indented with several creeks, bays and fringing reefs in shallow
waters. Five perennial rivers, namely Alexandra, Dogmar, Amrita Kaur, Jubillee and
Galathea and their tributaries discharge flood water into the sea. The climate of
island is humid-tropical. Monsoon is prolonged from April to December, with hot
and humid weather during January to March. The annual rainfall ranges from 3000
to 3500 Cm, while temperature ranges from 250C to 33OC.

According to Kailash Chandra (1999), the vegetation is predominantly of tropical

evergreen rain forest of Indo-Malayan type. This may be broadly divided into two
major groups - Littoral and Inland vegetation. The Littoral vegetation comprises of
Casuarina plantation, beach vegetation, Pandanus lining and mangrove vegetation
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including Nypapalm swamp. The inland vegetation consists of low land swamp and
mainly evergreen hill forests with very few deciduous elements comprising of tall
straight trees with closed canopy formation. About 600 plant species of different
groups are known from the biosphere reserve, of which 10% are being indigenous
and found nowhere else in the world.

Kailash Chandra (1999) states that the interesting and endemic species of higher
animals of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve include the Nicobar crab-eating
monkey, Nicobar fruit-bat, Nicobar flying fox, Nicobar tree-shrew among
mammals; and Nicobar serpent eagle, South Nicobar-Megapode, Nicobar quill,
Nicobar pigeon, Nicobar cuckoo-dove, Nicobar parakeet, white bellied swiftlet,
Nicobar kingfisher, Nicobar myna, Nicobar sun-bird etc. among the birds. The
other interesting fauna belonging to amphibians and reptiles are - Nicobar tree
frog, Nicobar toad. Nicobarese tree skink, water monitor lizard, Daniel's forest
lizard, worm lizard, Nicobar water snake, reticulated python, leather - back sea
turtle, green sea turtle, Hawk's bill turtle, Olive Ridley turtle, south east Asian box
turtle, estuarine crocodile ete. Among the invertebrates. Coconut crab and endemic
insects including butterflies are also found in Great Nicobar Island.

Study area

Quick primary survey of the Ecology and biodiversity of the Great Nicobar Island
was carried out by Prof. K.B Reddy, Retired Professor of Ecology and Environmental
Sciences and a Functional Area Expert (FAE) in Ecology & Biodiversity and Soil
Conservation (Category A) of the Vimta Labs Ltd., Hyderabad during December
2020 (14 to 22 December 2020). Primary survey of Leatherback Turtles was done
by Mr. Ravinder of Vimta Labs during 12 to 18 February 2021.

The study area comprises of the west coast of Great Nicobar Island from Campbell
Bay to the Indira point and Galathea River mouth in the southern part. It includes
all revenue villages and areas approachable and accessible on both sides of the
road. Many areas along the coast were not even approachable by sea. Similarly,
thick forest vegetation with impenetrable shrubs and climbers was not accessible
without clearing the vegetation and making the way. The hills are steep, slippery
and totally covered by multi-storeyed vegetation. Whenever we could gain entry
through some opening into the dense / thick forest, visibility was poor; humidity
was high; soil was wet and slippery on account of intermittent sharp showers every
day, invisible streams of water under thick carpet of dead leaves and twigs. Added
to the problem was biting insects including mosquitoes. Further, when one tries
to look upwards to find out what tree it is, it is not just one but many. Most trees
are overgrown by heavy climbers and the tree-trunks are covered by epiphytes
including mosses, lichens, epiphytic ferns and Orchids. There was no threat of
venomous snakes as they do not occur in the Island. It was impossible to use any
measuring devices like tape to make any quadrat in the forest vegetation. Hence,
intensive survey was carried out on both sides of the Campbell -Indira Point for
four days. It is about 45 Km and the entire stretch was survey 8 times in four days.
However, towards the sea side (western side of the road) most of the area was
accessible but the soil was swampy, and vegetation was thick except in the
commercial plantations of Coconut and Areca Nut. Under the guidance of a range
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officer sent by the D.F.O., we could reach the midst of the Campbell Bay National
Park (CBNP). Observations about the Avifauna were made from the bird watching
point. We had a couple of detailed discussions with the local D.F.O., who extended
full cooperation without which the survey would not have been complete. Every
day from 6.00 AM to 8.00, we used to cover one part of the Campbell Bay and in 6
days, Team had covered the entire Campbell Bay through the morning survey on
foot. During the morning survey, Team interacted with traders, teachers,
fisherman and local residents about different aspects relating to wildlife, cultivation,
conflicts with wildlife and issues relating to Ecology. This detailed survey yielded
many species of plants that were not reported or recorded earlier. During this
period, we could count the numbers of Crab eating macaques in different groups in
different parts.

During the survey, Teamhad covered a cross section of the CBNP, buffer zone of
the Galathea National Park, Areas frequented by Salt water Crocodiles, Mangrove
plantations in four different areas, Galathea River Estuary, breeding grounds of the
Leatherback Turtles, all villages and coastal areas apart from the forest areas.
According to the maps of the forest department, most part of the area towards the
west of the Campbell – Indira Point road is a revenue land though there are forests.
Towards the east of the road is mostly forest but in many areas the road passes
either through either the forest or revenue land only.

Based on the field visit experience briefly mentioned above, there were some
limitations to the survey. It is a rapid reconnaissance type of survey and it was not
intensive except in non-forest residential areas. As most plant species were not in
flowering and could only be seen from some distance either because of height of
the trees or because of lack of access, for correct identification of the species,
hence, the list provided by forest department as well as the data from different
scientific publications were referred and compared with site observations.
Nomenclature, where required was updated and hence the names of some species
are at variance from the earlier reports. With such practical difficulties, in spite of
the sincere effort made there could be a few minor errors. Based on our site
observations, it appears that what is uncovered so far is not complete and what is
hidden may be even more valuable. Thus, in spite of the best efforts, the survey
within the dense forests was feasible only to a limited extent. Hence, the survey
was carried out covering the entire stretch from Campbell Bay to Galathea River
mouth on both sides of the road covering all accessible areas for seven days from
15th through 21st December 2020. There was no place which was not explored on
both the sides of the road. In addition, team had gone in to the Campbell Bay
National Park through the west-east road up to the bridge on Galathea River
accompanied by a forest officer. The survey covered a stretch of 12 Km within the
CBNP. The area included the bird watching point and the watch tower in Campbell
Bay National Park (CBNP). The west -east coast road is more like a cart track and
it is motorable to a limited extend. It is mainly designed by the CBNP authority for
monitoring purposes. The following observations are made on the basis of the
survey and the interaction with the Divisional Forest Officer and his team who
were extremely cooperative and willing to share the information.

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• The area marked as revenue land in the map of the of the forest department
documents is under the cultivation of Coconut and Areca nut besides settlements.
This is mainly towards the western side of the only road from Campbell Bay to
Galathea estuary. Banana is also grown in some parts. But no seasonal crops are
grown except for one small area at Gandhi Nagar where Indian vegetables were
grown.
• The vegetation of the revenue land, non-forest areas and road sides is entirely
different from that of the forest vegetation. Exotic or non-local Invasive species
are abundant in the non-forest revenue lands and settlements.
• Except for a few hills with dense evergreen hill forests extending up to the sea,
rest of the area towards the west of the Campbell to Indira point is open to
commercial plantations of Coconut and Areca nut besides residential colonies.
• Some areas towards the east of the road were covered by thick and impenetrable
forest but described as revenue forest. There are mixed evergreen forests similar
to those in the CBNP and the Galathea National Park (GNP).
• About 2 km stretch of road is currently extended up to the Indira point, the
extreme southernmost tip of India. Where the forest was cleared and the hills
are excavated / cut to lay the road, landslides were observed. It probably serves
as a warning for the future planning. The rock of GNI at many places are fragile
and offen highly eroded and prone to land slide. Therefore, slope stabilisation
measures to be taken into consideration during planning & designing for
development.
• Huge, tall trunks of the trees standing dead in sea water and the estuary serves
as an indisputable evidence of invasion of sea during the tsunami.
• In view of the drastic differences between the vegetation and flora of the revenue
lands and the adjacent forests, flora of the two regions is listed separately though
many species are common.

Forest vegetation of the study area

According to India State Forest Report (2019), Andaman & Nicobar Islands support
very luxuriant and rich vegetation due to tropical hot and humid climate with
abundant rains. As per the Champion & Seth Classification of Forest Types (1968),
the forests in Andaman & Nicobar Islands belong to four Type Groups i.e. Tropical
Wet Evergreen, Tropical Semi Evergreen, Tropical Moist Deciduous and Littoral &
Swamp Forests which are further categorized into 13 Forest Types. Nature has
provided these islands with a unique and varied flora and fauna. The surrounding
seas are equally rich in marine biodiversity. Due to the geographic isolation of these
islands, a large degree of endemism exists which means that the ecosystems of
these islands are vulnerable to disturbances. The forestry practices in these islands
have undergone significant changes in the last more than 125 years of scientific
forestry, influenced by major policy changes and socioeconomic situations. The
current focus of forest management in the islands is towards biodiversity
conservation along with sustainable use of forest produce for local inhabitants, to
protect the environment for future generations. The forests in these islands have a
tropical rainforest canopy, made of a mixed flora with elements from Indo-Myanmar
and Indo-Malayan floral realms. About 2,200 varieties of plants have been recorded
in the Islands, out of which 200 are endemic and 1,300 do not occur in mainland
India. Forests in the South Andaman’s have a profuse growth of epiphytic
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vegetation, mostly ferns, and orchids. The Middle & North Andaman are
characterized by Moist Deciduous & Wet Evergreen forests respectively. The
Evergreen forests are dominant in the Central & Southern Islands of the Nicobar
group. The moist deciduous forests are common in the Andamans, they are almost
absent in the Nicobar

The entire Great Nicobar Island excluding the revenue land is a part of the Great
Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (GNBR). It is a Nature Heritage Centre. Within the
GNBR, there are two National parks. The Campbell Bay National park (CBNP) is
towards the northern part and the Galathea National Park (GNP) is in the southern
part. These parks divide the GNBR in to the southern and northern parts of the
island. Alexandra River is the main river in the CBNP while Galathea River is the
main river in GNP. According to the forest survey, five major types of forests are
present in the GNBR. They are: (1). Littoral forests, (2) Mangrove forests, (3)
Lowland Swamp Forests, (4) Mixed evergreen forests and (5) Evergreen Hill
forests. Most of the area is under the Mixed evergreen forests and the Evergreen
Hill forests. The dominant species of Mixed evergreen forests are: Korkot
(Dilleniaandamanica), Badam (Terminalia procera) and Taumpeing (Artocarpus
champa).

Notable species in the Evergreen Hill forests are: Hill poon (Calophyllum Soulattri),
PalaquiumsemarumandJangliJamu (Syzygiumfloculiferum). Tree fern,
Sphaeropterisalbo-setacea is widespread in both types of Evergreen forests.
Littoral forests were present in areas adjacent to the beaches and low lands near
the sea shore. Characteristic species in littoral forests are: White Chuglam
(Terminalia bialaba), Khadi Jamun (Syzygiumsmarangense) and Kumbhi
(Barringtonia asiatica). Pure stands of Kewd (Pandanus odoratissima) and Arguna
(Cycas rumphii) are common in the fringes of these forests. Low land swamp
forests are generally dominated by Kadam (Anthocephaluscadamba), Sidda
(Lagerstroemia ovalifolia) and Khadi balli (Fagraearacemosa). Nicobar bread fruit
(Pandanus leram) is abundant in swampy areas.

Vegetation of the Study area before (BT) and after Tsunami (AT) of 2004:

Sankaran (2005) says that the earthquake of 9.15 magnitude with its epicentre
at 3.29° N and 95.94° E off the coast of Sumatra with a focal depth of 30 km
occurred on 26th December 2004 at 06:28:50 h. The tsunami waves reached the
coast first, causing a phenomenon called draw down, where the sea level dropped
considerably. It was followed by the crest of the wave, which resulted in sea
inundating land, also known as the run-up. The waters took many days to recede
completely, leaving in its wake a devastation of unimaginable magnitude on the
people and wildlife of Nicobar Islands.

More detailed description of the impact of the tsunami could be found in Khatri and
Khatri (2010). According to them, the disaster of December 26, 2004 had battered
the archipelago. Tsunami was worst at Campbell Bay of Great Nicobar. The western
coast area is submerged up to 2.8 m in seawater. The float and far rile Car Nicobar
Island, 10 km in diameter and having circumference of 45 km was flooded up to 1
to 1.5 km by salt water. Coconut plantation levelled down to the ground by 10 m
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high waves. Katchal, Chowra, Karmorta, Teressa, Champion and Trinkat faced the
fury of the sea. The sand banks holding together the island such as Katachall and
Pillow Millow gave away and two islands appear in place of one. Tiny Trinkat was
flooded entirely. Nicobar Islands were closer to the epicentre with little or no
mangroves cover. The islands faced maximum ecological damage specially Car
Nicobar, Middle Nicobars and south Nicobar (Great Nicobar). The submerged area
after earthquake and tsunami in Great Nicobar was about 60 km2, according to
Khatri and Khatri (2010).

The impact and the consequences have left horrific memories in the minds of the
Islanders. Some small and low-lying islands were totally wiped out. Some of the
settlements in Great Nicobar were submerged by the mighty angry sea. The
damage is still visible to the visitors as evidenced by the Figure-3.36.

Figure-3.36: Current Scenario of Destruction Caused by the Tsunami in

2004.Littoral Forests, Mangrove Forests and Swamp Forests and Coconut
Plantations were Destroyed

There is no wonder that people of the island as well as the administration talk about
the pre-tsunami and post-tsunami. For them pre tsunami is BC and post tsunami
are AD. Tsunami left a trail of unimaginable destruction as stated below:

The Littoral Forests in most areas have become a part of the sea today. Mangrove
Forests which are believed to be an insurance against cyclones and flood could not
withstand the fury of tsunami and were washed down in to the sea. Coconut trees
in large areas were broken above the ground level or uprooted. Stumps of Coconut
palms in thousands are still standing dead. The low land swamp forests are now
represented by a few tall and large trees with heavy permanent loads of climbers
and epiphytes. The lowland swamp forest areas have been brought under Coconut
and Areca nut plantations in areas where coconut plantations were brought to
ground by the tsunami. People were moved to settlement colonies in upland areas.
Where littoral forests were present before tsunami have become sea after
tsunami. Along the high tide level in sandy areas, Casuarina (Casuarina
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equisetifola) is grown. Mangrove forests are almost replaced by Mangrove

plantations as evidenced by uniform growth and regular distribution in rows and
columns (Figure-3.37). It is confirmed by the forest department also. Mangrove
diversity is lost, and dominance has become common. Thus, virtually degraded
forests with remnants of original forest elements, commercial plantations,
shelterbelt of Casuarina and wastelands covered by invasive weeds where Littoral
forests, Mangrove forests and Lowland swamp forests were present before tsunami.
Thus, we have post-tsunami or tsunami modified vegetation along the coast mainly
towards the east of the Campbell – Indira point road now. However, the mixed
evergreen and evergreen hill forests have suffered little damage on account of
tsunami. The tsunami taught lessons for life and even for generations and now
the islanders are not prepared to face such catastrophe.

Figure-3.37: Tsunami took away Mangrove Forests and Mangrove Plantations Have
Come Where Swamp Forests Were Present Before Tsunami.

Vegetation and flora of The Revenue Land

The vegetation of the revenue land had undergone a major change on account of
reasons such as the introduction of non-local species from the mainland. starting
from Coconut which was introduced during 1870s, most of the fruit trees, avenue
trees and ornamentals are now grown in the revenue land but on a limited scale
except for Coconut, Areca Nut, Banana and others. Most of the invasive species
found on the mainland are now seen in Nicobar. They include Siam weed
(Chromolaena odorata), Carrot grass (Parthenium hysterophorus), Lantana
(Lantana camara), Mikania micrantha, Cassia occidentalis, Anisomeles indica,
Cleome viscosa, Hyptis capitata Synedrellanodiflora, Ageratum conyzoides etc.
Even Tulsi / sacred basil (Ocimum sanctum) is growing like a wild weed. The
Forest department is producing about 4000 saplings of local and non-resident
species for public distribution every year. Most of the ornamental plants, fruit and
avenue trees that are grown in the main land of India could be seen in and road
sides. Great Nicobar.Cordiadichotoma and Gliricidiasepium are abundant. The
former is wild while the latter is grown as green fence around the plantations.

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According to Sivakumar (2010), there are more than 500 plant species introduced
either intentionally or accidentally in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Out of
these most of them are agricultural and ornamental species. Weed species such
as Ageratum conyzoides, Argemone mexicana, Cleome gynandra, Cleome viscosa,
Ipomoea carnea, Lantana camara, Lantana sellowiana, Mikania cordata,
Parthenium hysterophorus, and Synedrellanodijloraare may be considered as the
most dangerous weeds in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Invasion and
introduction of alien species is neither new nor specific to Nicobar Island. Sivakumar
(2010) states that as early as in 1923, Parkinson (1923) recorded over a hundred
species of introduced plants in the Andamans.

Pradheep et al (2020) documented 39 plant species from the revenue lands of

Great Nicobar which were not reported earlier (from Great Nicobar). All these 39
species were not only found during the present survey but also found in large
numbers and in many areas. They seem to be expanding rapidly owing to suitable
climate and disturbances of high frequency. In the open areas all along the
roadsides, in the human habitations and plantations, uncontrolled grazing by cattle
was noticed. Cattle population is very high and they are just left unattended by the
owners. There are also goats but in limited numbers. Though there are no poultry
farms, country birds in different colours are pretty common. There are also turkeys
but in limited numbers. Besides these domesticated animals, there are also pigs.
Crab eating monkeys are rampant. Besides intentional or unintentional
introductions by humans, all these domesticated animals and the Macaques exert
profound impact on distribution and spread of the introduced species.

The list of species recorded during the current survey surely includes at least a few
dozens of species that were not reported from the Island earlier. But the exercise
of establishing which species was reported or not reported so far is going to take a
long time of intensive and extensive survey of literature and hence, our team
cannot make any claims of first report for any species except to state that they are
there, and team had documentary proof. One thing is certain that the list is not
final and there are bound to be additions or deletion on account of migrations,
introductions and extinctions. Among the trees introduced, most of them are
performing well except Neem (Azadirachta indica).

It is interesting to find species such as Triangular Spurge (Euphorbia aniquorum)

in some houses. It just indicates how plants from areas outside Nicobar are
introduced. A list of flowering plants found in the revenue lands is given in Table-
3.24. Asutosh Ghosh (2014) listed 253 species of climbers from Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. But many species that were not included in the list under the
Nicobar Islands were found in the survey carried out during December 2020. A list
of climbers found in the forest and non-forest areas in the revenue lands is given
in Table-3.25. Forest department produces about 4000 saplings of native and non-
local plant species for distribution to local people every year. This may one the
reasons for expansion of non-native species in the areas outside the Nicobar
Biosphere Reserve. A list of saplings produced and distributed by the forest
department is given in Table-3.26. A list of plants from both the Revenue lands
and the forests whose germ plasm was collected by the National Bureau of Plant

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Genetic Resources (NBPGR) is given in Table-3.27. The plants include rare or

endemic or threatened categories apart from the cultivars.

Table-3.24: List of Flowering Plants Found in The Campbell Bay and Revenue
Villages During the Period of Survey (December 2020). The List Includes Cultivated,
Invasive and Introduced Plants

Scientific Name Common Family Note

Name
Abelmoschus esculentus Okra Malvaceae Herb
Abelmoschus moschatus Musk mallow Malvaceae Herb
Acacia auriculiformis Australian Mimosaceae Tree
wattle
Acilepisdendigulensis Indian Vernonia Asteraceae Herb
Acmellaciliata Spot flower Asteraceae Herb
Adenantheramicrosperm Bead Tree Mimosaceae Tree
a
Aegle marmelos Bael Rutaceae Tree
Ageratum conyzoides Goat weed Asteraceae Herb
Aglaia cucullata Pacific maple Meliaceae Tree
Albizia chinensis Chinese Albizia Mimosaceae Tree
Albizia lebbeck Siris Mimosaceae Tree
Allamanda cathartica Allmanda Apocynaceae Climber
Alternanthera alligator weed Amaranthaceae Herb
philoxeroides
Alysicarpusmonilifer Alyce clover Fabaceae Herb
Alpinia manii Snap Ginger Zingiberaceae Herb
Amaranthus hybridus Amaranth Amaranthaceae Herb
Amaranthus spinosus Spiny Amaranth Amaranthaceae Herb
Ammaniabaccifera Blistering Lythraceae Herb
Ammannia
Anacardium occidentale Cashew nut Anacardiaceae Tree
Anisomeles indica Indian catmint Lamiaceae Herb
Annona reticulata Ramphal Annonaceae Tree
Annona sqaumosa Seethaphal Annonaceae Tree
Anthocephaluscadamb Cadamb Rubaceae Tree
Ardisia solanacea Shoe button Myrsinaceae Tree
Ardisia
Areca catechu Areca nut Arecaceae Tree
Argemone mexicana Mexican Poppy Papavaraceae Herb
Artocarpus altilis Bread fruit Moraceae Tree
Artocarpus integrifolia Jackfruit Moraceae Tree
Atalantiamonophylla Wild lime tree Rutaceae Tree
Axonopuscompressus Broad-leaf Poaceae Herb
carpet grass
Azadirachta indica Neem Meliaceae Tree
Bacopa monnieri Brahmi Scrophulariaceae Herb
Barringtonia asiatica Fish poison Tree Lecythidaceae Tree
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Scientific Name Common Family Note

Name
Barringtonia racemosa Powder Puff Lecythidaceae Tree
Mangrove
Blumealacera Lettuce leaf Asteraceae Herb
Blumea
Bombax insigne Showy Silk Bombacaceae Tree
Cotton
Boswellia serrata Salai Burseraceae Tree
Breynia lanceolata Breynia Phyllanthaceae Shrub
Brownlowia lanceolata Dungun Malvaceae Shrub
Calamus andamanicus Aandaman Arecaceae Straggler
Rattan
Calamus latifolius Rattan Arecaceae Straggler
Calamus rotang Common rattan Arecaceae Straggler
Calamus viminalis Rattan
Calophyllum Inophyllum Poon Clusiaceae Tree
Calopogoniummucunoide Calopo Fabaceae Climber
s
Calotropis gigantea Crown flower Asclepiadaceae Shrub
Calotropis procera Rubber bush Asclepiadaceae Shrub
Carica papaya Papaya Caricaceae Tree
Caryota mitis Fishtail Palm Arecaceae Tree
Cassia tora Stinking Cassia Caesalpiniaceae Herb
Cassia alata Candle bush Caesalpiniaceae Shrub
Cassia occidentalis Coffee Senna Caesalpiniaceae Herb
Casuarina equisetifolia Casuarina Casuarinaceae Tree
Cayratia japonica Bush killer Vitaceae Climber
Cayratiatrifolia Bush grape Vitaceae Climber
Centothecalappacea Centrotheca Poaceae Herb
grass
Centratherum punctatum Brazilian Button Asteraceae Herb
Flower
Cerberamanghas Sea mango Apocynaceae Tree
Chamaedoreaseifrizii Bamboo palm Arecaceae Palm
Chromolaena odorata Siam weed Asteraceae Shrub
Chyranthes aspera Prickly chaff Amaranthaceae Herb
flower
Citrus limonum Lemon Rutaceae Tree
Cleome gynandra Wild spider Cleomaceae Herb
flower
Cleome viscosa Asian spider Cleomaceae Herb
flower
Clerodendruminerme Glory Bower Verbenaceae Shrub
Cocos nucifera Coconut Arecaceae Tree
Commelinacaroliniana Carolina day Commelinaceae Herb
flower

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Scientific Name Common Family Note

Name
Commelinadiffusa Spreading day Commelinaceae Herb
flower
Corchorus aestuans East Indian Tiliaceae Herb
Mallow
Cordia dichotoma Indian Cherry Boraginace Common
Tree
Crotalaria pallida Smooth Fabaceae Herb
rattlepod
Crotalaria retusa Rattle weed Fabaceae Herb
Croton bonplandianus Ban Tulsi Euphorbiaceae Herb
Cosmos caudatus Cosmos Asteraceae Herb
Curcuma manga Mango ginger Zingiberaceae Herb
Cycas rumphii Queen Sago Cycadaceae Palm
Cynometrairipa Wrinkle pod Celastraceae Tree
Mangrove
Cynometraramiflora Cynometra Celastraceae Tree
Cyperus compressus Annual sedge Cyperaceae Sedge
Cyperus rotundus Nut grass Cyperaceae Nut grass
Dactyloctniumaegyptium Crow foot grass Poaceae Grass
Dalbegia sissoo Sheshum / Fabaceae Tree
Sissoo
Delonix regia Gulmohar Caesalpiniacea Tree
Dendrocalamusstrictus Bamboo Poaceae Bamb
oo
Dendrolobium Horse bush Fabaceae Shrub
umbellatum
Dichondra micrantha Asian pony Foot Convolvulaceae Herb
Dioscoreabulbifera Air Potato Dioscoreaceae Climber
Diospyros undulata Diospyros Ebenaceae Shrub
Diploknemabutyracea Indian Butter Sapotaceae Tree
Tree
Ehretia acuminata Koda tree Boraginaceae Tree
Ehretiamicrophylla Philippine Tea Boraginaceae Herb
Elaeocarpus macrocerus Rudrksha Elaeocarpaceae Tree
Eleusine indica Indian crow foot Poaceae Grass
grass
Eleutheranthera ruderalis Ogiera Asteraceae Herb
Erycibepaniculata PanicledErycibe Convolvulaceae Climber
Eragrostistenella Feather love Poaceae Grass
grass
Etlingera elatior Ginger torch Zingiberaceae Shrub
Euphorbia antiquorum Triangular Euphorbiaceae Tree
Spurge
Euphorbia neriifolia Indian Spurge Euphorbiaceae Tree
Tree
Ficus altissima Lofty Fig Moraceae Tree
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Scientific Name Common Family Note

Name
Ficus hispida Hairy fig Moraceae Tree
Ficus pendula Weeping fig Moraceae Tree
Ficus religiosa Peepal Moraceae Tree
Fimbristylislittoralis Lesser Fibristylis Cyperaceae Herb
Garcinia speciosa Seashore Clusiaceae Tree
Mangosteen
Gardenia jasminoides Cape jasmine Rubiaceae Shrub
Gliricidiasepium Mexican Lilac Fabaceae Tree
Glochidioncalocarpum Glochidion Phyllanthaceae Tree
Glycosmis mauritiana Orange berry Rutaceae Tree
Guettardaspeciosal Beach Gardenia Rubiaceae Shrub
Hedychium coronarium Butterfly ginger Zingiberacea Perennial
Lily herb
Hedyotiscorymbosa Flat-top Rubiaceae Herb
millegraines
Hernandiapeltata Lantern Tree Hernandiaceae Tree
Hibiscus rosa-sinenis Chinese rose Malvaceae Shrub
Hibiscus tiliaceus Sea Hibiscus Malvaceae Tree
Hippobroma longifolia Star Flower Companulaceae Roadside
herb
Hyptis capitata false ironwort Lamiaceae Herb -
or knobweed Abundant
Indigofera glandulosa Natal Indigo Fabaceae Herb
Indigofera tinctoria Indigo plant Fabaceae Herb
Indigofera zollingeriana Zollinger’s Fabaceae Herb
Indigo
Ipomoea carnea Bush morning Convolvulaceae Shrub
glory
Ipomoea pes-caprae Goat Foot vine Convolvulaceae Herb
Isachnepulchella Isachne Poaceae Grass
Ischaemummuticum Seashore Poaceae Herb
centipede grass
Ischaemumrugosum Saramolla grass Poaceae Grass
Ixora singaporensis Ixora Rubiaceae Shrub
Jasminum elongatum Red Kund Oleaceae Shrub
Jatropha curcas Physic nut Euphorbiaceae Shrub
Kyllingabrevifolia Green kyllinga Cyperaceae Sedge
Lantana camara Lantana Verbenaceae Shrub
Lantana sellowiana Trailing Lantana Verbenaceae Herb
Lemna minor Duck weed Lemnaceae Herb
Luffa acutangula Ridge guard Cucurbitaceae Herb
Lygodiumcircinnatum Lygodium Lygodiaceae Herb
Macaranga indica Chandada Euphorbiaceae Tree
Macaranga peltata Chandada Euphorbiaceae Tree
Mangifera indica Mango Anacardiaceae Tree

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Chapter-3
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Scientific Name Common Family Note

Name
Manihot esculentus Tapioca Euphorbiaceae Shrub
Manilkara littoralis Andaman Bullet Sapotaceae Tree
wood work
Melastomamalabathricu Malabar Melastomataceae Shrub
m Melastome
Mentha spicata Common mint Lamiaceae Herb
Mikania cordata Heart leaf Hemp Asteraceae Climber
vine
Mikania micrantha Bitter vine Asteraceae Climber
Mimosa diplotricha Creeping Mimosaceae Herb
sensitive plant
Mimusopselengi Maulsari Sapotaceae Tree
Momoridcacharantea Bitter guard Cucurbitaceae Herb
Monochoria vaginalis One-leaf pond Pontederiaceae Herb
weed
Morindacitrifolia Indian Mulberry Rubiaceae Tree
Mucuna gigantean Sea bean Fabaceae Climber
Muntingiacalabura Singapore Muntigiaceae Tree
cherry
Muntingiacalabura Singapore Muntingiaceae Tree
Cherry
Murrayakoenigi Curry leaf Rutaceae Shrub
Musa paradisiaca Banana Musaceae Shrub
Mussaendafrondosa Dhobi tree Rubiaceae Shrub
Small leaf Rubiaceae Shrub
Mussaendamicrophylla
Mussaenda
Nicobar Rubiaceae Shrub
Mussaendanicobarica
Mussaenda
Mussaendavillosa Mussaenda Rubiaceae Shrub
WallichMussaen Rubiaceae Shrub
Mussaendawallichii
da
Nelumbo nucifera Sacred lotus Nelumbonaceae Herb
Neptunia triquetra Yellow sensitive Mimosaceae Herb
plant
Ochrosiaoppositifolia Twin apple Apocynaceae Tree
Ocimum sanctum Tulsi / Sacred Lamiaceae Herb
Basil
Olax imbricata South Asian Olacaceae Climber
Olax
Ophiorrhizamungos Indian snake Rubiaceae Herb
root
Oplismenuscompositus Running Poaceae Grass
mountain grass
Oxalis cornuculata Wood sorrel Oxalidaceae Herb
Pandanus leram Pandanus Pandanaceae Tree
Pandanus odoratissimus Pandanus Pandanaceae Tree
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Scientific Name Common Family Note

Name
Pandanus tectorius Pandanus Pandanaceae Tree
Parthenium Carrot grass Asteraceae Herb
hysterophorus
Paspalum sumatrense Janaighaans Poaceae Herb
Pavettagraciliflora Pavetta Rubiaceae Shrub
Peltophorumpterocarpu Copper pod Caesalpiniaceae Tree
m
Pemphisacidula Small leaved Lythraceae Shrub
Mangrove
Peperomia pellucida Shiny bush Piperaceae Herb
Phoenix sylvestris Wild date palm Arecaceae Tree
Phyla nodiflora Frog fruit Verbenaceae Herb
Phyllanthus amarus Carry me seed Phyllanthaceae Herb
Phyllostachys aurea Poaceae Herb
Pilea microphylla Gun powder Urticaceae Herb
plant
Piper clypeatum Long pepper Piperaceae Creeper
Plectocomiaelongata Giant Rattan Arecaceae Straggler
Palm
Polliasecundiflora Three stamen Commelinaceae Herb
Pollia
Pongamia pinnata Karanj Fabaceae Tree
Prosopis juliflora Mesquite Mimosaceae Shrub
Psidium guava Guava Myrtaceae Tree
Pueraria phaseoloides Tropical Kudzu Fabaceae Herb
Punica granatum Pomegranate Shrub
Ravenalamadagascariens Traveller’s palm Stelitziaceae Tree
is
Ricinus communis Castor Euphorbiaceae Herb
Saccharum spontaneum Wild sugar cane Poaceae Herb
Scaevola sericea Gull feed Goodeniaceae Shrub
Scaevola taccada Beach cabbage Goodeniaceae Shrub
Schefflera longifolia Dwarf Umbrella Araliaceae Tree
tree
Senna hirsuta Hairy Senna Fabaceae Shrub
Sida acuta Common wire Malvaceae Herb
weed
Smithiasensitiva Sensitive Fabaceae Rare
Smithia
Solanum melongena Brinjal / egg Solanaceae Herb
plant
Solanum sisymbriifolium Sticky night Solanaceae Herb
shade
Solanum virginianum Thorny night Solanaceae Herb
shade

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Chapter-3
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Scientific Name Common Family Note

Name
Sophora tomentosa Necklace pod Fabaceae Shrub
Spathoglottisplicata Land orchid Orchidaceae Herb
Spermacoceassurgens Hispid button Rubiaceae Herb
weed
Sphagneticola triloba Yellow dots Asteraceae Herb
Sporobolus virginicus Seashore Poaceae Herb
dropseed
Stachytarphetajamaicen Blue Porter Verbenaceae Herb
sis weed
Stictocardiatiliifolia Spotted heart Convolvulaceae Climber
Streblus asper Sand paper tree Moraceae Tree
Synedrellanodiflora Cinderella weed Asteraceae Herb
Syzigiumsamarangense Red apple Myrtaceae Tree
Syzygiumcumini Jamun Myrtacace Tree
Tabernaemontana Nag Kuda Apocynaceae Tree
alternifolia
Tabernaemontanadivaric Crape Jasmine Apocynaceae Shrub
ata
Tagetuserecta Mary gold Asteraceae Herb
Tamarindus indica Tamarind Caesalpiniaceae Tree
Tecoma stans Yellow bells Bignoniaceae Shrub
Thespesia populnea Portia tree Malvaceae Tree
Tidax procumbens Coat buttons Asteraceae Herb
Tithonia diversifolia Mexican Asteraceae Shrub
sunflowe
r
Trichosanthespilosa Japanese snake Cucurbitaceae Climber
gourd
Trichosanthestricuspidat Indrayan Cucurbitaceae Climber
a
Triphasiatrifolia Lime berry Rutaceae Shrub
Turneraulmifolia Yellow Alder Passifloraceae Herb
Vernonia cinerea Fleabane Asteraceae Herb
Vigna adendata Karalsona Fabaceae Climber
Vitex trifolia Three-leaved Verbenaceae Shrub
chaste tree
Vitex trifoliata Three -leaved Verbenaceae Tree
chaste tree
Xanthium strumarium Cocklebur Asteraceae Herb
Ziziphus oenoplia Jackal jujube Rhamnaceae Tree
Ziziphus rugosa Wild jujube Rhamnaceae Tree

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Chapter-3
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Recommendation of Indian Species for plantation

This is with respect to the Coast shelterbelt plantations it is recommended that

selection of native species for shelterbelt pantation shall be finalized in consultation
with the Forest Department of UT Administration.

Table-3.25: List of Climbers, Stragglers and Twiners Found in The Study Area
During December 2020. The List Includes Cultivated Plants and Ornamentals.

Scientific Name Family Remarks

Abrusprecatorius Fabaceae Common
Allamanda cathartica Apocynaceae Ornamental
Ampelocissusbarbata Vitaceae Rare
Argyreia nervosa Convolvulaceae Elephant creeper
Argyreia capitata Convolvulaceae Flower-head morning
glory
Argyreiawallichii Convolvulaceae Wallich’s Elephant
Creeper
Aristolochiatagala Aristolochiaceae Common
Artabotrysspeciosus Annonaceae Rare
Asparagus racemosus Liliaceae Rare
Atalantiamonophylla Rutaceae Rare
Bauhinia stipularis Caesalpiniaceae Rare
(=B.nicobarica)
Bougainvillea spectabilis Nyctaginaceae Ornamental
Brideliastipularis Euphorbiaceae Climbing bridelia

Byttneriagrandifolia Sterculiaceae Bitter climber

Caesalpinia bonduc Caesalpiniaceae Common
Caesalpinia crista Caesalpiniaceae Common
Calamus unifarius Arecaceae Rare
Calamus dilaceratus Arecaceae Rare
Calamus nicobaricus Arecaceae Rare
Calopogoniummucunoides Fabaceae Spreading climber
Calycopteris floribunda Arecaceae Paper flower climber
Canavalia cathartica Fabaceae Common
Cardiospermum halicacabum Sapindaceae Common
Cayratiatrifolia Vitaceae Abundant
Cayratia japonica Vitaceae Abundant
Cissampelos pareira Menispermaceae Velvet leaf
Clematis smilacifolia Ranunculaceae Rare
Clitoriaternatea Fabaceae Butterfly Pea
Colubrina asiatica Rhamnaceae Leather leaf
Combretum latifolium Combretaceae Rare
Cocculus pendulus Menispermaceae Rare
Combretum latifolium Combretacea Rare
Combretum roxburghii Combretacea Rare

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Scientific Name Family Remarks

Connarussemidecandrus Connaraceae Rare
Cosmostigmaracemosum Asclepiadaceae Rare
Cryptolepis grandiflora Asclepiadaceae Rare
Cryptolepis sinensis Asclepiadaceae Rare
Cucumis melo Cucurbitaceae Melon
Cycleapeltata Menispermaceae Indian moon seed
Cycleapendulina Menispermaceae Common
Davalliasolida Davalliaceae Giant Hare’s foot fern
Derris scandens Fabaceae Rare
Derris trifoliata Fabaceae Rare
Derris elegans Fabaceae Rare
Dinochloa scandens Poaceae Climbing Bamboo
Dioscoreabulbifera Dioscoreaceae Air Potato – Occasional
Dioscorea glabra Dioscoreaceae Occasional
Dischidianummularia Asclepiadaceae String of Nickels
Dregeavolubilis Asclepiadaceae Sneeze wort
Erycibepaniculata Convolvulaceae Rare
Flagellaria indica Flagellariaceae Common
Gymnemalatifolium Asclepiadaceae Rare
Gymnopetalumcochinchinense Cucurbitaceae Rare
Hoya globulosa Asclepiadaceae Rare
Hoya parasitica Asclepiadaceae Wax flower
Hiptagebenghalensis Malpghiaceae Helicopter flower
Ichnocarpus frutescens Apocynaceae Rare
Illigeraappendiculata Hernandiaceae Rare
Ipomoea alba Convolvulaceae Common
Ipomoea nil Convolvulaceae Common
Ipomoea obscura Convolvulaceae Rare
Ipomoea pes-caprae Convolvulaceae Common
Ipomoea pes-tigridis Convolvulaceae Common
Ipomoea sepiaria Convolvulaceae Common
Jasminum multiflorum Oleaceae Common
Jasminum elongatum Oleaceae Occasional
Korthalsialaciniosa Arecaceae Abundant
Luffa cylindrica Cucurbitaceae Cultivated
Lygodiumflexuosum Lygodiaceae Climbing fern
Merremiaumbellata Convolvulaceae Common
Mikania micrantha Asteraceae Invasive climber
Momordica charantia Cucurbitaceae Cultivated
Mucuna gigantea Fabaceae Common
Mucuna monosperma Fabaceae Common
Olax imbricata Olacaceae Common
Operculinaturpethum Convolvulaceae Common
Paramignyaandamanica Rutaceae Rare
Parsonsiaalboflavescens Apocynaceae Spiral -vined silk pod
Pothos scandens Araceae Climbing aroid
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Chapter-3
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Scientific Name Family Remarks

Piper longum Piperaceae Cultivated
Piper betle Piperaceae Cultivated
Piper wallichii Piperaceae Rare
Piper miniatum Piperacea Rare
Piper pedicellosum Piperacea Rare
Piper clypeatum Piperacea Climber in forests
Quisqualis indica Combretaceae Ornamental
Pisonia aculeata Nyctaginaceae Thorny Pisonia
Scindapsus officinalis Araceae Common
Smilax aspera Smilacaceae Common smilax
Smilax bracteata Smilacaceae Rare
Smilax glabra Smilacaceae China root
Smilax ovalifolia Smilacaceae Rare
Smilax lanceaefolia Smilacaceae Rare
Stictocordiatiliifolia Convolvulaceae Heavy perennial climber
over trees in sea shore
Strychnoswallichiana Loganiaceae Rare
Tetrastigmalanceolarium Vitaceae Rare
Thunbergia laurifolia Thunbergiaceae Common
Thunbergia mysorensis Thunbergiaceae Common
Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae Rare
Tinospora glabra Menispermaceae Rare
Tylophoracapparidifolia Asclepiadaceae Rare
Trichosanthespilosa Cucurbitaceae Occasional
Trichosanthestricuspidata Cucurbitaceae Occasional
Tylophora indica Asclepiadaceae Common
Uncaria cordata Rubiaceae Rare
Uvariaandamanica Annonaceae Rare
Uvaria cordata Annonaceae Rare
Vigna adenantha Fabaceae Common in estuaries
Vigna marina Fabaceae Common
Vigna pilosa Fabaceae Common
Vigna unguiculata Fabaceae Cultivated

Table-3.26: List of Saplings Produced in The Forest Department in Central Nursery

At M/ Nallam Camp for Public Distribution

Scientific Name Local Name Family

Albizia lebbeck * Siris Multipurpose
Anacardium occidentale * Kaju Cashew nut
Artocarpus chaplasha Taungpeinne Fruit
Artocarpus heterophyllus Jack fruit Fruit
Azadirachta indica* Neem Multipurpose
Bambusa vulgaris * Bamboo Pulp wood &
Construction
material

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Chapter-3
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Scientific Name Local Name Family

Bilimbi conhece Kundru katta / Fruit for pickles
Cucumber Tree
Bryophyllumpinnatum * Cathedral Bells Medicinal
Calamus andamanensis Cane Furniture
Calophyllum Inophyllum Poon Construction
material
Calophyllum Mucrocarpum Poon Construction
material
Calophyllum Soulatori Poon Construction
material
Canarium euphyllum White dhup Incense sticks
Careya arborea Kumbh / Wild Medicinal and food
guava for wild pigs
Cassia fistula * Amaltas Ornamental
Casuarina equisetifolia* Casuarina / Jhau Pulp wood &
Construction
material
Citrus limonum * Lemon Lemon fruit
Costusspeciosus Crepe ginger Medicinal
Elaeocarpus petiolatus Rudraksh Religious
Elaeocarpus tectorius Bhadraksh Sacred tree
Mangifera indica* Mango Edible Fruit
Manilkara littoralis Sea Mohwa Timber
Manilkara zapota * Sapota Edible Fruit
Mimusopsandamanensis Khaya Species for
conservation
Myristica fragrans Jaiphal / Nut meg Spices
Nyphafruticans Nypha Soil conservation
Pandanus andamanensis Bada Kewdi Fruits are cooked
and eaten
Pandanus tectorius Kewdi Fruits are cooked
and eaten
Ponamia pinnata* Karanj Biodiesel / Tree born
oil
Psidium guajava Guava Edible Fruit
Rophaloblastaangustata Bada Kumbh Religious
Samanea saman * Rain tree Multipurpose
Saracaasoca* Ashoka Sacred tree
Spondias pinnata* Indian Hog Plum Pickles and
Vegetable
Syzygiumcumini * Jamun Fruits edible
Syzyiumsamrangense Rose apple Edible fruit
Tamarindus indica * Tamarind Tamarind
Terminalia bialata White Chuglam Timber
Terminalia manii Black Chuglam Timber
Terminalia procera Badam Timber

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Chapter-3
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Scientific Name Local Name Family

Thespeciapopulnea * Khadi kapas Avenue tree
* indicates non-native introduced species

Table-3.27: List of Germ Plasm Collected Between 16-1-2018 And 27-1-2028 By

the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (Nbpgr). Cult Means Cultivar or The
Cultivated Plant

Forest Habitat Revenue Land

Cinnamomum bejolghota Capsicum annuum (cult.)
Dioscoreabulbifera Citrus hybrid (cult.)
Dioscorea glabra Colocasia esculenta
Garcinia nervosa Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis
Horsfieldiasp Curcuma longa (cult.)
Knemaandamanica Curcuma rubescens
Macaranga nicobarica Gossypium barbadense
Mangifera nicobarica Momordica charantia (cult.)
Mangifera camptosperma Ocimum sanctum (cult.)
Mangifera griffithii Ricinus communis (cult.)
Musa sabuana Solanum melongena (cult
Myristica andamanica Solanum torvum
Piper clypeatum Tacca laeontopetaloides
Piper miniatum Vigna unguiculata (cult.)
Piper pedicellosum
Vanilla albida
Vigna marina
Zingiber squarrosum

Pteridophytes in the study area:

According to Singh et al (2015), among the non-endemic pteridophytes, about 44

species were never encountered from the mainland of Indian territory, albeit they
have shown their extended range of distribution to south-east Asia including
Burma, Thailand, Malaya and Sumatra (Dixit and Sinha 2001). The ferns of Nicobar
Islands are very similar with the Malaysian flora; therefore, the Nicobar's flora is
also called sub-continental island flora (Balakrishnan 1988). Distribution pattern of
ferns in both groups of islands has revealed that the fern flora of Andaman is
entirely different with the Nicobar Islands. The genera like Pteridium, Pteris,
Adiantum, Marsilea and Heterogoniumcommon in the Andaman Islands are not
found in Nicobar Islands. Similarly, the genera like Huperzia, Crepidomanes,
Pronephrium, Bolbitis, Lomagramma, Sphaeropteris so common in Nicobar islands
are not found in Andaman. This data suggests that the species of Andaman Islands
are more common with the ferns of north-east India, whereas the fern species of
Nicobar Islands are common to the Malaysian and Indonesian species (Dixit and
Sinha 2001).

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Among the ferns in the revenue lands, Swamp Fern (Acrostichumaureum), Tree
fern (Sphaeropterisalbo-setacea), Edible Fern (Diplazium esculentum), Forked Fern
(Dicranopteris linearis), Climbing fern (Lygodiumflexuosum) and Oak leaf fern
(Drynariaquercifolia) were abundant. A list of Pteridophytes found in the Revenue
lands including the revenue forests is given in Table-3.28.

Table-3.28: List of Pteridophytes And Ferns Found in The Revenue Lands

Scientific Name Family Note

Acrostichumaureum Swamp Fern Pteridaceae Abundant in
marshy areas
Asplenium nidus Birds nest fern Aspleniaceae Epiphyte
Christella dentata Soft Fern Thelypteridaceae Common
Cyclosorusparasiticus Parasitic maiden Thelypteridaceae Isolated
fern
Dicranopteris linearis Forked Fern Gleicheniaceae Extensive
Diplazium esculentum Edible fern Athyriaceae Extensive like
crop
Drymoglossumpiloselloides Dragon Scales Polypodiaceae Epiphyte
Drynariaquercifolia Oak-leaf Fern Polypodiaceae Common
epiphyte
Helminthostachyszeylanica Kamraj Ophioglossaceae Terrestrial
Lomagrammapteroides Drypteridacceae Epiphyte
Lomagrammasumatrana Dryopteridaceae Rare
Lygodiumflexuosum Climbing fern Lygodiaceae Abundant
Microsorum punctatum Fishtail Fern Polypodiaceae Epiphyte
Nephrolepis cordifolia Fishbone Fern Nephrolepidaceae Common
terrestrial
Nephrolepisexaltata Sword Fern Nephrolepidaceae Common
terrestrial
Sphaeropterisalbo-setacea Tree fern Cyatheaceae Abundant

Orchid Flora

Orchids were rare in the area outside the Nicobar biosphere reserve.
Spathoglottisplicata, a terrestrial Orchid and the epiphytic Bulbophyllumspp were
very common. A list of Orchids reported / recorded from the Nicobar Biosphere
reserve is given under the vegetation and flora of the Nicobar Biosphere reserve.

Mangrove Flora of Great Nicobar Island

According to Chaturvedi (2013), an area of 2871 Ha was under the mangroves in

Great Nicobar. But on account of the devastating tsunami of December 2004, most
of the mangrove forests disappeared. Now Mangroves are gradually restored and
three places their performance is really good. According to the forest department,
the entire Mangrove forests scattered around the Island where rivers and streams
discharge in to the surrounding Andaman sea were destroyed by the Tsunami of
2004. The tsunami also destroyed Tidal forests and swamp forests besides the
mangroves and the commercial Coconut and Areca nut plantations. Forest
department is growing Mangrove plantations in areas that were under the swamp

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Chapter-3
Desription of Environment

forests before tsunami. However, elements of mangroves that were present before
the tsunami can still be found here and there. A list of mangrove species and
mangrove associates is given in Table-3.29. Mangrove plantations developed by
the forest department is shown in Figure-3.38.

Table-3.29: List of Mangroves and Mangrove Associates Found in The Great Nicobar
Island.

Scientific Name Family Habit Status

Acrostichumaureum Pteridaceae Shrub Abundant
Acrostichumspeciosum Pteridaceae Shrub common
Aegicerascorniculatum Myrsinaceae Tree Rare
Aegiceras rotundifolia Myrsinaceae Tree Rare
Avicennia marina Verbinaceae Tree Common
Avicennia officinalis Verbinaceae Tree Common
Bruguieragymnorhiza Rbizophoraceae Tree Common
Bruguiera parviflora Rbizophoraceae Tree Common
Ceriops tagal Rbizophoraceae Tree Rare
Ceriopsdecandra Rhizophoraceae Tree Rare
Excoecariaagallocha Eupborbiaceae Shrubby Tree Common
Heritieralittoralis Sterculiaceae Tree Common
Kandeliacandal Rbizophoraceae Shrub Common
Lumnitzeralittorea Combretaceae Shrubby Tree Rare
Lumnitzeraracemosa Combretaceae Shrubby Tree Rare
Nypafruticans Arecaceae Palm Common
Phoenix paludosa Arecaceae Palm Common
Phoenix paludosa Arecaceae Sea Date Palm
Rhizophora stylosa Rbizophoraceae Tree Rare
Rhizophora apiculata Rbizophoraceae Tree Abundant
Rhizophora mucronata Rbizophoraceae Tree Abundant
Scyphiphorahydrophyllacea Rubiaceae Shrubby Tree common
Sonneratia alba Sonneratiaceae Tree Common
Sonneratiacaseolaris Sonneratiaceae Tree Common
Xylocarpus granatum Meliaceae Tree Common
Xylocarpusmoluccensis Meliaceae Tree Common
Mangrove Associates
Acanthus ilicifolius Acanthaceae Undershrub Common
Acanthus volubilis Acanthaceae Undershrub Common
Brownlowia lanceolata Tiliaceae Shrubby Tree Rare
Cerberamanghas Apocynaceae Tree Common
Clerodendruminerme Verbinaceae Shrub Common
Derris trifoliata Fabaceae Climber Common
Mucuna gigantean Fabaceae Climber Common
Finlaysoniaobovata Asclepiadaceae Shrub Rare
Sarcolobascarinatus Asclepiadaceae Scandent shrub Common
Sarcolobasglobosus Asclepiadaceae Scandent shrub Common

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Scientific Name Family Habit Status

Pluchea indica Asteraceae Undershrub Common
Dolichandronespathacea Bignoniaceae Tree Common
Caesalipiniabonduc Caesalpiniaceae Climbing shrub Common
Cynometrairipa Caesalpiniaceae Tree Common
Intsiabijuga Caesalpiniaceae Tree Common
Salacia chinensis Celastraceae Scandent shrub Common
Fimbristylisferruginea Cyperaceae Herb Common
Barringtonia racemosa Lecythidaceae Tree Common
Hibiscus tiliaceus Malvaceae Tree Common
Thespesia populnea Malvaceae Tree Common
Pandanus odoratissimus Pandanaceae Tree Common
Pandanus Pandanaceae Tree Common
leramvar.andamanicum
Brownlowiatersa Tiliaceae Shrub Rare

Figure-3.38: Mangrove Plantations Developed After Tsunami

Vegetation and flora of the buffer zone or the Nicobar biosphere reserve.

The archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands holds fascination for its unique
features in marine diversity, endemic fauna and flora, and green tropical evergreen
forest. There are large number of protected areas viz, Biosphere reserve found
nowhere else in the world biosphere reserves, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries
and Tribal reserve, for the conservation of unique biodiversity and protection of
primitive aboriginals. In this context, it may be mentioned that the Andaman and
Nicobar Administration on 25th January 2021 (vide Andaman and Nicobar Gazette
No.15 dt.25-1-2021) denotified the Galathea National Park, which was earlier
proposed as the Wildlife Sanctuary for protection of Turtle breeding grounds. The
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proposed wildlife sanctuary was not notified in time and it lapsed consequently, the
situation changed after the extensive damage and destruction owing to thee
tsunami of 2004. Over a period of time, the Leatherback turtles started returning
to Great Nicobar for breeding, but they have moved to the western side as shown
in Fig 1. In accordance with the denotification proposal, the Wildlife Institute of
India (WII) and the Nicobar Development Authority are exploring workable
alternative to ensure that the turtles are not subject to any stress owing to the
proposed integrated development.

According to Kailash Chandra (1999), the southern-most point of the Islands, as

well as of India, lies at Pygmalian point (renamed as Indira Point) of Great Nicobar.
Out of the 24 islands in the Nicobar group, Great Nicobar is the largest island
situated at about 482km South of Port Blair and about 145 km North of Sumatra
(Indonesia). The island covers an area of l045 sq. km, of which 885 sq. km area is
protected under the Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. It houses the Campbell Bay
National Park (CBNP) and the Galathea National Park (GNP). These national parks
were notified on 18th March 1992 for the purpose of protecting, propagating and
evolution of wildlife and its environment, which is of ecological, faunal, floral,
geomorphological and geological importance. The Great Nicobar Island is rugged
with several hill ranges running from north to south. The highest known peak is
“Mount Thuiller” with a height of 670m above sea level, situated in north - eastern
side. The coastal line is highly indented with several creeks, bays and fringing reefs
in shallow waters. Five perennial rivers, namely Alexandra, Dogmar, Amrita Kaur,
Jubillee and Galathea are present, in addition to several small freshwater streams
flowing into the sea. The climate of island is humid-tropical. Monsoon is prolonged
from April to December, with hot and humid weather prevailing during January to
March. The annual rainfall ranges from 300 to 350 Cm, while temperature ranges
from 250C to 33OC.

The vegetation is predominantly of tropical evergreen rain forest of Indo-Malayan

type. This may be broadly divided into two major groups - Littoral and Inland
vegetation. The Littoral vegetation comprises of Casuarina forest, beach
vegetation, Pandanus lining and mangrove vegetation including Nypapalm swamp.
The inland vegetation consists of low land swamp and mainly evergreen hill forests
with very few deciduous elements comprising of tall straight trees with closed
canopy formation. About 600 plant species of different groups are known from the
biosphere reserve, of which 10% are being indigenous and found nowhere else in
the world.

The forests in great Nicobar belong to the climatic climax type of vegetation from
the point of Ecological succession. They are highly efficient in nutrient, water and
space utilization. Because of intra-biotic nutrient cycles, they are capable of
maintaining very high productivity without any human subsidized inputs. Their
stability is mainly due to their ability to resist changes. The 2004 tsunami wiped
out 6915 hectares of forestland from the Great Nicobar. It includes mainly the
natural mangrove vegetation and coastal swamp forests but there was little
damage to the Campbell Bay National Park or the Galathea National park. In site
heavy damage to the coconut plantations on account of Tsunami, the forest in the
interior areas remained intact. have recovered significantly but not completely.
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There was no impact on forests on account of introductions of plant species from

the mainland or from other countries. The invasive weeds have gained entry into
areas where the forests were cleared. Hence, proper care and planning are required
before any part of the forest is modified.

Because of tropical humid climate with heavy rainfall for about 8 to 9 months,
dense multi-storey forests overgrown by climbers, covered by epiphytes are
everywhere. Five major forest types occur in the Campbell Bay National Park
(CBNP).1. Littoral Forests 2. Mangrove forests 3. Low-land swamp Forests 4. Mixed
evergreen forests and 5. Evergreen hill forests.

Most part is covered by mixed evergreen forests. Dominant species are

Dilleniaandamanica (Korkot), Terminalia procera (Badam) andArtocaprpuschampa
(Taumpening). Notable species of evergreen hill forests are: Calophyllum Soulattri
(Hillpoon), Palanquiumsemarum and Syzygiumfloculiferum (Jungli Jamun) and
Sphenopterisalbo-setacea (Tree fern).

Littoral forests were found adjacent to beaches and level lands near sea-shore. But
most of these forests were devasted and engulfed by the sea during the Tsunami.
Occasionally Terminalia bialata (White Chuglam), Syzygiumsamarangense (Khadi
jamun) and Barrigtonia asiatica (Kumbhi) are now found. Pure stands of Pandanus
odoratissimus (Kewdi) and Cycas rumphi (Arguna) were common in the fringes of
the littoral forests. Low-land swamp forests are dominated by
Anthocephaluscadamb (Kadam), Lagerstroemia ovalifolia (Sidda)and
Fragraearacemosa(Khadi Balli) and Pandanus leram (Nicobar bread-fruit) in
swampy areas.

Barring the revenue lands, residential areas and the plantations of Coconut and
Areca nut, the rest of the area is covered by dense tropical evergreen rain forests.
Trees are tall and relatively unbranched because of high density. Most trees are
over grown by perennial climbers and the tree trunks and branches are covered by
epiphytes. It is a multi-storey vegetation and ground in dense forests receives only
green light passed through the upper canopy. As per the official documents in
public circulation, the flora of Great Nicobar Island is a mixture of floras from
Andaman, Myanmar, Indian Mainland, Thailand on one hand and Sumatra and
Malay Peninsula on the other. The island supports a unique combination of floral
diversity and a high degree of endemism. As many as 640 species of higher plants
belonging to 422 genera and 142 families have been reported from the Island. They
include 568 species of Angiosperms, 77 species of Pteridophytes and 3 species of
Gymnosperms. Diversity among lower plants is not duly recognized.

A brief review of the literature on the vegetation and flora reveals that the history
is traceable to early botanical explorations of these islands was first described by
Parkinson (1923), a classic which is now outdated. Floristically, the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands (ANI) show elements from the Indo-Chinese and Indo-Malayan
origin. As many as 3552 plant species have been reported before 1999, according
to Sreekumar (2002). The huge tall Dipterocarps found in the Andaman group
are absent in the Nicobar group, according to Chaudhuri (1992). On the other hand,
the Nicobars have Tree ferns and other groups of plants that are of Indo-Malayan
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and Indonesian affinities (Lakshmi-narasimhan et.al (2011). A total 110 wild

orchids were reported from these islands of which 19 genera with 25 species are
endemic. Currently 40 plants species are extremely localized and not known from
more than one locality. 85 species are recorded as rare, endangered and
threatened, and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) has classified
365 as threatened (WCMC, 1994; Sreekumar, 2002; Andrews & Sankaran, 2002;
Jayaran & Andrews, 2005). Of the 630 species of higher plants in the Red Data
Book, 46 species occur in the ANI (Sinha, 1999). Aroids, ferns, mosses and climbers
are mostly conspicuous in the semi evergreen and deciduous forests, besides six
species of bamboo and 19 species of cane found in the islands. However, except
for the climbing bamboo or Bel Bamboo (Dinochloa scandens), Bamboo is not found
in the Nicobar Island. A survey by the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI)
has identified and recorded 406 medicinal plant species including introduced ones,
many of which are used by the indigenous tribes (NBRI, 2003).

A Checklist of Plants of Andaman and Nicobar Islands of the Botanical Survey of

India (Murugan et al., 2016 & 2020), provides valuable information about the
plants of the ANI. Balakrishnan et al (2015) on the Biodiversity of Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, Manohara et al (2010) on the Palms and canes of the ANI,
Karthigeyan et al (2014) on the Orchids, Rasingam & Parthasarathy (2009) on the
understory plants, Balachandran (1998) on the Ecology and floristic analysis of the
Mount Harriet National Park, Balakrishnan (1989) on Vegetation and floristics of
Andaman Islands and many others have made significant contributions to the
flora of ANI from time to time. But yet, very new survey finds hitherto unreported
species. For instance, Pradheep et al (2020) reported 39 species from a small
stretch between Campbell and Laxminagar in Great Nicobar Island. Because of
dense and impenetrable vegetation, tall trees overgrown by climbers, tree trunks
covered by epiphytes; lack of access to many areas either from sea or land; lack
of road connectivity; potential threat from tribals in tribal areas, one can say that
there is a hidden treasure of biodiversity deep inside the Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
and the two National parks within the biosphere.

Primary survey of the Flora of the buffer zone of the project site was carried during
December 2020 by the Vimta Labs Limited, Hyderabad. The survey is restricted
to the revenue land and the terrestrial, estuarine and coastal ecosystems of about
45 km on either side of the Campbell Bay and Indira point and a cross section of
the Campbell Bay National Park of 15 Km strip in the buffer zone. Since the work
of marine EIA is being carried out separately by another reputed agency, no
attempt was made to include any marine species except those that spend
considerable time outside the sea water. Since the list of Trees, Palms, Canes,
shrubs and perennial climbers found in the Nicobar Biosphere Reserve runs into
several pages and since the data is already documented by the Botanical Survey
of India, ENVIS, Rain Forest Research Institute and other organizations including
the ANI department of Environment and Forests, Team had chosen to present a list
of rare, endemic and threatened plants in Table-3.30.Similarly, a list of non-
endemic plants which rare or threatened is given in Table-3.31. The data in
Tables-3.9.7 and 3.9.8 is based on the records of the Nicobar Forest Department.
There was no way to revalidate the data based on primary filed survey except in a
few cases. Many species are so uncommon, that they are not known by any
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common name. A list of plants found growing in shade below the forest canopy
and in the forest, gaps is given in Table-3.32. A list of rare or endemic and
threatened Orchids reported from the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is given in
Table-3.33.

Table-3.30: List of Rare, Endemic and Endangered Plants from The Nicobar
Biosphere Reserve

Scientific Name Family Status

Aeridesemericii Orchidaceae Rare
Aglaeonemanicobaricum Araceae TC
Anoectochilusnicobaricus Orchidaceae TL
Artabotrysnicobarianus Annonaceae TC
Calamus dilaceratos Arecaeae TC
Calamus nicobaricus Arecaeae TC
Calamus unifarius Arecaeae Rare
Chilocarpusdenudatusvar.nicobaricus Apocynaceae TC
Chisochetonnicobarianus Meliaceae Rare
Clematis smilacifoliava.andamanica Ranunculaceae TC
Connarusnicobaricus Connaraceae TC
Coptophyllumnicobaricum Rubiaceae TC
Cyathea nicobarica Cyatheaceae TC
Cycleapendulina Menispermaceae Rare
Cyrtandraburtii Gesneriaceae TC
Cyrtandra occidentalis Gesneriaceae TL
Cyrtandroemianicobarica Gesneriaceae Rare
Dendrobium shomphenii Orchidaceae Rare
Drypetesbhattacharyae Putranjivaceae Rare
Elatostemanovarae Urticaceae TC
Embeliamicrocalyx Primulaceae Rare
Genianthushorei Apocynaceae Rare
Ixora cuneifolia Rubiaceae TC
Ixora cuneifoliavar.macrocarpa Rubiaceae TC
Leea grandiflora Vitaceae Rare
Macaranga nicobarica Euphorbiaceae Rare
Mallotusoblongifoliusvar.rubriflorus Euphorbiaceae Rare
Maniferanicobarica Anacardiaceae TC
Nicobariodendronsleumeri Celastraceae TC
Nothophoebenicobaricus Lauraceae TC
Ophiorrhizanicobarica Rubiaceae TL
Otantheranicobarensis Melastomataceae Rare
Pellioniaprocridifolia Urticaceae Rare
Phalaenopsis speciosa Orchidaceae Rare
Phryniumpaniculatum Marantaceae TL
Pomatocalpaandamanicum Orchidaceae Rare
Pseudovariaprainii Lycopodiaceae TL
Psychotriaplatyneura Rubiaceae Rare

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Scientific Name Family Status

Psychotriatylophora Rubiaceae Rare
Rhopaloblasteangustata Arecaceae TC
Strobilanthesglandulosus Acanthaceae Rare
Tarennaweberaefolia Rubiaceae Rare
Terminalliaprocera Combretaceae Rare
Tetrastigmaandamanica Vitaceae Rare
Trichoglottisquadricornuta Orchidaceae Rare
Trigonostemonvillosusvar.nicobaricus Euphorbiaceae TC

The List Is Based on The Data of The Forest Department. Tc = Type Collection Only
and Tl= Recollected from Type Localities Only. Total 48 Species

Table-3.31: List of rare or endangered plants which are not endemic to Nicobar
biosphere reserve

Scientific Name Family Local Status

Pteridophytes
Angiopterisevecta Angiopteridaceae Giant leaved fern.
Common in CBNP
Asplenium baturnses Aspleniaceae Uncommon
Asplenium nidus Aspleniaceae Birds nest fern.
Common
Asplenium sublaspertifolium Aspleniaceae Rare
Bolbitissinuata Bolbitidiaceae Rare
Leursseniakehdingian Aspleniaceae No record
Lomagrammasumatrana Bolbitidiaceae Rare
GYMNOSPERMS
Cycas rumphii Cycadaceae Rare in the revenue
land
Gnetumgnemon Gnetaceae Only from GBNP
Podocarpus wallichianus Podocarpaceae Rare, broad-leaved
ANGIOSPERMS
Aeschynanthus volubilis Gesneriaceae Rare
Alangiumjavanicum Alangiaceae Rare
Anaxagoreajavanica Annonaceae Rare
Antidesmatomentosum Phyllanthaceae Widespread but not
abundant
Archidendronellipticum Mimosaceae Rare
Astronia macrophylla Melastomataceae Rare
Barringtonia pendula Barringtoniaceae Rare
Bauhinia stipularis Caesalpiniaceae Rare
Blumeodendronkurzii Euphorbiaceae Rare
Casearia Flacourtiaceae Rare
grewiaefoilavar.gelonoides
Connarusplanchonianus Connaraceae Rare
Cypholophusmoluccanus Urticaceae Rare
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Scientific Name Family Local Status

Dacryodes rugosa Burseraceae Rare
Dichampetalumtimoriensis Dichampetalaceae Rare
Dichampetalumplatiphyllum Dichampetalaceae Rare
Diospyros cauliflora Ebenaceae Rare
Dysoxylumdensiflorum Meliaceae Rare
Elaeocarpus macrocerus Elaeocarpaceae Cultivated in revenue
lands also
Ficus pendens Moraceae Common
Gardenia jackii Rubiaceae Rare
Gonyothalamusmalayanus Annonaceae Rare
Grewia aciminata Tiliaceae Rare
Gynotrochesaxillaris Rhizophoraceae Rare
Helicia serrata Thymelacaceae Rare
Indroucheragriffithiana Linaceae Rare
Iodescirrhosa Icacinaceae Rare
Kibara coriacea Monimiaceae Rare
Mastixiatrichotoma var. Cornaceae Rare
maingayi
Memecyloncaeruleum Memecylaceae Rare
Memecylongarcinioides Memecylaceae Rare
Naravelia laurifolia Ranunculaceae Rare
Neodissochaetacelebica Melastomataceae Rare
Nephelium uncianum Sapindaceae Rare
Nothophoedpanduriformis Lauraceae Rare
Palaquiumsukebei Sapotaceae Rare
Pangiumedule Flacourtiaceae Rare
Phyllanthus gomphocarpus Phyllanthaceae Rare
Piper pedicillosum Piperaceae Rare
Planchonellafirma Sapotaceae Rare
Polyalthialateriflora Annonaceae Rare
Pseuduvaria rugosa Annonaceae Rare
Pternandiacoearulescens Melastomataceae Rare
Rhynchotechum parviflorum Gesneriaceae Rare
Saurauiabracteosa Actinidiaceae Rare
Schefflera longifolia Araliaceae Widespread but not
abundant
Stauranthera grandiflora Gesneriaceae Rare
Stemonurussecundiflorus Icacinaceae Rare
Sterculia macrophylla Sterculiaceae Rare
Symplocos fasciculata Symplocaceae Rare
Symplocosodoratissima Symplocaceae Rare
Syzygiumflosculiferm Myrtaceae Rare
Tejismaniodendronpteropodium Verbenaceae Rare
Tinomisciumpetiolare Menispermaceae Rare
Tournefortiatetrandra Boraginaceae Rare
Triumphetta repens Tiliaceae Rare
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Scientific Name Family Local Status

Vernonia patula Asteraceae Common in revenue
lands
MONOCOTS
Aeridiseemericii Orchidaceae Rare
Anoectochilusnicobaricus Orchidaceae Jewel Orchid Rare
Appendicula reflexa Orchidaceae Rare
Burmanniachampionii Burmanniaceae Rare
Carexcryptostachys Cyperaceae Common in Marshy
areas
Carexrefexiana Cyperaceae Rare
Ceratostylis subulate Orchidaceae Rare
Dendrobium pensile Orchidaceae Rare
Dendrobium shompenii Orchidaceae Rare
Eryrthrorchisaltissima Orchidaceae Gigantic
mycoheterotrophic
Homalonemagrifffithiii var Araceae Rare
ovata
Korthalsialaciniosa Arecaceae Widespread
Mapania cuspidate var. Cyperaceae Rare
angustifolia
Nervilia punctata Orchidaceae Rare
Phalaeonopsistetraspis Orchidaceae Rare
Plocoglottisjavanica Orchidaceae Rare
Podoochilusmicrophyllus Orchidaceae Rare
Scirpodendronghaeri Cyperaceae Rare
Spathoglottisplicata Orchidaceae Rare
Tirchoglottiscirrhifera Orchidaceae Rare
Vanilla andamanica Orchidaceae Rare
Cbnp Is Campbell Bay National Park and Gbnp Is Galathea National Park. Rare
According to The Data of The Forest Department and It Could Not Be Assessed
During the Survey.

Table-3.32: List of Plants Found Growing in Shade Under the Canopy of the Forest
Cover and in the Forest Gaps of the Study Area

Scientific Name Family Note

Acalypha indica Euphorbiaceae Herb
Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae Herb
Aclisiasecundiflora Commelinaceae Herb
Actephilaexcelsa Euphorbiaceae Tree
Aganosmamarginata Apocynaceae Climber
Ageratum conyzoides Asteraceae Herb
Alocasia decipiens Araceae Herb
Alternanthera sessilis Amaranthaceae Herb
Ammaniabaccifera Lythraceae Herb
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Scientific Name Family Note

Amomum aculeatum Zingiberaceae Herb
Amorphophallus longistylus Araceae Herb
Anaxagorealuzonensis Annonaceae Shrub (medicinal)
Angiopterisevecta Angiopteridaceae Fern
Antidesma acuminatum Euphorbiaceae Shrub
Ardisia humilis Myrsinaceae Small tree
Bridelia ovata Euphorbiaceae Shrub
Caesalpinia bonduc Caesalpiniaceae Shrub
Calamus baratangensis Arecaceae Rattan
Capparis floribunda Capparaceae Scandent woody
shrub
Cardiospermum helicacabum Sapindaceae Climbing herb
Carica papaya Caricaceae Tree-like
Catharanthus roseus Apocynaceae Herb
Cayratia japonica Vitaceae Climber
Cayratiatrifolia Vitaceae Climber
Christellaparasitica Thelypteridaceae Parasitic maiden
Fern
Chromolaena odorata Asteraceae Invasive shrub
Cleome rutidosperma Capparaceae Herb
Clerodendruminerme Verbenaceae Shrub
Clerodendrumpaniculatum Verbenaceae Shrub
Clitoriaternatea Fabaceae Climber
Cnestispalala Connaraceae Woody climber
Commelinadiffusa Commelinaceae Herb
Commelinahasskarlii Commelinaceae Herb
Crinum asiaticum Amaryllidaceae Herb
Cucumis callosus Cucurbitaceae Climber
Cyperus compressus Cyperaceae Sedge
Dactyloctniumaegyptium Poaceae Grass
Daemonoropsmani Arecaceae Cane
Datura metel Solanaceae Herb
Derris scandens Fabaceae Climber
Dinochola scandens Poaceae Bamboo
Dioscorea glabra Dioscoreaceae Climber
Donaxcannaeformis Marantaceae Shrub
Dracaena brachyphylla Agavaceae Shrub
Elatostemaintegrifolium Urticaceae Shrub
Eleusine indica Poaceae Grass
Eleutheranthera ruderalis Asteraceae Herb
Eragrostistenella Poaceae Grass
Eranthemumsuffruticosum Acanthaceae Shrub
Eulophia spectabilis Orchidaceae Orchid
Gloriosa superba Liliaceae Climber
Glycosmis mauritiana Rutaceae Small tree
Goniothalamusmeeboldii Annonaceae Shrub
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Scientific Name Family Note

Gouanialeptostachya Rhamnaceae Shrub
Gymnemalatifolium Asclepiadaceae Climber
Hedyotiscorymbosa Rubiaceae Herb
Heteropogoncontortus Poaceae Grass
Hyllanthusamarus Euphorbiaceae Medicinal Herb
Hyptis capitata Lamiaceae Herb
Ipomoeapes-caprae Convolvulaceae Runner
Ipomoea imperati Convolvulaceae Runner
Isachnepulchella Poaceae Grass
Ischaemumrugosum Poaceae Grass
Jatropha curcus Euphorbiaceae Shrub
Korthalsialaciniosa Arecaceae Palm
Kyllingabrevifolia Cyperaceae Sedge
Lantana camara Verbenaceae Shrub
Lygodiumcircinnatum Lygodiaceae Climbing Fern
Maesaandamanica Myrsinaceae Shrub
Malaxisandamanica Orchidaceae Orchid
Mikania cordata Asteraceae Straggler
Murdaniaspirata Commelinaceae Herb
Myxopyrumsmilacifolium Oleaceae Twining shrub
Nelsonia campestris Acanthaceae Herb
Nerviliaaragoana Orchidaceae Orchid
Oplismenuscompositus Poaceae Grass
Paederia scandens Acanthaceae Twining shrub
Passiflora foetida Passifloraceae Climber
Pavettagraciliflora Rubiaceae Shrub
Peperomia pellucida Piperaceae Climber
Phaulopsis imbricata Acanthaceae Herb
Phryniumpubinerve Marantaceae Shrub
Phyla nodiflora Verbenaceae Herb
Physalis minima Solanaceae Herb
Pilea microphylla Urticaceae Herb
Piper betle Pipraceae Climber
Pisonia aculeata Nyctaginaceae Climbing shrub
Polliathrysiflora Commelinaceae Herb
Pothos scandens Araceae Climber
Pouzolziazeylanica Urticaceae Herb
Pteris pellucida Pteridaceae Fern
Rhapidophora laciniata Araceae Dwarf bamboo
Rinoreabenghalensis Violaceae Climber
Senna tora Caesalpiniaceae Herb
Sida acuta Malvaceae Herb
Smilax odoratissima Smilacaceae Climber
Solanum nigrum Solanaceae Shrub
Spermacoceassurgens Rubiaceae Herb
Stachytarpetajamaicensis Verbenaceae Herb
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Scientific Name Family Note

Staurogyne lanceolata Acanthaceae Herb
Stenochlaena palustris Stenochlaenaceae Shrub
Strobilanthesglandulosa Acanthaceae Shrub
Synedrellanodiflora Asteraceae Herb
Tetracerasarmentosa Dilleniaceae Shrub
Tetrastigmaandamanica Vitaceae Shrub
Thunbergia laurifolia Thunbergiaceae Climber
Tropidiaangulosa Orchidaceae Ground Orchid
Tropidiacurculigoides Orchidaceae Ground Orchid
Vernonia cinerea Asteraceae Herb
Zeuxine nervosa Orchidaceae Ground Orchid
Zingiber squarrosum Zingiberaceae Herb

Table-3.33: Orchid Diversity of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (Gnbr)

Scientific Name Locality Note

Aeridesemericii GNBR Endemic & Rare
Anoectochilusnicobaricus GNBR Endemic & Rare
Appendicula reflexa GNBR Endemic & Rare
Bulbophyllummacranthum GNBR Endemic & Common
Cleisostomauraiense GNBR Rare
Ceratostylissubulata GNBR Rare
Corymborchisveratrifolia GNBR Rare
Cymbidium bicolor GNBR Endemic & Rare
Dendrobiuimshompenii GNBR Endemic & Rare
Dendrobium crumenatum GNBR Common
Dendrobium pensile GNBR Rare
Eriabractescens GNBR Rare
Flickengeria fimbriata GNBR Rare
Goodyeraprocera GNBR Rare
Hetaeria oblique GNBR Rare
Hetaeriaoblongifolia GNBR Rare
Lusiazeylanica GNBR Rare
Nervilia punctata GNBR Rare
Oberoniairidifolia GNBR Rare
Phalaenopsis speciosa GNBR Endemic & Rare
Pholidota pallida GNBR Rare
Phraetiasecunda GNBR Rare
Plocoglottisjavanica GNBR Rare
Podochilusmicrophyllus GNBR Rare
Pomatocalpawendlandorum GNBR Common
Pterocerasbarkeleyii GNBR Rare
Rhynchostylis retusa GNBR Rare
Spathoglottisplicata Everywhere Very common
Thelasispygmaea GNBR Common
Thrixspermumhystrix GNBR Rare
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Scientific Name Locality Note

Trichoglottiscirrhifera GNBR Rare
Trichoglottisquadricornuta GNBR Endemic & Rare
Vanilla andamanica GNBR Endemic & Rare
Vrydagzynea albida GNBR Rare
List is based on Gupta, S., M.C. Porwar & P.S. Roy (2004). Orchid diversity of
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Current Science: 86 (10):1372-1374

Terrestrial Fauna of the Great Nicobar island:

Tikadar and Das (1985) of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) brought out “Glimpses
of Animal Life in Andaman and Nicobar Islands Ramakrisha et al (2010) edited
“Recent Trends in Biodiversity of Andaman and Nicobar Islands” provides detailed
information on different groups by different contributors. Rao et al (2013) from
ZSI presented a list of Endemic Animals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Raghunathan and Mondal (2017) edited volume on Faunal diversity of the Great
Nicobar Biosphere Reserve provides a valuable source of information about the
faunal diversity of the Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. The flagship species in the
Nicobar Islands Rain Forests ecoregion is the Nicobar imperial pigeon. The beautiful
Nicobar imperial pigeon is a large bird that prefers being on the ground and is the
closest living relative to the extinct dodo. The endemic birds include the Nicobar
sparrow hawk, great Nicobar serpent eagle, Nicobar megapode, Nicobar parakeet,
Nicobar imperial pigeon, Nicobar scops-owl, Nicobar bulbul, and Nicobar jungle
flycatcher, all now threatened by human settlements and resulting habitat
modification Of the 25 species of mammals found on the island, the endemic
Nicobar flying fox, Nicobar tree shrew, and Miller’s Nicobar rat are now threatened
and vulnerable. Although most mammals in this ecoregion are small, the Nicobar
wild pig, which is an endemic subspecies.

Besides these three, there are reports on different groups of fauna by different
explorers and researchers. Compared with the Andaman group of Islands, the
faunal diversity, especially the vertebrate diversity is poor. Among the mammals
Crab-eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularisumbrosa) and Andaman Wild Pig (Sus
scrofaandamanensis) are considered unique to the Nicobar Islands. Among the two,
the former has now become a menace in residential areas while the latter is
domesticated by native Nicobaris. However, Nicobar Biosphere is famous for the
diversity of Birds.

A list of Mammals reported or recorded from the GNBR is given in Table-3.34. It

may be noted from the list that most of them are arboreal in nature. Bats
outnumber other Mammals. Nicobar spiny shrew (Crociduranicobarica), Nicobar
Tree shrew (Tupaia nicobarica) are included in the Critically endangered (CR) and
Endangered (EN) respectively. Though the Crab eating macaque (Macaca
fascicularisumbrosa) is included under the Vulnerable category, it has become a
menace locally in Campbell Bay.

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Table-3.34: List of Mammals Reported from the Nicobar Biosphere Reserve

Scientific Name Common Name Category IUCN

/WPA
Sus scrofanicobaricus Nicobar Wild Pig Pig En / NL
Macaca fascicularisumbrosa Nicobar crab Macaque En / VU / I
eating macaque
Tupaia nicobarica Nicobar Tree Rodent En / EN /
shrew NL
Crociduranicobarica Nicobar spiny Rodent En / CR /
shrew NL
Rattus busrescans Nicobar rat Rodent En /NE /
NL
Rattus palmarum Palm rat Rodent En /VU /
NL
Rattus pulliventer Nicobar rat Rodent En /NE /
NL
Scotophiluskhulii Asiatic lesser Bat LC/ NL
house bat
Miniopterus australis pusillue Bent winged bat Bat LC/ NL
Traphozoussaccolaimuscrassus Blyth’s ponch Bat LC/ NL
bearing Bat
Pteropusmelanotustytleri Blyth’s flying fox Bat En / VU /
NL
Eonycterisspelaea Down bat Bat LC / NL
Hippasiderosfalvus Fulvus leaf nosed Bat LC / NL
bat
Rhinalophusaffinis Intermediate Bat LC / NL
horse-show bat
Hippasiderapternicobasulae Little Nicobar Bat NE / NL
leaf-nosed bat
Hippasiderapdiademonicobarensis Nicobar leaf Bat En / LC /
nosed bat NL
Hippasiderapater Dusty leaf-nosed Bat LC / NL
bat
Cynopterusbakhtiarscherzer Lesser Nicobar Bat En / NE /
Short-nosed NL
Fruit bat
Scotophiluskuhli Lesser Yellow bat Bat NE / NL
Cynopterus sphinx Short-nosed fruit Bat LC / NL
leaf
Pipistrellus coromandra Indian Pipistrelle Bat LC / NL
Pipistrellus comortae Nicobar Bat En / NE /
pipistrelle NL
Pteropusfunlus Nicobar flying Bat En / EN /
fox NL
Miniopteruspusillus Nicobar long- Bat En / LC /
fingered bat NL
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En= endemic, EN=endangered, CR = Critically endangered, LC=Least Concern,

NL=Not listed, NE = Not evaluated, VU=Vulnerable

Reptiles from The Great Nicobar Island

A total of 26 reptiles have been reported by different investigators from the Great
Nicobar Island. The list includes three non-venomous snakes, Marine turtles, Salt
water crocodile (Crocodylusporosus), Water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator)
Geckos and house lizards. Giant Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea),
Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys
olivacea) and Green Sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Malayan Box Turtle
(Cuoraamboinensis). Nicobar Islands had India’s best nesting beaches for three
species of marine turtles – Hawksbill, Green sea turtle and world’s largest sea
turtle, the Leatherback (Dermocheleys coriacea) prior to the tsunami of 2004. The
nesting population of Leatherback turtles in Nicobar used to exceed 1,000
individuals and hence it had global importance.

Snakes are represented by Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus), Nicobar cat

snake (Boiga wallachi) and Humayun’s Bronzeback (Dendrelaphishumayuni).
Among the lizards, the notable species are- Daniel’s long tailed Agama, Nicobar
Bent Toed Gecko (Cyrtodactylusrubidus) and Smiths’ giant gecko (Gekkosmithii).
Nicobar cat snake (Boiga wallachi) and Nicobar Bent Toed Gecko
(Cyrtodactylusrubidus) are endemic.

Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus) was reported all over the Great Nicobar
Island and young ones were commonly seen in the lowland forests (coastal region)
during 1996-98, according to Sivakumar (2000). A survey by him during 2010
for 42 field days, no single record of python from this group of islands especially in
the lowland forests was found. It is attributed to the tsunami of 2004.
Unconfirmed reports say that the local tribals hunt and eat Reticulated Python.
Reticulated Python belongs to Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972 but it is placed under the Least concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator) is one of the most common monitor lizards
in Asia. It was seen crossing the road during the present survey in December 2020.
belongs to Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 but it is placed
under the Least concern (LC) by the IUCN. One of the main threats to Water
Monitor Lizard is poaching for skin and meat.

Salt water Crocodile (Crocodylusporosus) is common along east coast of India and
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It occurs both in salt water and brackish water and
hence it could be found in swamps and Mangrove forests. During the survey in
December 2020Our Team explored the two sites which are frequented by the Salt
water Crocodile but found only the impressions on mud. It is placed under the Least
concern (LC) by the IUCN. One of the main threats to Water Monitor Lizard is
poaching for skin and meat.

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Amphibians from Great Nicobar Island:

In spite of heavy rainfall, long moist spell and dense forest vegetation, amphibian
diversity of Great Nicobar Island is poor. A total of 10 species of amphibians have
been reported from the island including the endemic Nicobar Tree Frog
(Polypedatesinsularis), Red eared frog (Hylaranaerythraea), Cricket Frog (Acris
gryllus) and the Indian Toad (Duttaphrynusmelanostictus)

Avi Fauna of Great Nicobar Island

The endemic birds include the Nicobar sparrow hawk, great Nicobar serpent eagle,
Nicobar megapode, Nicobar parakeet, Nicobar imperial pigeon, Nicobar scops-owl,
Nicobar bulbul, and Nicobar jungle flycatcher, all now threatened by human
settlements and resulting habitat modification. The beautiful Nicobar imperial
pigeon is a large bird that prefers being on the ground and is the closest living
relative to the extinct dodo. Sivaperuman et al (2010) reviewed the avifauna of the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Based on the checklist of Sivaperuman et al (2010)
and the Avibase of Nicobar by Avibase - Bird Checklists of the World, a list of birds
that were reported from time to time by different investigators has been compiled
and presented in Table-3.35. A total of about 90 species of birds have been
reported from the Island. Among them, Nicobar megapode (Megapodius
nicobariensis), Nicobar Parakeet (Psittaculacaniceps) are endemic to the island.
During the primary survey, it was noticed that aquatic birds including sea gulls
were either rare or absent. But the most puzzling observation is the presence of a
solitary Openbill Stork (Anastomusoscitans), an aquatic bird four times within about
1km on the same road. It is capable of living in estuaries also, but it was found on
the road side searching for food in the storm water drains. This bird has not been
reported from the Nicobar Island earlier. Its presence is an enigma.

Sivaperuman et al (2018), based on 10- year intesive and extensive survey and
review of the publications, came out with a checklist of total of 349
species/subspecies of birds from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. According to
BirdLife International (2015), only one species is listed as critically dangered (CR),
4 species are endangered (EN) and data deficient (DD), 34 species are near
threatened (NT), and 5 species are vulnerable (VU). According to the Indian
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, 13 species were listed under the Schedule I; and
219 species were included in the Schedule IV. But this information is not specific
to Great nicobar Island.

The migratory bird species are another important group contributing towards the
overall avifauna of these Islands. Seaasonal changes in bird composition are very
evident because of winter migratory birds especially waders (Chopra and Kamal
2012). A total of 123 winter migrants are reported from Andaman and Nicobar
Islands, of which 59 species are recorded from Andaman Islands and 34 species
recorded from Nicobar Islands. Coastal wetlands in India provide winter protection
for migratory waterfowl from different parts of the world such as Asia, Europe and
Mediterranean regions. Nicobar Islands are no exception; these islands also support
good numbers of wetland birds during migratory season.

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Waders are long-legged wading birds such as storks and herons. The waders
reported from the Great Nicobar belong to the order Charadriiformes. They were
found along shorelines and mudflats that wade in order to forage for food such
as insects or crustaceans in the mud or sand. The 34 waders or shorebirds reported
from coastal areas, especially the Mangrove forest regions are neither endemic nor
they are rare or endangered or threated. Further, they were never found in large
groups in the Great Nicobar. As there are no fresh water wetlands in Great
Nicobar, other migratory species were not found in the Great Nicobar.

Table-3.35: Checklist of Birds Reported from Great Nicobar Island. En Means

Endemic to Either Nicobar or Andaman and Nicobar.

Scientific Name Common Name Family IUCN/WPA

Accipiter badius Shikra Accipitridae LC / IV
Accipiter butleri Nicobar Accipitridae VU / IV / En
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter gularis Japanese Accipitridae LC / IV
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter soloensis Ghoshak Accipitridae LC / IV
Acrocephalusaedon Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalidae LC / IV
Aethopygasiparaja Crimson Sunbird Nectariniidae LC / IV
Alcedoatthis Common Kingfisher Alcedinidae LC / IV
Amaurornisphoenicurus White-breasted Rallidae LC / IV
Waterhen
Anas crecca Green-winged Teal Anatidae LC / IV
Anousstolidus Brown Noddy Laridae LC / IV
Anthuscervinus Red-throated Pipit Motacillidae LC / IV
Aplonispanayensis Asian Glossy Starling Sturnidae LC / IV
Ardea cinerea Gray Heron Ardeidae LC / IV
Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret Ardeidae LC / IV
Ardea purpurea Purple Heron Ardeidae LC / IV
Ardeolagrayii Indian Pond-Heron Ardeidae LC / IV
Ardeolasrtiatus Andaman Green Ardeidae LC / IV
Heron
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Scolopacidae EN / IV
Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Ardeidae LC / IV
Calidris falcinellus Broad-billed Scolopacidae LC / IV/ rare
sandpiper
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper Scolopacidae LC / IV
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint Scolopacidae LC / IV
Caloenasnicobarica Nicobar Pigeon Columbidae NT /I/ En
Centropusandamanensis Andaman Coucal Cuculidae LC / IV
Ceyxerithacus Black-backed Dwarf- Alcedinidae LC / IV
Kingfisher
Chalcitesxanthorhynchus Violet Cuckoo Cuculidae LC / IV
Chalcophaps indica Nicobar Emerald Columbidae LC / IV
Dove
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand-Plover Charadriidae LC / IV
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand-Plover Charadriidae LC / IV
Chrysococcyx maculatus Emerald cuckoo Cuculidae LC / IV
Circus aeruginosus Eurasian Marsh- Accipitridae LC / IV
Harrier
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Scientific Name Common Name Family IUCN/WPA

Cisticola juncidis Zitting Cisticola Cisticolidae LC / IV
Collocalia esculenta affinis White-bellied Apodidae LC / IV
Swiftlet
Collocalia fucifaga Andaman Swiftlet Apodidae LC / IV
Columba livia Rock Pigeon Columbidae LC / IV/Intr
Columba palumboides Andaman Wood- Columbidae NT / I/ En
Pigeon
Coracina nigra Nicobar pied to Campephagidae LC / IV/ En
Cuckooshrike
Coturnix chinensis Blue breasted Quail Phasianidae LC / IV
Cucullus saturates Himalayan Cuckoo Cuculidae LC / IV
Cuculuscanorus Cuckoo Cuculidae LC / IV
Cuculusmicropterus Indian Cuckoo Cuculidae LC / IV
Cyornisnicobaricus Nicobar Jungle- Muscicapidae NT /IV/ rare
Flycatcher
Dendrocygnajavanica Lesser Whistling- Anatidae LC / IV
Duck
Dromasardeola Crab Plover Dromadidae LC / IV
Duculaaenea Nicobar Green Columbidae LC / IV / En
Imperial-Pigeon
Duculabicolor Pied Imperial-Pigeon Columbidae LC / IV
Duculanicobarica Nicobar Imperial- Columbidae LC / IV
Pigeon
Egrettagarzetta Little Egret Ardeidae LC / IV
Egretta intermedia Intermediate Egret Ardeidae LC / IV
Egretta sacra Eastern Reef-Heron Ardeidae LC / IV
Emberizaaureola Yellow-breasted Emberizidae CR / IV
Bunting
Eudynamysscolopaceus Asian Koel Cuculidae LC / IV
Falco peregrinus peregrinator Shaheen Falcon Falconidae NE /I
Falco peregrinusjaponensis Eastern Peregrine Falconidae LC / I
Falcon
Gallicrex cinerea Watercock Rallidae LC / IV
Gallinagostenura Pin-tailed Snipe Scolopacidae LC / IV
Glareolapranticola Collared Pratincole Glareolidae LC / IV
Gorsachiusmelanolophus minor Malayan Night- Ardeidae LC / IV
Heron
Gracula religiosaandamanensis Andaman Hill Myna Sturnidae LC / IV
Halcyon chloris Nicobar White- Alcedinidae LC / IV
collared Kingfisher
Halcyon pileata Black-capped Alcedinidae LC / IV
Kingfisher
Halcyon smyrnensis White-throated Alcedinidae LC / IV
Kingfisher
Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea- Accipitridae LC / IV
Eagle
Hirundorustica Barn Swallow Hirundinidae LC / IV
Hypothymisazureaidiochroa Car Nicobar Black- Monarchidae LC / IV
naped Monarch
Hypothymisazureanicobarica Nicobar Black- Monarchidae LC / IV/ En
naped Monarch fly
catcher I
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Scientific Name Common Name Family IUCN/WPA

Hypsipetesnicobariensis Nicobar Bulbul Pycnonotidae NT /IV/ En
Irena puella Asian Fairy-bluebird Irenidae LC / IV
Ixobrychuscinnamomeus Cinnamon Bittern Ardeidae LC / IV
Ixobrychus sinensis Yellow Bittern Ardeidae LC / IV
Laniuscristatuscristatus Brown Shrike Laniidae LC / IV
Laniuscristatuslucionensis philippine Shrike Laniidae LC / IV
Limosalapponica Bar-tailed Godwit Scolopacidae LC / IV/ rare
Locustellacerthiola Pallas's Locustellidae LC / IV
Grasshopper-
Warbler
Locustella lanceolata Lanceolated Warbler Locustellidae LC / IV
Lonchura striata White-rumped Munia Estrildidae LC / IV
Loriculusvernalis Indian Lorikeet Psittaculidae LC / IV
Macropygiarufipennis Nicobar Cuckoo- Columbidae LC / IV
Dove
Megapodius freycinetabbotti South Nicobar Megapodiidae VU / I/ En
megapod
Megapodius North Nicobar Megapodiidae VU / I/ En
freycinetnicobariensis megapod
Meropsphilippinus Blue-tailed Bee- Meropidae LC / IV
eater
Monticola solitarius Blue Rock-Thrush Muscicapidae LC / IV
Motacilla cinerea Gray Wagtail Motacillidae LC / IV
Motacilla flava Western Yellow Motacillidae LC / IV
Wagtail
Motacilla flava thunberghi Grey headed Yellow Motacillidae LC / IV
Wagtail
Muscicapalatirostris Asian Brown Muscicapidae NT /IV
Flycatcher
Nectarinia jugularis Car Nibar Sunbird Nectariniidae LC / IV/ En
namaste
Ninoxaffinis Nicobar Hawk-owl Strigidae LC / IV/ En
Ninoxscutulata Hawk-owl Strigidae LC / IV
Numenius arquata Eastern Curlew Scolopacidae NT / IV
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Scolopacidae NT / IV
Nycticoraxnycticorax Black-crowned Ardeidae LC / IV
Night-Heron
Oriolus chinensis Black-naped Oriole Oriolidae LC / IV
Otus scops nicobaricus Nicobar Scops-Owl Strigidae LC / IV/ En
Pelargopsis capensis Stork-billed Alcedinidae LC / IV
Kingfisher
Pelecanusphilippensis Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanidae NT / IV/ rare
Phaethon lepturus White Tropic Bird Phaethontidae LC / IV
Phaethon rubricauda Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaethontidae LC / IV/ rare
Phylloscopustenellipes Pale-legged Leaf Phylloscopidae LC / IV/ rare
Warbler
Pitta sordida Hooded Pitta Pittidae LC / IV
Pluvialisdominica Eastern Golden Charadriidae LC / IV
Plover
Pluvialissquatarola Black-bellied Plover Charadriidae LC / IV
Porphyriopoliocephalus Gray-headed Rallidae LC / IV
Swamphen
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Scientific Name Common Name Family IUCN/WPA

Psittaculacaniceps Nicobar Parakeet Psittaculidae NT / IV/ En
Psittaculalongicauda Long-tailed Parakeet Psittaculidae VU / IV

Rallusstriatus Blue breasted rail Rallidae LC / IV

Rhinomyiasbrunneatanicobarica Olive Fly catcher Muscicapidae NT / IV/ En
Spilornischeelamalayensis Malayan Crested Accipitridae LC / IV
Serpent-Eagle
Spilornischeelaminimus Nicobar Crested Accipitridae LC / IV
Serpent-Eagle
Spilornisklossi Nicobar Serpent- Accipitridae NT / IV /En
Eagle
Sterna bengalensis Lesser crested Tern Laridae LC / IV
Sterna sumatrana Black-naped Tern Laridae LC / IV
Sturnus erythropygius Nicobar white- Sturnidae LC / IV
headed Myna
Sturnus Katchal White- Sturnidae LC / IV
erythropygiuskatchlensis headed Myna
Sturnus sturninus DurainMyna Sturnidae LC / IV
Terpsiphone paradisinicobarica Nicobar Paradise- Monarchidae LC / IV
Flycatcher
Treronchloropterus Andaman Green- Columbidae NT / IV
Pigeon
Tringahypoleucos Common Sandpiper Scolopacidae LC / IV
Tringa terek Terek Sand piper Scolopacidae LC / IV
Tringatotanus Common Redshank Scolopacidae LC / IV
Turnixtanki Yellow-legged Turnicidae LC / IV
Buttonquail
Zootheracitrinaalbogularis Nicobar Ground Turdidae LC / IV
Thrush
Zosteropspalpebrosus Indian White-eye Zosteropidae LC / IV
Intr means introduced. LC, NT, VU, EN and CR stand for the IUCN Red list staring
from the least concern to Critically endangered.NE=not evaluated. WPA means
Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act.

According to the analysis made by Islam and Rahmani (2010), the following birds
(Table-3.36) have restricted range in Nicobar Islands. They are not found in
Andaman Islands or in other IBAs.

Table-3.36: List of Birds with Restricted Range in Nicobar Islands

Common Name Scientific Name IUCN Number IBAs

of occurrence
Nicobar Sparrowhawk Accipiter butleri VU 3
Great Nicobar Serpent- Spilorniskiossi NT 3
eagle
Nicobar Megapode Megapodius VU 2
nicobariensis
Nicobar Imperial-pigeon Duculanicobarica LC 4
Nicobar Parakeet Psittaculacaniceps NT 3
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Common Name Scientific Name IUCN Number IBAs

of occurrence
Nicobar Scops-owl Otus alius LC 3
Nicobar Bulbul Hypsipetesnicobariensis VU 1
Nicobar Jungle-flycatcher Rhinomyiasnicobaricus LC 3
VU = Vulnerable, NT = Near Threatened; and LC = Least Concern

Status of major Mammals of Nicobar Island:

Crab eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularisumbrosa)

The Nicobar Crab-eating Macaque, Macaca fascicularisumbrosais the only macaque

that occurs at present in the Nicobar Islands. This macaque is found in Great
Nicobar, Little Nicobar and Katchal islands of the Nicobar group. It is not found in
Andaman Islands. Incidentally it is the only Crab-eating Macaque found within the
Indian limits. It is also the only anthropoid primate that occurs in these islands.
Mention, however, may be made here that its allied subspecies are available in
Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. This macaque
was recorded by Blyth as early as 1846 although it has long been known as an
inhabitant of Nicobar Islands. This long-tailed macaque is dusky and looks almost
blackish from a distance. It was stated that it is found in the tropical rain forests
with very tall trees and thick undergrowth. It is habitually arboreal and found on
the upper storey of the tree. It sometimes takes shelter in thick undergrowth of
the forests. This macaque is frequently observed near the coast, but its crab-eating
habit is not yet confirmed. However, during the current survey it was found that
it has become a pest in residential villages along the coast from Campbell to Shastri
Nagar. It was not seen in the Campbell National Park. According to Khatri and
Khatri (2010), they escaped the fury of the 2004 Tsunami but lost a major source
food, the fruits of Pandanus and hence they took to Coconut, Areca Nut and other
fruits.

Conflict between the residents and the monkey has become a cause for concern to
the residents. They are found moving either alone or in small to large groups of
about 30. They eat all fruits and cause damage to Areca nut and Coconut also.
They even gain entry in to the houses and take away anything that they believe
could be edible. Locals are demanding compensation for loss and damage caused
by the monkey.

They are not found eating crabs and the same impression was reinforced by
residents who have been living there for decades. Hence, it may be a misnomer.
This macaque makes a crashing noise as it leaps from tree to tree and tries to scare
humans when they are disturbed, including taking photos. They can easily climb
any tree and consume wild fruits, banana, papaya, Pandanus, Areca nut, Coconut
besides all kinds of food items. They were seen searching for consumables in
garbage dumps. They could not be quantified as they jump, run and vanish in to
bushes but according to locals there are at least 250 to 400 in Campbell alone.

The crab eating macaques are active in the early morning. The go on rampage in
groups ranging from 4 to 40. Occasionally, 1 or 2 are also found but in forest
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areas. During a quick survey, Team counted a total of 112 in 6 groups at the same
time from different parts of Campbell by 3 people. The group size ranged from 6
to 32. Among them, 15 were carrying their sucking babies. There was a total of 40
juveniles. Thus, the total number in pre-reproductive age group comes to 57 out
of 112 (49.1%). Based on a survey carried out in Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar and
Katchal Islands in 2000, Umapathy and Singh (2010) found that the immature
individuals accounted for 47.1%. It denotes that the population has attained a
logistic or exponential growth phase.

The Nicobar crab-eating macaque is endemic, and it is in Schedule I of the Indian

Wildlife (Protection) Act. Management of this species is one of the challenges
when any development is planned. There is no simple solution mainly because it is
endemic and restricted to just 5 islands in the Nicobar group but yet is has become
a menace in the area where it occurs.

Figure-3.39: Crab eating Macaque in Campbell, Great Nicobar. It may not eat crabs
but knows how to eat tender coconut and ripened arecanut. This endemic schedule
I species has become a menace

Nicobar Wild Pig (Sus scrofa nicobaricus): and its impact on Coconut and
Areca nut

Two subspecies of wild pigs, namely, the Andaman Wild Pig, Sus scrofa
andalnanensis and the Nicobar Wild Pig, Sus scrofa nicobaricus occur in the
Andamans and the Nicobars respectively. Both the subspecies are endemic in these
islands. The Andaman Wild Pig is black in colour with scant covering of hair It has
an indistinct crest over the neck and back. Its snout is elongated, and tail is very
short, tufted with brown hair at the tip. The Nicobar Wild Pig is also black with a
faint brownish wash on dorsal side. It is slightly larger in size and its skull and teeth
are distinctly larger than those of the Andaman Wild Pig. Both the Andaman and
the Nicobar Wild Pigs inhabit jungles but frequently visit cultivation. They are very
active in the early morning and evening, go about in bands of 4 to 20 and live on
omnivorous diet like tubers, crops, roots, offal, carrion and even insect larvae.
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These pigs form the chief source of protein for the local inhabitants. Nicobari pig,
locally known as Ha-un, is an indigenous pig germplasm located only in the Nicobar
group of islands, India. It is domesticated by tribal farmers. There are no reports
of conflict with the locals and the Nicobar Wild Pig. There are authentic scientific
reports that the Nicobar wild pigs are domesticated and reared (Arun et al 2014).
Reticulated python (Python reticulatus): Though this species was reported all
over the Great Nicobar Island and young ones were commonly seen in the lowland
forests (coastal region) during 1996-98 (Sivakumar, 2000) but, during this survey
after spending 42 field days there was no single record of python in this group of
islands especially in the lowland forests which have been badly destroyed by the
tsunami.

Sea Turtles:

A survey of literature starting from Bhaskar& Rao (1992) about the status of marine
turtles in general and Leatherback in particular reveals the following:

Nicobar Island provides an ideal nesting habitat for primarily four species of marine
turtles: the leatherback turtle, hawksbill turtle, green sea turtle and Olive Ridley
turtle. All of these have been declared endangered by the IUCN

Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Green (Chelonia mydas),

Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) nest
on the beaches of the Nicobar group of islands in the Bay of Bengal. Great Nicobar,
the southern-most and the largest in the group, supports all four species of sea
turtles, with a high abundance of Leatherback nests. The popular Leatherback
nesting beaches on this island are situated at the mouths of Galathea, Alexandria
and Dagmar Rivers. Other sea turtles also nest at these beaches.

Andaman Nicobar Environment Team (ANET), Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES),
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Andaman and Nicobar Forest Department and
Dakshin has developed a long-term monitoring and conservation programme for
sea turtles of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in particular for leatherback
turtles.

The southeast coast of the island attracts all four species for nesting, with green
sea turtles having the highest abundance. The dune forests of Great Nicobar are
restricted to the beaches of fine calcareous sand, which stretch along the shores.
The southern beach, located 3 km south of Galathea River, is free from tribal
settlements. However, indigenous people use this beach for fishing and turtle
hunting. The northern and southern beaches are 4 km and 5 km length respectively
and they are the main nesting grounds on the eastern side of the island. The
northern beach was highly used by the leatherback turtles with fewer green sea
turtles, hawksbills and Olive Radleys.

Apart from human predation, dogs were found to be the major predators of turtle
eggs. Though the Nicobar Pigs are suspected to cause damage to the nests, eggs
and the hatchlings, there was no proof of predation.

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Recommendations of the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife

(NBWL)

The standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) considered the
issue of status of the Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at its meeting held on 5th
January 2021. After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to recommend
the Proposal with the recommendations of WII, CWLW and directed that a
Comprehensive Management Plan may be prepared and followed by the Andaman
& Nicobar Administration for conservation and protection of Leatherback turtles in
Great Nicobar island alongwith the Wildlife Institute of India and the project
proponents. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration was directed to bring
more areas under conservation of leatherback turtles.

Sivakumar (2002) did a commendable work on the Megapods of Great Nicobar

discussed status of sea turtle nesting on the southern beaches of Great Nicobar
island and the conservation implications. He states that four species of sea turtles,
namely, leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Green (Chelonia mydas),
Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) nest
on the beaches of the Nicobar group of islands in the Bay of Bengal. Great Nicobar,
the southern-most and the largest in the group, supports all four species of sea
turtles, with a high abundance of Leatherback nests. The popular Leatherback
nesting beaches on this island are situated at the mouths of Galathea, Alexandria
and Dagmar Rivers. Other sea turtles also nest at these beaches. However, the
other beaches where turtles breed have not been studied well. According to the
above, the River mouths of Galathea, Alexandria and Dagmar Rivers are popular
Leatherback nesting beaches on this island. Hence, Team cannot think of shifting
the proposed port to the mouth of Alexandria and Dagmar Rivers.

According to Jadeja et al (2016), the west coast of Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar
Island, was previously a significant nesting site for leatherback turtles despite
pressure from anthropogenic activities and natural predators. The nesting
population has the potential to recover from disturbance resulting from the 2004
Indian Ocean tsunami, as human all settlements have gone and the region is,
therefore, free of anthropogenic predation and light pollution which might affect
nesting turtles. However, there is still predation of turtle nests by Nicobari pigs.
Bhaskar (1994) also concluded that wild pigs were the chief predator of sea turtle
eggs and hatchlings in this area, followed by the water monitor lizard (Varanus
salvator), which was sighted during the current survey. Predation by pigs may
have increased since the tsunami, as human settlements may have deterred
individual animals or controlled population numbers. A program to control pig
numbers or protect turtle nests from pigs could help re-establish sea turtle
populations at this site. There is no pre-tsunami substrate analysis from Galathea
Bay with which to compare our results, but future substrate analysis may indicate
changes as beaches re-stabilise.

Primary survey of the sea turtles nesting grounds during February 2021 by the
team members of the Vimta Labs recorded the presence of 34 sea turtle crawls on
the Great Nicobar Island towards northwest of Galathea Bay and 45 sea turtle
crawls on the Trinket and Tillanchang islands. A couple of new nests were found
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(Figure-3.340) along the Northwestern part of the Galathea Bay of the Great
Nicobar Island. Northern part of the Galathea Bay was known for leatherback
turtle nesting till 2004 but it was severally damaged during the Tsunami of 2004.
However, southern beach has improved for the turtle nesting. Pigs and monitor
lizards were observed eating turtle's eggs on most of the beaches.

Conclusion: Based on the brief information given above, it is evident that the
Leatherback Turtle breeding grounds need additional protection and proper
management. The responsibility of preparing the plan lies with the project
proponent in coordination with all the relevant Agencies/Departments to ensure
that the proposed projects including the proposed port do not pose any additional
direct and indirect threat to the large Marine Turtles.
For 8 to 10 years after the destruction of the major breeding grounds during the
Tsunami of 2004, leatherbacks didn’t return to use the erstwhile breeding grounds.
They are slowly returning to the new grounds and also using new areas. This shows
that they are resilient and can adapt to changes. More details are expected from
the WII which is entrusted with the responsibility of developing mitigation,
remediation and alternate plans for conservation of Leatherback breeding grounds.

Figure-3.40: Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys Coriacea) Caught on Camera

During Night While Laying Eggs During February 2021.

Nicobar megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis):

With respect to the Nicobar megapode, the present study takes in to account the
pioneering work of Sankaran and Sivakumar beginning from 1995. Tillanchong is
an unfamiliar name for many. Uninhabited except for a police post holds the largest

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surviving populations of the endemic Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius

nicobariensis), It is also a protected sanctuary and an Important Bird Area (Islam
and Rahmani, 2004). According to Dr. Asad Rahmani of the Bombay Natural
History Society (BNHS), and the local Andaman and Nicobar forest department,
Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis), is found nowhere else in the world
except the Nicobars. Further, the Tillanchong island is sacred for the Nicobarese
people. The island is uninhabited for a reason — the Nicobarese believe that their
ancestor’s spirits reside on the island. This land, considered sacred by them, has
more Nicobar Megapodes than in many other places. This is because of the religious
taboos against hunting. Clearly, in the case of the Tillanchong, it is the strong link
between cultural diversity and ecological diversity which has nurtured the Nicobar
Megapode, and the other species on the island. The Nicobarese visit Tillanchong
only in one season annually with a local priest, to pray, to feel, and to revere the
island. It is, what geographer’s call a sense of ‘place’ — a rootedness to a spot,
bound through custom, which elevates a ‘space’ to a place.

After tsunami 2004, the Nicobar megapode continued to be found on all but two
islands viz. Trax and Megapode in the Nicobars from where it had been reported
earlier. The Megapode Island was fully submerged due to rise in sea water level
due to tsunami. More than 90 per cent of mound nests were built within 30 m
distance from the shore. Of these, around 16 per cent of active mounds were found
within 5 m distance from shore. It was estimated that about 800 breeding pairs of
the Nicobar megapode occur on the coastal habitat of the Nicobar Islands, which is
nearly 70 per cent less than what was reported a decade ago.

Aquatic Flora and Fauna

In spite of heavy annual rainfall of 300 to 350 Cm spreading over 9 months and
five perennial rivers of Alexandra, Dogmar, Amrita Kaur, Jubillee and Galathea and
their tributaries there is very little information about the aquatic flora and fauna.
The island is surrounded by the Andaman sea on all sides and there are many small
estuaries. There are also low-lying marshy lands where swamp forests were present
before the tsunami. However, there are no reservoirs other than two check dams
for water supply. The present survey extends up to estuarine ecosystems only
and it doesn’t consider the marine Ecosystem since the work is undertaken by
another specialist group. There are many low-lying areas that gather rain water. A
list of aquatic and semiaquatic macrophytes of the fresh water ecosystem is given
in Table 3. Among them, Mosaic flower (Lugwigiasedioides) with an artistic display
of leaves and the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) are not worthy. White Ginger
Lily/Butterfly Ginger (Hedychium coronarium) was found in some areas like a
cultivated crop. Lemna minor, White water lily (Nymhaea alba) could not be missed
as they cover some ponds fully. Pickerel weed (Monochoria vaginalis) was common
in some drains. A list of plants found in the estuarine habitat is given in Table 6
and hence it is not repeated here. Photos of Lugwigiasedioides, Nelumbo nucifera
and Hedychium coronariumis shown in Figure-3.41.

Figure-3.41: From L to R: Mosaic Flower (LugwigiaSediodes), Sacred Lotus

(Nelumbo Nucifera) and White Ginger Lily (Hedychium Coronarium)

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Freshwater fishes of Great Nicobar Rivers:

According to Tikadar and Das (1985), perennial rivers are very rare in Andaman
Islands. But in Great Nicobar, there are five perennial rivers, namely, Galathea,
Alexandra, Dagmar, Amrit Kaur and Jubilee Rivers. However, in case of Andaman
Island, several species of fresh water fishes have been reported by Remadevi
(2010). But, the Fish fauna of the five perennial rivers in Great Nicobar is not
properly explored. Menon and Talwar (1972) have reported the fish fauna of
Dogmar River. The fish species known so far from the rivers of Great Nicobar
are mostly estuarine. Among these Kraemericussmithiis endemic and found in a
creek of the Dogmar river from clear shallow water by disturbing the bottom mud.
The goboid fish, Ophiocaraaporoshas also been reported from the freshwater pools
of Great Nicobar. Anguilla bicoloris a common eel in Andaman Island but the one
caught in Nicobar on 16-12-2020 is Mottled Eel (Anguilla bengalensis). There is no
report of occurrence of Anguilla bengalensis in Nicobar. There is also no report of
occurrence of Dwarf snakehead (Channa gachua). However, regarding the prawns,
there is doubt about the identification. Photos of the fish and along with the man
who caught them is shown in Figure-3.42.

Table-3.37: List Freshwater Fishes Reported from the Rivers in Great Nicobar
(Based on Menon And Talwar (1972).

Name of River Scientific name of Fish Note

Galathea River Salariusfuscus
Callogobiushasselti
Chelonodonfluviatilis
Alexandra River Periophthalmuskoelreuteri
Platycephalus indicus
Dagmar River Bomboniaspicifer

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Name of River Scientific name of Fish Note

Oryziasmelanostigma
Liza macrolepis
Liza melinoptera
Ambassisgymnocephalus
Gazza minuta
Gerres oblonga
Butisgymnopomus
Butisgymnopomus
Bunakagyrinoides
Electrisandamanensis
Eleotrisfusca
Ophiocaraaporos
Kraemericussmithi Endemic
Quisquiliuseugenius
Pseudogobiopsisromeri
Jubilee River Velamugilcunnesius
Ambassiscommersoni
Leiognathusequulus
Monodactylus argenteus
Fresh water fishes caught during the primary survey in December 2020 from a
stream near Laxminagar.
Anguilla bengalensis Mottled Eel
Channa gachua Dwarf snakehead
Macrobrachiumrosenbergii (?) Prawns

Figure-3.42: Fishes and Prawns caught by a local man from a stream near Laxmi
Nagar

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Marine ecological study by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

ZSI has undertaken a study “The Holistic Development in Great Nicobar Island and
Conservation of Island Faunal Diversity” for AECOM. The complete report of ZSI is
attached with this report as Attachement-I.

The report lists all Phytoplankton, Zooplankton, Corals, macrobenthos, Sponges,

Hydrozoans, Molluscs, Crustaceans and Echinoderms among the invertebrates, and
Fishes among vertebrates in great detail. The report states that the Crab-eating
macaque, Giant robber crab, Megapode, Leatherback turtles and Olive Ridley turtle
are the representative fauna of Great Nicobar Island. Based on the primary and
secondary data, a map showing the Ecologically sensitive areas around the Great
Nicobar Island has been prepared and it is shown in Figure-3.43.

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Figure-3.43: Map showing Representative fauna at Great Nicobar Biosphere

Regions

Study on environmental sensitivity for proposed port / ICTT location by

Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

ANIIDCO, vide its letter No.1-1552/ANIIDCO/Projects/2020-21/1275, dated 9th

April, 2021, and with reference to 260th Meeting of EAC of MoEF&CC, had requested
WII to undertake a study to assess the environmental sensitivity of the project to
suggest most suitable location for the Port. In this context, WII conducted a rapid
assessment study to review the critical wildlife habitat at Galathea Bay and other
parts of Great Nicobar to understand the area and the issues and set the future
course of action subject to minutes of the 260th Meeting of EAC, MoEF&CC that
was held on 5-6 April, 2021.
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In this context, WII has carried out a rapid assessment study to understand the
biological or ecological significance of five sites identified by ANIIDCO for the port.
This study was conducted with aim of assessing the current status of important
turtle nesting beaches with special focus on sea turtles especially leatherback.
Study was also aimed to assess the status of megapodes and dugong habitats along
these beaches.

The complete report of WII is attached with this report as Attachement-II.

3.10 Demography and Socio-Economics

This section presents the demographic and socio- economic conditions prevailing
in Great Nicobar Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

3.10.1 Methodology Adopted for the Study

The methodology adopted for the study mainly includes primary survey, review of
published secondary data (District Census Statistical Handbooks- 2011 and Primary
Census Abstract of Census-2011) with respect to population, population density,
household size, sex ratio, social stratification, literacy rate and occupational
structure. Available and development of physical infrastructure like road transport
facilities, drinking water supply, drainage facilities, electrical facilities and social
infrastructure like educational facilities, health facilities, community development,
opportunities local people in contractual works in the are presented in Chapter-8.

3.10.1.1 History of Great Nicobar Island

Great Nicobar is the southernmost and largest of the Nicobar Islands of India, north
of Sumatra. The existence of the Nicobars has been known from the time of
Ptolemy onwards but the place is having a long unwritten history. The inhabitants
had been in touch with the outer world through the trade of copra. However, the
entry of the modern world into their lives started after the famous Vasco-da-gama
voyage to India.

The impact of World War II and consequent Japanese occupation of the Islands
from 1942-45 caused a great upheaval in the mind of the people. After a brief
period of British repossession, the islands achieved independence as an integral
part of the Republic of India on 15th August 1947, because they have been part of
the old British Empire of India. John Richardson was ordained as Bishop in 1950.
He also represented the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a nominated Member of
Parliament for the first time. Thus, he became a modern architect of Nicobarese
society.

Soon after independence, Government of India was keen to protect the interests
of the Nicobarese and did not allow outside traders to exploit the people. The
regulation for the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes came into force in 1956 under
which entry to the Nicobar Islands was strictly restricted. However, in the late
sixties the Administration started settlement of non-tribal in this group of islands,
like Andamans.

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330 ex-defense personnel were settled in some de-reserved areas of Great Nicobar
Island, where panchayat system exists at present. Some plantations like rubber
were brought by Tamilians in mid 70s in Katchal Island. Owing to increase in
population, 165 Car-Nicobari families were resettled in 1973-74 to Little Andaman
Island.

On 1st August 1974, Nicobar group of islands was declared a separate district with
it headquarter at Car Nicobar, where half of the population exists. Except three
Panchayats and one Panchayat Samiti in Great Nicobar, rest of the District is having
its own local traditional Tribal Councils. Great Nicobar Island was severely affected
by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake tsunami with many deaths, and was cut off
from all outside contact for more than a day.

Culture & Heritage of Tribes

The art & culture of Nicobari are in tune with their environment & needs. Their large
seafaring canoes are so skillfully built that they are light and easily carried as each
is made of a piece of wood hollowed out very carefully.

Music & Dance are components of Nicobari culture. Dancing is always accompanied
by singing. In Car Nicobar men & women never dance together but in other islands
they do. Folklore is narrated and folk songs are sung on festive occasions. With the
influence of film songs & western vocal music the Nicobari now-a-days compose
modern romantic music which they play in melodious tunes on the guitars & other
musical instruments.
On all Saints Day, Easter & Christmas people call on the Nicobari of the other
islands, sing Hymns & Carols & exchange greetings. Even, non-Christians like the
Muslims & animist are invited to attend the festival. Inter-island marriages are
common. On the whole the Nicobari enjoy peaceful and harmonious religion with
each other.

The island is also a home to the Shompens. The Shompen or Shompen are the
indigenous people of the interior of Great Nicobar Island, part of the Indian union
territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

They practice a hunter-gatherer subsistence economy. In keeping with the tropical

climate of the islands, traditional attire includes only clothing below the waist. The
traditional wear for men is a short, thin loincloth made of bark cloth, covering only
the genitals without a 'tail' of cloth in front. Decoration is limited for men, consisting
of bead necklaces and armbands. Women wear a knee-length skirt of bark cloth,
occasionally with a shawl of bark cloth covering the shoulders. Decorations include
bamboo ear plugs (ahav), bead necklaces (naigaak) and armbands of bamboo
(geegap). Both sexes are barefooted. The Shompen probably learned to make and
use bows from the Nicobaris. The main weapons are the bow and arrow. They do
not use quivers but carry arrows by hand. Numerous types of spears, spear
throwers, fire drills and a hatchet are the main tools.

Name of the district: “Nicobars” is official Name of the district as per the
Administrative Atlas by GOI Census 2011.

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3.10.1.2 Shompen Tribe

The Shompen or ShomPen are the indigenous people of the interior of Great
Nicobar Island, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Shompen are a designated Scheduled Tribe in India.

3.10.1.3Shompens Etymology and Autonym

"Shompen" is possibly an English mispronunciation of "Shamhap",

the Nicobarese name for tribe. The Shompens living on the western side of the
island call themselves Kalay, and those on the eastern side Keyet, with both groups
referring to each other as Buavela. A photograph of keyet, kalay mixed group of
the shompens in 1886 is shown in Figure-3.44.

Figure-3.44: Keyet Kalay Mixed Group of the Shompens in 1886

Source: Internet

3.10.1.4 Shompens History of Contact

Before the first outside contact with the Shompen in the 1840s, there is no reliable
information about these peoples. Danish Admiral Steen Bille was the first to contact
them in 1846 and Frederik Adolph de Roepstorff, a British officer who had already
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published works on the languages of Nicobar and Andaman, collected ethnographic

and linguistic data in 1876. Since then very little has been added to the stock of
reliable information on the Shompen, mainly because access to the Nicobar Islands
has been restricted for foreign researchers since Indian independence. A polling
station was set up in their area for election of 2014. Shompen people for the first
time participated in the democratic process.

3.10.1.5 Shompens Language

The Shompen languages, of which there are at least two, are very little known, but
appear to be unrelated to Nicobarese, an isolated group of Austroasiatic languages,
and perhaps even to each other. They may constitute a language isolate.Paul
Sidwell (2017) classifies Shompen as a Southern Nicobaric language, rather than a
separate branch of Austroasiatic.

3.10.1.6 Society of Shompens in the Nicobars district

In 2001, the population was estimated at approximately 300. Shompen Village-A

and Shompen Village-B are home to most Shompens. Before the 2004 Indian
Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the villages were home to 103 and 106 Shompens
respectively. However, by the time of 2011 census, only 10 and 44 people were
left in these villages respectively. These Shompens live in isolated environment, so
far having no contact with the main stream people.

After the earthquake and tsunami Government rehabilitated two Shompens families
in Chingam Basti village Near Laxmi Nagar village panchayat. One of the children
from the Shompens got placed in a government job after completing his class X.
Shompens are habituated to live in forests and they are not comfortable at
Chingambasthi. Women staying in Chingambasthi village again went back to forest
to live in an isolated place.

Man usually carry a bow and arrows, a spear and loincloth belt, a hatchet, knife
and fire drill. Generally, Shompen tribes are hunter-gatherer subsistence people,
hunting wild game such as pigs, birds and small animals while they are foraging
for fruits and forest foods. They also keep pigs and farm yams, roots, vegetables,
and tobacco. Shompen huts are built to house 4 people and villages normally
accomodate 4 to 5 families. Once child is grown, he makes his own hut. The lowland
Shompen build their huts on stilts. The construct walls with woven material on a
wood frame and the roof of thatched palm fronds, and the structure is raised on
stilts. The highland Shompen build their houses on the ground, and the houses are
made of the same materials as the raised houses. The interior is covered with
sleeping mats on one end and tools and utensils hung on the walls and rafters.
They cook food outside.

In the late 1980s, the Shompens were living in ten groups, ranging in size from 2
to 22 individuals, scattered across the interior of the island.

Primary social survey was conducted along with Tribal welfare Department officials
in Greater Nicobar Islands in December 2020. The average household’s size of
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Nicobaries is 4.5. Only 2 Shompen families reside (04 persons in each family) in
Chingam Basti. About 33 Shompensare living in Trinket Island Village. Another 229
Shompensare living in Alexandra forest Kokeon Village. These 229
KokeonShompenswon’t allow outsiders to their area and especially to their houses.
In this area, only 3 to 4 people generally come out to collect the ration for the
entire 229 families from tribal department. 33 Shompens from Trinket and 2
families from chingam basti will allow outsiders and tribal department officials into
their areas and to their houses.

Some of the elderly Nicobaries can speak both Nicobaries and Shopen language.
Similarly, some of the elders of Shompen tribe will understand Nicobaries language.
Some of Shompen male elders can speak 80 % Hindi Language. The Chingam
Basti Rehabilitation & Resettlement house of Shompens is shown in Figure-3.45.

Figure-3.45: chingam basti rehabilitation & resettlement in chingam basti village.

(6°58’27” n, 93°55’24” e)

Taking photos with shompens is restricted by Tribal department. During the

primary survey it was observed most of the young sharpens went for fishing or
hunting. Shompens always keep their elder person (old) with their children and
women when they go out for livelihood. They normally construct huts near to
coconut trees and spring water (Figure-3.44). If any of their elderly people expire,
they migrate to another place where spring water and coconut trees are available.

Tribal welfare department is supplying ration (Rice, yellow dal, Match Boxes and
oil). Even though government is allotting houses most of the Shompens are not
willing to migrate from their basti. However, Shompens requested tribal
department officials to provide mechanized boats and diesel for hunting. Shompens
wants more ration, food material, drinking water storage drums for storing spring
water. They normally use dingy (Figure-3.45) a small wood boat for fishing. Red
Chilli and Lemon trees were observed in Trinket village.

Shompens don’t send their children to schools. However, all shompen people are
aware of health facilities provided by the Government. A separate Shompen
medical ward was constructed in Campbell Bay Primary Health Centre in
2011(Figure-3.46).

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Figure-3.46: Trinket Shompens Hut (7°12’48” N, 93°51’24” E)

Source: Primary Survey, December 2020

Figure-3.47: Trinket Shompens Small Wood Boat (Dingy) (7°12’49” N, 93°51’24”

E)

Source: Primary Survey, December 2020

Figure-3.48: Shompen Hut Complex in Campbell Bay Village P.H.C

Source: Primary Survey, December 2020

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Nicobaries Tribe

The Nicobarese people are an Austroasiatic-speaking people of the Nicobar

Islands, a chain of islands in the Bay of Bengal north of Sumatra, forming part of
the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Only 12 of the 19 islands
are inhabited. The largest and main island is Great Nicobar. The term Nicobarese
refers to the dominant tribes of the Nicobar Islands. On each island, the people
have specific names, but together they are the Nicobarese. They call
themselves Holchu, which means "friend”. The Nicobarese are a designated
Scheduled Tribe in India.

History of Nicobaries

The Nicobarese may not have been the first people to live in the islands, they
appear to have shared the islands with Shompen who came to the islands earlier.
The islands have been under the power of various Asian empires in the 16th
century, Denmark from 1754–1869, Great Britain from 1869–1947,
and India from 1947. Today they are administered by India as part of the Union
Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Nicobaries Religion

Most of the people of the islands are of the Christian religion, which was taught to
them by a man named John Richardson who translated the New Testament into
Nicobarese. Besides Christianity, other Nicobarese follow the traditional religion of
the islands, which is animistic in nature. They believe in spirits, ghosts, and the
existence of the soul. A person becomes a ghost after their death when their soul
leaves their body and the ghosts of all the Nicobarese are all around the islands.
They believe that the spirits are responsible for all of the unfortunate occurrences
on the islands, in the event of which shamans are called upon to handle the bad
spirits.

Nicobaries Society

The Nicobarese are headed by a chief called "Rani" or "queen". The first Rani of the
Nicobarese was Islon who married Mewalal, tahsildar of Nancowry in 1941–42, and
became the most influential person in the Nicobar Islands. On the Nicobar Islands,
men and women have approximate equal status. The women have a lot to do with
their own choice of husband and after marriage they are free to live with either of
the couple's parents. The Nicobarese men value the women economically because
they not only take care of household duties but also tend to the plantations and
gardens.

The villages on the islands consist of sporadically placed huts strewn about in
designated areas. The huts are normally round with dome-shaped roofs they are
typically raised above the ground and have ladders that the residents pull up after
they climb into the huts at night.

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As per the Government of India Census 2011 the Great Nicobar total Population is
8367 male population is 5025 and female population is the total households are
2248. Mr. Barnabash, Chairman Tribal Council Campbell Bay Island and little
Nicobar island. The total Nicobaries Population is 860 and household are 230.
Nicobaries are residing in Great Nicobar Island and Little Nicobar island and there
are no Shompens in Little Nicobar Island.

Literacy

There is no provision for higher education in the district. Campbell Bay Government
senior secondary school, Laxminagar Senior secondary school, Gandhi Nagar
secondary schools are available for children.

Occupation Structure

The main occupation of tribals is fishing and secondary occupation is civil works.

Education Facilities

After Secondary (Intermediate) education, students are going to port Blair or any
other areas in India to pursue higher education. Government is reimbursing fee to
Nicobaries students for school education. Campbell Bay and Laxmi Nagar teacher’s
conducting online classes in covid period. Some of Nicobaries children are pursuing
higher education in port blair and main land.

Health Facilities

Primary Health Centres (PHC) are available at Campbell Bay PHC, Gandhi Nagar.
However, Nicobaries are requesting for specialist doctors to visit PHC at least once
or twice in a month.

Drinking water facilities.

Drinking water is a major problem for Nicobaries as well as for other settlers in the
Great Nicobar Island. Due to drinking water scarcity in summer, the Civil Water
Supply Department (CWSD) supplies water only 3 days in a week. Nicobaries and
settlers are requesting for more drinking water filtration facilities. Shompens
drinking water source is mainly river, canal and spring water.

Banking Facilities

Nicobaries and settlers are requesting for improvement in banking facilities at

Campbell Bay. At present only one bank (Canara Bank) is available at Campbell
Bay. Only two ATMs are available at Campbell Bay.

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Electricity Facilities.

Power is being generated by diesel-based generators. 24 hours power supply is not

available for agriculture and commercial purpose. For domestic use only power is
available round the clock.

Drainage Facilities and Waste Disposal

Closed and open drainage facilities are not available in all the villages. The food
waste is being fed to their pigs and other wastes are dumped in government
dustbins. During primary survey it was observed that many plastics, thermocal and
paper wastes are being washed ashore from nearby countries. It was reported that
unknowingly some of the tribals consumed the expired packed foods and fallen
sick.

Agriculture Facilities

No agriculture is being practiced. Nicobaries doesn’t own any agriculture irrigated

lands. However, the settlers have farms in which they planted coconuts trees and
paddy.

Industries

In Jogender Nagar village, one small scale industry namely M/s Riflex Industries
Private Limited is producing coconut powder.

Communication and Transport facilities

Communication and transport are main big problems for Nicobaries. Only BSNL
network is available with limited network speed of 1 kb per second. Nicobaries
requesting for improvement of mobile connectivity. Nicobaries frequently travel
from one place to another place, hence they are requesting for free boat service.

Economic Development

Main earning source for Nicobaries is fishing. They are also attending civil works
these days. Before tsunami, The Nicobarese have a
traditionally horticultural economy, mainly on growing
of coconuts, pandanus, areca nut palms, bananas, mangoes and other fruits. They
also hunt pigs, make pottery and make canoes.

Nicobaries Economy

The Nicobarese have a traditionally horticultural economy; they base their

monetary existence on the growing of coconuts, pandanus, areca nut palms,
bananas, mangoes and other fruits. They also hunt, fish, raise pigs, make pottery
and make canoes. Many of the older Nicobarese are illiterate, however today the
younger Nicobarese receive free education through the government. Nicobarese
are becoming educated over time and they are seen in multiple government jobs
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as doctors, teachers, policemen and clerks, among other occupations.

Social Team Primary Survey with Nicobaries Tribe in Great Nicobar Island

It was observed in primary survey social team visited in Campbell Bay Rajiv Nagar
colony the total Population is 830 and household are 230 in total district. Focus
Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted in Rajiv Nagar Colony. FGD was conducted
with elders, youngsters of male and female and children.

Methodology Adopted for the FGD

The methodology adopted for the FGD includes primary survey, review published
secondary data (District Census Statistical Handbooks- 2011, 2001 and Primary
Census Abstract of Census-2011, 2001) with respect to population, population
density, household size, sex ratio, social stratification, literacy rate and
occupational structure, available and development of physical infrastructure like
road transport facilities, navigable transport, air transport facilities drinking water
supply, drainage facilities, electrical facilities and available social infrastructure like
educational facilities, health facilities, community development, fishing activities
opportunities local people in contractual works in the area.

Focus Group Discussions

6 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted at proposed integrated

development project area. The particulars and outcome of FGDs presented in below
table

Table-3.38: FGD participation data

Name of the Village No of persons

Date
participated in the FGD
Campbell Bay Panchayat 20-12-2020 10
Joginder Nagar 20-12-2020 12
Campbell Bay, Rajinder Nagar 19-12-2020 30
Campbell Bay, Rajinder Nagar 21-12-2020 14
Govind Nagar 21-12-2020 9
Campbell bay secondary school 19-12-2020 9

At Campbell Bay panchayat population.

Focus Group Discussion was organized by Vimta social team and panchayat officials
at Campbell Bay, panchayat office. 10 people from Campbell Bay participated in
FGD. The participants are very interactive and gave their inputs and opinions on
the proposed integrated development projects.

Main problem on the island is transport facility. People are unable to travel to Port
Blair due to covid-19 scenario. There is a helipad which is operational only two days
a week from GNI to Port Blair. Only 6 persons are allowed to travel in helicopter.
More than 6000 settlers are residing in Campbell bay. Children are facing lot of
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problems during their competitive exams due to lack of travel facilities and
communication. Water is short in supply, there are no dams and water storage
facilities which a major constraint for development of agriculture and tourism is.
Mobile network connectivity is very poor. Cold storage facility for fisherman in
Campbell Bay is too small. Macaques are creating new sense in Campbell Bay
residential areas and spoiling coconut plantations. Photograph of the FGD with
Campbell Bay villagers is shown in Figure-3.49.

Figure-3.49: FGD with Campbell Bay village members

At Joginder Nagar Village

14 members participated in FGD and expressed their views on the proposed

integrated development project. Government of Andaman is providing 31 kgs of
rice and 04 kgs of aata for each family based on anthodaya and Anya yojana ration
cards. The partcipants are requesting Andaman horticulture department and forest
department to plant more fruit bearing trees to reduce the damage to coconut
plantation and agriculture from macaque. Arcenut, Coconut and vegitable
agriculture is being practiced by villagers. They are requesting government to fixup
minimum support price for coconuts. Andaman coconut powder is in huge demand
in north India, the reason is people believe that the coconut power produced in
island doesn’t have pesticides and residues. Majority of the population in Joginder
nagar are settlers, most of them were migrated from South and North India. Their
children are not getting chopper tickets to attend many competitive exams. Cruise
transport is available only 3 times in a month with seating capacity of 250
passengers. Joginder Nagar is falling in Laxmi nagar panchayat and it is
Geographically very big. However, fund allocation on panchayats are based on
population by administration. Joginder Nagar people are Ex. Service men and
currently they are involved in agriculture farming. They are requesting additional
budget than the regular grant and more support for agricultural. During, Tsunami
they have lost temples, churches and Masjids and gurudwaras. They are requesting
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government to provide some help to rebuild these infrastructure facilities. A

photograph of FGD with Joginder nagar village is shown in Figure-3.50

Figure-3.50: FGD with Joginder Nagar Village

FGD with Fisherman People in Campbell Bay village

FGD was conducted with Campbell Bay, Rajiv Nagar, Machili Basti colony. General
Secretary Mr. S. Gopal Great Nicobar fisherman multipurpose cooperative society
along with fisherman population attended the meeting. Fisheries department
Andaman & Nicobar Administration has provided identity cards and biometric cards
to Fishermans. Permanent shelters were constructed and allotted to tsunami
affected fisherman by Andaman & Nicobar Island administration post Tsunami. The
alloteeis not allowed to lease or rent the shelters for any commercial purpose.

Fishermans are requesting for mortgaging shelters in banks for money for their
needs. Altogether 23 activities have been sanctioned under Pradana Manthri Matya
Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for its implementation in A&N Islands. Rajiv Nagar
fisherman people are requesting to provide all facilities to Campbell Bay Island. The
photograph of FGD with Fisherman People in Campbell Bay village is shown in
Figure-3.51.

Figure-3.51: FGD with Fisherman People in Campbell Bay village

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FGD with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Govind Nagar village.

SHG is a small voluntary association of poor people, preferably from the same
socio-economic background. They join together for the purpose of solving their
common problems through self-help and mutual help. SHG promotes small savings
among its members. The savings are kept in a bank. During primary survey, it was
observed that every 10 members form one group. Andaman cooperative bank is
providing loans to them. Tejas group and Astha group members participated in FGD
and are in view that more skill development trainings are required to improve their
products. After covid, marketing facilities have become very poor because of
insufficient transport facilities. The SHG members are requesting to establish State
bank of India (SBI) branch in Govind Nagar. There is no clear division between
Govind Nagar & Campbell Bay, identification and notification is required from
election commission. A Photograph of FGD with Self-help group (SHGs) in Govind
Nagar village is shown in Figure-3.52

Figure-3.52: FGD with Self-help group (SHGs) People in Govind Nagar Bay village.

FGD with Campbell Bay Secondary school teachers

09 teachers participated in FGD. Campbell Bay secondary school was established

in 1969. After covid, school reopened on 2nd November 2020. In covid period
Whatsapp groups were created among all children and through cable network they
are broadcasting lessons to children by the school authorities. RO plant in the
school was repaired many times with parents’ welfare fund. School building
renovation is required as some of the classrooms were in dilapidated stage. A
photograph of FGD with Campbell Bay Secondary school teachers is shown in
Figure-3.53.

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Figure-3.53: FGD with Campbell Bay Secondary school teachers

FGD With Nicobarese in Campbell Bay village

FGD was conducted at Rajeev Nagar Colony in Campbell Bay. The total Nicobarese
population is 860having households of 230 in GNI. Elders, youngsters (male and
female) and children participated in FGD. Nicobarese are very close to civilization.
Many Nicobarese are working in government sector and most of the Nicobarese
children are pursuing higher education. Out of 860 people approximately 390
people reside at Little Nicobar. Nicobarese people at Little Nicobar have to travel
Campbell Bay PHC for health-related issues. Tribal department supplying ration to
Nicobarese residing at Little Nicobar. Transport facilities are not being provided by
Tribal department during ration supply from Campbell Bay to Little Nicobar.
Government is supplying free Diesel to Little Nicobar villages community power
house. However, Diesel supply transport facilities are not provided by government.
Nicobarese children does not have Tabs or Mobiles to participate online classes.
The main earning source for Nicobaries is fishing. They are also attending civil
works these days. Before tsunami, the Nicobarese are dependent on
traditional horticultural economy, mainly from coconut
production, pandanus, areca nut palms, bananas, mangoes and other fruits. They
also hunt pigs, make pottery and make canoes. Still communication and transport
are a major problem for Nicobaries. Only BSNL network is available with limited
network speed of 1 kb per second. Nicobaries requesting for improvement of mobile
connectivity. Nicobaries frequently travel from one place to another place, hence
they are requesting for free boat service. A photograph showing the Focus Group
Discussion (FGD) with Nicobarese tribe Rajiv nagar colony, Campbell Bay Village is
shown in Figure-3.54 to Figure-3.55

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Figure-3.54: FGD With Nicobaries Tribe in Rajiv Nagar Colony, Campbell Bay Village
(7°1’15” N ,93°55’36” E)

Figure-3.55: FGD With Nicobaries Tribe in Rajiv Nagar Colony, Campbell Bay Village
(7°1’15” N ,93°55’36” E)

Figure-3.56: FGD With Nicobaries Tribe in Rajiv Nagar Colony, Campbell Bay Village
(7°1’15” N ,93°55’36” E)

3.10.2 Review of Demographic and Socio-Economic Profile-Census 2011

The village wise demographic details of 30 villages falling within GNI project area

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is presented in this section. As per the 2011 census rural village’s demographic
data is given in Annexure-VIII. The salient features of the demographic and
socio-economic conditions are analyzed and described in the following sections.

3.10.3 Demography

Distribution of Population

As per 2011 census the study area consists of 8,367persons inhabited in study
area. The distribution of population in the study area is shown in Table-3.39.

Table-3.39: Distribution of Population

Particulars Campbell Island

No. of Households 2248
Male Population 5025
Female Population 3342
Total Population 8367
Male Population (0-6 years) 487
Female Population (0-6 years) 449
Total Population (0-6 years) 936
% of 0-6 years population 11.19
Average Household Size 3.72
% of males to the total population 60.06
% of females to the total population 39.94
Sex Ratio (no of females per 1000 males) 665
Child Sex Ratio (no of females per 1000 males (0-6
years) 922
Density 185
Source: Census of India 2001 and 2011
Average Household Size
The study area has a household size of 3.72 as per 2011 census. This is mainly due
to population control measures, health awareness programs.

Population Density
Of the total 166.1 sq.km project area land, the revenue land area as per revenue
records is 45.30 sq.km, and the village wise land record data is given in Table-3.40.
However as per the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) data which comprises of the following

 Revenue Land (allotted) = 23.53sq.km.

 Revenue Land(vacant)=6.62sq.km
 Revenue Land (encroached) =2.0 sq.km.
 Others (roads and water bodies) = 3.16sq.km.
 Revenue land (Deemed Forest) = 8.88 sq.km.

The difference of 1.11 sq.km is observed in primary survey. The density of

population reveals that the study area has an overall density of 185 persons per km2
(PP km2) as per 2011 census reports. In comparison to the study area population
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density is more than the state population density. (Andaman Nicobar Islands 46).
Village wise land record data was received from the Tehsildar Campbell Bay Mr.
Casper Janes

Table-3.40: Village Wise Land Records as Per the Revenue Department

Sr. Village Code Village Name Total Geographical Area (in

No Hectares)
1 645191 Shastri Nagar 333.58
2 645192 Gandhi Nagar 599.48
3 645193 Laxmi Nagar 447.6
4 645194 Vijay Nagar 808.71
5 645195 Joginder Nagar 838.51
6 645199 Govind Nagar 750.08
7 645200 Campbell Bay 752.4
Grand Total 4530.36
Source: Data collected from revenue department

Sex Ratio

The configuration of male and female indicates that the males constitute to about
60.06% and females to 39.94% of the total population as per 2011 census records.
The study area on an average has 665females per 1000 males as per 2011 census.
In comparison to the district sex ratio (Great Nicobar Island District 777) the study
area has recorded low sex ratio.

3.10.4 Social Structure

In the study area, as per 2011 census, the population belongs to Scheduled Castes
(SC) is nil and 14.51% population belongs to Scheduled Tribes (ST). Overall the
data of social stratification reveals that the ST % to population is more than 14%
as per 2011 census, The SC and ST community are marginalized and they are at
considered at low level of social strata and calls for a special attention in corporate
social responsibility Plan and corporate environment responsibility plan for
improving their socio-economic status apart from preservation and protection of
their art, culture and traditional rights of livelihood.

The distribution of population by social structure is shown in Table-3.41.

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Table-3.41: Distribution of Population by Caste

Particulars Campbell Island

Schedule caste population 0

Schedule Tribes population 1214
Schedule caste (SC) population % to the total population 0.00
Schedule Tribes (ST) population % to the total
population 14.51
Total SC and ST population 1214
% To the total SC and ST population 14.51
Total population 8367
Source: Census of India 2011

3.10.5 Literacy Levels

The data of study area reveals that literacy rate of 79.52% as per 2011 census,
which is found to be more than the district rate of literacy (Great Nicobar Islands
district 78.1%). The distribution of literate and literacy rate in the study area is
given in Table-3.44.

Table-3.42: Distribution of Literate and Literacy Rates

Particulars Campbell Island

Male Population 5025

Female Population 3342
Total Population 8367
Male Population (0-6 years) 487
Female Population (0-6 years) 449
Total Population (0-6 years) 936
Total Population above 7 years 7431
Male literates (7+ years) 3764
Female literates (7+ Years) 2145
Total literates (7+ Years) 5909
Male literacy rate (%) to the total literates 63.70
Female literacy rate (%) to the total literates 36.30
Average Male Literacy to the total population (%) 50.65
Average female Literacy to the total population (%) 28.87
Total Literacy rate (%) to the total population 79.52
Source: Census of India 2011

The percentage of male literates to the total literates of the study area works out
to be 63.70%. The percentage of female literates to the total literates, which is an
important indicator for social change, is observed to be 36.30% in the study area
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as per 2011 census records.

3.10.6 Occupational Structure

The occupational structure of residents of work participation rate in the study area
is studied with reference to main workers, marginal workers and non-workers. The
main workers include 10 categories of workers defined by the Census Department
consisting of cultivators, agricultural laborers, those engaged in live-stock, forestry,
fishing, mining and quarrying; manufacturing, processing and repairs in household
industry; and other than household industry, construction, trade and commerce,
transport and communication and other services.

The marginal workers are those workers engaged in some work for a period of less
than six months during the reference year prior to the census survey. The non-
workers include those engaged in unpaid household duties, students, retired
persons, dependents, beggars, vagrants etc.; institutional inmates or all other non-
workers who do not fall under the above categories.

As Per 2011 Census total work participation rate in the project study area is 45.91%
and the non-workers constitute 54.09% of the total population respectively. The
distribution of workers by occupation indicates that the non-workers are the
predominant population. In comparison to the district work participation rate the
study area recorded low work participation rate (Great Nicobar Island district
46.5%). The female non workers to the total non-workers are 60.23% and male
non- workers are 39.77%. The main workers to the total workers are 87.22% and
the marginal workers constitute to 12.78% to the total workers. The occupational
structure of the study area is shown in Table-3.43.

Table-3.43: Occupational Structure

Particulars
Campbell Island
Total Population 8367
Total workers 3841
Total main workers 3350
Total Marginal workers 491
Total Non-workers 4526
Non-Workers Male 1800
Non-Workers Female 2726
Work participation rate (%) 45.91
% of main workers to total workers 87.22
% of marginal workers to total workers 12.78
% of non-workers to total population 54.09
% of Male Non-Workers to the total Non-workers 39.77
% of Female Non-Workers to the total Non-workers 60.23
Source: Census of India 2011.

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3.10.7 Fishing villages and landing centers in the study area

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have vast potential for fisheries development in
view of its Coastal length of about 1,962 km and Continental shelf area of 35,000
Sq. Km. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around this island is about 6,00,000
Sq. Km with an estimated Fishery potential is 1.48 lakh MT which is 3.8% of our
Country’s total Fishery Potential. For augmentation of Fish production and to harvest
the untapped fishery resources without effecting the fragile ecosystem, the
Department of Fisheries, A & N Administration is implementing various
schemes/programmes. The ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)- an
umbrella scheme was launched with the aim to bring about Blue Revolution through
sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India with a total
investment of Rs. 20050.00 crores for implementation over a period of 5 years in
all the States and Union Territories (UTs).

Accordingly, the Govt. has allocated (Central Share) Rs.138.00 Crore under CSS
components of PMMSY and an estimated investment of Rs. 218 crores spanning over
five years for A&N Islands. The Ministry also projected incremental five years fish
production target of 35,000 MT including seaweed.

In this direction, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt. of
India has approved 23 beneficiary-oriented activities at a total cost of
Rs.10,65,25,000/- of which, the Central Share towards implementation of activity
will be Rs.4,74,80,000/- in A&N Islands.

Long-term planning of marine fisheries development requires information on social

and economic status of fishermen and data on number of fishing villages, landing
center, active fishermen, fishing crafts and gears including the infrastructure
facilities in the different Maritime States and Islands. Periodic updating of these data
is necessary to monitor the changes caused by the dynamics of techno-socio-
economic environment. Census has always been a traditionally accepted method to
update the demographic and socio-economic information. Marine Fisheries Census
2010 was undertaken to capture the changes that has occurred in the fisheries
sector since the previous census in 2005.

The programme was carried out under the Central Sector Scheme - Strengthening
of Database and Information Networking for the Fisheries Sector of the Department
of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture. The census
work of the maritime regions of the mainland was assigned to the Central Marine
Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi whereas the census of the island
territories of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar was assigned to the Fishery
Survey of India (FSI), Mumbai.

Fishery Survey of India conducted Marine Fisheries Census of the Islands during
2005. The second Marine Fisheries Census was conducted during May 2010. This
census focused on various characteristic of fisher folk including their community
status, education, occupation, affiliation to co-operatives societies etc. Besides,
information on ownership of crafts & gear and infrastructure facilities available in
the fishing villages and at the landing centers were also collected.

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3.10.7.1Marine Fishing Villages

In Andaman and Nicobar Islands, there are 134 fishing villages and the total fisher
folk population is 22, 188 living in 4,861 families. Maximum numbers of fishing
villages (96) are in Andaman Islands. About 81.33% of the total fisher folk
population, inhabit in Andaman Islands and 18.67% in Nicobar Islands. 8 villages
are falling in the study area from Campbell Bay Island.

The list of the Marine fishing villages, landing centers and population details of the
Great Nicobar district are presented in Table-3.44. The list of population details in
Great Nicobar Islands are presented in Table-3.45. Focus Group Discussions (FGD)
held at Campbell Bay (Rajiv Nagar Machili Basti) Fisherman cooperative society
people and the photograph is shown in Figure-3.57. Further, the details of
educational status of population of the GNI is presented in Table-3.46.

Table-3.44: List of Marine Villages, Landing Centers and Population Details of The
Nicobar District

No. of No. of
BPL Fisher folk
District Taluk fishing fishermen
Families population
villages families
Car
15 383 214 1972
Nicobar
Nancowry 15 255 0 lll4
Great Great
8 230 214 1057
Nicobar Nicobar
Grand
38 868 428 4143
Total
Source: Marine fisheries Census 2010 Andaman Nicobar Islands

Table-3.45: List of Population Details in Great Nicobar Islands

Sr. Name of Number of Male Female Populatio Family

No The Household Adult Childre Childre Tota Adult Childre Childre Tota n Size
Village s s n n l s n n l
(below (Above (below (Above
5 5 5 5
Years) Years) Years) Years)
1 Afra bay 31 50 9 12 71 49 9 7 65 136 4.39
Campbell
2 107 153 33 67 253 158 47 55 260 513 4.79
Bay
Gandhi
3 5 7 1 2 10 8 0 6 14 24 4.80
nagar
Pillomallo
4 23 43 5 6 54 26 3 8 37 91 3.96
w
5 Pilobha 10 19 4 5 28 23 4 12 39 67 6.70
6 Pulopatra 4 4 3 1 8 4 2 2 8 16 4.00
7 Pulo ulo 26 40 6 12 58 31 14 7 52 110 4.23
8 Pulopanja 24 35 13 11 59 28 3 10 41 100 4.60
Grand
230 351 74 116 541 327 82 107 516 1057 4.6
Total
Source: Marine fisheries Census 2010 Andaman Nicobar Islands

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Chapter-3
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Figure-3.57: Social Expert Focus Group Discussion (FGD) With Campbell Bay
Village (Rajiv Nagar Machili Basti Colony) Fisherman Cooperative Society People
(7°1’24” N, 93°55’31” E)

Table-3.46: Educational Status of Population of The Great Nicobar Island

Sl. village Male Female

N Name Primar Higher Above Tota Primar Higher Above Tota Total
o y Secondar Higher l y Secondary Higher l Educate
y Secondar Secondar d
y y
1 Afra bay 22 27 0 49 16 11 0 27 76
Campbell
2 91 60 8 159 75 46 0 121 280
Bay
Gandhi
3 1 7 0 8 5 5 0 10 18
nagar
Pillomallo
4 19 10 1 30 21 1 0 22 52
w
5 Pilobha 10 10 0 20 9 6 0 15 35
6 Pulopatra 0 3 0 3 2 0 0 2 5
7 Pulo ulo 21 9 0 30 12 1 0 13 43
8 Pulopanja 18 11 0 29 11 10 0 21 50
Grand
Total 182 137 9 328 151 80 0 231 559
Source: Marine fisheries Census 2010 Andaman Nicobar Islands

Table-3.47: Active Fisherfolk in Great Nicobar Island

Sr. No village Name Full time Part time Total

1 Afra bay 22 19 41
2 Campbell Bay 117 36 153
3 Gandhi nagar 7 0 7
4 Pillomallow 14 18 32
5 Pilobha 12 3 15
6 Pulopatra 4 0 4
7 Pulo ulo 20 18 38
8 Pulopanja 15 12 27
Grand Total 211 106 317
Source: Marine fisheries Census 2010 Andaman Nicobar Islands

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Chapter-3
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Table-3.48: Occupation Profile in Great Nicobar Island

Sr. village No. of members involved in fishing allied activities

No Name Fish Seed Marketing Making/ Curing Peeling Laborers Others Total
Collection of fish Repairing Net /Processing
Full Part
Time Time
1 Afra bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Campbell
2 0 25 30 0 0 0 0 0 55
Bay
Gandhi
3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
nagar
4 Pillomallow 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Pilobha 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3
6 Pulopatra 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Pulo ulo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Pulopanja 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Grand
0 25 30 3 0 0 0 0 58
Total
Source: Marine fisheries Census 2010 Andaman Nicobar Islands

Table-3.49: Gender Wise Fishing Allied Activities in Great Nicobar Island

Sr village Fishing Allied Activities-Male Fishing Allied Activities-Female
. Name Fish Seed Mar Making/ Curing Peeling Lab Othe Total Fish Seed Market Making/ Curing Pee La Oth Tot
N Collection keti Repairing /Proce orer rs Collection ing of Repairin /Proce ling b ers al
o Full Part ng Net ssing s Full Part fish g Net ssing ore
Tim Time of Tim Time rs
e fish e
1 Afra bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Campbell Bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 30 0 0 0 0 0 55
3 Gandhi nagar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Pillomallow 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Pilobha 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3
6 Pulopatra 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Pulo ulo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Pulopanja 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Grand Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 31 3 0 0 0 0 58
Source: Marine fisheries Census 2010 Andaman Nicobar Islands

Table-3.50: Religion and Community (No. of Families) in Great Nicobar Island

Community
Sr. No village Name Hindus Christianity Islam Total
SC/ST
1 Afra bay 0 31 0 31 31
2 Campbell Bay 107 0 107 6
3 Gandhi nagar 1 4 0 5 4
4 Pillomallow 0 23 0 23 23
5 Pilobha 0 10 0 10 10
6 Pulopatra 0 4 0 4 4
7 Pulo ulo 0 26 0 26 26
8 Pulopanja 0 24 0 24 24

Grand Total 108 122 0 230 128

Source: Marine fisheries Census 2010 Andaman Nicobar Islands

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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-3
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Table-3.51: Membership in Co-Operatives in Great Nicobar Island

Sr. village Members in Total Fisher folk

No Name Fisheries co- operatives Other Co- Population
Operatives
1 Afra bay 0 0 0 136
2 Campbell Bay 27 1 6 513
3 Gandhi nagar 5 0 1 24
4 Pillomallow 0 0 0 91
5 Pilobha 0 0 0 67
6 Pulopatra 0 0 0 16
7 Pulo ulo 0 0 0 110
8 Pulopanja 0 11 11 100
Grand Total 32 12 18 1057
Source: Marine fisheries Census 2010 Andaman Nicobar Islands

Table-3.52: Craft Owned By Fisherfolk (Full Ownership) In Great Nicobar Island

Sr. village Mechanized Motorized Non- Total

No Name Motorized
Inboard Outboard
boats
1 Afra bay 0 12 0 31 43
2 Campbell Bay 0 43 0 53 96
3 Gandhi nagar 0 5 0 0 5
4 Pillomallow 0 12 0 9 21
5 Pilobha 0 8 0 10 18
6 Pulopatra 0 1 0 4 5
7 Pulo ulo 0 10 0 26 36
8 Pulopanja 0 8 0 13 21
Grand Total 0 99 0 146 245
Source: Marine fisheries Census 2010 Andaman Nicobar Islands

FGD with Fisherman in Campbell Bay village:

Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted with Campbell Bay Rajiv Nagar
Machili Basti colony General Secretary. Fisheries department Andaman & Nicobar
Administration provides identity cards and biometric to Fishman. Permanent
shelters were constructed and allotted to tsunami affected fisherman people by
Andaman & Nicobar Island administration post tsunami. The allotee is not allowed
to lease or rent the shelters for any commercial purpose. Fishermans are requesting
for mortgaging shelters in banks for money for their needs. About 23 activities have
been sanctioned under Pradana Manthri Matya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in A&N
Islands which are under implementation. Rajiv Nagar fishermen are requesting to
provide similar facilities to Campbell Bay.

3.10.8 Existing and proposed Social and Physical Infrastructure Facilities

3.10.8.1Methodology Adopted for the Study

The methodology includes conducting primary survey to find out existing, proposed
social physical infrastructure like road transport, communication facilities, drinking
water supply, drainage facilities, power facilities and social infrastructure like
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educational facilities, health facilities and community development and

opportunities available to local people in the study area.

The details of physical and social infrastructure facilities available in the rural area
has been presented in the subsequent sections along with secondary published
data. About 30 villages are falling in the study area, however out of 30 villages,
only 07 villages are identified as revenue villages.

3.10.8.2 Existing Educational Facilities in the Study Area

There are 12 Government primary schools, 03 private primary schools, 05

Government middle schools, 04 Government secondary schools and 03
Government senior secondary schools exist in GNI.

Campbell Bay Government senior secondary school, Laxmi nagar senior secondary
school, Gandhi Nagar secondary school are available for children. There are no
colleges to pursue higher education in the district. After Secondary education
(Intermediate) students are forced to travel port Blair or any other places in India
to pursue higher education such as Engineering, Medicine, Arts and Science
courses. Government reimbursing school fees to Nicobar students. Campbell Bay
and Laxmi Nagar teachers conducted online classes during covid period through
WhatsApp group, however, most of the Nicobar students doesn’t have the mobiles.
Campbell Bay secondary school was established in 1969. After covid pandemic (first
wave) schools were opened in 2nd November 2020. During covid period classes
were conducted for students (6th to 12th) through WhatsApp and also through cable
network. RO plant was repaired several times with parents’ welfare fund in the
school. School renovation is required. Some rooms were in dilapidated stage. Focus
Group Discussions (FGD) held with Campbell Bay senior secondary school teachers.
The FGD was shown in Figure-3.58.

The educational facilities available in the study area (GNI) are presented in Table-
3.53.

Table-3.53: Educational Facilities in The Study Area (GNI)

Sr. No Name of the Institution Campbell Bay (No’s)
1 Govt Primary Schools 12
2 Private Primary Schools 3
3 Govt Middle Schools 5
4 Private Middle Schools 0
5 Govt Secondary Schools 4
6 Private Secondary Schools 0
7 Govt Senior Secondary Schools 3
8 Private Senior Secondary Schools 0
Source: Primary Survey and Census of India 2011

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Figure-3.58: FGD with Campbell Bay Senior Secondary School Teachers

3.10.8.3Health Facilities in the Study Area

Campbell Bay village PHC was established in year 1985. This PHC is having
provision for 4 doctors, however, 2 doctors’ posts are currently vacant. There are
05 primary health sub centers without doctors, 01 dispensary with 02 doctors, 01
veterinary hospital exits in Campbell Bay village.

As per the 2011 census data, only Campbell Bay PHC is mentioned, however during
primary survey one more PHC at Gandhi Nagar was observed. Gandhi Nagar village
PHC was established in August 2011. Settlers and Nicobaries people are requesting
for specialist doctors to visit the PHCs at least twice in month or as per the
requirement.

Shompen people are aware about health facilities providing to them by Andaman
Nicobar tribal welfare department. One separate Shompen people medical ward
was constructed in Campbell Bay PHC in 2011. Last year about 06 Male and 06
female Shompen people were treated in Campbell Bay PHC. The authenticated
health data from January 2020 to December 2020 is given in Annexure-IX. The
village wise available health facilities in the rural study area as per 2011 census
are presented in Table-3.54. Interaction with Gandhi Nagar village PHC staff in
shown in Figure-3.59 and Campbell Bay PHC staff shown in Figure-3.60.

Table-3.54: Health Facilities in The Rural Study Area

Sr. No Institution Campbell Bay Island

1 Primary Health Centre (Numbers) 1
Primary Health Centre Doctors Total Strength
2 4
(Numbers)
3 Primary Health Sub Centre (Numbers) 5

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Primary Health Sub Centre Doctors Total Strength

4 0
(Numbers)
5 Dispensary (Numbers) 1
6 Dispensary Doctors Total Strength (Numbers) 0
7 Veterinary Hospital (Numbers) 1
8 Veterinary Hospital Doctors Total Strength (Numbers) 2
Source: Primary Survey and Census of India 2011

Figure-3.59: Interaction with Gandhi Nagar Village PHC Staff

Figure-3.60: Interaction with Campbell Bay Village PHC Staff

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3.10.8.4 Drinking Water Facilities in the Study Area

About 03 villages are having treated tap water source and 04 other villages are
having tap water from untreated sources, 01 village is having covered well sources,
12 villages are having un-covered well source, 01 village is having spring water
source, 03 villages are having tank sources and tube wells/Bore holes sources are
not available in the study area as per the census 2011.

During primary survey, it was observed that drinking water is one of the main
concerns of Nicobaries and settlers in the GNI. During summer season, Civil Supply
Water Department is unable to supply of water more than 3 days in a week. There
is severe shortage of drinking water in summer months.

From Campbell Bay 0 point to 32 kms Swarup nala is available near to Shastri
Nagar village. Constructing check dams near Swarup Nala and laying pipeline to
Shastri Nagar, Joginder Nagar village and Gandhi Nagar villages will benefit more
people.

Tribiny nala is located in distance of 15.8 kms from Campbell Bay 0 point east west
road. Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) proposes to construct check dam
near Tribiny nala, however, sanction of the same is awaited from Andaman Nicobar
Administration department. The present source of water supply to Campbell Bay
and Govind Nagar villages are 3 lakh liter per day from Magar nala and Pathar nala
and check wear from 9.5 km to Govind Nagar village. In Summer season, Magar
nala and Pather nala water supply source will be reduced to less than 2 lakh liters.
Tribiny nala check dam shall be constructed which will increase water supply about
5 lakh liter per day. At present Campbell Bay civil supply water department is
having 5 units of filter beds with capacity of 4,37,500 liters filtration capacity per
day and filter media is being replaced twice in year.

The list of village wise available drinking water sources in the study area is
presented in Table-3.55. The details of drinking water filtration in Campbell Bay
village per day is shown in Figure- 3.61.

Table- 3.55: Drinking Water Facilities in the Study Area

Source of Drinking Water source

Sr. No Campbell Island
(Availability of number of villages)
1 Tap Water-Treated 3
2 Tap Water Untreated 4
3 Covered Well 1
4 Uncovered Well 12
5 Tube Wells/Borehole 0
6 Spring 1
7 Tank 3
Source: Primary Survey and Census of India 2011

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Figure-3.61: Drinking Water Filtration Plant in Campbell Bay Village

3.10.8.5Communication and Transport

Campbell Bay village is having post office facility, Joginder Nagar and Campbell Bay
villages are having sub post office facilities, Campbell Bay village is having post and
telegraph facilities services, 04 villages are having landline telephone facility
services, 03 villages are having mobile phone coverage, Campbell bay village is
having public call office services, 07 revenue villages are having public bus services
and 09 villages are having sea/river/ferry services in the study area as per 2011
census.

It was observed in the socio-economic primary survey communication and

transport is huge troubles to settlers and Nicobaries. There is only BSNL network
is working the network data speed is less than 6 kb per second. Watts’s app and
YouTube apps are not working. Nocobaries are requested to provide waki talkies
so that they can talk easily to Little Nicobaries resident relatives. Nicobaries are
like to rooming one place to another places. Nocobaries are requesting to provide
transport (Free Boat facility) to supply ration from Government ration supply shop
from Campbell Bay village to Little Nicobar reside Nicobaries.

Public bus transport facilities are available in 07 revenue villages; however, most
of the buses are old and are not in good condition.

The existing transport and communication infrastructure details in the study area
is given in Table–3.56. Public transport buses condition in Campbell Bay bus stand
is shown in Figure- 3.62.

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Table-3.56: Transport and Communication Infrastructure Facilities Available in

Study Area

Sr. No Communication and Infrastructure Availability in number of villages

1 Post Office 1
2 Sub Post Office 2
3 Post and Telegraph Office 1
4 Telephone (landlines) 4
5 Public Call Office /Mobile (PCO) 1
6 Mobile Phone Coverage 3
Internet Cafes / Common Service Centre
7 0
(CSC)
8 Private Courier Facility 0
9 Public Bus Service 7
10 Private Bus Service 0
11 Sea/River/Ferry Service 9
Source: Primary Survey and Census of India 2011

Figure- 3.62: Public Transport Buses Condition in Campbell Bay Bus Stand

3.10.8.6 Road Connectivity

As per 2011 census, 03 villages are having black topped pucca roads, 02 villages
are having gravel kachha roads, 09 villages are having foot path roads and 02
villages are having all weather roads (Basic access is defined as one all-weather
road access from each village/ habitation to the nearby Market Centre or Rural
Business Hub (RBH) and essential social and economic services. A Core Network
comprises of Through Routes and Link Routes), as per census 2011. It was
observed in socio economic field survey from Campbell Bay 0 point to 35 kms
Shastri Nagar village black tapped road and internal village roads were in good
condition. The road distance from 0-point Campbell Bay to 35 kms Shastri Nagar

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village name board shown in Figure-3.63. The study area road connectivity as
per census 2011 is given in Table-3.57.

Figure.3.63: Road distance from 0-point Campbell Bay to various locations

Table- 3.57: Road connectivity in the study area

Available Road Network Facilities in the

Sr. No Campbell Island
rural study area
1 Major District Road 0
2 Other District Road 0
3 Black Topped (pucca) Road 3
4 Gravel (kuchha) Roads 2
5 All Weather Road 2
6 Navigable Waterways 3
7 Footpath 9
Source: Primary Survey and Census of India 2011

However, between 2011 and 2020, there have been substantial improvement in
the road connectivity. The main road, connecting from Campbell Bay to Galathea has been
augmented.

3.10.8.7 Drainage System and Municipal waste

Goving Nagar, Campbell Bay villages are having open drainage facilities and open
pucca drainage uncovered facilities, 7K Form village, Govind Nagar and Campbell
Bay villages are having open kuccha drainage facilities, 06 villages discharges drain

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water directly into water bodies or to a sewer. As per the 2011 census all Govind
Nagar, Campbell Bay villages are covered under Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC).
Details is given in the Table 3.58.

Solid and Liquid Waste Management1 (SLWM) is one of the key components of
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) (G), launched with the objective of bringing
improvement in cleanliness, hygiene and the general quality of life in rural areas.
Campbell Bay vide agreement no EE/PRI/SAD-1/PBSA/2019-20/37, dated
20/08/2019, an amount of Rs 47,93,716 was granted to establish shredding unit
at Laxmi Nagar Gram Panchayat under SLWM to construct the below particulars.

1) Construction of shed 15.30mx6.30 (Plinth area =96.39sqm);

2) 2 Nos Compost pit of size 5.00m x 4.00m x 1.40m (inner dimensions);
3) Surface Tank of size 4.00m x 0.90m (inner dimension);
4) Overhead tank of 1000L capacity;
5) Internal Electrification;
6) Approach Road;
7) Ring well of 2.00m dia;
8) Fencing an area of 2400 sqm with Gate.

The holistic development will certainly bring many changes in the study area..
Laxmi Nagar village a coconut shredding unit is under construction stage shown in
Figure-3.64.

Figure-3.64: Shredding unit at Laxmi Nagar village under construction

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Table- 3.58: Available drainage facilitates in the rural study area

Sr. No Available Drainage Facilities in the study area No’s

1 Closed Drainage 0
2 Open Drainage 2
3 No Drainage 24
4 Open Pucca Drainage Covered with Tiles Slabs 0
5 Open Pucca Drainage Uncovered 2
6 Open Kuccha Drainage 3
Whether Drain water is discharged directly into water
7 6
bodies or to sewer
Is the Area Covered under Total Sanitation Campaign
8 2
(TSC)?
Source: Primary Survey and Census of India 2011

3.10.8.8 Banking Services and SHG (Self-help group)

As per 2011 census data ATMs were not available, however during primary survey
Canara bank ATM and Andaman Nicobar state cooperative bank ATM were found at
Campbell Bay village. Campbell Bay, Laxmi Nagar and Vijay Nagar villages are
having commercial banks, 04 villages are having cooperative banks, Campbell Bay,
Laxmi Nagar and Vijay Nagar villages are having agricultural credit societies and
28 villages are having agricultural marketing societies as per census 2011.

(SHG) Self-help group is a small voluntary association of poor people, preferably

from the same socio-economic background. They come together for the purpose of
solving their common problems through self-help and mutual help. The SHG
promotes small savings among its members. The savings are deposited in a bank.
It was observed in primary survey 10 members are formed as one group. SHGs
was formed in 24 villages in the study area.

Nicobaries and settlers are requesting to government establish State Bank of India
to reduce their economic problems in Campbell Bay village. Only one bank is
available in the Campbell bay named as a Canara Bank. In 2019, Finance Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman had announced merger of Syndicate Bank into Canara Bank as
part of the Centre's plan to consolidate 10 state-owned banks to four mega banks
to make them more competitive. The village wise available self-help groups and
banking facilities in the rural study area are given in Table-3.59 and Campbell Bay
Syndicate bank ATM is shown in Figure-3.65.

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Table-3.59: Available SGHs & Banking facilities in the study area

Available SGHs & Banking Facilities in the

Sr. No Campbell Island
study area
1 ATM 0
2 Commercial Bank 3
3 Cooperative Bank 4
4 Agricultural Credit Societies 3
5 Self - Help Group (SHG) 24
6 Agricultural Marketing Society 28
Source: Census of India 2011

Figure-3.65: Campbell Bay Syndicate bank ATM

3.10.8.9 Agriculture:

Out of 30 villages 07 revenue villages were identified and the revenue land data
was collected from Tehsildar Campbell Bay and verified with census land use data
2011. Altogether 2941.77 ha cultivable land (irrigated, un-irrigated and Land Under
miscellaneous tree crops etc.) was observed in the study area. The un-irrigated
land admeasures about 2941.77ha and works out to about 64.93% of the total
study area. Land under miscellaneous tree crops area admeasures to about 0.00
ha and works out 0.00 % of the total study area. However, it was observed in the
primary survey 218.48 Ha of the forest land is identified in 07 revenue villages and
the forest is very thick forest.

As per the census data the irrigated land is not admeasures in the study area and
Campbell Bay, Joginder Nagar, Vijay Nagar and Gandhi Nagar villages are
practicing copra (Coconut) agriculture. FGD was conducted in Joginder Nagar
village 14 members were participated in and expressed their thoughts on integrated
Development project. Village people requested fruit bearing trees are to be plant
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-3
Desription of Environment

in all this area in Great Nicobar Island by Andaman horticulture department and
forest department to reduce the coconut agriculture damage from macaque.

Coconut and vegetable agriculture are practiced by villagers. Andaman coconut

powder is having huge demand in North India. People believe that the coconut
power produced in Islands doesn’t have pesticides and residues. Joginder Nagar
people are settlers from South and North India. Reflex industries private limited
unit II is located in Joginder Nagar village and they produce coconut powder. To
produce 2 tons per day of coconut powder about 12000 to 14000 coconuts are
required. 1 kg coconut power rate is Rs. 300 in the market. The village wise
agricultural commodities first, second and third is given in Table- 3.60 and
interaction with Reflex industries P ltd Staff is shown in Figure- 3.66.

Table-3.60: Village wise agricultural commodities First, Second and Third

Sr Village Name Agricultural Agricultural Agricultural

. Commoditie Commoditie Commoditie
No s (First) s (Second) s (Third)
1 Pulomilo Nil Nil Nil
2 Anul/Anula Nil Nil Nil
3 Makhahu/Makachua Nil Nil Nil
4 Bewai/Kuwak Nil Nil Nil
5 Pulloullo/Puloulo Nil Nil Nil
6 Pulobha/Pulobahan Nil Nil Nil
7 Pattia (Pulopattia) Nil Nil Nil
8 Pulopanja Nil Nil Nil
9 Katahu Nil Nil Nil
10 Afra Bay Nil Nil Nil
11 Alexandera River Nil Nil Nil
12 Shompen Village-A Nil Nil Nil
13 Shompen Village-B Nil Nil Nil
14 Kokeon Nil Nil Nil
15 Indira Point Nil Nil Nil
16 Chingen (incl.FC at Magar Nalla Nil Nil Nil
17 Sastri Nagar Nil Nil Nil
18 Gandhi Nagar COPRA Nil Nil
19 Laxmi Nagar Nil Nil Nil
20 Vijoy Nagar COPRA Nil Nil
21 Joginder Nagar COPRA Nil Nil
22 7 km Farm Nil Nil Nil
23 Shompen hut Nil Nil Nil
24 Govinda Nagar Nil Nil Nil
25 Campbell Bay COPRA Nil Nil
26 Lawful Nil Nil Nil
27 Trinket Bay Nil Nil Nil
28 Patisang Nil Nil Nil
29 Lanaya Nil Nil Nil
30 Pitayo Nil Nil Nil
Source: Census of India

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-3
Desription of Environment

Figure 3.66: Interaction with reflex industries P ltd staff in Joginder Nagar village

3.10.8.10 Fisheries

FGD conducted with Campbell Bay Rajiv Nagar Machili Basti colony General
Secretory & Great Nicobar fisherman multipurpose cooperative society. Fisheries
department Andaman & Nicobar Administration has provided identity cards and
biometric cards to Fisherman Group. Permanent shelters were constructed and
allotted to 2004 tsunami affected fisherman people by Andaman & Nicobar Island
administration. The allowtee shall not permit to lease, rented any commercial
purpose. Fisherman are requesting if they get mortgage loans upon the shelters
from banks, they can repay the amounts to banks. Altogether 23 activities have
been sanctioned under Pradana Manthri Matya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for its
implementation in A&N Islands. Rajiv Nagar fisherman people are requesting to
provide all facilities to Campbell Bay Island. The sample biometric card of Rajiv
nagar colony, Campbell Bay fisherman is shown in Figure-3.67.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-3
Desription of Environment

Figure-3.67: Sample biometric card of Rajiv Nagar colony Campbell Bay village
fisherman

Freshwater Fisheries/ Aquaculture in Andaman Nicobar Island

The freshwater resources are limited in these Islands. This is due the absence of
large fresh water bodies. There are about 2605 of freshwater ponds owned by the
farmers which were constructed under Minor Irrigation Scheme of the Department
of Agriculture by availing subsidy. A few of these ponds were constructed under
IRDP, NREP and MG-NREGA.

Inland Aquaculture in the Islands is getting importance day by day as high income
can be generated with low investment from a unit area. Break-up of the freshwater
resources available in minor irrigation ponds in A&N Islands are presented in
Table-3.61 and reservoirs in A&N Islands are presented in Table-3.62.

Table- 3.61: Minor irrigation ponds in A&N Islands

Fresh water
Sr. No Place/ Tehsil Water Area (ha.)
Ponds (No.)
1 South Andaman 533 34.64
2 Neil Island 70 4.55
3 Havelock 105 6.82
4 Little Andaman 80 5.20
Baratang &
5 229 14.80
Kadamtala
7 Rangat 250 17.02
8 Billiground 365 26.06
9 Mayabunder 107 6.06
10 Diglipur 820 67.06
11 Car Nicobar 07 0.45
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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-3
Desription of Environment

Fresh water
Sr. No Place/ Tehsil Water Area (ha.)
Ponds (No.)
12 Nancowry 06 0.39
13 Campbell Bay 33 2.14
Total 2605 185.19
Source: Andaman Nicobar Islands draft fisheries policy 2018

Table-3.62: Reservoirs in A&N Islands

Sr. No Name Area in ha.

1. Dhanikari Reservoir, South Andaman 65
2 V.K. Puram Andaman Reservoir, Little 48
3 R.K. Puram Andaman Reservoir, Little 65
4 Dilthaman Tank, South Andaman 03
5 Chakkargaon Tank, South Andaman 03
6 Nayagaon Tank, South Andaman 03
7 Kalpong Reservoir, Great Nicobar 180
TOTAL 367
Source: Andaman Nicobar Islands draft fisheries policy 2018

3.10.8.11 Fisheries Infrastructure Facilities

The major infrastructure facilities available in the A&N Islands are fish landing
centers, Ice plant and cold storage units etc. Nicobar Island has a small fish
landing centre.

Source: Andaman Nicobar Islands draft fisheries policy 2018

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CHAPTER 4A
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

4.0 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

4.1 General

The earlier chapters provided project description (Chapter 2) and baseline

environment descriptions (Chapter 3) and this chapter describes potential impacts
and mitigation measures for the ICTT project. The entire concept from public
point of view is simplified and provided as follows:

(A) (B) (C)

The project Baseline Environment when (A) the project is constructed and
operated at (B) ICTT region, the impact
on environment
Proposed project as Baseline environment There will be both positive and negative
provided in Chapter 2 as provided in Chapter impacts. Potential negative impacts and the
project Description 3 that includes physical, possible avoidance of those impacts or to
biological and the socio- mitigate or minimise or compensate for such
economic Environment. impacts are the subject matter of this
Chapter 4

All mitigation and avoidance measures are designed or formulated to negate the
predicted possible and probable negative impacts and enhance the positive
impacts described for all relevant environmental parameters including ecological
and physical environmental and social components. During the whole process the
nature, type of the predicted potential impacts likely on the physical, biological
and social environmental components are assessed to the extent possible. For the
assessment of impacts, (primary surveys, secondary surveys, field visits and
stakeholder consultations) relating to various environmental components have
been utilised.

Baseline environment for which impacts have been determined include

“avoidance” as the best mitigation measure to avoid all major impacts. All such
events have been completely addressed at the design stage itself. Further, in
addition to the regulatory mitigation measures, all possible environmental
enhancement measures which normally could improve the public perception
about the project has also been adopted and provided in the following sections.
The methodology adopted for the impact assessment is shown in the Figure 4.1.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was focussed on :

Port construction phase • Construction of breakwaters and berths

activities including • Dredging and reclamation
• Dredging (capital)
• Reclamation
• Disposal of (unusable) dredged material into marine
disposal area
• Quarrying including transportation of quarry materials
• Road connectivity
• Port infrastructure
• Ancillary facilities (Backup areas/warehouse/PAF
• zone)
• Labour Camp and labour population influx
• Batching Plant
• Construction material storage
Port operation and • Container Terminal
maintenance phase • Movement of ships, tugs and port crafts
• Road cconnectivity
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

Project impacts assessed are for:

• Land Environment
• Water Environment
• Marine Environment (Coastal Hydrology/Bottom sediment, Sea/Harbour
water quality)
• Air Environment
• Noise pollution
• Biological Environment (Coastal and marine ecology)
• Waste Management
• Socio-economic Environment.

Figure 4.1: Methodology for Environmental Impact Assessment

Description of the Description of the

Environment and Project (Construction
Socio-Economy and Operation
Phase)

Impact Impact Environmental and

Identification Characterization Socio-Economic
Sensitivities

Identification of Project-
Environment/ Socio-Economic Interactions

Environmental and Social Impact

Assessment

Measures

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for anticipated environmental impacts

is a key to ensure a sustainable environment during the Project construction,
operation phases. The EMP envisages the plans for the proper implementation of
mitigation measures to reduce the potential adverse impacts arising out of the
project activities. This proposed mitigation framework has been prepared for
addressing issues like:

• Pollution control/mitigation measures for abatement for the undesirable

impacts caused during the Project construction and operation stages.

• For each of the identified impacts specific mitigation measures have been
defined. The general rule in designing such measures is:

• Avoidance of major impacts: major impacts are generally considered

unacceptable, certainly ones that would endure into the long-term or
extend over a large area

• Minimization of impacts and reduction of major and moderate risks to “As

Low as Reasonably Practicable” (ALARP) by planning, designing and
controlling mitigation measures. This implies that technically feasible and
cost effective mitigation measures will be applied. The appropriate
technologies and measures are established by good international industry
practices.

• Where minimization is not possible to compensate or offset residual

impacts Implementation of good Contractor practices will be ensured so
that such impacts are not neglected, but managed adequately.

Generally, mitigation measures need to be considered in the design of the

project through a hierarchy as described in Table 4.1. Similar considerations,
in the context of ALARP, will apply to the on-going development of mitigation
measures during the development of the port and the detailed design.

Table 4.1: Various Impacts Mitigation Strategies applied in this Project

Strategy Approach and Methodology

Avoid or Reduce at Source Avoiding or reducing at source is essentially
“designing” the project so that a feature
causing an impact is designed out (e.g. road
re-route) or altered (e.g. reduced working
width), often called minimisation. Or Avoid
project or a small part of the project or
activities
Abate on Site This involves adding something to the basic
design to abate the impact - pollution controls
fall within this category, often called „end-of-
pipe.
Abate at Receptor If an impact cannot be abated on-site then
measures can be implemented off-site - an

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

Strategy Approach and Methodology

example of this would be to install double-
glazed windows to minimize noise impact at a
nearby residence.
Prevention Preventing negative environmental impacts
Preservation Achieved by extending legal protection from
any future actions
Minimisation Limiting reducing the degree, extent,
magnitude or duration of adverse impacts
Rehabilitation Repairing or enhancing affected resources
such as natural habitats, water resources or
human habitats
Restoration Restoring the affected resources to an earlier
State, typically back ground or pristine
condition
Compensation Creation, enhancement or protection of the
same type of resource at another location to
compensate for resources lost to development.
Where other mitigation approaches are not
possible or fully effective, then compensation,
in some measure, for loss, damage and
general intrusion might be appropriate. This
could be „in kind‟, such as planting new
woodland elsewhere to replace what has been
lost
Enhancement Enhancement of Environmental resources as a
value addition to the project with minimum
cost and better appreciation

Measures have been defined separately for the various project components and
for each project phase (construction, operation and maintenance). Mitigation
measures for the decommissioning are comparable with those for the
construction phase. As the lifetime of the port is in average 75 years, a proper
Decommissioning Plan should be drafted according to appropriate principles
applicable at that time. This will be the responsibility of Environmental Cell of
ANIIDCO. The proposed mitigation measures are based on the design (DPR,
AECOM, April 2021) and will have to be adapted by the design team.

4.2 Land Environment Impact

Impact to Land resources is one of the most potential impacts due to the
construction and operation of the port project, development of ancillary sites and
the road component.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

4.2.1 Potential Impact due to Port Location

4.2.1.1 Impacts due to Land Acquisition

The total project area for port is 966 ha (out of which 739 ha is on land and 227
ha shall be created through reclamation). Out of the total land 228.4ha is
Protected forest and 48.5ha is deemed forest land. 1.58 ha land is under revenue
(0.54 is owned by government and 1.04ha is private land). Only one private plot
exists in the proposed location. The total reclaimed land (227 Hac) has been
redistributed between berths (13%), container storage (71%), building & utilities
(1%), road & pavements (9%) & Green areas (6%).

4.2.1.2 Impacts due to Changes in Land Use Pattern

The proposed project facilities berth and harbour area with breakwater will be
developed within the offshore. Other infrastructure facilities like Container
Storage, Internal Roads, Port & Utility Buildings, parking etc will be developed on
the landside adjacent to the reclaimed land of the port. Overall, for the all phases
put together, 3.27 km seawater area will be used as port area within the
breakwater that will be used for vessels. Most of the land cover of the landside
area of the port is covered with Cyathea Albosetacea and Orchid’s tress which will
be retained wherever possible. Nevertheless, few buildings for port operator will
be required. The existing land use and the proposed land use are discussed in the
Chapter 3 and Chapter 2 respectively.

4.2.1.3 Mitigation Measures- Land Use

The land use of the backup areas may not be changed and the facilities and other
building will be constructed as per the existing landscape without any major

C4-5
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

cutting and filling and hence will not be impacted. The planning will be in
accordance with landscape planning concepts to minimise major landscape
changes. Land reclamation and change in land use pattern will be limited to the
proposed port limits and will be carried out in such a way that to ensure the
proper drainage by providing surface drainage systems including storm water
network, etc. Based on the peak hour traffic requirements of the ICTT, the road
network providing the connection to the airport should have the capacity to cater
to the traffic needs and provide accessibility at an uncongested Level of Service
(LoS). Thus, keeping that in mind a Right of Way of 45m with a six-lane divided
carriageway configuration is the minimum requirement to cater for the traffic
requirement. Provision for walk ways is on either side of the carriageway with a
footpath width of 3m. A median of 3m is provided which shall also suffice the
future land requirements of an elevated Mass transit system if proposed in the
center to cater the travel demand of the ICTT.

4.2.1.4 Impacts due to Changes in Coastline/Shoreline

Based on the bathometry, wave current, tide etc, the shoreline change modal has
been constructed to understand the change in the shoreline pattern due to the
projects and its appurtenances.

The Shoreline changes over the past several years were studies and no changes
were observed.

Figure-4.2: Map for Shoreline change Over 35 years

Shoreline changes after the construction of the port were observed in

Mathematical model and the following was concluded:

- It is observed that there is no presence of littoral drift system in this morphology.

- The Coastline does not experience erosion due to construction of Port.
C4-6
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

- There are negligible changes to the shoreline post construction of Port

- The Shoreline remains stable.

4.2.1.5 Land Reclamation – Impacts

The Backup area will have to be developed by reclamation which will extend up to
the intertidal zone. The total reclaimed land (227 Hac) has been redistributed
between berths (13%), container storage (71%), building & utilities (1%), road &
pavements (9%) & Green areas (6%) .No cutting of hills is required. Minimum
Dredging is envisaged. falls partly under ICRZ Zone 1B. Turtle nesting sites are
observed at the mouth of Galathea river. Presence of Megapode nesting sites are
under investigation. No crocodile nests in the port location. No development will
be planned at the location of Turtle and Megapode nesting sites. There will not be
any disturbance to Shompen Tribes as the Shompens stay upstream of the
Galathea river..

Capital dredging of approximately 17.7 million cum in Final phase & 6.4 million
cum in initial Phase will be required. It is estimated that only part of the dredged
material will be suitable for reclamation (only 50 %). Land reclamation with
capital dredged material is likely to impact the reclamation area/site with the
turbid water. Predominantly the port land proposed to be reclaimed is an
intertidal zone and seaward which is saline in nature and also low lying area
having slope towards sea. In phase I, the dredged material will be used for port
reclamation and unusable material, if any, will be disposed off in the designated
marine disposal location.

To check the suitability of dredge material for reclamation, detailed study on

characteristics of dredge material was studied by a marine borehole study.
Analysis was carried out to study the quality of dredge material in terms of toxic
metals and in accordance with schedule II of the hazardous waste management
rules 2016 as amended.

The side scan record of the survey area, the entire area is indicative of loose to
dense sediments and as Silty CLAY/Silty SAND with traces of fine SAND and shell
fragments. The high reflectivity area observed is of rugged in nature and may be
due to compactness of sediments.

Shallow Geology of the survey area shows three units as follows:

Unit A: Silty CLAY/Silty SAND with traces of fine SAND and shell fragments. The
thickness of the layer varies between 1.3m to 6.7m with an average thickness of
approximately 5.3m

Unit B: Fine Sandy Clayey SILT/ Silty SAND which is dense to well compacted in
nature with intermittent layers of gravels. The thickness of the layer varies
between 0.5m to 21.5m with an average thickness of approximately 9.5m.

Unit C: Silty SAND/Clayey SAND with intermittent clay which appears to be

consolidated in nature and extends up to depth of penetration (35m to 40m).

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

Hence based on above analysis, there will not be any impacts due to the dredged
material that can be suitably used for reclamation and any excess/unusable
material can be safely disposed in appropriately selected offshore location.

4.2.1.6 Land Reclamation - Mitigation Measures

Judicial planning of port facility will be carried out. Reclamation bunds and
setting ponds shall be constructed, the dredged material will be pumped into the
reclamation area enclosed by reclamation bunds wherein the solids will be
allowed to settle and the return water will be directed into sea through
appropriate return channel/pipelines after passing thru the settling ponds of
designed size. The dredge fill will be covered by gravel before hard standing.
After completion of the reclamation and hard standing, necessary development
shall be carried out. In order to prevent the seepage of return sea water into the
groundwater, suitable impervious liners such as LDPE will be provided all along
the return water channel if required. Also required retention time of return water
in the reclamation area as well as in the return channel will be ensured. The
impact due to reclamation activity will not be significant due to location specific
(Sea ward side new area) controlled nature of methodology that the Contractor
has to follow. In order to study variations in groundwater quality of nearby
villages due to reclamation, regular water quality monitoring will be carried out.

4.2.2 Impact During Construction

During construction phase changes in Land use/land cover may arise, Topography
changed. Due to construction activity and Soil compaction, consolidation may
cause in loss of vegetation and tree cover, soil pollution and even flooding also.
These details are discussed in sections below:

4.2.2.1 Impact on Local Infrastructure

During construction phase, significant amount of construction material will be

required, particularly quarry stone for the construction of breakwater, bunds,
buildings, etc. GNI is a small island with little possibility of development of quarry
sites to access the construction material, moreover, provision of setting up quarry
within GNI to be avoided. Majority of the construction material like gravels,
stones, clay etc will be transported form Indian mainland or from other nearby
countries like Indonesia, Malaysia etc depending on availability and market
viability. If the quarry sites are in India, it is imperative that these sites be
treated/closed/isolated, once the excavation of construction material is
completed. The ideal measure for treatment is the refilling of these sites to its
original level and their re-vegetation.. For sites of other countries, the quarry
rehabilitation practices of those countries will be followed.

The viable option for rock quarrying and transportation which is socially
acceptable, environmentally sound and technically feasible is transportation of
rocks to the site through barges. The final selection of quarry will depend on the
EPC contractor.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

If the material is quarried from India, the norms of the GOI will be followed. The
following measures will be implemented to minimize adverse impacts on
environment during quarrying:

• Quarrying will be done from approved/legitimate quarries to minimise impacts

• Quarry operations will be restricted to daytime to reduce the impacts from
increased noise and will be minimized to reach the threshold levels stipulated
by CPCB at the nearest habitations.
• It will be ensured that quarry sites and borrow pits be of a regular shape and
if possible, of equal size.
• If possible, their location would be at least 1.6 km away from the nearest
habitation
• Runoff water collected in the lowest pits will be drained in to the nearest
water body by a drainage system
• Only rocky outcrops will be quarried and quarrying below the general ground
level, surrounding the rock will be avoided
• Some localized road improvement measures will need to be undertaken near
the quarries and near the project site to enable moving of the large quantity
of stones by road using trucks
• Contractors Quarry management plan will be prepared and approved with the
help of super vision consultants in place before excavation started

Borrow Areas - impacts & mitigation measures: SPV and EPC Contractor has
to ensure that the sourcing of borrow material shall not lead to any potential
impact to the local communities and suitable contract clauses should be included
in the EPC contract

• Borrow pits would be located along the natural drainage course and not across
the natural drainage.

• Borrow pits will be in a series, so that they can be inter-connected leading the
collected water to the lowest level of the pit, which will be of sufficient size to
hold the discharge from the upstream pits. The bottom of each pit will be
gently sloped towards the next pit below in the series and the inter-
connections will be done by pipes or open drains filled with broken stone, to
prevent scouring of drains.

• Top fertile soil shall not be used for construction material.

Transportation of Construction Material - impacts & mitigation measures:

Being an Island, all the construction material will be transported by sea and is
unlikely to load the public infrastructure like roads, drainage, water and power
supply. Since the roads will not be loaded significantly, any traffic congestion is
not envisaged.

C4-9
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

Leatherback nesting at Galathea Bay:

The western flank of the Galathea Bay is one of the nesting sites for the Leather
back turtles. ZSI did a study for GNI development project with specific reference
to leather back turtles. As per the ZSI data a total of 255 nests were monitored
and estimated that 114 individuals nested during the season between November
2003 and February 2004 and during November 2004, 137 leatherbacks were
encountered with 84 nesting (Andrews et al., 2006). In Galathea bay, nesting,
egg laying and hatchling are more for Leatherback turtle compared to the other
regions of Great Nicobar Island. In current year, estimation of the number of
hatchlings is not completed; hence the number is not mentioned. The number of
nesting, eggs laid, and number of hatchlings have been increasing over past four
years. The number of hatchlings increases at a rate of 21 % from 2018 to 2019
while it increases at a rate of 147 % from 2019 to 2020 (Table 16).

During the period 2004-05, the number of nesting was very less (84 nos.) due to
anthropogenic and natural threats which caused negative impact on leatherback
turtles. The last five years data shows that, there is an increase in the number of
nesting and egg laid in Great Nicobar Island. Comparative account of estimated
number of nestings of leatherback turtles with the available published information
is presented in Table 3. The nesting population believe to have recovered from
disturbance resulting from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, as human all
settlements have gone and the region is, therefore, free of anthropogenic
activities and light pollution which affect nesting turtles. The nesting leatherback
populations of this species has also shown an increase in the trend in Galathea
Bay. It is estimated that the succession rate of hatchlings of leatherback turtle
are 59% in 2018; 60% in 2019 and 63.5% in 2020. The hatchling process has
not completed for this year and hence not enumerated and presented.

The port design was initially given by WAPCOS where the port was located on the
western flank of the Galathea Bay. AECOM, due to nesting of leather back turtles
in the western side of the bay moved the port to the eastern flank where
leatherback nesting is not known. The design of the port and the breakwater was
modified to accommodate the nesting of leatherback turtle on the western flank.
The breakwater was also designed in a way so that the turtles can entre to the
nesting site without any hinderance.

The ZSI mentioned in their report that sea turtles are global species and they are
known to nest on the sandy beaches in the close proximity to existing and
operational coastal facilities globally. Several ports and jetties exist on the
eastern and western coast of India (Haldia, Dhamra, Paradeep, Nuagarh,
Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Ennore, Tuticorin, Cochin, Goa, Ratnagiri, Veraval,
Diu, and Jafrabad) and despite of these coastal facilities, sea turtles continue to
nest in close proximity to the establishments. Here are some examples of
existence of major Ports and sea turtle nesting habitats along the east coast of
India.

The Dhamra port, in Odisha coast is located about 13 km away from the famous
mass nesting beaches of olive ridley turtles, the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in

C4-10
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

a straight line. It falls along the extremely important and fragile zone of Northern
boundary of Bhitarkanika National Park. This major deepwater port facility at
Dhamra, dredged nearly 19 km-long approach channels, aside from land-raising
and construction activities on land. The port at Dhamra envisages building of 13
berths, mechanized loading and unloading and an entry channel from North side.
The port is one of the largest on the east coast of India with the ability to handle
Cape size vessels (180,000 tonnes) and dredged a 19 km long channel through
the sea with a draft of 18 m. While obtaining of the environmental clearance, one
of the most pressing concerns was on turtles (dredging, lighting, shipping, ballast
water discharge, current changes and their impacts, noise pollution, impacts from
an expanding local population, ancillary development) as well as other impacts on
the ecosystem of the area, on Bhitarkanika National Park and on Gahirmatha
Marine Sanctuary. The Dhamra port is fully operational and there is no impact
known on sea turtle nesting at Gahirmatha and adjoining areas where sporadic
nesting takes place.

Paradip is one of the major ports of India in the east coast commissioned after
independence situated in the mouth of Mahanadi and there are sporadic nesting
sites along both side estuary and are not known to be impacted by port activities.

The Kakinada Sea Ports Limited (KSPL) is situated near the Hope Island and
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and sporadic nesting of sea turtles have been
occurring in Hope Islands and Sacramento uninterruptedly.

Similarly, the Kolkata Port Trust is a riverine port in the city of Kolkata and is the
oldest operating port in India and there is a deep-water dock at Haldia Dock
Complex, Haldia. There are number of Cargo ships handled at this port and
impact to marine life including sea turtles due to ship movement is not known.

Mitigation Measures with respect to Galathea Bay ecology:

ZSI has also suggested several mitigation measures that needs to be followed to
ensure minimum disturbance to the nesting of the leatherback turtles.

(1) Dredging of immediate offshore bottoms as well as shallow estuarine habitats

Reef restoration and coral relocation due to coastal development and/or dredging,
are among the most common reasons for transplantation. Dredging activities in
the nearshore waters of the developmental projects during the construction phase
will apparently destroy the corals and coral beds, but transplantation is a
worldwide solution which could be easy executed in Great Nicobar island in
alternate suitable offshore habitats. Successful coral reef restoration has
previously been accomplished by ZSI in Gulf of Kachchh and the transplanted
corals had >90% survival and effectively transformed into a functional coral reef.
Towards this, the developers should support with suitable funding.

Similarly, although the offshore congregation of leatherback turtles and other

species of turtles are not known to occur in and around Galathea, however as a
precautionary measure, installation of a deflector on the drag-head to push the

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

turtles (any species) out of the path of the dredger along with an observer
programme to detect any such entrainments is solution to minimize casualties in
the offshore waters during dredging for navigational channel for the port. A pilot
study is needed for this and towards this, the developers should support with
suitable funding. The same practice has been recommended by the IUCN to
Dharma Port Corporation Limited.

(2) Translocation of corals

As per the ZSI report, no coral exists in the bay portion of the Galathea Bay.
However, some coral were found on the eastern flank near the peninsular part.
These patches of coral are not in the port construction area. However, coral
colonies, if affected, due to the construction of the project at the proposed
transhipment areas and dredging channels, to be translocated in suitable place
where the similar environment as well as topographic features prevails in the
Great Nicobar Island.

(3) Land based construction activities

Roads are an integral part of the transport system for the proposed
developmental projects. However, before initiating project planning for wildlife
habitat connectivity, the first step in avoiding impacts from road construction on
wildlife populations and their habitats is to consider alignment that can prevent
conflicts, particular for the species like Nicobar Megapode, Coconut Crab and
Long-Tailed Macaque of Nicobar Island. If the impacts cannot be avoided, then
mitigation is an alternative. Appropriately designed and suitably located culverts
of varying sizes, underpasses and fences provide effective mitigation to overcome
barrier effects of roads (Rajvanshi et al. 2007).

Similarly, civil constructions near the sandy area where there is possibility of
basking of saltwater crocodiles and nesting of turtles should be avoided as much
as possible during breeding/nesting season especially November to February. The
shoreline protection to be of any defensive measures used to protect areas from
inundation, the effects of waves on structures, beach erosion, salinity intrusion,
and the loss of natural resources (Witham, 1990). However, it should be ensured
that these structures should not impact for approach of turtles to the beach.
Reclamation if any should be done, after the civil work is completed, replacing
with sand of similar nature (grain size, organic content) to that which was dodged
out, thereby maintaining the suitability of the beach for future use by turtles for
this area for nesting.

(4) Lighting

Artificial illumination on the beach can affect the sea turtle nesting and
hatchlings. Compared to any other kinds of coastal development, light pollution is
probably one of the problems that can be solved with relative easy, if committed
for conserving sea turtles. Using a smaller number or lower wattage of lights;
repositioning, shielding, redirecting, lowering, or recessing fixtures are some of
the available options for reducing illumination to the beach. Sea turtles are less
affected by red, yellow, and low-pressure sodium-vapor lights, and therefore can
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

be substituted with these lights. Where possible, use sodium vapour lamps or
other light sources.

(5) Long term monitoring

Monitoring of wildlife especially displaced due to dredging of seabed and clearing

of forests should be monitored on a long-term basis. The shifting of crocodiles if
required to an alternate site need regular vigilant for maintaining the gene pool
and viable populations for future. Similarly, the monitoring of leatherback turtle
migration and movement and nesting intervals in different beaches of Great
Nicobar will ensure future survival of the species, at least nesting in nearby
beaches of Galathea. For this, periodic monitoring of sea turtle nesting should be
carried out by a scientific agency with credibility on coastal and marine faunal
study. A suitable corpus on a long-term basis should be integral part of the EMP
towards research in support of wildlife species especially towards their
conservation by the developers, as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility,
species specific EMP could be drafted accordingly by a recognized national agency
of repute with experience in Island ecosystem monitoring and submit to the
developers. Towards this, the developers should support with suitable funding.

(8) Tracking of wildlife through Radio Telemetry and Satellite Telemetry studies

Radio telemetry and by using advanced molecular tools viz. e-DNA and phylogeny
of displaced species viz. Nicobar Megapode, Coconut Crab and Long-Tailed
Macaque of Nicobar Islands may be an effective tool, being much on their biology
and behaviour is unknown and these studies may be able to guide towards
developing suitable strategies for their future survival. Similarly, Satellite
telemetry of at least 100 leatherback turtles, e-DNA and phylogeny of leatherback
turtles from Great Nicobar Island will reveal many facets on their biology and
behaviour by which one can understand other alternate sites for leatherback
turtle conservation based on environmental, ecological and economic
considerations in a long-term basis. Towards this, the developers should support
with suitable funding.

(9) Disposal of dredged soil

During the construction phase, the dredged soil to be disposed as per the
international dredged soil disposal guidelines in which the area should have
minimum of 200 m depth and free from coral reefs, sea mount etc. This will be
helpful to maintain the water quality in the nearshore region,

(10) Temporary halting of onshore and offshore activities

Construction phase is generally considered as the destructive phase of the

project. Therefore, during the construction phase offshore activities to be halted
to the possible extent especially during November to February the period in which
the Nicobar Megapode, Coconut Crab and Long-Tailed Macaque of Nicobar Islands
as well as Leatherback turtles nesting reported. All the activities during the
construction phase to be suspended during night hours which will pave a

C4-13
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

movement of turtles for nesting and other wildlife for their feeding, breeding and
roosting.

(11) Reduction of underwater noise pollution

The main sources of underwater noise pollution are shipping, dredging, and
seismic surveying. Measures to reduce the noise from shipping vessels include
modifying propellers and/or hulls and performing regular maintenance,
vibrationally isolating machinery, implementing ship speed restrictions and
incentivizing the use of fewer, larger vessels etc. These measures should be the
part of the approval process while allowing the ship to enter GNI-ICTT.

Construction Workers Camp - impacts & mitigation measures:

• The following data is to assess the impact of labour colonies and suggest
suitable remedial measures so that the construction of the project could be
managed with minimum damage to the environment.

• Total number of construction labours are given

Estimated labour requirement

Phase I Phase II Phase III
2000 1400 1600
Estimated labour + Family + Support requirement
2800 1960 2240
Water requirement and source (lpcd)
420000 294000 336000
Quantity of waste generated and fractionation (organic, hazardous, recyclable and
biomedical) (Kg/day)
1000 700 800

• Water treatment system for the labour colonies: -In the initial stages of
construction, the treated water will be provided through tankers till the
proposed trunk infrastructure is laid down in GNI. Compact waste water
treatment plant / Septic tank shall be installed within the labour colonies
during the initial phase of construction. However, one the infrastructure is
ready, the waster will be supplied through the central waste treatment plant.
• All the waste water generated in the labour colonies will be treated before
discharge. In the initial stages the wastes from the toilets will be treated
through septic tanks. However, once the central treatment plant is ready, all
the waste water will be directed to the treatment plant and will recycled. No
water is expected to be discharges. However, some makeup might be required
for operation of the plant and the quantity will be used for gardening
purposes.

• Municipal waste management system that is Collection, transportation

treatment and disposal system for the labour colonies. (Details of
MSW system is given in chapter 2C (2.7.4), Township)

 Separate bins will be installed within the labour colonies for dry and wet
waste.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to collect and transfer the waste to

nearest solid waste transfer site

 After collection and transfer, solid waste management shall be integrated with
overall SWM system of GNI
 At least 2 Organic Waste Composters of 1-2 T capacity each will be installed in
the labour colonies.

Medical facilities for the labours number of dispensaries, hospital and

emergency medical centres in case of accidents).

 Considering the phase wise total labour requirement, local health centre /
dispensaries will be planned within the labour colonies. For any treatment
required facility above the local health centre; the GNI local facilities shall be
utilized.

 Ambulance facility shall be provided by the contractor all the time at site as
well as at labour colonies

• Medical check and vaccination programmes for prevention of

contagious and vector borne diseases.

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to follow the centre / UT guidelines

related to health, disease preventive measures, and vaccination programme.
This shall be part of the contract agreement.

• Mosquito control programmes

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to have time to time cleaning, fogging,

and medication camping.

• Emergency evacuation plan in case of natural disasters like floods,

cyclones and tsunamis and earthquakes and epidemics.

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to prepare a disaster management plan

including evacuation plan for site as well as labour colonies.

With regards to the impacts due to construction worker camps, to ensure there is
no strain on the existing infrastructure, the worker camps will be self-sufficient
and would not rely on any local resource. This would also ensure that there is no
conflict with the local population. To mitigate impacts from health hazards,
sanitation self-sufficient infrastructure facilities will be provided. Further, the
worker camps will be located away from the coast and habitations.

4.2.2.2 During Construction Phase - Mitigation Measures

The roads which will be used for rock material transport will be widened and
strengthened. Similarly the harbours used for rock/material transport will be
strengthened. The necessary budgetary provision will be added to the civil

C4-15
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

construction contract. To mitigate impacts from transportation of construction

material, existing roads will be strengthened wherever necessary.

• Temporary approach roads may be developed with prior permission from

competent authority
• Trucks with construction material susceptible for fugitive suspension will be
covered
• Transportation management will be adopted for movement of dumpers
transporting quarry stones and construction materials and traffic will be
regulated
• Vehicles deployed will conform to emission norms (air/noise) of CPCB and
have valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates
• Dumpers and trucks will comply with standards for exhaust emissions and
noise levels
• All vehicles used will be in good condition with all valid number plates and
documents. Older than 15 year vehicles will not be allowed to use in any of
the construction sites
• Worker camps will be adequately equipped with necessary facilities such as
water supply, power supply, wastewater collection, solid waste collection and
sanitation, fuel supply, etc.
• Domestic wastes generated from worker camps will be collected properly
treated and disposed after complying with the norms stipulated by statutory
authorities
• No bore-wells will be driven to meet the water requirements to avoid impacts
on groundwater resources
• All these will be part of the Contractors Quarry Management Plan to be
prepared and approved with the help of the supervision of consultants
• Off-shore construction activities to be halted to the possible extent especially
during November to February the period in which the Nicobar Megapode,
Coconut Crab and Long-Tailed Macaque of Nicobar Islands as well as
Leatherback turtles nesting are reported

If there are any accidental spillages of hazardous substances on soil that may
pose the risk of contaminating run off, such areas will be immediately remediated
as per international practices.

4.2.3 Potential Impact During Operation

During operation phase, soil pollution may happen if solid and liquid waste not
managed properly. Flooding may happen if drains are not properly maintained.
The details are discussed below.

4.2.3.1 Discharges from Ships on Land

No discharge of wastewater/waste from the ships calling at ICTT port will be

permitted into the port area. Facilities for discharge of waste oil will be provided
at the port. The ships will have their own sewage reception/treatment facilities on
board and hence no discharge of sewage will be done at the port. In addition, the
ships are expected to discharge sewage in deep seas as per defined procedures

C4-16
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

for International ship movements (Ref: MARPOL Convention). This will ensure the
ships have their own storage capacities in their on board sewage receptions to
handle wastes generated during the period/days the ship is at the port. Ships
shall conduct ballast water exchange at least 200 nautical miles from nearest land
and in water at least 200 m in depth prior to calling at a port. Where ballast water
exchange at 200 nautical miles to nearest land is not possible, exchange should
take place at least 50 nautical miles from nearest land and in water at least 200
m in depth. Each ship shall have on board a ballast water record book which may
be an electronic recording system. Port officers may inspect the ballast water
record book.

4.2.3.2 Impacts due to Changes in Coastline/Shoreline

Coastal structure similar to a groin or a breakwater when introduced into the sea
interrupts wave-induced littoral sediment transport in the direction of flow. The
obstruction of sediment transport leads to sediment built-up up-drift and erosion
down-drift due to deficit in sediment supply due to the obstruction. These aspects
are studied individually in the context of proposed developmental activities which
is detailed in the following section. The present study aims at the assessment of
shoreline evolution during the different phases of port development.

As per the hydrodynamic study, no impact on the shoreline is envisaged till 2052.

4.2.3.3 Shoreline - Mitigation Measures

• Continuous monitoring of shoreline with the help of high resolution satellite

imageries during construction and operation phase.
• Strengthening the erosion prone shoreline (if any) just prior to construction
phase by latest satellite imagery and then ground truthing on a regular basis
with close monitoring and ground markings.

4.3 Water Environment

4.3.1 Potential Impact Due to Port Location

4.3.1.1 Impact on Existing Water Resources

A water demand of 0.4 MLD & 1.7 MLD is estimated in initial phase and final
phase respectively. The same will be sourced from the surface water through
integrated water supply network proposed for GNI development.

4.3.2 Potential Impact Due to Construction Phase

4.3.2.1 Port development- Impacts on Surface water

A preliminary assessment indicates that daily demand for potable water will be
around 0.1 MLD in the construction phase. The surface water and sea water will
be the source of water for construction phase.

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

Few of the main sources of water pollution during construction is associated with
litter and construction waste carried by wind, dewatering runoff or periodic
rainfall, effluent and fuel through accidental spills, inadequate storage and
management, vehicle wash down and overuse of water for site road wetting.

There are a number of activities associated with construction of the proposed

project, which could have impacts on surface water:

• Poor control of run-off from site activities leading to siltation and eventual
blocking of drains caused by excessive sand and silt in the storm water
run-off
• Pollution of surface water caused by improper handling and disposal of
other types of construction site wastewater
• Contamination of surface water sources if wastes and wastewater from
labour camp not managed properly
• Blockage of outlets (small natural streams) by the reclamation or
otherwise by solid structures may lead to ponding in the area behind the
actual port. The design should therefore cater for a free flow of the
discharge water, even in the wet season
• Water pollution may result from wastewater produced by the quarry
activities and by the accidental spillage of fuel, lubricants and other
chemicals used in the quarry process.

4.3.2.2 Mitigation Measures

• Project Water Management Plan should be developed in order to secure

the project sustainable water balance and in the project region in the
construction phase and other artificial water sources in use as of today.
• A surface water monitoring program shall be implemented during the
construction phase.
• Effective water conservation measure should be followed.
• Implementation of rain water harvesting/ storm water management in the
projection region.
• Providing water & wastewater treatment facilities at construction camp.
• Regular monitoring of surface water for quality and quantity water needs
should be limited through recirculation and reuse, implementing closed-
circuit systems from sedimentation ponds to the quarrying process.
• Storm water should be separated from process and sanitary wastewater
streams in order to reduce the volume of wastewater to be treated prior to
discharge.

4.3.2.3 Port Development- Impacts on Groundwater

The port is located on the edge of the shore and therefore the ground water
resources is scanty and may have no relevance. Moreover, in near shore
environment the ground water is generally saline due to sea water intrusions
and therefore have little relevance to it utility. However, all attempts should
be made to conserve the ground water resources without altering the
environmental conditions. There are a number of activities associated with

C4-18
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

construction of the proposed project, which could have an impact on

groundwater:
• Spillage or infiltration of oils, fuels and hydraulic fluids from plant
maintenance and re-fuelling areas into the soil.
• Blockage of natural drains in the port area will lead to higher groundwater
tables and a permanently changed drainage pattern.

4.3.2.4 Mitigation Measures

• Baseline review of the existing groundwater resources and current

consumption in the project region.
• A groundwater monitoring program should be implemented during the
construction phase.
•
• In addition, a water quality monitoring programme should be developed.
• There can be rainwater harvesting for meeting/boosting water
requirements

4.3.2.5 Port development- Impact on Marine water quality

Port Development - Impact due to Stagnation of Wastewater in Harbour

The construction of marine structures such as breakwaters will change the current
patterns and results in tranquil conditions suitable for the operation of the port.
The natural flushing of the water due to high and low tides will be affected due to
the construction of berths and the breakwater. In case, the untreated wastewater
from the domestic/industrial activities in the vicinity of the port flows into the
harbour, it can result in stagnation of water. This condition may deteriorate
Harbour water quality significantly through increase of phytoplankton and a
decrease of dissolved oxygen, caused by effluents containing nutrient salts
(chemical compounds including N and P). Anaerobic water leads to the generation
of hydrogen sulphide (H2S).

Mitigation Measures

• The wastewater and sewage generated during construction at site and at

labour camp will be disposed of into septic tank, in the initial stage of
construction, However, when the central treatment plant is ready, all the
sewage should be connected to the treatment plant though pipes

• Surface run-off from the construction site should be discharged via sand/silt
removal facilities such as sand or silt traps and sediment basins. Channels,
earth bunds, or sandbag barriers should be provided on site to direct storm
water to such silt removal facilities.

• Special provision will be made to select Contractor with proven track record in
implementation of EMP. Provision for a contractor’s waste water management
plan will be incorporated in the contractors EMP.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

4.3.2.6 Port Development - Impact due to Land Reclamation/Wastewater Generation

Generally, reclamation of low lying areas with capital dredged material is likely to
affect groundwater quality due to intrusion of sea water. The proposed port is
predominantly to be developed on reclaimed land and land side land and is
separated from any crop land. The slope of port site is towards the sea and
chances of intruding sea water into groundwater are envisaged to be negligible.
Hence, no significant impacts are anticipated due to land reclamation on
groundwater.

Construction phase Mitigation Measures

• Return seawater quality from the reclaimed area shall be monitored during
reclamation phase.
• An adequate drainage system will be provided at the site with separate
collection streams to segregate the storm run-off from roads, open areas,
material storage areas, vehicle wash water and other wastewater streams.
• No construction during rainy days or extreme climatic conditions. Suitable
measures will also be taken to prevent the washing away of construction
materials into the drainage system.
• Contaminated storm water will be collected and conveyed to
sedimentation tank for removing grit.

4.3.3 Potential Impact During Operation Phase

4.3.3.1 Impact on Water Quality Marine Side due to Cargo Operations

Since the proposed port is International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT)

, there will be no dusty cargo, dry bulk cargo such as coal, iron ore or hazardous
cargo, etc. will be handled at port. Hence, direct impact on water with cargo
handling will be insignificant. Marine water may get polluted as a result of
releases of contaminants, if any into the marine system including.The leakage/
spill of oil in port and its surrounded area will impact water quality.

Water Quality - Mitigation Measures

This section deals with water quality impacts

• Streams in port area which are connecting sea will be treated in upstream
side of the stream. Treated water will be discharged into sea water after
meeting marine discharge standards prescribed by regulatory agencies.
• Port operators should prepare a Spill prevention, control, and counter
measure plan consistent with the IMO Manual on Oil Pollution Section II –
Contingency Planning.
• All ship related waste with a potential to cause pollution to the marine
environment should be disposed of according to the guidelines stipulated by
the MARPOL Convention.

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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

• Port authorities will apply appropriate procedures, in agreement with National

and international regulations, for the handling and storage of hazardous
cargoes and waste generated by handling and storage of this type of cargoes.
• Ships used for the project should be registered with Lloyds or a similar
shipping register and comply with all international maritime conventions such
as MARPOL.
• Good operational practices such as good positioning and protection of (fuel)
stores, use of drip trays, proper maintenance of plant and equipment.
• Careful storage and usage of fuels, oils (and chemicals if any).
• Consider whether fuel storage is needed on-site, how much is to be stored
and how.
• Check whether sub-contractors have adequate fuel storage facilities.
• Fuel and oil stores must be located away from the site drainage system and
the shoreline. If this is not possible, ensure adequate measures are identified
to prevent or contain any spillage (e.g., blocking drainage points).
• Oil and chemical-handling facilities will be located with consideration of
natural drainage systems and environmentally-sensitive areas
• Hazardous materials storage and handling facilities will be constructed away
from active traffic and protect storage areas from vehicle accidents
• Fuel dispensing equipment will be equipped with breakaway
• Hose connections that provide emergency shutdown of flow should the fuelling
connection be broken by movement.
• All ancillary equipment (e.g., valves, hoses) should be contained securely
within the bund when not in use
• Ensure that tanks are correctly marked/labelled as to their contents and
capacities
• Keep a store of spill response equipment at the fuel facility and bowsers
• Standard operating procedures that reduce or eliminate the chance of a spill,
even in the case of equipment failure.
• Routine maintenance and testing schedules should be determined for all
aspects of port operation particular attention paid to product storage and
handling, and fuel transfer systems.
• General awareness of all workers should be increased through training and
safety meetings with focus of Environmental Management systems and
practices with “Zero Waste Tolerance” planned with an objective to achieve
as much as we can.
• Port operator should be required to develop system for holding and collecting
storm water runoff and surface runoff produced by site activities and its
treatment before discharge.
• Waste water should be treated up to the standards for discharge (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act 1974).

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

4.4 Marine Environment -Sediment Transport

4.4.1 Potential Impact Due to Port Location

4.4.1.1 Sediment Transport

Sediment transport is the movement of solid particles (sediment), typically due to

a combination of the force of gravity acting on the sediment, and the movement
of the fluid in which the sediment is entrained. In marine environment, it is a
complex coastal process that results from the combination of interaction within
the waves, current and wind. The sediment particles are transported by currents
(tide driven, wave driven or wind driven), wave motions and combinations of the
two. Waves, due to their orbital velocity, keep the coastal sediment in
suspension, which are then transported by tidal flow or coastal currents. This
results in erosion or accretion of sediments and subsequent modification of the
morphology till equilibrium is reached between various acting forces. Any
modification to this equilibrium in the form of new developments in the coastal
zone could lead to changes to the seabed and coastal morphology. In order to
investigate the fate of suspended sediment in coastal and estuarine waters,
sediment dynamics need to be studied thoroughly. It is a widely accepted practice
to use numerical modelling tools to predict the sediment transport patterns and to
assess its impacts like the amount of annual maintenance dredging or the
behaviour of shoreline, etc.

The aim of this study is to assess the effect on sediment transport due to the
proposed port. The sediment transport in the vicinity of the project site is
expected to be influenced by tide driven, wind driven and wave driven currents. A
thorough assessment of hydrodynamics has been done to evaluate the effect of
the port development on the prevailing currents. The result of the hydrodynamic
model is used for the assessment of the variation in the sediment transport due
to the development of various stages of port.

Sediment Transport Model Setup

From the analysis of deep-water waves, 13 wave events were identified. The
sediment transport simulations were done for these events separately. The
results were then combined to obtain the annual sedimentation in the region by
accounting the probability of occurrence of each wave event.

The domain and bathymetry for the sediment transport model is taken same as
that of hydrodynamic model. The formulation of Souls by and Van Rijn for bed
load and suspended sediment transport was used to calculate the sediment
transport rates. The parameters like relative density of sediment, critical Shields
parameter, sediment grain size and grading were specified in the input file.
Simulations are done for the existing condition and with layouts of various phases
of proposed port to estimate the variation in sedimentation pattern and
maintenance dredge quantity in the fishing harbour and proposed port due to the
construction of the breakwater of proposed port. The results obtained from these
simulations were analysed and are discussed in the following sections.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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4.4.1.2 Effect on Hydrodynamics

The hydrodynamic model was undertaken as described above. The model

suggests sedimentation due to the construction of the port berths and the break
water. Due to the construction of break waters and berths, the area will be cut-off
from the wave action which brings sediments, to the bay. However, the low also
tides take s away some of the sediments back to the sea. This natural process will
be affected due to construction of the port. There will be sedimentation around
the breakwaters and the berths (figure given below). No erosion is expected as
per the model. Therefore, there will be no erosion on the beach especially on the
western flank of the bay where the leatherback turtles breed. As per the model
results there will be sedimentation of around 0.04m/yr on the western beach.
Therefore, the beach is likely to be widened over long period giving more space
for breeding to the turtles.

The sedimentation process may affect the Galathea river mouth to some extent.
Though the model does not suggest any sedimentation, over time there could be
some deposits on the fan of the Galathea mouth. This area needs to be dredged
periodically to the keep the mouth open so that the salinity of the estuary
maintained.

C4-23
Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Figure-4.3: Effects of hydrodynamics

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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4.4.2 Marine Side Potential Impact Due to Construction

Developmental activities such as capital dredging, dredged material disposal and

construction of approach channel and cargo berths will result in disturbance to
marine environment. During these activities, particularly dredging, localised and
short term impacts on marine water quality are likely to occur due to increased
turbidity from suspended sediment. Further, marine sediment quality indicates
that it is free from any significant pollution.

As per the preliminary dredging and reclamation quantity estimates for phase-I
development, it is expected to have a dredging-reclamation sand balance (i.e.
sand required for reclamation purpose to be procured from dredging activity
itself). In case of disposal of unusable dredge material, a dredge disposal site
would be needed to dump the excess/unusable dredged material with least
impact on the environment. So, the dredged material disposal site study has been
performed by (Indomer Coastal Hydraulics (P) Ltd) and its results are given in
Mathematical Model Study Report, July 2021. Particle Analysis (PA) module of
MIKE was used to assess the fate of dredged material after disposal.

4.4.2.1 Impact due to Capital Dredging and Disposal of Dredged Material

The estimates of the various dredging and reclamation areas for the proposed
port are based on the navigational requirements. Table 4.2 provides the various
dredge depths and the calculated dredging volumes.

Table 4.2: Dredge Areas for the ICTT

Sr. Dredge Area Dredge Depth in meters Dredge Volume

No. with respect to CD (m3 )
1 Approach Outer -19.8 m CD -
Channel channel
Inner -
channel
2 Turning Circle -19.0 m CD 2.03
3 Berths Pockets -18.2 m CD 1.79
4 Maneuvering area 13.87

4.4.2.2 Dredged Levels

The structural design of the berths shall be carried out for the design dredged
level in the ultimate stage based on the design vessel sizes to be handled at
these berths:

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Table 4.3: Design Ships and Dredged Levels at Berths

Sr. No. Vessel Design Design Vessel Minimum

Type Vessel Dimensions (m) Designed
Size Dredged Level at
Berth
LOA Beam Loaded m with respect to
Draft CD
1 Container 19,650 398 61.5 16.6 -19.0
Vessel TEU

4.4.2.3 Criteria for Selection of Dredge Disposal Location

As per the recommendations of ZSI, the dredged material will have to be

disposed at the depth of 200m. In GNI area, the continental shelf in the area is
very short and gives way to continental slope within a short distance. The
purpose of recommendation of ZSI to dispose the dredged material at 200m
depth is due to the fact that coral and benthic life is low in such depth as there is
limited penetration of sunlight.

As per the plan, the dredged material will be disposed in the SE area of the GNI
peninsula at a depth of about 600m. The model result shows that the sediment
plum will disperse within a short distance and therefore not going to have any
significant impact in an area where the sunlight penetration is practically nil and
the marine life is rare. Very few marine flora and fauna is reported at a depth of
600m at a distance of 7500m from the nearest shoreline. Refer figure below:

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Figure-4.4: Proposed disposal location

4.4.3 Potential Impact on Existing Fishing

The Galathea area has an estuarine environment due to the discharge of fresh
water from the Galathea river. However, no fishing goes on in the estuary as
there are no fishermen nearby and there are no consumers. The Shompens do
undertake near shore fishing but their fishing activity is restricted near the
Casuarina Bay area which is near to their habitation. No fishing activity will
therefore be affected due to the location of the port at Galathea Bay area.

4.4.3.1 Dredging Impact on Marine Ecology

Capital dredging and construction of approach channel, breakwaters and cargo

berths will result in disturbance to marine ecology.

Turbulence – Changes in Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Levels: During dredging,

oxygen-demanding compounds, nutrients and sediments from the sea bed enter
into water column. Since concentrations of oxygen-demanding compounds are
normally much higher in pore water than in water column it will cause a drop
(depletion) in oxygen concentration. Nutrients may stimulate primary production
when light and temperatures are sufficient and may cause eutrophication
problems when released in favourable conditions. DO levels in bottom sediments,
which are usually low, would increase during dredging period. Changes in DO
levels and noise are likely to result in localised and short-term impacts on marine
ecology.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Removal of Benthic Communities associated with Bottom Sediments:

Dredging would result in removal of benthic communities associated with bottom
sediments. During dredging, sessile forms are removed along with sediments and
mobile species tend to move away and are likely to increase species diversity in
areas adjoining dredging site. Further, it is observed that due to movement of
mobile species and transfer of nutrients during dredging, there will be an increase
in species diversity and density in areas adjoining dredging site.

Mitigation Measures: To mitigate impacts on marine ecology, measures such as

selection of equipment and dredgers, environmental monitoring and regulating
activities based on monitoring results will be adopted.

Smothering Effect Due to Settling of Sediment: Settlement of the suspended

sediments can result in the smothering or blanketing of sub-tidal communities
and / or adjacent inter-tidal communities. Presently, the marine biota in Indian
Coast is already subjected to considerable changes in turbidity due to large-scale
littoral movement, which is a recurring regular natural phenomenon. Therefore, it
would be able to withstand localised turbidity induced during the dredging.

4.4.3.2 Changes in Seabed Profile

Generally construction of marine structures may alter the seabed profile. In the
proposed development, marine structures include cargo berths, breakwaters etc.
which in turn involve lowering of piles into the seabed. The changes in the seabed
could be in terms of disturbance to the strata and localised sediment dispersion.
The dispersed sediment tends to increase the turbidity of the seawater resulting
in an impact on the food chain of the marine biota. The details of littoral drift and
sediment transport which leads to changes in seabed profile are discussed.

4.4.3.3 Mitigation Measures

No discharge from the dredgers or work boats shall be allowed into marine
waters. The dredging activity will be confined within the project site and the
impact due to dredging will cease upon completion. The impact due to dredging
can be minimised with the implementation of a dredge management programme.
Prior to commencement of dredging with the help of supervision of Consultants, a
Contractors Dredge Management Plan will be prepared and implemented, which
will include the following details.

• A schedule for dredging shall be prepared and list of DO(s) and DO NOT(s) shall
be circulated among the people involved in construction activities
• It is proposed to check turbidity levels with baseline turbidity levels as a
reference during dredging
• Less intrusive dredging techniques shall be adopted to minimise turbidity
• It will be ensured that suitable dredging equipment is deployed to minimise the
suspension of fine sediments at the dredge site
• Dredging activity will be regulated during rough sea conditions

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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• It will be ensured that barges/workboats have slop tanks for collection of

liquid/solid waste generated on board. Discharge of wastes into sea will be
prohibited.
• Spill control measures will be adopted while fuelling dredgers, barges, workboats,
etc.
• Post dredging monitoring program will be carried out to assess effect of dredging
and disposal on marine ecology
• Environmental Monitoring Programme comprising of monitoring of marine water
quality, marine sediment quality and marine ecology will be initiated one week
prior to commencement of dredging and will be carried out throughout dredging
period
• Dredging and dredged material disposal will be monitored for compliance with
proposed mitigation measures
• Galathea River mouth needs to be periodically dredged to keep the riven mouth
open all the time to maintain the estuarine characteristics of the Galathea bay.
• The grain size of the sediments should be monitored on half yearly basis

4.4.4 Potential Impact During Operation

4.4.4.1 Impact on Marine Water Quality and Ecology in Basin

Due to Aqueous Discharges: During the operation phase there will be

continuous movement of cargo vessels and port crafts round the clock. There is a
possibility of aqueous discharges from the cargo vessels such as dumping of ship
wastes (sullage)/sewage, bilge water, solid wastes, etc. if not regulated.

Ships/vessels calling at ICTT port will not be permitted to dump the wastes /bilge
water during the berthing period. However, during emergency, sufficient
reception facilities will be provided to receive the residues and oily mixtures
generated from ship operations according to provisions of the International
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973/78 (MARPOL). In
addition, reception facilities for garbage, waste oil and bilge water from the ships
shall also be provided. The bilge water will be collected by authorised waste
recyclers and taken for further treatment.

In addition, land-based sources of pollution such as runoff from the cargo berths,
waste water, sewage and effluents from the port operations would also affect the
marine water and sediment qualities in the harbour basin, if disposed without
proper treatment. To avoid impacts on the marine water quality it is proposed to
prevent discharges from certain areas and regulate the discharges from other
areas. Accordingly, storm water runoff will be directed into open concrete lined
channels. The runoff from uncontaminated areas will be discharged directly into
the sea. The runoff from berths and cargo storage areas will be intercepted and
directed to collection ponds where the water quality will be tested and then
discharged in to the sea if the water quality meets the marine water discharge
standards. Only increase in oil and grease content may be expected in the water
from this area. Hence, the oil and grease content exceeds marine discharge
standards (10 mg/l), it will be routed through Oil- Water Separator to bring down
the Oil and Grease content.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Due to Cargo Spills during Handling: Spills are not anticipated to occur during
normal operations, as the cargo will be handled by specialised ship-loaders/un
loaders. In the event of accidental spills of cargo during transfer from / to the
ships, the marine water quality, sediment quality and ecology in the harbour
basin will be impacted.

Due to Oil Spills during Fuelling: Oil spills are not anticipated to occur during
normal operations. In the event of accidental oil spills during fuelling of port
crafts and accidental spillage of oil from ships visiting the port, the marine water
quality in the harbour basin will be impacted. To minimise the impacts on marine
water quality, the spills will be recovered.

4.4.4.2 Mitigation Measures

• Ships visiting the port will comply with MARPOL convention and avoid
discharges into the harbour basin.
• To provide waste reception facilities at port in emergency, standard format of
the advance notification form for waste delivery to port reception facilities and
standard format for the waste delivery receipt following a ship’s use of port
reception facilities as recommended by Marine Environment Protection
Committee, IMO will be maintained.
• Collection ponds will be provided for containment/treatment of runoff from
cargo storage areas and other areas liable for oil & grease pollution. When the
oil and grease content exceeds marine discharge standards (10mg/l), it will be
routed through Oil- Water Separator to bring down the Oil and Grease
content.
• It will be ensured that the dumping of the maintenance dredge spoil would be
uniform.
• Along with the operational phase environmental monitoring, an additional
Environmental Monitoring Programme comprising of monitoring of marine
water quality, marine sediment quality and marine ecology will be initiated
one week prior to commencement of maintenance dredging and will be carried
out during the dredging period.
• In case of any cargo spillage during transfer from/to ships, it will be
attempted to recover the spill
• Oil spill4.4 control equipment such as booms / barriers will be provided for
containment and skimmers will be provided for recovery.
• As the accidental spills will be in harboured waters, it would not spread
spatially and the response time for shutting down the fuelling, containment
and recovery will be quicker.

4.5 Ecological Environment (Terrestrial and Marine Ecology)

4.5.1 Potential Impact Due to Port Location

4.5.1.1 Impact on Mangroves and other sensitive Ecosystems

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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The total project area for port is 966 ha (out of which 739 ha is on land and 227
ha shall be created through reclamation). Out of the total land 228.4ha is
Protectedforest and 48.5ha is deemed forest land. 1.58ha land is under revenue
(0.54 is owned by government and 1.04ha is private land). A part of the coast
does have mangroves and its associated species. Therefor the mangroves on the
eastern flank of the Galthea Bay will be affected due to the construction of the
berths. However, on the western flanks since no activities has been envisaged,
the mangroves will not be affected.

The International transhipment route is 40 km away. ZSI data suggest that the
Galathea Bay is devoid of any coral reefs. However, there are reefs away from
the bay area. Forest department has also planted casuarina trees on both the
eastern and western flank of the Galathea bay. There are no national
parks/sanctuaries/biosphere reserves in the proposed site.

4.5.2 Potential Impact Due to Construction

4.5.2.1 Impact due to Capital Dredging and Disposal

Capital dredging is required to create inner navigation channel, outer navigation

channel, turning circle and berthing areas which may cause temporary
disturbance to biological environment. Dredging removes bottom biota and
dumping of dredged material covers bottom habitat. Piles, rubble mounds and
concrete surfaces will form new habitat. During the construction phase there will
be impact on fishing activity/ fisheries in the project region.

Marine water quality will be impacted due to dredging and disposal and also
during construction of breakwaters and cargo berths during construction phase.
Direct impact of these activities on marine water quality would be an increased
turbidity due to suspended sediment and will be predominant during dredging.

Turbidity due to dredging operation varies with depth and lateral distance from
the dredger location. During dredging, transport of sediment depends on velocity
and fine material concentration. Very fine cohesive material will remain in
suspension for a long time and is independent of hydrodynamic conditions. Due to
above factors, there will be an increase in turbidity due to suspended sediment in
water column. Thus, it can be inferred that dredging can cause a short-term and
localised impact on marine water quality.

Apart from turbidity, the marine water quality could be affected due to aqueous
discharge (oily wastes, sanitary wastes, etc.) from the dredgers, barges and
workboats involved in the activities.

4.5.2.2 Mitigation Measures

• Appropriate selection of equipment for pile driving and dredging

• Providing silt screen to avoid movement suspended solid for a longer distance
• Uniform disposal of dredged material at identified disposal location

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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• A well planned implementation programme based on contractors dredge

management plan

4.5.2.3 Impact on Ecology due to Reclamation

The total project area for port is 966 ha (out of which 739 ha is on land and 227
ha shall be created through reclamation). Out of the total land 228.4ha is
Protected forest and 48.5ha is deemed forest land. 1.58ha land is under revenue
(0.54 is owned by government and 1.04ha is private land). For this reclamation
area, about 9 MCM dredge material will be used out of total dredging of 17.69
Mcum. Total quantity of Reclamation 33 Mcum.

Currently the bay mouth is about 3.8 km north from the proposed construction
area. Due to the construction of the Berths which will be on the reclaimed land,
the bay mouth will reduce substantially. This might hinder the entry of the turtles
in the area for breeding. The turtles will have a smaller approach path to the
western flank of the beach. The experience of ZSI in Dharma and Paradeep port
suggests that port activities often do not affect the nesting of turtles. However, as
per ZSI recommendation off shore construction activity may be halted to possible
extent between November to February, which is the breeding season for the
turtles. Off shore Construction during the night time also may be restricted.

4.5.2.4 Mitigation Measures during Reclamation

While reclaiming the area, bunds will be provided with a suitable overflow
facilities so that only clear water will be returned to the sea. Ecology in the
vicinity of the port is not anticipated to be disturbed during reclamation. The
Chapter 10 EMP provides the detailed methodology of actual implementation of
dredging and reclamation (Dredge & reclamation Management Plan) without
impacting the nearby waters.

As per ZSI, artificial illumination on the beach can affect the sea turtle nesting
and hatchlings. Using a smaller number or lower intensity lights; repositioning,
shielding, redirecting, lowering, or recessing fixtures are some of the available
options for reducing illumination to the beach. Sea turtles are less affected by
red, yellow, and low-pressure sodium-vapor lights, and therefore can be
substituted with ordinary lights. Wherever possible, use sodium vapour lamps or
other light sources with lower intensity. There are sea turtle friendly lights
developed and available which can be installed on the beaches during
construction.

4.5.3 Potential Impact Due to Port Operation

4.5.3.1 Impact due to Aqueous Discharges and Mitigation Measures

During the operation phase there will be movement of cargo vessels and port
crafts round the clock. There is a possibility of aqueous discharges from the cargo
vessels such as dumping of ship wastes (sullage)/sewage, bilge water, solid

C4-32
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wastes, etc. if not regulated. It will affect on marine life & production due to
mixing of oil & grease, heavy metal, Pesticide, nutrients in sea.

4.5.3.2 Mitigation Measures

Sewage/ effluent coming out from port premises and surrounding areas and
joining the should be treated through integrated waste water management
system proposed for GNI development.

4.5.3.3 Potential Impact due to Cargo Operations

Due to Cargo Spills during Handling: Spills are not envisaged to occur during
normal operations, as the cargo will be handled by specialised loaders/unloaders,
mutli-purpose cranes, etc. In the event of accidental spills of cargo during
transfer from/to the ships, the marine water quality, sediment quality and
ecology in the harbour basin can be impacted.

Lighting during the operation needs to follow the ZSI recommendations. Using a
smaller number or lower wattage of lights; repositioning, shielding, redirecting,
lowering, or recessing fixtures are some of the available options for reducing
illumination to the beach. Sea turtles are less affected by red, yellow, and low-
pressure sodium-vapor lights, and therefore can be substituted with ordinary
lights. Where possible, use sodium vapor lamps or other light sources.

4.5.3.4 Potential beneficial Impact during port operation

The break water structure could provide a good anchor for the benthic habitat.
It has been experienced in many ports in India and elsewhere that the
breakwater structure develop its own ecology especially on the calmer side. Due
to less effect of current and tides and calmer environment, large amount of
benthic flora and fauna grows along the slope of the break water structure.
However, such development is site specific and further monitoring will have to
be undertaken throughout the project cycle to document the beneficial impact.

4.5.3.5 Mitigation Measures

Spill contingency plan as a part of Disaster Management Plan will be prepared in

accordance to the cargo to be handled Spill recovery/immediate response
measures will be displayed at cargo handling areas, Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) of cargo (if applicable) being handled will be displayed. Mock drills will be
conducted at periodic intervals.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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4.6 AIR ENVIRONMENT

4.6.1 Potential Impact During Construction

4.6.1.1 Impact due to Transportation of Construction and Cargo Material

Some of the project activities (site clearance, dredging and reclamation,

construction of breakwaters, construction of port infrastructure, traffic during
construction and use of heavy machinery construction of road ) will generate
air pollutants like NO2, SO2, HC, CO, PM, VOCs, etc. This has the potential to
cause temporary impacts on the air quality.

The baseline concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), SO2, NO2
and CO are within the limits of NAAQS stipulated by MoEF/CPCB. With the
present background concentrations of air quality parameters, it is expected
that there will only be a mild build-up of air pollutants. Further, because of the
prevailing strong winds along the coastal region and the resulting dispersion
the impact on air quality from pollutants would be reduced. Towards land ward
side all is green with complete coverage of trees (green barrier) will also nullify
any air pollution impacts. In addition, adoption of suitable mitigation measures
will ensure that these impacts are rendered insignificant.

Mitigation Measures during construction

The following measures could mitigate the anticipated negative impacts on the
ambient air quality

• To reduce the impact on air quality, quarry material is planned to transport

from respective quarries from nearby harbours to ICTT port. This material
transportation through sea will reduce dust as well gaseous emissions
drastically.

• Transportation vehicles to be properly and timely maintained and serviced

regularly to control the emission of air pollutants in order to maintain the
emissions of NOX and SOX within the limits established by international
regulations;

• All static and mobile diesel generator sets should be used only during power
cuts;
• Use of good quality fuel and lubricants will be promoted. Moreover, low sulphur
content diesel shall be used as fuel for generator sets to control emission of
SO2;

• Generators, machineries and vehicles are to be serviced and maintained

regularly to avoid generation of dust and other air pollutants;

• Regular verification of PUC certificates of all the vehicles entering into the port
area;

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• Vehicles older than 15 years will not allowed to operate during construction
phase

• Storage facilities shall be equipped with leak detection systems.

• Include vegetation screens alongside the port access roads and apply of speed
restrictions in order to the dispersion of pollutants from roads

• Minimize idling time for vehicles

• Water sprinkling will be carried out to suppress fugitive dust during earthworks
and along unpaved sections of access roads.

• Environmental awareness program/training will be organised to the personnel

involved in developmental works

• Adequately sized construction yard will be provided at the site for storage of
construction materials, equipment tools, earthmoving equipment, etc. In
addition, temporary field offices and worker amenities will be provided at site.
Appropriate spill control measures and labelling / handling procedures will be
maintained.

4.6.1.2 Impact due to Quarrying

4.6.2 Potential Impact Due to Operation

Operation of the port (container terminal) does not include bulk or uncovered
materials exported from or imported to the terminal or stored on site. The
sources of air pollutants from port operations include combustion emissions
from ships‟ propulsion and auxiliary engines and boilers, mainly consisting of
sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), greenhouse gases (e.g. carbon
dioxide [CO2] and carbon monoxide [CO]), fine particulate matter [PM], and
volatile organic compounds [VOC]), followed by combustion source emissions
from vehicles, port equipment and land-based engines and boilers contributing
similar pollutants. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) may also be emitted fuel
storage and transfer.

However increased traffic on the access road has the potential to cause an
impact on the air quality experienced by the residents along the access road;
specifically an increase in pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen and
particulates. Concentrations of primary pollutants generated by road traffic
decrease exponentially with increasing distance from the road. This means that
50 m from the road centre the concentrations of carbon monoxide, oxides of
nitrogen, particulates and non-methane hydrocarbons (benzene and related
compounds) are considerably less than half the levels at the central median.

Currently there are practically no traffic accidents in GNI. Due to increase in

road traffic, the number of accident case might increase unless adequate road
safety measures are adopted.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

During the operation phase, there could be unauthorised cluster settlements

around the port. These settlements generally do not have adequate
infrastructure facilities and therefore unhealthy such settlements have grown
around many of the ports in the mainland.

4.6.2.1 Mitigation Measures

Operation of the port (container terminal) itself is not anticipated to result in

any significant air quality impacts.

The following measures could mitigate the anticipated negative impacts on the
ambient air quality during O&M phase.

• Project will implement “Cold ironing” to reduce pollution and also to reduce
the diesel generated power consumption from the ship. Cold Ironing is
basically using electrical supply from the port main to the ship for all
purposes for the entire period of stay in the ICTT port. Transportation
vehicles to be properly and timely maintained and serviced regularly to
control the emission of air pollutants in order to maintain the emissions of
PM, CO, NOx and SOx within the limits established by international
regulations.
• All static and mobile diesel generator sets to be used only during power
cut;
• Use of good quality fuel and lubricants to be promoted. Moreover, low
sulphur content diesel to be used as fuel for generator sets to control
emission of SO2.
• Generators, machineries and vehicles are to be serviced and maintained
regularly to avoid generation of dust and other air pollutants.
• Regular verification of PUC certificates of all the vehicles entering into the
port area.
• Developing air quality management procedures for ship operators, such as
navigation of port access areas at partial power, achieving full power only
after leaving the port area, limiting the practice of blowing soot from tubes
or flues on steam boilers.
• Include vegetation screens alongside the port access roads and apply of
speed restrictions in order to the dispersion of pollutants from roads.
• No unauthorised habitation clusters should be allowed to develop. Proper
masterplan has to be developed during the post operation stage with
emphasis on encroachment management system.
• If the annual nitrogen dioxide concentrations (expected outcome of the air
quality modelling) exceed internationally accepted standards for protection
of human health port operator have to consider resettlement of the
residents living adjacent to the port access road.
• Although entire land area of port side is a green belt wherever possible
thick greenbelt in port and its associated facilities will be provided.
• Proper road safety measures need to be notified and implemented.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

4.6.2.2 Impact due to Ship Emissions

During the operational phase, there will be an increase in the movement of

traffic and hence, emissions from the moving vehicles will also increase. The
exhaust from the DG set at the port, the tugs, launches, diesel operated small
boats, dredgers etc will enhance a pollution load during operational phase.
With the increase in the number of ships and boats, their operation and
movement of cargo to and fro will also increase. These activities will increase
the pollution load in the atmosphere. The Annex VI of MARPOL Convention
deals with the “Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships”. It
sets limits on NOx and SOx emissions from ship exhausts, and prohibits
deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances. It also prohibits the
incineration on board ships of certain products, such as contaminated
packaging materials and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The vessels are
required to comply with the regulations and should have the “International Air
Pollution Prevention Certificate”. ICTT port will take all appropriate measures to
comply exhaust emission from vessels in accordance with MARPOL regulations
and Euro Emission standard norms so as to reduce pollution load in the air
environment.

Mitigation Measures

• Ambient air quality monitoring will be carried out regularly at selected

locations in the predicted maximum impact zone in order to check and
compare the predicted concentrations with the measured concentrations.
• Although Natural green belt exist, the Greenbelt of adequate width will be
developed in all possible areas including Cargo storage areas and long the
boundary of project area to minimise the likely impacts due to air pollution.

Air Pollution Modeling

As the proposed project site is located in coastal environment, air dispersion

modeling studies were conducted using CALPUFF model. CALPUFF is an
advanced, integrated multi-layer, multi-species non-steady-state puff
dispersion model that simulates the effects of time and space varying
meteorological conditions on pollution transport, transformation and removal.
CALPUFF can be applied on scales of tens to hundreds of kilometers. This
model has been adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) in its Guideline on Air Quality Models as a preferred model for assessing
long range transport of pollutants.

 Model Set-up and Scenarios

In Calpuff, the modeling domain has set-up by 25 X 25 km horizontal grid with

each grid cell spacing of 4 X 4 km to provide adequate resolution of terrain
features. Calpuff has run with 10 different layer options with default cell face
heights.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

• Dispersion Model Input Data

The specific types of emission sources considered during the operational phase
of the port are given in Mitigation Measures

• Ambient air quality monitoring will be carried out regularly at selected

locations in the predicted maximum impact zone in order to check and
compare the predicted concentrations with the measured concentrations.
• Although Natural green belt exist, the Greenbelt of adequate width will be
developed in all possible areas including Cargo storage areas and long the
boundary of project area to minimise the likely impacts due to air pollution.

Air emissions are generated from the operation of proposed DG sets used as
the standby electricity source in the case of power supply failure. The total
power required for the entire port will be 2x1000 KVA. Though the backup DG
sets operate only in case of power interruptions, continuous run of all DG sets
for peak hour has been assumed to obtain maximum GLCs for the study period
to estimate a worst-case scenario. The emission characteristics of proposed DG
sets are given in Table-4.5.

Table-4.4: Details of Stack Emissions

Sr. No. Parameters DG Sets

1 No. of DG Sets 2
2 Stack Height (m) 45 m each
3 Stack Diameter (m) 0.5 each
4 Exit velocity (m/s) 8.0 – 13.5
5 Exit temperature (oC) 250oC - 275oC
6 Flow rate (Nm3/s) 800 Nm3/hr – 900 Nm3/hr
7 Fuel used Ultra-Pure Low Sulfur Content Diesel
8 Particulate Matter (PM10) 35 - 37.5 mg/Nm3
0.0077 - 0.0094 g/s
9 Sulphur dioxide (SO2) 45 – 50 mg/Nm3
0.01 - 0.012 g/s
10 Nitrogen oxides (NOx) 15 – 20 mg/Nm3
0.0033 - 0.005 g/s
Source: Stack Monitoring Reports of Similar DG Sets

Table-4.5 : Incremental GLC's (DG Sets) - Worst Case scenario

Sr. Parameter GLC Distance (Km) Direction

No (µg/m3)
1 NOx 8.02 3.4 WSW
2 CO 3.41 3.4 WSW
3 SO2 0.25 3.4 WSW
4 PM10 0.43 3.4 WSW
5 PM2.5 0.22 3.4 WSW

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

Table-4.6 : Resultant Concentrations Due To Incremental GLC's (DG Sets) -

Worst Case scenario

Pollutant Maximum AAQ Predicted Resultant NAAQ

Concentrations Incremental Concentration Standards
Recorded During Concentrations (µg/m3) (µg/m3)
the Study Period (µg/m3)
(µg/m3)
SO2 8.3 0.25 8.55 80
NO2 10.1 8.02 18.12 80
CO 245 3.41 248.41 2000
PM10 22.6 0.43 23.03 100

The modelling tool has been executed to assess the predicted incremental
concentrations due to the operation of 2 DG sets for continuous 8 hours per day.
The resultant concentrations as per the above prediction are found to be well
within the permissible limits. The Isopleths for Incremental concentration for
Scenario are given in Figure-4.5 to Figure-4.9.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

Figure –4.5: Predicted Glcs – So2

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Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
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Figure –4.6: Predicted GLCs – NOx

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Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
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Figure –4.7: Predicted GLCs – CO

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
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Figure–4.8: Predicted GLCs – PM10

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
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Figure–4.9: Predicted GLCs – PM2.5

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

4.6.2.3 Impact due to Cargo Handling and Storage

Since it’s a container terminal, and no dust cargo will be handled at port, no
significant direct impact on air quality is anticipated while handling and
storage. On-shore operation activities and vehicle traffic on unpaved roads,
may also contribute to particulate matter emissions.

Mitigation Measures

• All static and mobile diesel generator sets to be used only during power
cut;
• Regular verification of PUC certificates of all the vehicles entering into the
port area
• Project will implement “Cold ironing” to reduce pollution and also to reduce
power consumption
• Similarly most of the Cranes in the port will also use electric power.
• Prohibition of use of more than 15 Year old vehicles for construction and
operational phase
• Use of electric cars inside the port area for all transport requirements.

4.7 Noise Pollution

4.7.1 Potential Impact Due to Port Construction

4.7.1.1 impact due to port construction activities

Construction noise will result from operation of equipment including the

dredger and associated tugs, piling equipment, tracked excavators, Lorries,
dump trucks, and other earth-moving equipment, cranes, and generators /
lighting equipment. The exact construction methods and plant utilised will
depend on the EPC contractor. Noise nuisance during construction depends on
the exact place of the receptor and of the source and the duration of the
activity.

The noise and vibration generated by piling in water if not controlled and
monitored properly, can be transmitted considerable distances through the
water and therefore have the potential to impact on marine mammals.

Such noise pollution may cause nuisances to the population. Atmospheric

conditions that may affect noise levels include humidity, wind direction, and
wind speed.

Seawater is an efficient medium for sound propagation, particularly low

frequency sound and therefore marine life over a wide area could be potentially
affected. Underwater noise during the port construction will result from the
equipment that are used for underwater activities, such as dredging,
reclamation or the construction of the bund wall, piling and ship movements.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

Mitigation Measures

The following measures could mitigate the negative impacts caused by noise
emissions:

• Noise mitigation measures shall be in place prior to the commencement of

any construction work.
• Under water noise generation should be restricted with modified
equipment.
• All contractors and subcontractors involved in the port construction phase
should comply with the relevant international noise standards;
• Activities that take place near residential or sensitive receptors to be
careful planned (restricted to daytime, taking into account weather
conditions, etc.);
• Residents in the vicinity to be notified about construction schedules and
activities;
• All plant and equipment to be fitted with silencers, mufflers, acoustic
linings, or shields, as necessary.
• If necessary, measures to be taken to reduce noise emissions from the site
shall include provision of screens or bunds to absorb noise and deflect it
away from receptors;
• Before commencing any piling operations, the contractors shall be required
to submit calculations to demonstrate that the appropriate standards will
not be exceeded
• Timing and programming outside sensitive seasons (e.g. avoiding the
migration seasons of marine mammals, etc.), especially concerning
underwater noise;
• Apply a change management process to modify operations, if necessary to
address noise issues;
• Vehicles and generator sets to be serviced regularly and maintained
properly to avoid any unwanted generation of noise or vibration from them;
• Employees working in noisy environment should be made to wear ear
muffs/ear plugs to avoid any adverse impact of noise on them;
• Employees exposed to hand vibration while handling/operating of heavy
machineries should compulsorily wear anti vibration gloves made up of
visco elastic material;
• Shock absorbing techniques should be used to minimise the impact of
vibration from heavy machineries;
• Heavy machineries and generators to be operated during day time only.
• A noise monitoring programme during construction should be implemented
Vehicles older than 15 years will not be allowed to operate during
construction and operational phase.
• Preferably battery operated very low noise generating vehicles will be used
in the port premises during operational stage

4.7.1.2 Impact due to Dredging and Reclamation - Noise

Dredging is likely to occur 24 hours a day, seven days per week. While
dredging activities will generate noise from a variety of sources, the primary
sources of equipment noise would include the cutter suction dredger itself, with
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

its associated pumps and generators and the tugboats used to position the
dredger. Other equipment such as the crew boats and survey boats would not
contribute substantially to the noise associated with the dredging activities.
Additionally, noise will be generated by onshore plant used to spread the
dredged materials and to assemble and periodically relocate pipelines.
Generally speaking, a weighted noise intensity from working engines at the
noise source shall not exceed a continuous level above approximately 120
dB(A).

Underwater noise: Seawater is an efficient medium for sound propagation,

particularly low frequency sound and therefore marine life over a wide area
could be potentially affected. Underwater noise during the port construction will
result from the equipment that are used for underwater activities, such as
dredging, reclamation or the construction of the bund wall, piling and ship
movements. The noise and vibrations generated by the underwater activities
can potentially be transmitted to considerable distances through the water and
hence cause negative impacts on the marine mammals. Conditions that
determine the transmission of noise emissions and vibrations are current
pattern and strength and the hydrological/geomorphologic circumstances. The
day to day terminal activities such as vessel loading / unloading, container
handling, etc. will cause additional underwater noise emissions. These are
however not expected to be significant.

Noise - Mitigation Measures

• Where necessary, noise emissions should be minimised and controlled

through the application of techniques which may include installation of
sound barriers
• Optimising dredging activity and duration
• As per ZSI, the main sources of underwater noise pollution are shipping, dredging, and
seismic surveying. Measures to reduce the noise from shipping vessels include
modifying propellers and/or hulls and performing regular maintenance, vibrationally
isolating machinery, implementing ship speed restrictions and incentivizing the use of
fewer, larger vessels etc. These measures should be the part of the approval process
while allowing the ship to enter GNI-ICTT.
•
• As per ZSI recommendations, the off-shore maintenance dredging activity
needs to be halted between November and February which is the nesting
/breeding season for the leatherback turtles.

4.7.2 Impact Due to Port Operation

Impacts during operations mainly will result from the port terminal activities
such as vessel loading/unloading, container handling and access road/rail
traffic that will result from container traffic arriving and departing through the
port business day. Seawater is an efficient medium for sound propagation,
particularly low frequency sound and therefore marine life over a wide area
could be potentially affected. The day to day terminal activities such as vessel

C4-47
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

loading / unloading, container handling etc. will cause additional underwater

noise emissions. These are however not expected to be significant.

Figure-4.10: Noise Contours – ICTT

4.7.2.1 Noise Mitigation Measures

• Acoustic fencing might be installed along the edge of the access road
should the traffic-generated noise levels be significant to warrant mitigation
measures
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

• Apply a change management process to modify operations, if necessary to

address noise issues when they occur.
• Vehicles and generator sets to be serviced regularly and maintained
properly to avoid any unwanted generation of noise or vibration from them.
• Employees working in noisy environment should be made to wear ear
muffs/ear plugs to avoid any adverse impact of noise on them;
• A regular noise monitoring programme should be defined and implemented
for the port O&M phase.
• Underwater noise has to be controlled during the operation phase. The
measures include modifying propellers and/or hulls and performing regular
maintenance, vibrationally isolating machinery, implementing ship speed restrictions
and incentivizing the use of fewer, larger vessels etc. These measures should be the
part of the approval process while allowing the ship to enter GNI-ICTT.

4.8 Solid Waste Management

4.8.1 Potential Impact Due to Port Construction

Solid wastes cause significant degradation of environment creating unhealthy

conditions causing various diseases and other civic problems. During the
construction stage, there will be a sudden labour influx in the area and unless
adequately managed will cause unhealthy environment within and outside the
port boundaries. Every human activity generates municipal wastes. The wastes
from the labour colonies include human wastes, wastes from kitchens and
other wastes like food packets, drinking water bottles, boxed from
consumables etc. Unless there is a proper waste collection, transportation,
treatment and disposal system, the whole area will be visually obnoxious, and
will create unhealthy environment, more so, especially during the rains.
Uncollected green wastes generally decay within 24 hours in hot and humid
climate creating a fertile ground for vectors.

4.8.1.1 Construction and Other Wastes

Construction will potentially generate the following wastes: green wastes from
vegetation clearance, excess construction materials, including offcuts and
packaging; hazardous wastes; oils, fuels and other chemicals generated by
onsite maintenance and repair of construction equipment and machinery;
Excavation materials; food wastes from construction personnel; site office
wastes; and human waste; poor construction procedures that generate
excessive wastes increase construction costs and results in disposal of
otherwise valuable resources. In the study area no sanitary landfill is foreseen.
Therefore, there is a moderate risk to the soil quality, surface and groundwater
and marine environment.

4.8.1.2 Hazardous Materials Management

Hazardous wastes (oil, chemicals, lubricants, paints, compressed gases, and

varnishes, etc.) generated during the construction phase should be dealt with
separately from non-hazardous waste.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

4.8.1.3 Mitigation Measures/Solid Waste Management

The port Waste Management Plan for construction and operation phase
should be developed defining adequate measures for SW collection,
segregation, reuse and disposal.

The sewage/solid waste/hazardous wastes to be treated and disposed or sold

to authorised recyclers as per the MoEF guidelines.

• The integrated waste management facility designed for the GNI

development should be established at an early date so that onsite disposal
can be avoided.
• Port operator should prepare a Waste Management Plan defining adequate
measures for SW collection, segregation, reuse and disposal during
construction.
• Proper sanitation bins to be installed in the port area for collection of
sewage/solid waste/construction wastes on site.
• Solid waste generated during the construction process to be separated and
recycled where possible / appropriate.
• Burning of waste on site should not be permitted. All waste, which cannot
be recycled on site, should be collected and taken off site for
recycling/reuse or disposal to an integrated waste management facility for
GNI development.
• A „scavenging boat‟ should be available at all times for collection of
windblown rubbish within the harbour basin itself.
• All rubbish, waste materials and debris shall be systematically cleared from
working areas as they accumulate; all such materials should be cleared at
the end of each working day.
• If removal of waste materials at the end of the working day is not possible,
the materials should be covered with tarpaulin or similar.
• Waste materials not removed directly from the site shall be temporarily
stored at designated points and covered, pending removal from the site.
• All working areas and site roads to be kept clear of mud, water, silt and
other materials at all times. If earth, mud, or other debris is deposited on
roads, it shall be immediately removed.
• Hazardous waste should only be handled by authorised agency and
following good international practices and applicable local and international
regulations (Basel and Rotterdam Convention)
• For the purpose of a highly efficient EMP implementation particularly solid
waste management the entire port and associated infra facilities have been
divided in to 10 units (refer Chapter 10). The ultimate objective of the EMP
is to create an awareness of “Zero Tolerance”

4.8.2 Solid Waste - Potential Impact During Port Operation

The amount of solid waste produced by the operational activities in the

proposed port may be quite substantial. Wastes originating at the port may
include inert solid waste from cargo packaging and from administrative offices,
as well as hazardous or potentially hazardous waste associated with vehicle
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

and equipment maintenance operations (e.g. used lubricating oils and engine
degreasing solvents). Wastes originating from ships may include oily sludge,
inert materials such as food packaging, and food waste. Among others,
substantial amounts of solid waste will result from the terminals‟ daily and
periodic activities, including the cleaning of storage tanks. The quantity of
municipal solid waste generated from canteen and administrative areas is
estimated at about 1000 Kg/Day, of which 60% will be bio-degradable and
40% non-biodegradable. These wastes will generate odour and health impacts
and ground and surface water contamination, if not managed properly. Details
for the integrated solid waste management system has been provided in
Chapter 2C (2.7.4) of Township.

4.8.2.1 Solid Waste - Mitigation Measures

The port Waste Management Plan should be developed defining adequate

measures for SW collection, segregation, reuse and disposal.

• Port operation activities solid waste shall be adequately collected and

managed by Contractor (as one option) in accordance with the relevant
Indian laws, IFC PSs and IFC EHS guidelines for Waste Management
Facilities.
• In accordance with the requirements of MARPOL 73 /78 and its annexes IV
and V, appropriate facilities shall be provided for the reception of all wastes
arising from ships. These should include facilities for the following basic
categories of ship-generated wastes:
 Oily waste (usually oil mixed with larger quantities of seawater, also fuel
residues and sludge).
 Garbage (originating from crew and passengers, maintenance of the ship,
cargo and fishing activities).

4.9 Socio-Economic Impact

Positive Impacts:

a. The road network will be increasing therefore the accessibility will increase.

The goal of the project for Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island in
Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ is to development of a new ‘greenfield city’ with a
diverse and robust economy based on maritime services and tourism, amongst
other drivers. Great Nicobar Island to attract international and national visitors
to experience the outstanding natural environment and participate in
sustainable tourism activity. As per the future requirement the road network
will be increase therefore the accessibility will increase.

b. Educational facilities

Considering that Great Nicobar Island is not well developed and is mostly rural
in nature, there is a complete lack of educational facilities. For the future
communities to come and settle in the GNI planning area it is paramount that
certain educational facilities to be provided based on the need based social and
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

physical infrastructure development assessment. 77 Primary schools, 19

secondary schools, total of 8 integrated schools, 4 colleges, 3 scientific
research centers, 2 ITIs, 1 adult education center, 2 technical education
centers will be provided. These facilities will be located at appropriate
catchment locations for easy access.

c. Medical facilities

Considering that Great Nicobar Island is not well developed and is mostly rural
in nature, there is a complete lack of healthcare facilities. For the future
communities to come and settle in the GNI planning area it is paramount that
certain healthcare facilities to be provided based on the need based social and
physical infrastructure development assessment. 38 dispensaries/poly clinics,
08 Nursing home& maternity homes, 04 hospitals 100 beds to 200, 04
hospitals 20 beds to 80 beds, 04 multispecialty hospitals 100 beds to 200 beds,
04 specialty hospitals 100 beds to 200 beds, 02 general hospitals 300 beds to
500 beds, 04 family welfare centers along with pediatric centers, gastric
centers with diagnostic facility are required. The medical facilities will be
increased as per the requirement.

d. Availability of water and power

Two raw water reservoir will be built to supply drinking water to the planning
area including all seven villages. Availability of drinking water will be increase.
450 MVA Gas and Solar based power plant will be constructed in 39 ha. The
availability of power will be increase.

e. More industries will open thereby increasing the job opportunities etc.

The International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) project shall bring

major investments to the region covering a wide range of sectors connectivity
and Cargo industry. It will help in setting up ancillary facilities which will
provide the spin of benefits to the economy and will help livelihood around the
people. More industries will open thereby increasing the job opportunities etc.
The project once fully operational shall bring total employment potential of
1,250 and 4,200 persons and an investment of INR 18,308 Crores and INR
35,959 Crores during initial Phase and Final phase respectively, thereby
opening up employment opportunities for the youth in the region.

Construction Phase

The proposed project of ICTT, apart from generating employment opportunities

within the project would pave way to increase in number of auxiliary business
opportunities for local population and also to outsiders.

It is expected that the locally available labour will be engaged during

construction.

C4-52
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

Operation Phase

The proposed project provided employment to persons of different skills and

trades. The local population is the largest beneficiary among these employees.
The employment potential ameliorates economic conditions of these families
directly and provide employment to many other families indirectly who are
involved in business and service-oriented activities. This in turn will improve
the socio-economic conditions of the region.

The project is expected to create positive impact on the occupation structure of

the study area and marginal workers would get full employment with skill up
gradation and change in occupation, thus improving their income level and
economic status.

f. The revenue for the GNI will increase which can be used for infrastructural
development.

Subsequently large number of people workers, skilled persons, tourists with

different background and financial status will come to the area, the new shops
will develop, and the consumerism will increase creating more shops and
consequent economic development will be initiated. The revenue for the GNI
will increase which can be used for infrastructural development.

g. Impact on Education Sector

Schools, colleges and ITI will come to the area thereby upgrading the skills of
the local population. The residents do not of have to go to Port Blair or to
mainland for higher education and skill development institutions.

The negative aspect of the development will be:

a. The natural resource will deplete to some extent and forest will be diverted for
non-forest purposes.

b. The pollution will increase.

For construction of ICTT project reclamation of Land to develop Onshore

Storage facilities. Minimal hill cutting is required, and minimal dredging is
required site levelling, clearance of trees, shrubs and bushes are envisaged. In
addition to above, some hills need to be cut. Pollution will increase however; it
will not exceed the ambient AQ standards.

c. Water may get contaminated doe to construction activity.

227 ha of land reclamation is required for ICTT. Large displacement of the

marine sediments and the development of mud-waves beneath the reclamation
fill”. This would disrupt the ocean's ecosystem, lead to soil liquefaction and
pollute the water.

C4-53
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(A)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - ICTT

d. Noise levels will increase

For ICTT project administration building, Operation Building, Canteen, Workshop,

utility buildings will be provided apart from the open container yard for storage of
containers. Cutting and filling will also be required & support infrastructure will be
developed. Noise levels will increase however it will not exceed the ambient AQ
standards.

e. The attitude of people will change. Now they are simple folks with low levels of
consumption.

f. Law and order situation and traffic accident cases may increase.

C4-54
CHAPTER 4B
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

4.0 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

4.1 Introduction
This chapter presents identification and appraisal of various impacts from the
proposed airport project on surroundings environment. The mitigation measures
including Environment Management Plan (EMP) during construction and
operational phases of the proposed project are also described in the chapter.
Various environmental parameters are studied during construction and
operational phase of airport project for assessment of their impact on the
surrounding environment. The prediction process involves resources, receptors
and pathways linking them. Their nature, magnitude, extent of coverage and
probability of occurrence, determine their relevance and significance. The
pathway, sources, resources, receptors and the cause-and-effect relationship in
the prediction of impact process of airport development project in operation.
During the identification and prediction of the impacts in the construction and
operational phases of the airport project, the baseline conditions are either
assumed to remain unchanged or revised as per trend analysis from known data
collected till reference date of construction or operation of project.
4.2 Prediction of Impact during Construction Phase

The activities that take place during construction phases of airport project are
levelling of site, construction and erection of main airport structures like terminal
building, aprons, runway, construction of blast pads at extreme of runway,
provision of runway shoulders, etc for aerodrome reference code. The impacts are
on land use, soil, air quality, ecology, demography and socio-economics, access
roads and public expectation. The potential primary and secondary impacts on
the environment, their prediction, significance and mitigation are discussed in
subsequent section.
4.2.1 Impact on Land Use and Topography

Topography
The project area includes flat land sloping towards the coast on the east and
south of the island. Here there is habitation and plantations of coconut, spice,
vegetables, etc. The western edge of the project area is a hilly terrain of
undulating landform covered with dense forest. The site is approx. 4000 m long,
running along a flat open patch ay an average elevation of 3 to 20 m above MSL.
The site is dominated by a 100 m high ridge line on the West and has two
isolated knolls on the East. A few of spurs jets out from either direction which
can be levelled in the event of selecting this site. The site has tidal area jetting
inside which would need to be filled and levelled. A part of the tidal area could be
developed into a Sea Jetty for High-speed boats connecting the Airport with the
Port and Campbell Bay. Establishing of approach lights, ILS etc for the first
runway and providing full length second runway (if required in future) will require
some reclamation of land on North and South.

C4-55
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure-4.1: Project Area Overlaid on Topographic Map

C4-56
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

1. Wind Direction: The site is oriented in North South direction approximately and
hence suitable for preferred Runway orientation.

2. Obstruction to Air Navigation: There exists a dominating ridge line on West of the
site running North- South with some heights over 100 m thus penetrating the
obstacle limiting surface of Inner Horizontal Surface and Conical Surface.
However, this ridge line also separates the Airport and the proposed port site and
provides a buffer zone between the two. Suitable and appropriate ATM
procedures need to be established by AAI for safe navigation once the operations
are about to commence.

Land Use

916 Ha of area has been identified for development of International Airport which
includes 845 ha of land and 71 ha of reclaimed area. The proposed area is
sparsely populated and there are only two villages in the area of proposed
airport. Most of the area is revenue land except for approximately 141 ha, which
is under forest land and deemed forest land. The revenue villages lying in the
area of proposed airport are Gandhi Nagar and Shastri Nagar, part of which will
need to be displaced. The land to be utilized for the proposed airport is presently
part vacant, tsunami submerged land, part is owned by villager’s part owned by
the Government. In view of this, a limited rehabilitation and resettlement plan for
human habitat is required or is foreseen.

The Gandhi Nagar site (South Site) includes a large area of revenue land, and
minimal forest land will be affected. In order to achieve the required length of the
runway, reclamation of the sea-coast in North and South will be required.

Inundation:

The area is shielded from sea with two high grounds of approx. 70 to 100 m
elevation above MSL for almost 70 % of length of airport. The site passes through
an inundated patch of approximately 0.73 Sq km in the centre of Site. This patch
was earlier agricultural land but got inundated during the 2004 tsunami and
remained inundated till date. Rest of the area is relatively at higher ground with
average elevation of 3 to 20 m. The inundated land will be landfilled and
compacted on which the runway will pass. All care has been taken to avoid the
acquisition of habitats due to the airport construction.

Reclamation area for runway extending into sea. The options for selecting of a
site for an airport are very limited on this island; the strategic requirement of
constructing an airport entails to make do with whatever is available with
constraints. Hence, the present site needs to reclaim land approximately 194 Ha
of land in order to establish an operational airport. This area extends 55 % in the
South and about 45 % in the North in the Sea.

C4-57
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

4.2.2 Impact on Soil

This excess volume of topsoil after utilizing for greenery development will be
treated as a contingency to cover any additional losses that may occur during
construction such as losses during clearing & grubbing, settlement and
consolidation of native soils underlying proposed embankment areas and for any
removal & disposal of unsuitable or unstable materials encountered (wet areas,
organics, buried debris, etc.).

Accidental spillage of oil from construction vehicles might cause soil

contamination. In order to prevent soil contamination of oils drip pans will be
placed at the parking places of vehicles and the dripped oil will be collected and
subsequently sent to the authorized recycling agencies.

During construction phase there will be import of material from outside specially
the construction material like bricks, cement, murrum, lining material, insulation
bricks, HDPE pipes, backfill material, sand, clay, etc, these materials will be
stored at the site which is likely to change the characteristic of the soil in the
construction area. In addition to that, municipal wastes due to construction
workers, domestic sewage & sullage from construction labour canteen and office
at project site etc., will contribute to changing the soil characteristics.

The hazardous materials used during the construction may include petrol, diesel,
welding gas and paints. These materials will be stored and handled according to
the guidelines specified under Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous
Chemical Rules (MSHIC) and Hazardous Wastes Storage, Handling and
Transportation Rules of MoEF&CC. Some of the precautions of storage and
handling of hazardous materials and waste includes the following:

• Dyked enclosures will be provided which can contain complete contents of the
largest tank;
• The underground diesel tanks (if any) will be tested for leak every year as
long the underground tanks are under operation.
• The Fuel Farm, Diesel and other fuels will be stored in separate dyke
enclosures; away from the main work area and habitation.
• Wherever possible, hazardous raw materials to be substituted by non-
hazardous materials, e.g. cleaning solvents can be replaced with bio-
degradable cleaners, usage of non-chlorinated strippers instead of strippers
containing methylene chloride and substitution of water-based paints for oil-
based ones;
• Separate storage of waste paints and thinners, contaminated rags and
brushes to facilitate recycling and reuse. Rags could be laundered for reuse;
• Installation of on-site recycling equipment to be considered by large
• Vehicle maintenance area to be designed to prevent contamination of ground
water by accidental spillage of oil; and
• Maintaining appropriate inventory control.

Apart from localized construction impacts within airport site, no adverse impact
on the soil in the surrounding area is anticipated.

C4-58
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

4.2.3 Impact on Air Quality

Impacts of construction activity on ambient air quality are cause for concern mainly
in the dry months due to settling of dust particles. The concern is magnified mainly
because the construction site is adjacent to human habitation of Gandhi Nagar. The
habitation is in the down wind direction. Most of the houses of Gandhinagar will be
acquired, however only few houses will be left which area adjacent to the Airport
boundary. The main sources of emission during the construction period are the
movement of equipment at site and dust emitted during the leveling, grading,
earthworks, foundation works, and other construction related activities. Construction
material storage also contributes to the degradation of the air quality especially
during the high wind conditions.

The impact is likely to be felt during construction period and would be generally
confined locally to the construction site itself. However, when the construction
activity is near to the habitation, it might be cause of concern. All care must be
taken to ensure that dust generated during construction is suppressed with water
sprays. The composition of dust in this kind of operation is however mostly coarse
particles, inorganic and non-toxic in nature. These are not expected to travel long
distance before settling, which also can be arrested with proper management plan.

Exhaust emissions from vehicles and equipment deployed during the construction
phase also result in marginal increase in the levels of SO2, NO2, PM, CO and unburnt
hydrocarbons. The impact will however, be reversible, marginal, and temporary in
nature.

4.2.4 Impact on Water Resources and Quality

During the construction phase, water required for construction purposes will be
from the water supply from the catchment storages dams that will be constructed
in the development area. It is also proposed to adopt the techniques and
equipment, which will further help in reduction of water demand during
construction. The water used for the construction will be as per the designed
capacity of the storage structures where from the water will be supplied.
Therefore, the impact on the water resources during the construction phase
would be minimal in nature.

Impact on water quality during construction phase is possible due to sewage

generated from the construction workforce stationed at the site especially during the
initial stages of construction when the trunk infrastructure may not be fully
operational. Initially the toilet water may be treated through septic tanks however,
as the infrastructure development progresses the construction site sanitation
facilities will be linked to the sewerage pipes and sent to integrated STP proposed
for GNI development for treatment and proper recycling and disposal.

However, during construction activity in rainy season, the water quality is likely to
be affected due to the construction work and loosening of topsoil. This is likely to
increase the suspended solids in the run-off during heavy precipitation. In order
to reduce the impact on water quality, temporary sedimentation pond will be

C4-59
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

constructed for the settlement of the suspended matter. These ponds and oil
water separators will be suitably located near rain water harvesting ponds.

Additionally, following measures will be taken to avoid the surface water

pollution:

• Appropriate slope stabilization measures will be provided; and

• Appropriate sanitation facilities to be provided for the construction workers to
reduce impact on surface water quality.

The construction wastes, as far as possible, will be recycled, reused or recovered.

No wastewater will be discharged outside the project site premises.

The following measures will be taken to minimize the water usage in the
operational phase:

 Use of low flow fixtures and appliances for reduced water consumption such
as low flush water closets and cisterns;
 Water saving shower head flow controls, spray taps and faucet aerators and
photo-sensitive taps;
 The storm water from the area will also be routed to the rainwater harvesting
structures after running through due settling ponds;
 The storm water treatment facility will be located at an appropriate site
keeping in view the slope contours and collection point at the most convenient
point;
 The storm water in rainy season will be harvested to maximum extent
possible;
 Dry cleaning process in workshop and maintenance area to clean the oil
spillages;
 Drip and sprinkler irrigation system to maintain green areas to minimize the
water requirement.;
 Smart irrigation system that uses daily, weather data, slope, soil types,
planting coefficients, and precipitation and infiltration rates to calculate actual
water requirements daily;
 Water will be supplied through closed conduits only; and
 Creating awareness among the employees on water conservation.

4.2.5 Sewerage System

The airport will be connected to the integrated sewage treatment plant located
within the GNI development. Treated wastewater from sewage treatment plant
will be recycled and used for gardening and non-potable purposes. The water
treatment technology details along with characteristics given in Chapter-2C-
Township and area development project.

C4-60
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

4.2.6 Impact of construction on Noise

At the peak of the construction, marginal increase in noise levels is expected to

occur locally at the construction site. The activities, which produce periodic noise,
are as follows:
• Foundation construction including pile driving; and
• Infrastructure construction.

The typical noise levels of some construction equipment are given in Table- 4.1.

Table-4.1: Typical Noise Levels at the source Of Construction Equipment

Particulars Noise Levels dB(A)

Earth Movers
Front End Loaders 72-84
Backhoes 72-93
Tractors 76-96
Scrapers, Graders 80-93
Pavers 86-88
Trucks 82-94
Material Handlers
Concrete mixers 75-88
Concrete pumps 81-88
Cranes (movable) 75-86
Cranes (derrick) 86-88
Stationary Equipment
Pumps 69-71
Generators 71-82
Compressors 74-86

The peak noise levels from continuous construction activity may be about 86-96 dB
(A). this noise will be generated due to the operation of the equipment and will be
within a meter. However, silencers, mufflers will have to be used to ensure that the
sound level does not exceed 75dB at all the time at the boundary of construction
sites. The nearest habitation areas are located well beyond 1 km from the major
construction sites, however few homesteads are located within proximity of 600m
from the runway construction areas. If during monitoring it is found that the noise
level at the homestead sites exceeds the permissible limit, well designed noise
barriers will have to be erected. The noise levels are considered to have no
significant impact on community. However, the potential noise impact on the
workers at Airport needs to be mitigated by providing earplugs

Overall, the impact of noise generated on the environment is likely to be

insignificant, reversible and localized in nature. Community noise levels are not
likely to be affected because of the vegetation and likely attenuation due to the
physical barriers. The following recommendations will be implemented:

• Provision of silencers and mufflers at the exit of noise source on the

machineries like generators, pumps. vehicles etc.;
• Construction equipment with minimum noise will be chosen;
C4-61
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

• Vehicles and construction equipment with internal combustion engines without

proper silencer will not be allowed to operate at the construction site;
• Regular maintenance of construction equipment;
• The use of damping materials such as thin rubber/lead sheet for wrapping the
work places like compressors, generator sheets;
• Shock absorbing techniques will be adopted to reduce impact;
• Inlet and outlet mufflers will be provided which are easy to design; and
• Ear plugs will be provided to the workers working in high noise level areas.

4.2.7 Impact of construction due to Solid Waste Generation

About 2% of construction materials generally end up as construction waste.

During construction phase, solid waste will be refilled for levelling etc. During
construction phase, solid wastes in terms of canteen wastes, food packet
wrappers, paper, plastic drums, paints, oil containers etc will be generated. This
may cause for environmental degradation at the project site as well as its
immediate surroundings, if adequate measures are not taken.

Mitigation measures

In order to avoid any solid waste disposal problems, an effective solid waste
management system by means of collection of wastes in different types of dust
bins and transporting the same to the central waste treatment facility. Though
the whole development project will have an integrated waste storage, treatment
and disposal facility (Refer Chapter 2 of Township for details), the airport
operators should also develop a waste management plan in tune with the overall
waste management system for the whole project. Strict adherence to the
established solid waste collection and disposal system will ensure clean
environment during construction period.

4.2.8 Impact of construction on Ecology

The noise levels outside the construction boundary at any point of time will be
restricted to <55dB. Proper maintenance of the equipment will help in reducing
these noise levels, and therefore the impacts on ecology will be insignificant.

The initial construction works at the project site involves land clearance, cutting,
filling and leveling. The basic significant impact of construction on ecology will be
due to the loss of vegetation. The airport will need 55.46 ha of forest land. This
area is generally densely vegetated. The removal of vegetation will impact the
birds and other fauna which depends on the flora. However as per ZSI, the
impact will be limited as most of the faunal species will be able to relocate to
other areas where the vegetation is significant. The herbaceous vegetation
generally causes loosening of topsoil. However, such impacts would be primarily
confined to the project site during initial periods of the construction phase and
would be minimized through adoption of mitigative measures like paving and
surface treatment, water sprinkling and appropriate plantation programme.

C4-62
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

One more ecological impact that is envisaged during construction related to

lighting in the construction area. Light generally affects birds and especially the
nocturnal ones. All care should be taken to ensure that excessive lighting does
not happen in the area. Using a smaller number or lower intensity lights;
repositioning, shielding, redirecting, lowering, or recessing fixtures are some of
the available options for reducing illumination in the construction site.

For the airport, a creek which was formed due to tsunami will be reclaimed. The
creek was agricultural land and was used for cultivation before tsunami. Tilting of
the SW part of the GNI caused ingression of the sea into the land and small
mouth opened which caused flooding of these agricultural land. Initially,
immediately after the tsunami, there was a total loss of the then existing ecology
as trees were uprooted. However, Over the years, the submerged area developed
its own ecology and now few saltwater crocodiles have been reported. There have
been incidents of crocodile attack on humans and the villagers wanted the
removal or culling of the crocodiles. While reclaiming the creek area, the
crocodiles will have to be relocated to suitable habitat. Since many crocodile
habitats exist in the Island, there should not be problems in relocating the
crocodiles. Further, any shifting of crocodiles must be done only with the prior
written approval of Chief Wildlife Warden under Section- 11 of Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972.

The airport will also need to reclaim small part on both ends of the runway. The
total reclaimed land will be 194 ha. To ensure that the ecology of the area is only
affected to minimum extent, the runway length has been reduced from 4000 m
to_3120 m. Now the area which is being designated as reclaimed area will be
piled for lighting the runway. This will have only marginal impact on the ecology
of the area as there will be practically no change in the tide or current pattern.
ZSI, however, have reported few coral patches on the southern end of the
runway lighting piles. The coral reefs are further south of the piled area and not
in the area where piling is to be undertake, However, during the construction
some small patches of coral reefs may get affected. The precise amount of loss
will have to be determined just before the construction as the growth and
bleaching of corals are common in the Island. However, even if there is any loss
of corals during construction, it would not exceed 1-2 ha at the maximum. Even if
there is no loss, the project can take some proactive actions and restore some
area with coral replantation.

The construction activities lead to inward migration of a huge labour force in the
area and thus there would be pressure on trees in the area due to increase in fuel
demand. Care will be taken that the labours do not cut small trees or branches as
fuel wood, for their requirement in cooking and other purposes. The area being an
aviation zone, impact on terrestrial fauna will be negligible.

Mitigation measures for ecology restoration during construction

Various mitigation measures to reduce the ecological impacts will include:

• Reduction of noise levels with proper maintenance of the construction
equipment and vehicles.

C4-63
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

• Innovative lighting in the construction face. Using a smaller number or lower

intensity lights; repositioning, shielding, redirecting, lowering, or recessing
fixtures are the options available for light reduction.
• Careful relocation of few crocodiles that inhabit the creek area which will be
reclaimed with due consultation from the forest department.
• Care to be taken while piling the runway extensions for airport lighting.
• Coral restoration and replantation measures.

4.2.9 Construction Workers Camp - impacts & mitigation measures:

• The following data is to assess the impact of labour colonies and suggest
suitable remedial measures so that the construction of the project could be
managed with minimum damage to the environment.

• Total number of construction labours are given

Estimated labour requirement

Phase I Phase II
1200 1470
Estimated labour + Family + Support requirement
1680 2058
Water requirement and source (lpcd)
252000 308700
Quantity of waste generated and fractionation (organic, hazardous, recyclable and
biomedical) (Kg/day)
600 735

• Water treatment system for the labour colonies: -In the initial stages of
construction, the treated water will be provided through tankers till the
proposed trunk infrastructure is laid down in GNI. Compact waste water
treatment plant / Septic tank shall be installed within the labour colonies
during the initial phase of construction. However, one the infrastructure is
ready, the waster will be supplied through the central waste treatment plant.
• All the waste water generated in the labour colonies will be treated before
discharge. In the initial stages the wastes from the toilets will be treated
through septic tanks. However, once the central treatment plant is ready, all
the waste water will be directed to the treatment plant and will recycled. No
water is expected to be discharges. However, some makeup might be required
for operation of the plant and the quantity will be used for gardening
purposes.

• Municipal waste management system that is Collection, transportation

treatment and disposal system for the labour colonies. (Details of
MSW system is given in chapter 2C (2.7.4), Township)

 Separate bins will be installed within the labour colonies for dry and wet
waste.

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to collect and transfer the waste to

nearest solid waste transfer site
C4-64
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

 After collection and transfer, solid waste management shall be integrated with
overall SWM system of GNI
 At least 2 Organic Waste Composters of 1-2 T capacity each will be installed in
the labour colonies.

Medical facilities for the labours number of dispensaries, hospital and

emergency medical centres in case of accidents).

 Considering the phase wise total labour requirement, local health centre /
dispensaries will be planned within the labour colonies. For any treatment
required facility above the local health centre; the GNI local facilities shall be
utilized.

 Ambulance facility shall be provided by the contractor all the time at site as
well as at labour colonies

• Medical check and vaccination programmes for prevention of

contagious and vector borne diseases.

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to follow the centre / UT guidelines

related to health, disease preventive measures, and vaccination programme.
This shall be part of the contract agreement.

• Mosquito control programmes

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to have time to time cleaning, fogging,

and medication camping.

• Emergency evacuation plan in case of natural disasters like floods,

cyclones and tsunamis and earthquakes and epidemics.

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to prepare a disaster management plan

including evacuation plan for site as well as labour colonies.

With regards to the impacts due to construction worker camps, to ensure there is
no strain on the existing infrastructure, the worker camps will be self-sufficient
and would not rely on any local resource. This would also ensure that there is no
conflict with the local population. To mitigate impacts from health hazards,
sanitation self-sufficient infrastructure facilities will be provided. Further, the
worker camps will be located away from the coast and habitations.

4.2.9 Demography and Socio-Economics & Rehabilitation & Resettlement

916 Ha of area has been identified for development of International Airport which
includes 845 ha of land and 71 ha of reclaimed area. The revenue villages lying in
the area of proposed airport are Gandhi Nagar and Shastri Nagar, which will be
affected need to be displaced. The land to be utilized for the proposed airport is

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

presently owned by Government and private. However, part of the land is tsunami
submerged land and under forest.

The impact of the proposed facility will begin with the starting up of the
construction activities at the site. The proposed construction will provide
employment to considerable number of skilled, semi-skilled and un-skilled
construction laborer. In normal circumstances, the local people will be given
preference for the unskilled activities, as there are many construction laborers in
the vicinity of the project and are expected to be available with normal wages.

It is anticipated that to the extent possible the labour force will be sourced from
the local area. Provision of wage employment to the local populace during
construction period of the project will solve the un-employment problem in the
local area to some extent. This will enhance the income levels of the construction
laborer’s and lead to their socio-economic well- being during the construction
phase of the proposed facility, which will be a positive impact due to the project.
The project will construct schools, colleges and ITI centers with an aim to train
people and develop their skills. The training centers will start at the early stage of
construction phase so that more skilled locals are eligible for the job in the
project.

4.3 Impacts during Operational Phase

Environmental impacts associated with the operation of the project will be

avoided/minimized by implementing the key design and planning strategies, the
project will inevitably give rise to some impacts on the environment. Therefore,
detailed assessment of the environmental impacts has been carried out and,
where necessary, appropriate mitigation measures have been given to further
alleviate the potential impacts. A summary of the major assessment findings is
presented in the subsequent sections:

• Land use;
• Topography;
• Climate;
• Air quality;
• Water resources and quality;
• Soil quality;
• Noise levels;
• Terrestrial and aquatic ecology; and
• Demography and socio-economics.

4.3.1 Land Use

Land use/land cover will change as the proposed airport miscellaneous civil works
etc. will be developed in this area. The existing vegetation and crops, trees will be
cleared for the development of the airport and its allied facilities. The operation
phase is generally a restoration phase where many of the negative impacts of
construction will be mitigated. The area has high rainfall and the soil is generally

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

fertile. Under these circumstances there will be a tendency for growth of luxurious
vegetation. Trees, bushes etc attract birds which might compromise flight safety.
However, care should be taken to periodically clear wild growth of vegetation. ZSI
is also of the opinion that no fruiting trees, which attract birds, should be planted
within 1 km from the airport boundary. During operation, it involves only
movement of aircrafts. Some of the other allied activities may involve ground
force and taxiway which will be operational only during LTO and within airside of
the airport.

Mitigation Measures

• Transfer of fuels during refueling operations, leak detection containment of

any surface spillage is to be monitored; and
• Aircraft maintenance, sensitivity of the location where activities are
undertaken and control of runoff of potential contaminants, chemicals etc. to
be properly implemented and reported.
• Removal of all fruiting trees within 1km of the boundary of the airport

4.3.2 Topography

The site is approx. 4000 m long, running along a flat open patch ay an average
elevation of 3 to 20 m above MSL. The site is dominated by a 100 m high ridge
line on the West and has two isolated high ground on the East. A few of spurs jets
out from either direction which can be levelled in the event of selecting this site.
The site has tidal area jutting inside which would need to be filled and levelled.
The terrain around the proposed site is open, devoid of any high obstructions and
safe for aircraft operations. The general topography can be overcome for
operational uses with adequate site preparation.

Mitigation Measures

Proper drainage systems, emergency containment in the event of a major spill

during monsoon season etc are to be provided.

4.3.3 Impact on Air Quality due to Airport Operations

• Airside – Air Quality Modelling for ATM

Impact on Air Quality

During the operational phase of the airport, the continuous air emissions are
expected to be from aircraft engines during approach, landing, taxiing, take-off
and initial climb or collectively called as reference Landing and Take-off cycle
(LTO cycle). The air pollutants of concern from the aircraft emissions will be
unburnt hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX)
as per ICAO guidelines. The impact on ambient air quality is assessed hereunder
considering the following:

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

• The air quality impacts have been predicted for the proposed airport assuming
that the pollution due to the existing activities (Pre-operational) has already
been covered under baseline environmental monitoring; and

• MM5 data has been considered for site-specific meteorological parameters.

Short-term 24-hourly incremental values (GLCs) were estimated using the site-
specific meteorological data.

Air Pollution Modeling

As the proposed project site is in coastal environment, air dispersion modeling

studies were conducted using CALPUFF model. CALPUFF is an advanced,
integrated multi-layer, multi-species non-steady-state puff dispersion model that
simulates the effects of time and space varying meteorological conditions on
pollution transport, transformation and removal. CALPUFF can be applied on
scales of tens to hundreds of kilometers. This model has been adopted by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its Guideline on Air
Quality Models as a preferred model for assessing long range transport of
pollutants.

 Model Set-up and Scenarios

In Calpuff, the modeling domain has set-up by 25 X 25 km horizontal grid with

each grid cell spacing of 4 X 4 km to provide adequate resolution of terrain
features. Calpuff has run with 10 different layer options with default cell face
heights.

• Dispersion Model Input Data

The specific types of emission sources considered during the operational phase of
the airport are given in Table-4.2.

Table-4.2: LTO Emission Factors

Expressed in kg/LTO
Scenarios Type of Aircraft SO2 NOx CO HC VOC PM
Scenario-I A319 0.37 25.86 14.80 1.25 0.005 0.14
A321 0.48 16.72 7.55 1.42 0.013 0.030
A320 0.36 9.01 6.19 0.57 0.005 0.07
Source: ICAO Air quality Manual

Presentation of Results

For the short-term simulations for volume and point emission sources, the
concentrations were estimated around 1200 receptors to obtain an optimum
description of variations in concentrations over the site in 10 km radius covering 16
directions. The incremental concentrations are estimated for the study period. The
results are presented in Table-4.3.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Table-4.3 : Predicted 24-Hourly Short Term Incremental Concentrations

Expressed in µg/m3
Scenarios SO2 NOx CO HC VOC PM
Scenario-I 0.57 14.30 9.81 0.91 0.008 0.11

• Resultant Concentrations after Implementation of the Project

The maximum incremental GLCs due to the proposed airport for the above
pollutants are superimposed on the maximum baseline concentrations of the
respective pollutants recorded during the study period to arrive at the likely
resultant concentrations after implementation of the proposed airport. The
resultant concentrations (baseline + incremental) are tabulated in Table-4.4 and
the isopleths showing the incremental concentrations are shown in Figure-4.2 to
Figure-4.8.

Table-4.4 : Resultant Concentrations Due To Incremental GLC's (Aircraft

Operations) - Worst Case – Scenario-I

Pollutant Maximum AAQ Predicted Resultant NAAQ

Concentrations Incremental Concentration Standards
Recorded During Concentrations (µg/m3) (µg/m3)
the Study Period (µg/m3)
(µg/m3)
SO2 8.3 0.57 8.87 80
NO2 10.1 14.30 24.40 80
CO 245 9.81 254.81 2000
PM10 22.6 0.11 22.71 100

The modelling tool has been executed to assess the predicted incremental
concentrations of the air quality attributes considered 3 LTOs (for two scenarios –
wide bodied aircrafts and narrow bodied). Also, it is assumed that the pollution due
to the existing activities (Pre-project) already been covered under baseline
environmental monitoring. The resultant concentrations as per the above prediction
are found to be well within the permissible limits. The Isopleths for Incremental
concentration for Scenario – 1 are given in Figure–4.2 to Figure – 4.8

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure– 4.2: Predicted GLCS – Scenario – I: SO2

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure – 4.3: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – I: NOx

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure – 4.4: Predicted Glcs – Scenario – I: CO

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure – 4.5: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – I: HC

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure–4.6: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – I: VOC

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure–4.7: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – I: PM10

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure–4.8: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – I: PM2.5

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Table-4.5: Scenario 2- DG Set

Sr. Parameter GLC (µg/m3) Distance (Km) Direction

No
1 NOx 32.3 1.3 WSW
2 CO 13.7 1.3 WSW
3 SO2 0.98 1.3 WSW
4 PM10 1.74 1.3 WSW
5 PM2.5 0.87 1.3 WSW

• Emission Characteristics-Power Backup DG Sets

Air emissions are generated from the operation of proposed DG sets used as the
standby electricity source in the case of power supply failure. The total power
required for the entire airport will be 3x750 KVA. Though the backup DG sets
operate only in case of power interruptions, continuous run of all DG sets for peak
hour has been assumed to obtain maximum GLCs for the study period to estimate
a worst-case scenario. The emission characteristics of proposed DG sets are given
in Table-4.6.

Table-4.6: Details of Stack Emissions

Sr. No. Parameters DG Sets

1 No. of DG Sets 7
2 Stack Height (m) 45 m each
3 Stack Diameter (m) 0.5 each
4 Exit velocity (m/s) 8.0 – 13.5
5 Exit temperature (oC) 250oC - 275oC
6 Flow rate (Nm3/s) 800 Nm3/hr – 900 Nm3/hr
7 Fuel used Ultra-Pure Low Sulfur Content Diesel
8 Particulate Matter (PM10) 35 - 37.5 mg/Nm3
0.0077 - 0.0094 g/s
9 Sulphur dioxide (SO2) 45 – 50 mg/Nm3
0.01 - 0.012 g/s
10 Nitrogen oxides (NOx) 15 – 20 mg/Nm3
0.0033 - 0.005 g/s
Source: Stack Monitoring Reports of Similar DG Sets

Table-4.7 : Resultant Concentrations Due To Incremental GLC's (DG Sets) -

Worst Case – Scenario-II

Pollutant Maximum AAQ Predicted Resultant NAAQ

Concentrations Incremental Concentration Standards
Recorded During Concentrations (µg/m3) (µg/m3)
the Study Period (µg/m3)
(µg/m3)
SO2 8.3 0.98 9.28 80
NO2 10.1 32.3 42.4 80
CO 245 13.7 258.7 2000
PM10 22.6 1.74 24.34 100

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

The modelling tool has been executed to assess the predicted incremental
concentrations due to the operation of 7 DG sets for continuous 8 hours per day.
The resultant concentrations as per the above prediction are found to be well within
the permissible limits. The Isopleths for Incremental concentration for Scenario – 2
are given in Figure–4.9 to Figure – 4.13

Figure – 4.9: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – Ii: SO2

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure–4.10: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – II: NOx

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure – 4.11: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – II: CO

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure – 4.12: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – II: PM10

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure – 4.13: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – II: PM2.5

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

4.3.4 Impact of Vehicular Traffic

• Vehicular Movement in Parking Facilities

A car park in-front of the terminal building has been developed at airport for the
convenience of passengers and visitors to the airport. The vehicles at the parking
lot include private cars, taxis and cabs. An entry and an exit of the parking facility
with any idling and vehicle movement together, count as one operation. The input
for average distance traveled in lot is an estimate for the average distance a
vehicle travels between entry and exit.

Baseline study on traffic volume outside area and the observed speed has carried
out during the study period. The anticipated additional traffic volume has been
assessed assuming the movement of larger aircrafts like A-320.

With the implementation of the proposed project, the traffic is likely to increase
on the existing road network near the airport and its surroundings. Hourly peak
traffic of 4000 vehicles is considered for the dispersion study to evaluate the
worst-case scenario. The impact of the traffic is assessed based on:

1. Incremental traffic due to the proposed project;

2. Impact on air quality;
3. Adequacy of the internal road network; and
4. Adequacy of parking facilities.

Table-4.8: Scenario 3- Car Parking Lot

Sr. Parameter GLC (µg/m3) Distance from the centerline of

No the road (m)
1 NOx 9.42 20
2 CO 33.42 20
3 HC 2.66 20
4 PM10 1.98 20
5 PM2.5 1.48 20

• Emission Factor

For computing the emission rate, emission factors proposed by CPCB are
considered

CO NOx HC PM
1 0.14 0.04 0.02
CPCB Guideline

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Table-4.9: Resultant Concentrations Due to Incremental Glc’s (Parking Lot) -

Worst Case – Scenario-III

Pollutant Maximum AAQ Predicted Resultant NAAQ

Concentrations Incremental Concentration Standards
Recorded During Concentrations (µg/m3) (µg/m3)
the Study Period (µg/m3)
(µg/m3)
PM10 22.6 1.98 24.58 80
NO2 10.1 9.42 19.52 80
CO 245 33.42 278.42 2000

Predicted incremental concentrations due to the movement of traffic within the

parking lot are computed using the dispersion modeling tool. The resultant
concentrations as per the above prediction are found to be well within the
permissible limits. The Isopleths for Incremental concentration for Scenario – 3 are
given in Figure – 4.14 to Figure – 4.18

Figure– 4.14: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – III: NOx

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure – 4.15: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – III: CO

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure – 4.16: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – III: HC

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure – 4.17: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – III: PM10

C4-87
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure – 4.18: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – III: PM2.5

C4-88
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Table 4.10: Scenario 4- GSE Movement (Land side operation)

Sr. No Parameter GLC (µg/m3) Distance from the

centerline of the road (m)

1 NOx 3.01 40
2 CO 1.42 40
4 PM10 0.33 40
5 PM2.5 0.21 40
7 HC 0.84 40

The predictions of traffic volume incremental concentrations of CO, NOx, HC,

PM2.5 and PM10 due to calculated traffic assumed due to the movement of GSE are
estimated based on site specific meteorological conditions and line source
emissions from vehicles estimated in air side. The model inputs considered for
assessment of impact on air quality due to movement of vehicles.

• Based on traffic study total estimated peak GSE movement in airside is 480.
• The distance of traversal by GSEs in airside is about 3.5 km along a 7 m wide
tarmac road.
• Emission factors for GSE has been considered from BS-IV standards
recommended by CPCB.

The incremental concentrations due to the movement of GSE are given in

Isopleths as shown in Figure – 4.19 to Figure – 4.23

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
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Figure – 4.19: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – IV: NOx

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
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Figure – 4.20: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – IV: CO

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Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
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Figure – 4.21: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – IV: HC

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Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure – 4.22: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – IV: PM10

C4-93
Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure – 4.23: Predicted GLCs – Scenario – IV: PM2.5

C4-94
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

4.3.5 Air Quality Management

Major pollutants envisaged from the proposed project will be from aircraft
exhaust, ground service equipment, vehicular traffic (airside and landside) and
from DG sets. The following methods of abatement will be employed for the air
pollution control at the source level.

 Aircrafts will be operated in accordance with ICAO/USEPA standards to ensure

aircraft emissions are within specified standards;
 Allowing aircrafts with certified engines only to land and take-off, as far as
possible;
 Shut down engines during idling and taxing;
 Toe the aircraft up to the runway to reduce ground emissions
 Single engine taxing and reduced taxing would be effective in reducing
emissions of HC and CO from aircrafts;
 Converting ground service equipment to use alternative fuels;
 The Double Annular Combustor (DAC) burns the fuel at lower temperature in
two stages to radically reduce NOx levels;
 Height of the stack for DG sets will be kept as per CPCB guidelines;
 Providing adequate buffer zones where pollution concentrations are highest to
reduce the impact of emissions;
 Appropriate design of access roads to avoid traffic jams to reduce air
pollution;
 Providing suitable green belt/green cover to reduce the impact of air pollution;
and
 Vehicles moving within the airport will be maintained and emission checks will
be carried out on regular interval.

In addition to the above, any additional control measures suggested by

SPCB/CPCB/MoEF&CC will be implemented.

4.3.6 Impact on Water Resources and Water Quality

The wastewater generation mainly consists of sanitary waste, sewage from airport
terminal, flight kitchen etc. The sewage and sanitary waste from the airport
terminal, and other allied facilities is routed to 400 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant
(STP) and is treated based on Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technology.
Sewage from the aircrafts is also being sent to the STP for treatment. The treated
wastewater from the STP is used for flushing and green cover development. There
is no discharge of any wastewater outside the airport premises.

• Wastewater Generation at Airport Terminal

Water consumption may depend on types of passengers and Aeroplan

maintenance services offered and include the operations of sanitary facilities for
large number of transiting passenger and Aeroplan maintenance services or
cleaning activities in general. Impacts on the public sewerage system, sewage
treatment and disposal facilities associated with the project have been assessed
based on the forecast of ATM, passengers at present and increase in ATM.

C4-95
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

• Wastewater Generation due to Airport Operation

The wastewater generated will be mainly consisting of sanitary waste, which will
be treated in the integrated Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) proposed for GNI
development.

4.3.7 Impact on Soil Quality

Solid waste generated from the proposed facilities would be basically the food
waste and garbage from the terminal building, passenger transport center
facilities. All the municipal wastes will be collected and transported to integrated
Waste Management Facility for treatment and disposal.

Hence, the impact on soil due to solid waste and wastewater generation is not
envisaged to be significant.

4.3.8 Impact on Noise Levels

During the operational phase, aircraft movements will be the major source of
noise pollution from the proposed airport project. Noise will also be generated
from the traffic and standby auxiliary power sources i.e., DG sets, but will be very
less and localized in comparison to the noise from the aircraft, which can be felt
at longer distance also. Hence, noise from the aircraft movement at the airport
has been considered for the noise dispersion modeling.

The noise emanating from aircraft operations depends upon a number of factors
including type of aircraft, overall number of daily takeoffs and landings, specific
flight procedures, topography etc.

To predict the impact on the existing noise levels in the study area due to the
proposed airport, the model Integrated Noise Model (INM), Version 6.0
developed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Office of Environment
and Energy, USA is used. This model has inbuilt information on the various
aircraft and has capability of assessing changes in noise impact resulting from
runway configurations, traffic demand and fleet mix, routings and airspace
structures, alternative flight profiles and modifications to other operational
procedures like reverse thrust.

In the prediction of noise levels due to the proposed airport, operation of runway
has been considered. Total LTO cycles of 3 have been considered in the prediction
of noise levels. For the noise modeling exercise, it is assumed that the aircraft will
follow standard procedures of flying for approaches and departures as defined in
the model, INM 6.0. The following input is given to the model:

• Runway orientation;
• Aircraft fleet mix; and
• Terrain features.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

4.3.9 Model Results

The model is run to estimate values of A-weighted exposure-based noise metrics

viz., LAEQD (Audible Range Weighted Daytime Average), LAEQN (Audible Range
Weighted Nigh Time Average) and LAEQ (Audible Range Weighted 24 hr
Average). The outputs of the modeling exercise are presented in scaled contours
in Figure-4.24 to Figure-4.26 and the area of influence of the predicted
incremental noise levels are given in Table-4.11.

Table-4.11: Noise Levels and Area of Influence

Sr. Noise Area of Influence in km2

No Levels in
dB(A) LEAQD LEAQN LEAQ
(DAY TIME) (NIGHT TIME) (24 HOUR EQUIVALENT)
1 85 0.6 0.8 1.2
2 80 0.7 1.3 2.2
3 75 1.4 2.3 3.5
4 70 2.4 4.2 8.1
5 65 4.4 10.9 18.7
6 60 10.3 26.3 30.1
7 55 24.7 45.4 57.3
Source: Output data of INM Model

The areas which are likely to be impacted by the future air movements are the
same. The areas are already affected by the flight movements and though the
increase in frequency of the movement is likely to worsen the situation, as seen
from the simulation, it can be practically inferred that the magnitude of change in
noise impacts in terms of future flight frequency is unlikely to be of any significant
consequence as the funnel zone end with sea. Hence, the impact in funnel area will
be insignificant on habitation even in peak hours air traffic movements.

There will be a scope for some further modest improvement in takeoff/landing

noise from future aircraft/engine designs which will further reduce the noise levels.

Noise Level Management

Some of the practices proposed for noise attenuation are as follows:

 Strict adherence to DGCA/ICAO prescribed environmental guidelines &

circulars on airport operations;
 Continuous descent approach profiles for landing aircraft;
 Restricted usage of ground engine run-ups to reduce noise;
 Restricted use of thrust reversal while landing of aircraft to minimize noise in
lateral direction;
 Aircrafts with certified engines only will be allowed to land and take-off to the
extent possible to reduce the noise impacts on the surroundings;
 Dual nozzle in the aircraft will reduce the noise levels;
 Proper scheduling of the aircrafts to minimize the noise levels;
 Switching off as many engines as possible during idling and taxing;
 Proper maintenance of ground servicing equipments;
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

 Use of damping materials such as thin rubber/ lead sheet for wrapping the
work places like compressor room, DG room etc;
 Maintenance of vehicles to reduce noise levels;
 Personnel working in noisy areas will be provided with ear plugs/mufflers to
reduce the noise impacts;
 The DG set will be provided with acoustic enclosures and exhaust mufflers for
effective noise reduction of 25 dB(A) each;
 Sources of intermittent noise generating equipment such as compressors will
be provided with appropriate acoustic barriers so that the noise level within
100 m of these facilities when in operation will be less than 70 dB(A); and
 Noise attenuating green belt / green cover will be developed for effective
reduction in noise wherever feasible.

C4-98
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure-4.24: Day Time Average Noise Level Contours-AIRSIDE

C4-99
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure-4.25: Night Time Average Noise Level Contours-AIRSIDE

C4-100
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure-4.26: Hourly average noise level contours-airside

C4-101
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

Figure-4.27: Noise generation diagram in the Airport complex due to proposed activities

C4-102
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

The individual aircraft operators will provide necessary controlled equipment’s like
acoustic enclosures, mufflers and the proposed greenery development will also
act as noise barrier.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards,

the allowable noise level for the workers is 90 dB (A) for 8 hours exposure a day.
Adequate protective measures in the form of ear muffler plugs to the workers
working near the noise generating units will be provided by the occupiers.

Hence, the impact of noise on the surrounding environment is likely to be within

the permissible limit with adequate control measures and judicious
implementation of the environment.

4.3.10 Impact on Ecology

Effective utilization pollution reducing technologies, such as utilization of noise

pollution reduction equipment during the operation phase will be of immense help
and will aid in reducing the noise pollution during operation phase of the airport
and appropriate plantation activity and using treated sewage water for the
purpose of the green belt development and gardening activities which are
earmarked in the area. The appropriate care should be taken so that no fruit
bearing trees should be planted in the green belt/green cover area. The fruit
bearing trees will attract birds which will be detrimental to aircraft safety.
The Aircraft landing and take-off generates significant noise and air blast. This
may affect the nearby resident bird population. However, care will be taken to
ensure that resident birds do not nest near the airport so that the flight safety is
not compromised. As a remedial measure, it has been suggested that no fruiting
tree which attract birds will be planted in the vicinity of the Airport site.

4.3.11 Impacts on Socio-Economics

a. The road network will be increasing therefore the accessibility will increase.

The goal of the project for Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island in
Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ is to development of a new ‘greenfield city’ with a
diverse and robust economy based on maritime services and tourism, amongst
other drivers. Great Nicobar Island to attract international and national visitors to
experience the outstanding natural environment and participate in sustainable
tourism activity. As per the future requirement the road network will be increase
therefore the accessibility will increase.

b. Educational facilities

Considering that Great Nicobar Island is not well developed and is mostly rural in
nature, there is a complete lack of educational facilities. For the future
communities to come and settle in the GNI planning area it is paramount that
certain educational facilities to be provided based on the need based social and
physical infrastructure development assessment. 77 Primary schools, 19
secondary schools, total of 8 integrated schools, 4 colleges, 3 scientific research

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

centers, 2 ITIs, 1 adult education center, 2 technical education centers will be

provided. These facilities will be located at appropriate catchment locations for
easy access.

c. Medical facilities

Considering that Great Nicobar Island is not well developed and is mostly rural in
nature, there is a complete lack of healthcare facilities. For the future
communities to come and settle in the GNI planning area it is paramount that
certain healthcare facilities to be provided based on the need based social and
physical infrastructure development assessment. 38 dispensaries/poly clinics, 08
Nursing home& maternity homes, 04 hospitals 100 beds to 200, 04 hospitals 20
beds to 80 beds, 04 multispecialty hospitals 100 beds to 200 beds, 04 specialty
hospitals 100 beds to 200 beds, 02 general hospitals 300 beds to 500 beds, 04
family welfare centers along with pediatric centers, gastric centers with diagnostic
facility are required. The medical facilities will be increased as per the
requirement.

d. Availability of water and power will increase.

RO based desalination plant will be built for sea water. A reservoir will be built to
supply drinking water to all villages. Availability of drinking water will be increase.
450 MVA Gas and Solar based power plant will be constructed in 39 ha. The
availability of power will be increase.

e. Employment Generation

The requirement of unskilled manpower will be met from nearby villages during
construction of the proposed facilities. Thus, the project will help in generation of
the indirect employment.

The employment of people will be both on permanent as well as on contract

basis. The employment will be categorized into different categories skilled
laborers, semi-skilled and unskilled workers. Apart from the employment in the
airport, there will be several secondary services that will developed around the
Airport premises. Such occupations include running of restaurants, taxis, personal
luggage handlers etc. This will be a positive socio-economic development for the
region. There will be a general upliftment of standard of living in the region.

4.3.12 Bird Striking Reduction

As per ZSI, GNI do not fall under any migratory bird route. However, the resident
bird population in GNI is significant and therefore there is always a possibility of
bird hitting the aircraft. However, as per ZSI suggestions, the airport area will be
devoid of fruiting trees which attracts birds. Moreover, bird’s area also attracted
by municipal garbage. The waste management system for GNI has been designed
to ensure that no municipal waste will be litter in and around the airport site. The
bird strike hazard on, or in the vicinity of, an aerodrome will be assessed
through:

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(B)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Airport

• The establishment of a national procedure for recording and reporting bird

strikes to aircraft; and
• The collection of information from aircraft operators, airport personnel etc. on
the presence of birds on or around the aerodrome.

When a bird strike hazard is identified at an aerodrome, the appropriate authority

will act to decrease the number of birds constituting a potential hazard to airport
operations by adopting measures like cracker blasting and generation of the
ultrasonic waves to scare the birds.

4.4 Energy Conservation Measures

Airport consume significant levels of energy for space cooling and heating in
terminals, external and internal lighting systems, and the operation of lug gate
conveyance system. The airport complex has adopted the following energy
conservation measures:

1 Provision of skylights for Passenger Terminal Building- utilizes sunlight

throughout the day without use of artificial lighting;
2 Provision of glass (double seal) facade –allows natural light into the building
and restricts heat entry;
3 Provision of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to HVAC secondary pumps;
4 Provision of VFDs to STP air blowers;
5 Provision of dual lighting system for main access road;
6 Provision of metal halide bulbs instead of florescent lamps;
7 Provision of Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) system to chillers; and
8 Provision of energy efficient chilling system with non-CFC based refrigerants

The total requirement of power will be approx. 10MVA during Phase 1. The
requirement will be met by the DG sets of 2 x 5 MVA each. Provision for
harnessing solar energy of 1,33,200 Sq m has been made in the Airport design.
However, since GNI has significant number of rainy days, the solar power will be
used as and when available i.e. during the sunny days. When the solar power is
available the generation from the integrated power plant will be reduced
accordingly to maintain the grid stability.

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CHAPTER 4C
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
(ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour
Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(C)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Township & Area Development Project

4.0 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

OF TOWNSHIP

This chapter presents identification and appraisal of various impacts due to the
proposed township during construction and operational phases. The
environmental impacts are categorized as primary or secondary. Primary impacts
are those, which are attributed directly to the project and secondary impacts are
those, which are indirectly induced and typically include the associated
investment and changed pattern of social and economic activities by the proposed
action.

The mitigation measures proposed for minimizing the impacts have also been
discussed in this chapter, Section-4.1 & 4.2. The impacts have been assessed for
the project assuming that the pollution due to the existing activities has already
been covered under baseline environmental monitoring and continue to remain
same till the operation of the project.

The construction and operational phase of the proposed project comprises various
activities each of which may have an impact on some or other environmental
parameters. Various impacts during the construction and operation phase on the
environment have been studied to estimate the impacts on the environmental
attributes and are discussed in the subsequent sections.

4.1 Impact During Construction Phase - Land Environment

4.1.1 Impact on the Natural Drainage System and Soil Erosion

The implementation of the township has the potential to change the topography
of the land which may also disrupt the natural drainage of the area. This is
because the construction involves cut and fill earthworks. The cut and fill works
will normally change the natural topography of the land which will result in a
disruption of the natural drainage of the land and the surrounding vicinity.

Construction activities will have negative impacts on soil resources due to the
removal of topsoil, which takes hundreds of years to form and other layers of the
soil causing loss of vegetation cover and soil erosion.

The proposed township will be developed while undertaking minimum cutting for
making terraces for construction of buildings while making minimum
modifications in the terrain conditions and implementing appropriate
environmental measures.

The flow of construction material, especially during the rainy season causes land
degradation. Approximately about 2% of the construction material is generally
wasted due to the construction process, transportation etc. These material gets
deposited on the soils and makes the land infertile. They also clog the drainage
pipes causing flooding.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
(ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour
Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(C)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Township & Area Development Project

landslides were noted at the construction sites of the new road connecting near
Galethea bay. There were some landslides due to slipping of soil and fragmented
rock overlaying the undegraded parent rock. This was observed where the hills
were steep and trees on the slopes were tall and large. Hence, it was identified as
a major problem and preventive measures should be made a part of development
plan and to be included in the construction contract agreements. Slope
stabilisation measures, needs to be undertaken wherever there is a possibility of
landslides.

Loss of Productive Soil and Impact on Natural Drainage Pattern

Due to the proposed project, soil erosion will be accelerated because of removal
of natural vegetation, compacting or disturbing the soil, changing natural
drainage patterns and by covering the natural soil with impermeable concrete
surfaces.

Additionally, sedimentation of the eroded soil can occur if the eroded soil is
carried into nearby water bodies.

C4-130
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
(ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour
Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(C)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Township & Area Development Project

4.1.2 Mitigation Measures

• The top soil will be extracted, stored and shall be reused for greenbelt
development and landscaping;
• Care will be taken to minimize the clearance of natural vegetation;
• Construction material will be stored in covered area to avoid flow of the
material during rainy seasons.
• Regular cleaning of the drainage pipes, culverts etc during construction.
• Temporary seeding will be done during construction phase to avoid erosion;
and
• Storm water management will be implemented so as to prevent flooding.

Apart from above, the guidelines laid by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
shall be adhered to by the contractors on site.

4.2 Air Environment

4.2.1 Construction Phase

Particulate matter is the main pollutant during this phase, which will be generated
during the site development activities such as leveling of land, cutting and filling
activities, transportation of construction material to the project site from various
sources, rock breaking, crushing etc. The particulate matters thus generated
blows along the wind direction. Generally, these particles settle down within 100-
200 m from the construction site. However, during strong wind conditions, they
blow further. Here the wind direction is mostly from North-east. Since the island
has very less inhabitants and there is not much of habitation along the wind
direction, the impact of particulates on human health will be low. However, it will
get deposited on the leafs of plants and trees causing lessening of photosynthetic
activities leading to loss of pollination and even mortality.

The building material carrying vehicles as well as the construction machinery

generate emissions and pollute the environment. Dusts include brick and silica
dusts, wood dust from joinery and other wood working and from earth moving
and other vehicle movements within the site.

Also, due to the increased vehicular movements, increase in NOx and CO

concentrations will be resulted at the project site. However, the increase in
pollution levels in the ambient air, is temporary and will be negligible. As most of
the construction equipment will be mobile, the emissions are likely to be fugitive
and not concentrated at a single place or source. As the impacts will be localized
in nature, the areas outside the proposed project boundary are not likely to face
any significant adverse impact with respect to ambient air quality.

Mitigation Measures

 Sprinkling of water and fine spray from nozzles to suppress the dust;
 On road- Inspection should be done for black smoke generating machinery;

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
(ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour
Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(C)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Township & Area Development Project

 Promotion of use of cleaner fuel should be done;

 Vehicles having Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate may be allowed to
ply; Every vehicle should be tested for pollution with a frequency of 3 months.
Vehicles older than 15 years should not be engaged for construction work and
related activities.
 Use of covering sheet to prevent dust dispersion at buildings and
infrastructure sites, which are being constructed;
 Use of covering sheets should be done for trucks to prevent dust dispersion
from the trucks;
 Reducing the speed of a vehicle to 20 kmph can reduce emissions by a large
extent;
 All material storages shall be adequately covered so that they are not exposed
to situations where winds on site could lead to dust / particulate emissions;
and
 Fabrics and plastics for covering piles of soils and debris is an effective means
to reduce fugitive dust.

4.3 Noise Environment

4.3.1 Construction Phase

Generation of noise during construction phase will be due to operation of heavy

equipment such as rock drills, pneumatic tools, concrete mixers, cranes,
generators, pumps, compressors, vibrators, etc and increased frequency of
vehicular traffic in the area. However, these impacts will be short term and
intermittent in nature. The heavy equipment to be used in the construction will be
provided with acoustic enclosures/ treatments as per recommended noise limits.
Due to moderate levels of construction activities, the anticipated noise generation
during construction phase will be mostly confined to the facility itself and not
anticipated to have significant adverse impacts on the surrounding ambient noise
levels.

Mitigation Measures

In order to have less impact on noise levels in the area, the major works will be
carried out during daytime as far as possible. Nevertheless, the following
mitigation measures shall be adopted:

• Provision for insulating caps and aids at the exit of noise source on the
machinery;
• The use of damping materials such as thin rubber/lead sheet for wrapping the
work places like compressors, generator sheets;

• Shock absorbing techniques should be adopted to reduce impact;

• Inlet and outlet mufflers should be provided, which are easy to design;

• Earmuffs/earplugs should be provided to the workers and it should be

enforced to be used by the workers;

C4-132
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
(ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour
Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(C)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Township & Area Development Project

• Noise prone activities shall be restricted to the extent possible during night
time, particularly during the period between 10 pm to 6 am in order to have
minimum environmental impact on the workers as well as on the
neighborhood; and

• Effective barricading to requisite heights shall be provided to limit

transmission of noise to adjacent areas and within permitted decibels.

4.4 Water Environment

Source of water for the proposed project is from surface water from two major
water reservoir located towards the North-Eastern part of GNI through pipeline Raw
water will be connected to WTP for treatment and further distribution network will
provide the treated water to the township.

4.4.1 Construction Phase

During construction phase, water will be required for construction of structures,

sprinkling on roads for dust suppression, domestic and non-domestic uses of the
construction workers. One of the proposed waters reservoir will be constructed at
the early stage of the development. However, till it gets constructed, as an interim
measure, the water for construction will be supplied from the existing reservoirs
through water tankers and shall be for limited duration.

Mitigation Measures

Impact on water quality during construction phase will be due to non-point

discharges of sewage generated at the project site by the construction workforce.
However, due to relatively smaller area that will be taken-up for construction the
impact of water discharges at the site will be negligible. During the initial
construction stages, the sewage from the labour colonies will be treated through
septic tanks.

At the construction site, adequate number of toilets with hygienic environment

will be provided.

No sewage will be discharged without treatment to any water body.

The construction runoff water will be passed thru settling ponds to remove the
TSS to meet the necessary standards.

Construction Workers Camp - impacts & mitigation measures:

• The following data is to assess the impact of labour colonies and suggest
suitable remedial measures so that the construction of the project could be
managed with minimum damage to the environment.

• Total number of construction labours are given

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
(ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour
Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(C)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Township & Area Development Project

Estimated labour requirement

Phase I Phase II Phase III
4000 5500 4000
Estimated labour + Family + Support requirement
5600 7700 5600
Water requirement and source (lpcd)
840000 1155000 840000
Quantity of waste generated and fractionation (organic, hazardous, recyclable and
biomedical) (Kg/day)
2000 2750 2000

• Water treatment system for the labour colonies: -In the initial stages of
construction, the treated water will be provided through tankers till the
proposed trunk infrastructure is laid down in GNI. Compact wastewater
treatment plant / Septic tank shall be installed within the labour colonies
during the initial phase of construction. However, one the infrastructure is
ready, the waster will be supplied through the central waste treatment plant.
• All the wastewater generated in the labour colonies will be treated before
discharge. In the initial stages the wastes from the toilets will be treated
through septic tanks. However, once the central treatment plant is ready, all
the wastewater will be directed to the treatment plant and will recycled. No
water is expected to be discharges. However, some makeup might be required
for operation of the plant and the quantity will be used for gardening
purposes.

• Municipal waste management system that is Collection, transportation

treatment and disposal system for the labour colonies. (Details of
MSW system is given in chapter 2C (2.7.4), Township)

 Separate bins will be installed within the labour colonies for dry and wet
waste.

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to collect and transfer the waste to

nearest solid waste transfer site

 After collection and transfer, solid waste management shall be integrated with
overall SWM system of GNI
 At least 2 Organic Waste Composters of 1-2 T capacity each will be installed in
the labour colonies.

Medical facilities for the labours number of dispensaries, hospital and

emergency medical centres in case of accidents).
 Considering the phase wise total labour requirement, local health centre /
dispensaries will be planned within the labour colonies. For any treatment
required facility above the local health centre; the GNI local facilities shall be
utilized.

 Ambulance facility shall be provided by the contractor all the time at site as
well as at labour colonies
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
(ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour
Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(C)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Township & Area Development Project

• Medical check and vaccination programmes for prevention of

contagious and vector borne diseases.

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to follow the centre / UT guidelines

related to health, disease preventive measures, and vaccination programme.
This shall be part of the contract agreement.

• Mosquito control programmes

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to have time to time cleaning, fogging,

and medication camping.

• Emergency evacuation plan in case of natural disasters like floods,

cyclones and tsunamis and earthquakes and epidemics.

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to prepare a disaster management plan

including evacuation plan for site as well as labour colonies.

With regards to the impacts due to construction worker camps, to ensure there is
no strain on the existing infrastructure, the worker camps will be self-sufficient
and would not rely on any local resource. This would also ensure that there is no
conflict with the local population. To mitigate impacts from health hazards,
sanitation self-sufficient infrastructure facilities will be provided. Further, the
worker camps will be located away from the coast and habitations.

4.5 Solid Waste Generation – Construction Phase

During construction period, considerable quantities of earth and boulders will be

excavated from the foundations of various proposed structures. The excavated earth
and boulders will be used for leveling the low-lying terrain depending of the
engineering properties. The topsoil excavated from the project site will be used for
covering the area leveled with excavated material from foundation trenches, on
which tree plantations and greenbelt development within the project premises will
be undertaken.

The dripping of oil from construction vehicles might cause soil contamination. In
order to prevent soil contamination likely to result from the oil spill and dripping
from vehicles, drip pans will be placed at the parking places of vehicles and the
dripped oil will be collected. The collected dripped oil will be stored and
subsequently sent to the authorized recycling agencies, recognized by SPCB.

One of the sources of pollution during construction phase is the wastes from the
labour colony. Toilet waste, food waste and wastes from food packets, puddled of
water etc creates unhealthy environment and the breeding grounds for vector
diseases. Therefore, the wastes from the construction colonies will have to be
properly managed.

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Mitigation Measures

During the initial stages of construction phase, when the waste treatment
infrastructure is not ready, the toilet wastes will be treated thru septic tanks.
Once the centralized treatment plant is ready, all the sewage generated from the
construction colony will be transported to the central STP for treatment. The
kitchen wastes in the initial stages will be treated through onsite Organic Waste
Converters (OWC). The mobile OWCs will be placed at an appropriate place and
all the kitchen wastes will be collected and fed to the OWCs. The other wastes like
food packets, plastic bottles, boxes will be collected and sold to some authorized
venders. Once the Central SWM plant is ready, the all the wastes will be collected
on site and transported to the plant for suitable treatment and disposal.

Socio-Economic Impact

The project and related developments like construction camps will be dependent
on local resources (power, water), during both construction and operations, the
only likely impact on infrastructure would be on the roads. Considering the high
traffic during construction phase an effective traffic management scheme will be
developed to avoid congestion on the nearby and local roads.

Mitigation Measures

Proper connectivity will be maintained by construction of truck road to avoid

traffic congestion on roads.

4.5.1 Operational Phase

Impact on Air Quality

The impacts on air quality is assessed based on emissions from the proposed DG
sets and incinerators in the proposed Township and Area Development Project.
The emission levels have been considered as guaranteed emission levels for the
engines for DG sets and hazardous solid waste for incinerators.

Prediction of impacts on air environment has been carried out employing

mathematical model based on a non-steady state Gaussian plume dispersion
model designed for multiple point sources for short term. In the present case,
CALPUFF Version 8.6.1 dispersion model based on non-steady state Lagrangian-
Gaussian puff dispersion, designed for multiple point sources for short term and
developed by United States Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA] has been
used for simulations from point sources.
 Model Set-up

The model set-up details are presented in Table-4.1.

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Table-4.1: Model Set-Up

Sr. No. Parameter Details

1 Model Name CALPUFF (Version 8.6.1)
2 Model Type Non-Steady state Lagrangian-Gaussian
puff dispersion model
3 Topography Elevated
4 Averaging Time 24 hours
5 Source Type Point source
6 Boundary Limits 10 km X 10 km
7 Co-ordinate System Uniform Cartesian Grid
8 Receptor Height Ground level
9 Anemometer 10 m
10 Surface meteorological Prognostic Met data MM5
data and Upper air Data

4.5.1.1 Model Input Data

The details of the emissions envisaged from the proposed township and area
development project is presented in Table-4.2.

Table-4.2: Stack Emissions from Proposed Township and Area Development

Project

Parameters DG Stack- 1000 DG Stack- 500 KVA

KVA
Stack Height (m) 45 45
Stack Diameter at 0.5 0.5
Top (m)
Flue Gas velocity 40 40
(m/s)
Flue Gas temp. (oC) 200 200
Flue gas flow rate
(kg/s)
Flue gas flow rate
(Nm3/s)
NOx Emission Rate 1.75 g/s 0.87 g/s
SO2Emission Rate 0.05 g/s 0.03 g/s
CO Emission Rate 0.74 g/s 0.37 g/s
PM10 Emission Rate 0.09 g/s 0.05 g/s
PM2.5 Emission Rate 0.04 g/s 0.02 g/s
Note: The emission parameters are based on Technical specification. However, the exact emission
data shall be available after finalization of the vendor

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Meteorological Data

The prognostic model CALMET ready MM5 data has been used in this model with
4 Km grid resolution. The modeling has been executed in one scenario which is
presented below:

Scenario-I: Batching Plant

The DG sets have been considered in batching plant. The emission details are given
below in Table-4.3.

Table-4.3: Batching Plant - Emission Details

Parameter GLC (µg/m3) Distance Direction

(Km)
NOx 16.49 1.9 SW
CO 6.99 1.9 SW
SO2 0.51 1.9 SW
PM10 0.89 1.9 SW
PM2.5 0.45 1.9 SW

Scenario-II: DG Sets

The DG sets have been considered in batching plant. The emission details are given
below in Table-4.4.

Table-4.4: DG sets township & area development - emission details

Parameter GLC (µg/m3) Distance (Km) Direction

NOx 10.79 1.35 SW
CO 4.57 1.35 SW
SO2 0.33 1.35 SW
PM10 0.58 1.35 SW
PM2.5 0.29 1.35 SW

Scenario-III: Incinerator

The DG sets have been considered in batching plant. The emission details are given
below in Table-4.5.

Table-4.5: Incinerator- Emission Details

Parameter GLC (µg/m3) Distance (Km) Direction

NOx 1.76 2.3 WSW
PM 0.22 2.3 WSW
Hg 0.0002 2.3 WSW

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Scenario-IV: Labour camp

The DG sets have been considered in batching plant. The emission details are given
below in Table-4.6.

Table-4.6: Labour Camp- Emission Details

Parameter GLC (µg/m3) Distance (Km) Direction

NOx 3.7 1.24 SW
CO 1.57 1.24 SW
SO2 0.11 1.24 SW
PM10 0.2 1.24 SW
PM2.5 0.1 1.24 SW

The model simulations were carried out for winter season. For the short-term
simulations, the incremental concentrations were estimated to obtain an optimum
description of variations in concentrations over the site in 10 km radius covering 16
directions.

The predicted cumulative ground level concentration isopleths NOX during winter
seasons (Study period) are given in Figure-4.1.

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Figure-4.1: Scenario-I Predicted Incremental GLCs – NOX

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Figure-4.2: Scenario-I Predicted Incremental GLCs – CO

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Figure-4.3: Scenario-I Predicted Incremental GLCs – SO2

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Figure- 4.4: Scenario-I Predicted Incremental GLCs – PM10

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Figure-4.5: Scenario-I Predicted Incremental GLCs – PM2.5

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Figure-4.6: Scenario-II Predicted Incremental GLCs – NOx

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Figure-4.7: Scenario-II Predicted Incremental GLCs – CO

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Figure-4.8: Scenario-II Predicted Incremental GLCs – SO2

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Figure-4.9: Scenario-II Predicted Incremental GLCs – PM10

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Figure- 4.10: Scenario-II Predicted Incremental GLCs – PM2.5

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Figure-4.11: Scenario-III Predicted Incremental GLCs – NOx

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Figure- 4.12: Scenario-III Predicted Incremental GLCs – PM10

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Figure-4.13: Scenario-III Predicted Incremental GLCs – Hg

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Figure-4.14: Scenario-IV Predicted Incremental GLCs – NOx

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Figure- 4.15: Scenario-IV Predicted Incremental GLCs – CO

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Figure- 4.16: Scenario-IV Predicted Incremental GLCs – SO2

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Figure-4.17: Scenario-IV Predicted Incremental GLCs – PM10

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Figure-4.18: Scenario-IV Predicted Incremental GLCs – PM2.5

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Mitigation Measures - Air Impact

The proposed township will be excellently landscaped with proper terracing and
benching and will be provided with pucca roads. As the entire project area will be
covered with good landscaping and tree/grass cover, generation of fugitive dust
within the premises is not anticipated. Even the dust, outside the project will be
minimal due to the proposed compound walls, which will function as barriers and
tree plantations along the boundary. Further, all fugitive emissions are likely to be
controlled to a great extent, through proper maintenance of tree plantations and
the greenbelt development undertaken within the project.

4.5.1.2 Noise Impact - Operation Phase

The noise generating sources from the proposed project is from motor vehicles
and air conditioners only. There are no other major noise generating sources.

Mitigation Measures – Noise

• The entry/exit to the site will be with adequate curvature at corner so that
vehicles coming out/ entering the building do not impinge on road traffic
directly;
• Smooth flow of traffic will be ensured on the internal road to avoid idling of
vehicles;
• Buffer in form of wall and tree plantation will be provide along the plot
periphery to act as sound barrier especially in area with human habitation,
schools, hospitals etc; If necessary, specially designed sound barriers will be
erected where the noise levels exceed the permissible limits.
• Vehicular noise will be attenuated by proposed greenery; and
• In addition, honking will be prohibited inside the proposed township.

4.6 Water & Wastewater

Total wastewater generation from proposed township is 58 MLD. The domestic

wastewater generated from township will be treated in sewage treatment plants
at three proposed locations with a total capacity of 65MLD. The entire wastewater
generated will be treated in the centralized sewage treatment plants and the
treated water will be reused for flushing, watering and landscaping purposes in
the township.

Mitigation Measures

• Wastewater Generation and Utilization of Treated Wastewater

Treated wastewater from the STPs will be utilized within the project premises for
non-potable purposes including greenbelt and horticulture. Zero discharge
concept will be implemented in this project and no wastewater will be discharged
outside the project boundary. Details of the sewage treatment plant is given in
the section (CHAPTER 2 – TOWNSHIP).

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Rain Water Harvesting

In order to conserve water resources and rainwater in the proposed project,

efforts will be made to utilize the rain water by constructing appropriate rainwater
harvesting structures within each building premises which are having plot area
equal or more than 500 sqm. The rainwater from the roofs shall be collected by
the rainwater down take pipes and same will be connected to rainwater chambers
at ground level. The landscape area and roads shall be sloped towards the storm
water drains for appropriate draining.

4.7 Green area Development

Though, about 130 sq km of forestland will be diverted for non-forest purposes,

not all the existing standing trees will be cut, only the area which will be
accounted under net development will be considered. The approximate net
development area is 78 sq km out of 130 sq km. Area reserve under Green and
Eco-tourism are the areas where no tree cutting in envisaged. This area also will
be conserved for bio diversity purposes. And if necessary, will be densified.

Further, adequate large chunk of land within township area is reserve under the
green land use and in addition to this, 11% of public parks area also proposed in
all the land uses.

The total green (Including Eco-tourisms and Green) area will be 73.78 sq km.
That precisely means, about 44.4% of total project area (166.1sqkm) will be
green. Suitable plant species of local varieties will be planted with adequate
spacing and density for their fast growth and survival.

Recommended Open Green Spaces:

Based upon benchmarking and then applying the guiding principle, creating an
open green space framework that is connected, within walking distance and
accessible to all, the following Open Green Space Hierarchy is being
recommended for the GNI planning area with Neighborhood Parks, Community
Parks, Coastline Parks and Regional Parks.

Sr. No Category Approximate Approximate Area in

Numbers ha
1 Neighborhood Parks 77 115
2 Community Parks 19 67
3 Coastline Park 5 425
4 Regional Park 5 750

Neighborhood Parks

A total of 77 neighborhood parks are recommended within GNI planning area

where area of each ranging from 1 to 1.5 Ha, serving a catchment area of 400m
radius (5-minute walking radius). Exact location of each neighborhood park will

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be considered and defined in the zonal plans during the detailed master planning
stage.

Community Parks

The Community Park serves a broader purpose than Neighborhood Parks. These
parks usually serve two or more residential clusters. Focus is on meeting
community-wide recreation needs, as well as preserving unique landscapes and
open spaces. These typically have parks, playgrounds, Community Club, Sports
courts, multipurpose sports field (cricket, football etc.), Jogging track, shaded
seating, open lawn/informal play space, etc. A total of 19 community parks are
recommended within GNI project area where area of each ranges between 3 to 4
Ha serving a catchment area of 800m radius (10-minute walking radius).

All community parks shall be provided along the proposed roads to ensure
connectivity. As explained, all open green spaces should have a function based
upon its location. Keeping this principle in mind, some of the community parks
will be identified with having a special function where public art and active uses
such as a sports academy can be incorporated. It is recommended that
community parks should incorporate public art features as a medium for social,
environmental awareness and to enhance aesthetics value of surrounding
developments. It is intended that local artists can be engaged to create public art
features that can be incorporated in the community parks at strategic locations.

Coastline Parks

The Coastline Park serves a broader purpose than neighborhood and community
parks. This will serve the entire GNI planning area at various locations along the
coast and can capitalize by merging with the proposed coastal tourism. The
coastline parks will connect the development within various land uses and urban
zone. In order to have a functional coastline park, it is recommended to
accommodate bike paths, nature trails or walking trails within it. Overlooks and
trail nodes at regular intervals with signage, public art, street furniture will
activate the area while providing resting space and space for social-
environmental interactions. Along the coastline parks, it is also suggested to
have neighborhood and community parks connected at regular intervals that
function as an extension of the coastline park or it can function as a green
corridor connecting major land uses. The coastline parks will run through the
island edge for GNI planning area, it also provides an opportunity to locate some
people-intensive uses and activities such as social & cultural spaces, banquet
halls, religious facilities and convenience shopping, that can cater to the workers
and visitors in the connected land uses. These approaches always break the
monotonous environment of a dominant land use and at the same time activate
the area with presence of people. Total of five (5) number of coastline park are
proposed.

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Regional Parks

The area towards the west in the project area is covered with forest and dense
green pockets. Connected regional parks over and above the existing greens will
give access to the habitants close to forest and serve broader purpose than
neighborhood parks, community parks and will meet area-wide recreational
requirement as well as preserving unique natural landscapes and open spaces.
This area can have active to passive recreational spaces, center for ecological
learning, eco-tourism or eco-resort, walking/ jogging tracks, sports facilities,
cafes and other allowable uses. A regional level ecological park or nature
preserve towards the western edge of GNI planning area is recommended for
regional parks. Estimated number of regional parks would be 5 distributed within
the delineated 166 sq.km of planning area. Each Park shall have distinguished
program/ activities. These can be designed in a naturalistic manner to recreate
the dense forest ecosystems.

4.8 Socio Economic Environment

For residential areas, the strategy includes clustering education, health,

community amenities/facilities, neighborhood level commercial, EWS and other
compatible amenities can be clustered together around or along an open green
space. By doing so, the neighborhood centers would become nodes of social,
cultural, economic activity at a neighborhood level that are walkable and centrally
located with neighborhood clusters.

For commercial and institutional areas, the strategy includes clustering health,
community amenities/facilities, neighborhood level commercial and other
compatible amenities together around or along an open green space. The social
infrastructure for the GNI planning area is divided into six broad categories,
namely

• Education;
• Residential;
• Local Retail/Shopping;
• Community Facility (healthcare);
• Community Facility (cultural/entertainment); and
• Community Facility (others).

Each of the above types are elaborated in in Chapter-8

Impact on Social – Culture Impacts

Great Nicobar Island is inhabited by aboriginal mongoloid Shompen. The Shompens are
hunter-gatherers and depend on the forest and marine resources for sustenance. They live
where natural water source is available and use the surface water for drinking. Another
Mongoloid Tribe, the Nicobarese, used to live in settlements along the west coast. After the
tsunami in 2004, which devastated their settlement on the western coast, they were relocated
to Afra Bay on the north coast and to Campbell Bay. They survive on fish caught from the
sea. There are about 237 Shompen and 1,094 Nicobarese individuals.

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The areas where the tribal dwell have been declared as Tribal Reserve. The Shompens move
between the Core and Buffer Zones, while the settlers and Nicobarese live in settlements
spread along the coast in the Transition zone. The area of the tribal reserve is 751.070 sq.km.
Of this 84.10 sq.km falling under tribal reserve, is proposed to be denotified. Andaman &
Nicobar Administration proposes to renotify 45.23 sq.km of land in Campbell Bay and
Galathea National Parks and 31.73 sq.km land outside the National parks. Therefore
effectively 7.11 sq.km will be required for de-notification for the project. The aboriginal
tribes will have to option to maintain their separate existence in their natural
habitat, as is their current preference. Furthermore, tourism and development
should not generate undue negative impacts on the existing tribes, nor should
interaction initiated unilaterally by tourists or residents be permitted. The tribal
reserves, including their core and buffer areas, will remain largely for the
exclusive use of the native tribes.

As a Union Territory, Andaman & Nicobar Islands has created a legal framework
to regulate urban development, coastal zone management, tourism and
infrastructure. Native tribal laws and polices like the Shompen Policy (2015) and
PAT Regulation 1956 seek to preserve and protect the lifestyle and cultural
heritage of the tribals.

The A&N business community is willing and able to participate in development of

the tourism and shipping sectors on the island. But given the scale of the
projects, participation by large Indian and/or international players is also
required. Breaking megaprojects into smaller chunks can help secure more local
business participation. The business community is informed that the public sector
mindset has changed, and that development on GNI can coexist with defence
functions, in harmony with nature, aboriginals and the new city development.

Mitigation Measures

-To avoid degradation of the natural habitat in the Tribal Reserve Areas which
may make harder from the aboriginal peoples to gather and hunt food the forest
and the sea.

-To avoid intrusion of outsiders into Shompen and Nicobarese areas — such
intrusions, which are known to be unwanted by the Shompen, could cause harm
to the aboriginals and exacerbate their quality of life.

-Protect native tribes (Shompen and Nicobarese) from excessive exposure to

mainlanders / tourists

Positive Impacts:

• The road network will be increasing therefore the accessibility will

increase.

• The goal of the project for Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island in
Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ is to development of a new ‘greenfield city’
with a diverse and robust economy based on maritime services and
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
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Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(C)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Township & Area Development Project

tourism, amongst other drivers. Great Nicobar Island to attract

international and national visitors to experience the outstanding natural
environment and participate in sustainable tourism activity. As per the
future requirement the road network will be increase therefore the
accessibility will increase.

• Educational facilities

Considering that Great Nicobar Island is not well developed and is mostly
rural in nature, there is a complete lack of educational facilities. For the
future communities to come and settle in the GNI planning area it is
paramount that certain educational facilities to be provided based on the
need based social and physical infrastructure development assessment. 77
Primary schools, 19 secondary schools, total of 8 integrated schools, 4
colleges, 3 scientific research centers, 2 ITIs, 1 adult education center, 2
technical education centers will be provided. These facilities will be located
at appropriate catchment locations for easy access.

• Medical facilities

Considering that Great Nicobar island is not well developed and is mostly
rural in nature, there is a complete lack of healthcare facilities. For the
future communities to come and settle in the GNI planning area it is
paramount that certain healthcare facilities to be provided based on the
need based social and physical infrastructure development assessment. 38
dispensaries/poly clinics, 08 Nursing home& maternity homes, 04 hospitals
100 beds to 200, 04 hospitals 20 beds to 80 beds, 04 multispecialty
hospitals 100 beds to 200 beds, 04 specialty hospitals 100 beds to 200
beds, 02 general hospitals 300 beds to 500 beds, 04 family welfare
centers along with pediatric centers, gastric centers with diagnostic facility
are required. The medical facilities will be increased as per the
requirement.

4.9 Solid Waste Management

The solid waste management system during operation of the project will be
through the centralized waste management facility and has been described in
Chapter 2 (Township).

Mitigation Measures

Further, the proposed green cover, public parks and avenue plantation measures
will enrich the soil binding characteristics and preserve topsoil from erosion.
Approximately 44% of the total GNI development area will be under green cover.

C4-163
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
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Chapter-4(C)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Township & Area Development Project

Figure-4.19: Organic Waste Converter – Operational Procedure

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
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Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(C)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Township & Area Development Project

ORGANIC WASTE

WASTE TREATMENT
(10 min)

OUTPUT
(HOMOGENIZED &
ODOR FREE)

SUN DRYING FOR 2 DAYS CURING 15-20 DAYS IN A

IN OPEN FOR FUEL CONTAINER FOR BIO-
PELLETS MANURE

WATER / ROOM HEATING GARDENING /

APPLICATION LANDSCAPING

4.10 Energy Conservation Measures

The buildings proposed within the township area will comply with standards
included in NBC 2005 for lighting levels, comfort levels, natural ventilations and
other system performance criteria. Other requirements of ECBC 2007 like building
envelope, heating ventilation and air conditioning system, solar water heating
system, lighting schedule will be considered during the operational phase of the
project.

In addition, adequate monitoring of the power consumption is planned by use of

smart metering system for different types of loads. The collected data can be
used to optimize on the power requirements by varying operating schedules.
Adequate awareness displays will also be highlighted in signage.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
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Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(C)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Township & Area Development Project

To minimize the use of energy and to conserve the energy some of the energy
efficient technologies are to be followed.

The concept of passive solar design emphasizes architectural design approaches

that minimize the energy consumption by integrating conventional energy efficient
devices, such as mechanical and electrical pumps, fans lighting fixtures, and other
equipment, with passive design elements, such as building sighting, an efficient
envelope, appropriate amounts of fenestration, increased day lighting design, and
thermal mass. The basic idea of passive solar design is to allow daylight, heat and
airflow into a building only when beneficial. Some of the advanced solar passive
techniques proposed are given below:

• Planning to bring maximum day light into a building and distributing it in a

way that provides more desirable and better-quality illumination than artificial
light sources. This reduces the need for electrical light sources, thus cutting
down on electricity use and its associated costs and pollution;

• Energy efficient lighting devices are planned such as Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs), CFLs, tube lights in place of incandescent bulbs;

• Installation of smart metering at consumer end to check the power

consumption & power loss;

• Suitable rating and size cables selection to limit the total power distribution
losses;

• Solar water heated for pre-heating water required for bathing and cooking;

• Energy efficient construction materials to achieve the desired thermal comfort

will be used to maximum extent;

• Split type air conditioners and CFC & HCFC free refrigerants i.e. R22 etc will
be enforced through development control regulation as per ECBC norms.

4.11 Cost Provision for Environmental Measures

For environment protection and management and pollution control and treatment
and monitoring systems, appropriate budgetary provision would be made and
provision for recurring expenditure for environment management of the project
would be made. The details of budget allocation during functional phase are given
in Table-4.7.

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Chapter-4(C)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Township & Area Development Project

Table-4.7: Budget Allocation for Environmental Protection

Sr. Environmental Aspects Capital cost

No (Rs. in Crores)
STP, WTP, Water Network, Sewerage
Network, Fire Networks, Recycle
1 9500
Network, Drainage/Storm Water system,
Solid Waste, ICT etc)
Cost will be borne by
3 Rain water harvesting
individual developers
4 Public Park development 1350
Eco-tourism & Green area development
5 (street furniture and tree tagging, 737
walking trails)
Total Cost 11587

4.12 Budget for Environment Monitoring Plan

The details of the construction and operation phases both for environmental
monitoring plan with cost and parameters are given in Table-4.8.

Table-4.8: Budget Allocation for Environmental Monitoring Plan for township

Sr. Environmental Aspects Frequency Construction Phase Operation Phase

No (Rs in lakhs) (Rs in Lakhs)

Once in three months @

1 Ambient air quality 6.0 6.0
10 locations
Daily Will be included in STP Will be included in
2 STP inlet & Outlet
operation cost STP operation cost
Once at three months @
3 Noise Monitoring 4.8 4.8
30 locations
Daily Will be included in WTP Will be included in
4 Potable water quality monitoring
operation cost WTP operation cost
5 Ecological monitoring One in a year 100 100
Total Cost 118 118

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CHAPTER 4D
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
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Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
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Chapter-4(D)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures-Power Plant

4.0 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES-

POWER PLANT

4.1 Identification of Impacts

Identification of impacts leads to quantification and evaluation of impacts and

suggested mitigation measures. Although, in general, number of impacts have been
identified while describing existing environmental status, it is necessary at this
stage to identify the critical impacts that are likely to occur due to the proposed
LNG based Power Plant for various components of the environment.

The environmental impacts are categorized as primary or secondary. Primary

impacts are those, which are attributed directly to the project and secondary
impacts are those, which are indirectly induced and typically include the associated
investment and changed pattern of social and economic activities by the proposed
action.

The construction and operational phase of the proposed LNG based power project
comprise various activities each of which may have an impact on some or other
environmental parameters. Various impacts during the construction and operation
phase on the environment have been studied to estimate the impacts on the
environmental attributes and are discussed in the subsequent sections.

The proposed Power Plant (450 MVA) of Gas engine-based power generation
technology (LNG) at the mouth of the Galathea River in Great Nicobar Islands would
create impact on the Environmental attributes in two distinct phases:

1) During construction phase – will be temporary or short term in nature

2) During operation phase – will be long term effect

However, various measures are proposed to be adopted to minimize the pollution

from the project are discussed in subsequent sections.

4.2 Impacts during Construction Phase

The probable impacts during construction phase on various sectors of environment

(such as air, water, soil, biotic, socio-economic environment etc. have been
identified and listed in Table-4.1. The mitigation measures for significant impacts
are also discussed in respective sections.

Table-4.1: identification of construction activities and probable impacts

Construction Activities Sector Probable Impacts

A) Long Term Impacts
• The entire land is forest which will be
Land acquisition diverted for non forest purpose.
Land
• No private or revenue land acquisition
is involved.
Socio- • No displacements and loss of
economics livelihood

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Chapter-4(D)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures-Power Plant

Construction Activities Sector Probable Impacts

• The power plant is near to the
Shompen habitat.
B) Short Term Impacts
• Fugitive dust emissions
Air • Noise/ air emissions from construction
equipment & machinery
Site clearing and levelling
• Run-off from construction area
(cutting, stripping, blasting, Water
• Run-off from vegetation stripped area
excavation, earth
• Loss of fertile top soil
movement, compaction) Land
• Change in drainage pattern
• Loss of vegetation
Ecology
• Topographic transformations
• Noise and air emissions from vehicles
• Fugitive dust emissions due to traffic
Air movement
• Spillage and fugitive emissions of
construction materials
Transportation and storage
• Spillage of construction material and
of construction material/
flow into streams
Equipment Water
• Run-off from storage areas of
construction material
• Deposition of spilled construction
Soil
material on soil
•
• Noise and air emissions from
construction machinery and
Air Generators
Civil construction activities • Fugitive dust emissions due to
movement of traffic
• Run-off from construction areas
Water
containing construction material
• Noise &air emissions from machines/
Air
Mech. & Elec. erection activities
activities • Run-off from erection areas containing
Water
oils, paints
Influx of labour & Socio- • Stress on infrastructure
Construction of temporary economics • Stress on social relations
houses Water • Sanitary effluents from labour colonies
• Noise and air emissions from transport
vehicles
• Fugitive dust emissions due to
Air
movement of traffic
• Spillage and fugitive emissions of
Transportation and disposal
debris materials
of construction debris
• Spillage/ spread of debris material and
Water flow into nearby sea
• Run-off from disposal areas
• Spillage/ spread/ deposition of debris
Soil
• Conversion of land into waste land

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
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Chapter-4(D)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures-Power Plant

4.2.1 Impact on Topography & Land use

The proposed project site is located at the mouth of the Galathea River, which is
about 39 acres of forest land which will be diverted for non forest purposes. The
site is having irregular topography with elevation of 23 m to 35 m above MSL exists
along the Galathea River. Leveling will be done by cutting and filling the natural
ground levels.

The major change in the topographical feature of area would be erection of power
plant structures. There will be a permanent change. This includes the activities
related to leveling of site, construction of main plant and other related structures,
erection of gas engines, desalination plant and other related equipment.

a labour colony for approximate 100 labours are proposed to be constructed on the
western side of the plant boundary. This labour colony is proposed on forest land
which will be diverted for the purpose of the non-forest development.

The present land-use of the project site falls under forest category. There will be
change in land use after installation of the proposed power project from forest to
industrial category. Also, the proposed project is not likely to have any adverse impact
on the surrounding land use during the construction period.

4.2.2 Impact on Soil

Construction activities involving leveling, excavation and removal of existing

vegetation would invariably disturb the soil of the area. The impacts on soil during
construction phase shall be mainly due to loss of top soil in the construction areas and
contamination of the soils of surrounding area due to construction materials such as
cement, sand etc. The disturbances would be more pronounced during the summer
and monsoon seasons with strong rains as the project site is located near to the sea.
However, it will be temporary and confined to the areas of construction by using
proper storm water runoff system during construction phase also. Generally, such
disturbances are confined to the area of activity i.e. the main plant.

Mitigation Measures:

Appropriate soil conservation measures associated with improved construction

techniques would minimize such impacts. Timely afforestation activities would also
contribute positively towards soil conservation. The hazardous waste from the
construction site will be collected in the designated area and will not be allowed to
contact with the soil.

Apart from localized construction impacts at the plant site, no adverse impacts on soil
in the surrounding area are anticipated.

4.2.3 Impact on Air Quality

The dust will be the main pollutant affecting the ambient air quality of the area during
the construction phase. The main sources of emission during the construction period
are the movement of equipment at site and dust emission during the excavation,

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Chapter-4(D)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures-Power Plant

leveling, grading, earthwork and foundation works. The dust emitted during the
above-mentioned activities depend upon the type of soil being excavated and the
ambient humidity levels. Dust will be generated during excavation and handling of
earth and movement of vehicles and other equipment. The dust generated during the
construction activities will settle quickly. Therefore, the impact will be for short
duration and confined locally to the construction site.

The impact will be confined within the project boundary and is expected to be
negligible outside the plant boundaries. Exhaust emissions from vehicles and
equipment deployed during the construction phase is also likely to result in marginal
increase in the levels of NOx, PM and CO. The impact will be for short duration and
confined within the project boundary and is expected to be negligible outside the plant
boundaries. The impact will, however, be reversible, marginal and temporary in
nature.

Mitigation Measures:

Proper maintenance of vehicles and construction equipment will help in controlling the
gaseous emissions. Water sprinkling on roads and construction site will prevent
fugitive dust.

4.2.4 Impact on Water Quality

All the water required during construction phase will be arranged from the private
tankers and no groundwater is proposed to be utilized for the project during
construction and operations. Hence, no quantitative impact is envisaged on the
ground water resources.

The present river water may be impacted due to non-point discharges of solids from
soil loss and sewage generated from the construction work force stationed at the site.
However, the construction will be more related to mechanical fabrication, assembly
and erection; hence the water requirement would be meagre.

Mitigation measures:

The overall impact on water environment during construction will be insignificant.

Temporary sanitation facilities (septic tanks) will be set-up for disposal of sewage
generated by the work force.

4.2.5 Impact on Hydrology

Construction water shall be supplied from existing source of raw water through
tankers. Hence it will not have impact on the Hydrology of the region.

Mitigation measures:

The effluent from the construction area will pass through a sedimentation tank to
arrest sediments and treated water will be reused in water sprinkling. As the
construction activities will be confined to the existing project site only, no significant
impact on the hydrogeology as part of the study area envisaged.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
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Chapter-4(D)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures-Power Plant

4.2.6 Impact on Noise Levels

The major sources of noise during the construction phase are vehicular traffic,
blasting, construction equipment like dozers, scrapers, concrete mixers, cranes,
generators, pumps, compressors, rock drills, pneumatic tools, saws, vibrators etc.
The operation of these equipment will generate noise ranging between 70-85
dB(A). The noise produced during the construction will have significant impact on
the existing ambient noise levels. The construction equipment may have high noise
levels, which can affect the personnel, operating the machines.

Mitigation measures:

Use of proper personal protective equipment will mitigate any significant impact of
the noise generated by such equipment on the labours working during construction.
Similarly, as the major work will be carried out during the day time, and all care
will be taken that the noise levels are withing the CPCB norms outside the plant
boundary and therefore the impact on the surrounding area due to the activity will
be negligible.

4.2.7 Impact on Terrestrial Ecology

The power plant is located in remote corner, near the mouth of Galathea River. The
initial construction works at the project site involves land clearance. The plant is
located in dense to riverine grass land area. During construction activities vegetation
may be disturbed which can be considered significant, as the proposed project site is
irregular topography with riverine shrubs and bushes with sporadic dense
vegetation.GNI generally devoid of vertebrate fauna. Apart from wild pigs, monkeys
and snakes no other vertebrates is available in this area. Therefore, the impact on
the vertebrate fauna will be marginal. However, the area is rich in avifauna. As per
ZSI study, it is apparent that when the area will be cleared of forest, the birds have
a tendency to migrate to a more suitable habitat for relocation.

There will be significant loss of species diversity due to the clearing of the site.

Mitigation measures:

Plantation will be developed in all available spaces after construction phase to improve
the aesthetic value in the area. The removal of vegetation from the soil and loosening
of the topsoil generally causes soil erosion. However, such impacts will be confined to
the project site.
If any reticulated python / snakes, are encountered, the same will be reported to the
forest department for relocation in other suitable habitats.

4.2.8 Impact on Aquatic Ecology

The power plant is located near to the Galathea River mouth. The mouth of the river
widens and shallows near the eastern edge of the power plant boundary. The runoff
from construction area may lead to a short-term increase in suspended solids and
decrease in dissolved oxygen near the discharge point in receiving water body, that
is, the Galathea river mouth. This may lead to a temporary decrease in the

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
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Chapter-4(D)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures-Power Plant

photosynthetic activity of Phyto-planktons, rise in conditions and food chain

modification. However, since the river is shallow at this part of the river, the decrease
in photosynthetic activity will be marginal.

Mitigation measures:

All the effluents from the construction area shall be treated and recycled to minimize
the above impact.

No untreated effluent from the construction site will be dispose outside the project
boundary without treatment.

Impact on Marine Environment

There will be no major impact on the marine fauna as the proposed power plant
will be developed on land which is about 1.5 km from the Galathea river mouth.

The western flank of the Galathea beach where the leatherback turtle nests, is
about 1.5 km from the edge of the power plant boundary and is separated by
sporadic dense for forest and riverine vegetation. Therefore, the power plant
construction will have no deleterious impact on the nesting of the leatherback
turtles.

Major construction activities are envisaged on-shore which would not disturb the
marine ecology. These impacts would be temporary in nature.

Fishing& Ferrying activities

Rarely some fishing activity goes on at the Galathea river mouth. Shompen often
visit the northern part of the river which is about few km from the plant boundary,
for drinking water. The drinking water source, since it is on the upper stretches of
the river, will not be affected due to the construction of the project.

Construction Workers Camp - impacts & mitigation measures:

• The following data is to assess the impact of labour colonies and suggest
suitable remedial measures so that the construction of the project could
be managed with minimum damage to the environment.

• Total number of construction labours are given

Estimated labour requirement

Phase I
150
Estimated labour + Family + Support requirement
210
Water requirement and source (lpcd)
47775
Quantity of waste generated and fractionation (organic, hazardous, recyclable and
biomedical) (Kg/day)
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
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Chapter-4(D)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures-Power Plant

75

• Water treatment system for the labour colonies: -In the initial
stages of construction, the treated water will be provided through
tankers till the proposed trunk infrastructure is laid down in GNI.
Compact waste water treatment plant / Septic tank shall be installed
within the labour colonies during the initial phase of construction.
However, one the infrastructure is ready, the waster will be supplied
through the central waste treatment plant.
• All the waste water generated in the labour colonies will be treated
before discharge. In the initial stages the wastes from the toilets will be
treated through septic tanks. However, once the central treatment plant
is ready, all the waste water will be directed to the treatment plant and
will recycled. No water is expected to be discharges. However, some
makeup might be required for operation of the plant and the quantity
will be used for gardening purposes.

• Municipal waste management system that is Collection,

transportation treatment and disposal system for the labour
colonies. (Details of MSW system is given in chapter 2C (2.7.4),
Township)

 Separate bins will be installed within the labour colonies for dry and wet
waste.

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to collect and transfer the waste to

nearest solid waste transfer site

 After collection and transfer, solid waste management shall be

integrated with overall SWM system of GNI
 At least 2 Organic Waste Composters of 1-2 T capacity each will be
installed in the labour colonies.

Medical facilities for the labours number of dispensaries, hospital

and emergency medical centres in case of accidents).

 Considering the phase wise total labour requirement, local health centre
/ dispensaries will be planned within the labour colonies. For any
treatment required facility above the local health centre; the GNI local
facilities shall be utilized.

 Ambulance facility shall be provided by the contractor all the time at site
as well as at labour colonies

• Medical check and vaccination programmes for prevention of

contagious and vector borne diseases.
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
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Chapter-4(D)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures-Power Plant

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to follow the centre / UT guidelines

related to health, disease preventive measures, and vaccination
programme. This shall be part of the contract agreement.

• Mosquito control programmes

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to have time to time cleaning,

fogging, and medication camping.

• Emergency evacuation plan in case of natural disasters like

floods, cyclones and tsunamis and earthquakes and epidemics.

 It will be contractor’s responsibility to prepare a disaster management

plan including evacuation plan for site as well as labour colonies.

With regards to the impacts due to construction worker camps, to ensure

there is no strain on the existing infrastructure, the worker camps will be
self-sufficient and would not rely on any local resource. This would also
ensure that there is no conflict with the local population. To mitigate impacts
from health hazards, sanitation self-sufficient infrastructure facilities will be
provided. Further, the worker camps will be located away from the coast
and habitations.

4.2.9 Impact on Demography and Socio-Economics

The power project site is the nearest site to the Shompen habitat compared to any
other project appurtenant. The Shompen often visits the near to the site on the
Galathea river for drinking water and even fishing.

The construction phase with large number of labours working on the site is often
chaotic. The labours are under the contractors and often the project management
have limited administrative jurisdiction.

With large labour force working in the area, there is always a chance of interaction
with the Shompen. Such interactions if it ever happens, is totally undesirable. The
labours in the area will come from the mainland and from nearby islands, with
different cultural backgrounds and habits. Many may come from areas where vector
diseases are common. Interactions with tribal may spread such diseases amongst
the tribal. It has been experienced in past that many isolated communities do not
have immunity to many common diseases like flu, influenza, diarrhea etc. Once these
infections spread amongst the tribal, the whole community may face extinction. Any
interaction with the tribal is a serious issue and needs to be addressed suitably.

One of the basic problems that causes interaction with tribal during construction
relates to the behavior of the labours. The labours are supposed to be restricted only
to construction area and the labour colonies. All the facilities like food, kitchen, toilets,
fuel, drinking water etc are provided to the labours and they need not venture into
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
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Chapter-4(D)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures-Power Plant

the restricted areas like forest and tribal reserves. But in reality, it has been noticed
in various projects that the labours often break the rules and get into the forest areas
including the tribal reserves.

The Shompen are isolated tribes with practically no interaction with the mainstream
population. They have survived for thousands of years with nature and have their own
cultural and social identity. They live a life of hunter gatherers, drink natural surface
water of the rivers and have survived. Over ages Any disturbance or alteration in the
natural environmental setup where they live, may cause serious threat to their
existence.

The project area and the labour colonies have been carefully chosen away from the
Shompen dwelling areas. The other tribe which inhabits the GNI are the Nicobarese
which have assimilated themselves with mainstream population to a large extent.
They participate in various cultural activities, goes to school, engaged in business
activities and few even work in government offices. However, there are few
communities within the Nicobarese tribe who choose to be isolated and dwells in the
forest. Government provides facilities to Shompen and Nicobarese to the extent they
desire.

A significant number of workers, comprising of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled

laborer’s, shall be employed by various contractors at site during the peak period of
construction phase. Significant number of semiskilled and unskilled laborer’s would
be recruited from the nearby areas. This would create temporary employment
opportunities in the area.

Since most of sizeable labor force will be drawn from main land and change in
demographic profile is anticipated. Most of the construction work is labour intensive.
As most of the jobs will be done by contractors, it will be ensured that the contractor's
workers are provided with proper facilities including sanitation and drinking water
supply.

The social impact during the construction stage will be generally beneficial so far as
employment opportunities are concerned. During construction of the project, people
from main land will be engaged by contractors. Local people would be preferred for
secondary employment with contracting agencies, depending upon their skill and
experience. During construction, due to influx of labour, economic activities in
surrounding areas will be increased.

The construction material like stone chips, sand and other construction materials may
be procured locally. Thus, there is possibility of generation of local trading
opportunities for limited period of time.

Mitigation Measures:

Strict restrictions need to be imposed to ensure that no labour or any other

unauthorized persons trespasses forest area and have any chance to meet any tribal
population. The forest and tribal area should be guarded and even barricaded with
barbwires if necessary, to ensure that there is no interaction with the tribal during the
construction and operation of the project.

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Chapter-4(D)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures-Power Plant

During the construction phase, the drinking water and sanitation facilities shall be
provided for the work force. Temporary toilets as per PHED norms will be constructed
for the work force during construction period. Suitable septic tanks and soak pits of
appropriate capacities will be constructed for treatment of sewage before disposal.

4.3 Impacts during Operation Phase

The proposed LNG based power plant during its operation phase involves
generation of 450 MVA power through LNG fuel technology. The following activities
related to the operational phase will have varying impacts on the environment and
are considered for impact assessment:

 Land use;
 Soil quality;
 Topography and climate;
 Air quality;
 Water resources and quality;
 Solid waste;
 Noise levels;
 Terrestrial and aquatic ecology;
 Demography and socio-economics; and
 Infrastructural facilities.

Probable impacts on various sectors of environment during operation phase are

given in Table-4.2. Further, the significance of these impacts is discussed in the
subsequent sections.

Table-4.2: Identification of Operation and Maintenance Activities and Probable

Impacts

Operation and Sector Probable Impacts

Maintenance Activities
Transportation of fuel Air • Noise and air emissions from
(LNG) vehicles/vessels
• Fugitive dust emissions due to traffic
movement
• Fugitive emissions of LNG
Water • Spillage of oil and flow into nearby creek,
marine or streams
Public • Increased flow of traffic
utilities • Congestion on roads
Burning of fuel (LNG) Air • Stack emissions NOx from LNG
Withdrawal of water Ecology • Entrapment/ Impingement of organisms
Water treatment for Water • Generation of effluents and sludge from
various uses treatment plant
• Clarifier sludge
• Filter backwash
• DM plant regeneration waste
• Tube settler sludge

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Operation and Sector Probable Impacts

Maintenance Activities
Equipment cooling Water/ • Discharge of cooling water & brine
Ecology
Transportation, storage & Air/ Water • Risks of Accidental spillage/ waste of
use of chemicals/ Cl2O chemicals
Operation of transformers Water • Generation of effluents containing oil
and switchyard
Maintenance (cleaning, Water • Generation of effluents containing oil/
over-haul, oil change, chemicals
lubrication etc.)
Domestic use of water in Water • Generation of sanitary effluents
plant

4.3.1 Impact on Topography and Land Use

The major change in the topographical feature of area would be erection of power
plant structures. There will be a permanent change.

The present land-use of the project site falls under forest category. There will be
change in land use after installation of the proposed power project from forest to
industrial category. Also, the proposed project is not likely to have any further adverse
impact on the surrounding land use during the operation period.

4.3.2 Impact on Soil

The impact of a power plant operated on natural gas as fuel on soil characteristics is
insignificant as compared to the impact of coal-based projects.

The soil conditions of the project site would be allowed to be stabilized during the
period after the impacts of the construction phase. The topsoil in non-built up areas
would be restored and such portions of the site would be subjected to plantations,
which would help in bonding of the soil, thus increasing its strength.

The impact on soil during operation of the project could result due to gaseous
emissions. The soil within the deposition zone of pollutants may undergo minimal
physio-chemical changes due to deposition of washout of gases (NO2) during the
rains. The impacts on soil due to operation of the power plant and gaseous emission
are likely to be negligible as the power plants using R-LNG is much more
environmentally cleaner as compared to coal-based power plants of similar capacity.
As they produce lesser fugitive/dust emissions, greenhouse emissions and release of
effluents is significantly lower.

The impact on the topsoil will be confined to the proposed main plant area. The
emissions of particles will be very minimal when compared to coal-based power
plant, but this little quantity of particulate emission will be dispersed through 30 m
height chimney over wide area, causing minimal impact on soil. The air borne
fugitive dust from the plant is likely to be deposited on the topsoil in the immediate
vicinity of the plant boundary. However, the fugitive emissions from the plant activity
are likely to be controlled to a great extent through proposed control measures.

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Chapter-4(D)
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However, periodic monitoring of soils will be undertaken as wherever required

within study area.

4.3.3 Impact on Air Quality

The impacts on air quality is assessed based on emissions from the proposed Gas
based power project. As RLNG is free from sulphur, for the modelling purpose, only
NOx is considered as pollutant. The emission levels of NOx while firing on LNG has
been considered as guaranteed emission levels for the engines, which are less than
the prevailing emission norms.

Prediction of impacts on air environment has been carried out employing

mathematical model based on a non-steady state Gaussian plume dispersion model
designed for multiple point sources for short term. In the present case, CALPUFF
Version 8.6.1 dispersion model based on non-steady state Lagrangian-Gaussian
puff dispersion, designed for multiple point sources for short term and developed
by United States Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA] has been used for
simulations from point sources.

 Model Set-up

The model set-up details are presented in Table-4.3.

Table-4.3: Model Set-Up

Sr. No. Parameter Details

1 Model Name CALPUFF (Version 8.6.1)
2 Model Type Non-Steady state Lagrangian-Gaussian puff
dispersion model
3 Topography Elevated
4 Averaging Time 24 hours
5 Source Type Point source
6 Boundary Limits 10 km X 10 km
7 Co-ordinate System Uniform Cartesian Grid
8 Receptor Height Ground level
9 Anemometer 10 m
10 Surface meteorological Prognostic Met data MM5
data and Upper air Data

4.3.3.1 Model Input Data

For the modeling purpose, as RLNG is free from sulphur, for the modelling purpose,
only NOx is considered as pollutant. The proposed power plant is located in complex
terrain. The details of the emissions envisaged from the proposed power project is
presented in Table-4.4.

Table-4.4: Stack Emissions from Proposed Gas Based Power Plant

Parameters Description (LNG Description (DG Description

Stack) Stack) 1000 KVA (DG Stack)
500 KVA
Stack Height (m) 30 45 45

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Parameters Description (LNG Description (DG Description

Stack) Stack) 1000 KVA (DG Stack)
500 KVA
Stack Diameter at Top 3.9 0.5 0.5
(m)
Flue Gas velocity 25 40 40
(m/s)
Flue Gas temp. (oC) 400 200 200
Flue gas flow rate 15
(kg/s)
Flue gas flow rate 74
(Nm3/s)
NOx Emission Rate 100 ppm 1.75 g/s 0.87 g/s
188.16 mg/Nm3
(13.95 g/sec)

SO2Emission Rate NIL 0.05 g/s 0.03 g/s

COE mission Rate NIL 0.74 g/s 0.37 g/s
PM10Emission Rate NIL 0.09 g/s 0.05 g/s
PM2.5Emission Rate NIL 0.04 g/s 0.02 g/s
Note: The emission parameters are based on Technical specification. However, the exact emission
data shall be available after finalization of the vendor

Meteorological Data

The prognostic model CALMET ready MM5 data has been used in this model with 4
Km grid resolution. The modeling has been executed in one scenario which is
presented below:

Scenario-I: Proposed Power Plant (450 MVA) + DG sets-20 no’s (1000 KVA-2, 500
KVA-18)

The details of modeling along with predicted ground level concentrations are given
in below section.

Scenario-I: Proposed Power Plant (450 MVA) + DG sets-20 no’s (1000 KVA-
2, 500 KVA-18)

The model simulations were carried out for winter season. For the short-term
simulations, the incremental concentrations were estimated to obtain an optimum
description of variations in concentrations over the site in 10 km radius covering 16
directions.

The predicted cumulative ground level concentration isopleths NOX during winter
seasons (Study period) are given in Figure-4.1.

4.3.3.2 Presentation of Results

Comments on Predicted Concentrations

• Resultant Concentrations

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The incremental concentrations of the proposed project are super-imposed on the

maximum baseline data to arrive at resultant concentrations during operational
phase of the proposed project. The resultant concentration is given in Table-4.5.

Table-4.5: Resultant Concentration

Sr. No Parameter GLC (µg/m3) Distance (Km) Direction

1 NOx 47.9 1.25 SW
2 CO 20.3 1.25 SW
3 SO2 1.47 1.25 SW
4 PM10 2.58 1.25 SW
5 PM2.5 1.29 1.25 SW

4.3.3.3 Conclusions

Maximum short term 24 hourly incremental GLCs are described in Table-4.5 and
as shown in Figure-4.1to Figure-4.5. From the resultant values and from the
isopleth figure, it is evident that the incremental concentration of NOx is observed
to be about 47.9 µg/m3, Similarly SO2 was observed to be 1.47 µg/m3.CO was
observed to be in the range of 20.3 µg/m3. PM10 and PM2.5 was observed to be
about 2.58 µg/m3 and 1.29 µg/m3 respectively during winter season (study period)
which is well within the NAAQs prescribed limits. Hence, it can be concluded that
the resultant GLC’s will be within the prescribed limits during the operation of the
proposed gas power plant at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Islands.

Figure-4.1: Short Term 24 Hourly Incremental GLCs Of NOx with 100% LNG
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Figure-4.2: Short Term 24 Hourly Incremental GLCs Of Co with 100% LNG

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Figure-4.3: Short Term 24 Hourly Incremental GLCs Of So2 with 100% LNG
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Figure-4.4: Short Term 24 Hourly Incremental GLCs of Pm10 with 100% LNG

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Figure-4.5: Short Term 24 Hourly Incremental GLCs Of PM2.5 With 100% LNG

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4.3.3.4 Impact on Air Quality – Fugitive Emissions

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Generally, a thermal power project besides the main units like boilers, turbines also
has several onsite and offsite facilities, viz. coal yard, conveyor system, coal
crusher/pulverizes, coal handling (loading/unloading) etc. which also contribute to
air pollution in the form of fugitive emissions. Whereas in the proposed gas-based
power project there are no such onsite and offsite facilities required that generates
fugitive dust emissions and hence there will be very less contribution of air pollution
from the proposed gas-based power plant. The fugitive emission is envisaged only
from the vehicle movement within the project site.

From the model, it is apparent that the incremental concentration of NOx, SO2,
CO, PM10 and PM2.5 is low. In this area, the existing air quality is good (Refer
chapter 3) and therefore even after the setting up the power plant, the emission
from LNG chimney and DG sets will not exceed the prescribed ambient air quality.

4.3.4 Impacts of the proposed project on the Ecology and Biodiversity of the project site
and its buffer zone

Prediction of impacts is based both on the direct and indirect; short-term as well
as long-term; reversible and irreversible impacts that are most likely to occur owing
to the proposed activity during establishment and operation.

As stated in the project proposal, it is a gas-based power plant involving 39 Ha of

forest land. The project is around 2 km away from the Galathea national park. On
account of a permanent change from an age-old tropical rain forest to the power
plant, the project is going to cause damage to dense forests in 39 Ha. It is unlikely
to have adverse impacts on the endemic fauna of the project site.

Major negative impacts of the project on terrestrial Ecology and Biodiversity is the
loss of a small patch of thick forest. This could lead to severe erosion and invasion
of weeds and exotic species which are already there in the revenue areas.

 The proposed activity will not lead to any fragmentation of wildlife habitats.
There shall be no disruption in food chains. Predator-prey relationships are not
going to be altered. But there shall be a substantial local decline of forest and
the loss of flora and fauna but not any loss REET or Schedule I species.

4.3.5 Impact on Water Resources

 Water Resources

The water requirement for the proposed project is estimated at around 160 m3/day
and will be required only for makeup to engine cooling, yard cleaning, potable water
and initial filling of fire water tank. All the water requirement for the plant will be
met through the integrated water supply network proposed for GNI development.

 Impact on Ground Water

As no ground water is proposed to be used for plant during operation phase, there
will be no impact on ground water resources during operation of the plant.

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Impact on Drainage of the Area

The proposed power project area is located adjacent to the Andaman sea and there
are no natural drainage streams flowing within the proposed project area.

Great Nicobar Islands is having good amount of rainfall all throughout the year.
Hence, suitable measures for conserving rainwater through rain water harvesting
mechanism will be adopted.

The proposed storm water drainage network will be designed in such a way that
there will be no disturbance of natural drainage system. Hence, no major adverse
impact is envisaged on the drainage and hydrology.

Wastewater Generation

Wastewater will be generated from regeneration waste from service water system,
sanitary waste, filter backwash constitutes the main plant effluent and brine
solution from desalination plant. The details of the wastewater generation and the
proposed treatment are covered in Chapter-2D of township and area development
project.

All the parameters of the final effluent from central effluent holding pond will meet
the prescribed standards before marine discharge. This water will be used internally
for plantation as much as required. The balance wastewater will be discharged into
Andaman Sea through marine outfall pipeline. Thus, the impact on water quality
will be insignificant. Refer chapter 2 – Township for details.

No wastewater will be discharge out of the plant premises without treatment. The
project has air-cooled system and therefore there is no cooling tower required.

4.3.6 Impact of Solid Waste

As LNG will be used as fuel for the proposed power project, there will be no
generation of major industrial solid waste.

Mitigation Measures:

The municipal solid waste generated from the plant employees and contractors will
be collected and segregated in a designated area and will be treated and disposed
through the integrated waste management system for GNI development (refer
chapter 2 – township and area development for details). This will also include the
hazardous wastes which will be generated during the operation of the power plant
(waste oil/used oil, lubricants, paints, chemicals, empty containers and used
batteries etc.).

4.3.7 Impact on Marine Environment

The proposed project will be developed on land and therefore no marine ecology
will be disturbed. The Galathea river water which flows nest to the power station,

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will not be used for any purpose in the plant operation. Since, the Galathea river
remains untouched, the estuarine conditions of the Galathea bay will not be
disturbed due to the power plant. However due to the breakwaters constructed for
the port operations will restrict the wave and tide conditions within the bay and
therefore, there could be minor change in the salinity of the bay.

 Impact on Terrestrial Ecosystems

many of the loss of ecosystems during the construction period will be restored
during the operation phase. All efforts will be made to re-densify the vegetation if
any of the surrounding area is affected during the construction stage.

4.3.8 Impact on Noise Levels

The main sources of noise and vibration during operations will be:
• Operation of generators and gas engines inside the power house; and
• Operation of various pumps, fans and motors.

Scheduling deliveries to daytime as much as possible would minimize noise

generation by truck movement. Gas engines, transformers, compressors, pumps,
vehicles and miscellaneous equipment during plant operation, will generate noise.
However, proper acoustic enclosures would be provided to control the noise level
within 90 dB(A) for all workers for an 8 hour/day, as per the requirement of
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard (OSHA). The noise levels
at the source for these units will be in the range of 80-90 dB (A). The adoption of
modern building design and the use of sound-absorbing materials will minimize
noise and vibration from the powerhouse.

4.3.8.1 Noise Modeling for Plant Machinery

Noise modeling was carried out using dhwani Pro software version 9.0.274. The
software considers the point, line and areas type noise generating sources, and
surrounding environment temperature, humidity and frequency, and also barriers
if any such as vegetation, water bodies and buildings. Geo-referenced based map
downloadable future, and gridding of study region facility is available in dhwani Pro.
The model simulation results determine the impact zones to develop the mitigation
measures in compliance with noise emissions from multiple noise sources.

The impact from a continuous stationary noise source at observer’s place,

considering the hemispherical propagation of sound waves is represented by the
following equation:

LR = LS + DI – 20 Log(r) – Ae – 8]

Where,

LR: Sound pressure level at a receptor located at radial ‘r’, dB (A)

LS: Sound pressure level at the source, dB (A)
DI: Directivity index of the source (for hemispherical radiation DI = 3dB (A)
R: Radial distance of the receptor from the source, m

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Ae: represents excess attenuation of sound caused by the environmental conditions

such as:

 Absorption in air;
 Effect of rain, snow and fog;
 Reflections and refractions at barriers and buildings;
 Effect of the terrain, grass, shrubs, trees etc.; and
 Effect of wind and temperature gradient.

The absorption of the sound is generally a complex phenomenon. In general, for

homogeneous loss free atmosphere Ae = 0.
The cumulative impact of multiple stationary noise sources (through hemispherical
wave propagation) at a particular place can be calculated by:
NLp (Total) = 10 Log [_ 10(Lpi/10)]
Where, i=1

Lp (Total) is the resultant cumulative sound pressure level due to N separate

sources. The cumulative impact from different stationary noise sources at proposed
project site has been predicted at 1m distance using the above model.

The major noise generating sources from the proposed plant are identified and
listed in Table-4.6. These are considered as input to the noise model Dhwani Pro
version-9.0.274.

Table-4.6: Major Noise Generating Sources

Sr. No. Sources Noise Level in dB(A) Nature of Noise
[1 m away]
1 Gas engines 85 Continuous
2 Air compressors 85 Continuous

These are considered as input to the noise model.

4.3.8.2 Presentation of Results

The predicted ambient noise levels of <40 dB(A) are observed in 0.4 km radius
from the source of the plant and falls within the plant boundary. There will not be
any adverse impact on the nearby villages as the local residents will be exposed to
a noise level of <30 dB(A).
The incremental noise levels are computed at proposed project site at 500 m x
500m grid intervals over an area of 2 kmx2 km study area. The predicted results
of incremental noise levels at each grid points are used to draw noise contours. The
predicted noise contours around proposed sources are shown in Figure-4.6.
The predicted noise levels at the boundary due to various plant activities will be
ranging about 40 dB(A). The incremental noise levels will be less than 30 dB(A) at
all the surrounding habitations. It is seen from the simulation results that the
incremental noise levels will be well within the CPCB standards.

Mitigation Measures:

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• Reduction in noise levels in the high noise machinery areas will be achieved by
adoption of suitable preventive measures such as suitable building layout in
which the equipment are to be located, adding sound barriers, use of enclosures
with suitable absorption material, etc.

• All the gas engines will be provided with acoustic enclosures to reduce the noise
level.

• Adequate protective measures in the form of ear muffs/ear plugs to the workers
working in high noise areas need to be provided.

4.3.8.3 Impact on Work Zone and Community

Gas engines and air compressors are the high noise generating equipment in the
proposed LNG based power plant. However, impacts on the working personnel are
not expected to be significant on account of the high level of automation of the
plant, which means that lesser man power near the equipment will be exposed for
short duration only and that too intermittently with suitable protection equipment
for working in noisy area. The noise generation during operational phase would be
at source itself through different measures such as inspection, operation and
maintenance at regular intervals. The noise control measures as described in EMP
will be fully followed.

The operators, workers and other personnel within the plant, however, may be
affected unless protective measures are taken. According to the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards, the allowable noise level for
the workers is <90 dB(A) for 8 hours exposure a day. It could be seen that in the
plant premises the major noise generating source are gas engines and air
compressors which will generate around 85 dB(A) continuously. Hence, the impact
on occupational health of workers would be less significant.

Figure-4.6: Noise Dispersion Contours

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4.3.8.4 Impacts due to Transportation

LNG will be transported using pipeline, hence, no significant traffic movement due
to this is envisaged in the proposed project on existing public road network. The
various material like chemicals, spares etc. will also be brought periodically by sea
route. In addition, the roadways to the project site will also be strengthened to
cater the increased vehicular traffic. This in-turn will increase the job opportunity
for drivers, attendants and technicians.

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Effective implementation of the pollution emission compliance prescribed under

Motor Vehicles Act by the transport authorities will minimize the vehicular pollution
impact.

4.3.9 Impact on Occupational Health

The damage risk criteria as enforced by Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) to reduce hearing loss, stipulates that the noise levels up
to 90 dB(A) are acceptable for 8hour working per shift per day.

There is no high noise equipment in the proposed power plant, except gas engines.
However, impacts on the working personnel are not expected to be significant on
account of the high level of automation of the plant, which means that workers will
be exposed for short duration only that too intermittently. Equipment will be
provided with silencers. Workers will be provided with necessary protection devices
such as ear plugs, ear muffs etc.

4.3.10 Prediction of Impacts on Socio-Economics

The plant will be operated with very minimal workforce as the whole system will be
automated.

One of the basic problems that causes interaction with tribal during construction&
operation relates to the behaviour of the workers. The plant operators are supposed
to be restricted only to plant area during workhours as the surrounding plant area
is sociologically sensitive due to the presence of the Shompens nearby.

Very few unskilled labours will be required for the plant operation and will be met
from nearby villages depending on the availability during operation phase. The
proposed project will result in considerable growth of service sector and will also
generate new industrial and business opportunities in the area. Hence, the project
will help in generation of the indirect employment apart from direct employment.
This will also help in reduction of out migration for employment due to better
economic opportunities available in the area.

4.3.11 Impacts on Public Health and Safety

Impact on public health, if any will be primarily due to emissions of NOx and noise
generation. However, as explained above, the impact due to air and noise pollution
will be well within the permissible limits. The incremental GLC’s will be insignificant
for NOx. The public health and safety are dependent on the effective
implementation of control measures suggested for pollution control. Hence, there
will not be any health hazards from the proposed project.

4.4 Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures during

Construction and Operation Phase

Summary of environmental impacts and mitigation measures during construction

and operational phase of the project is given in Table-4.7.

Vimta Labs Limited, Hyderabad C4-128

 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
(ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour
Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(D)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures-Power Plant

Table-4.7: Summary of Anticipated Adverse Environmental Impacts and Mitigation

Measures During Construction & Operation Phase

Discipline Potential Probable Mitigation Measures Remarks

Negative Source
Impacts
Construction Phase
Water Increase in Loose soil at During monsoon season -
quality suspended construction site run off from construction
solids due to soil site will be routed to a
run- off during temporary sedimentation
heavy precipitation tank for settlement of
suspended solids.
Air quality Increase in dust Leveling activity Sprinkling of water in the The impact will be
and gaseous and heavy construction area and on low, as the main
emissions such as vehicular unpaved roads. Proper approach road will
CO, NOX, SO2 movement maintenance of vehicles be tarred.
concentrations will be done.
Noise Increase in noise Construction Equipment will be kept in Workers will be
level equipment good condition to keep the Provided
noise level within 90dB(A). necessary
Protective
equipment e.g.
Ear plug,
earmuffs.
Terrestrial Clearing of Soil enabling Plantation after completion -
ecology vegetation activities of construction.

Socio- Influx of people No displacement During construction, due to -

economics and loss of influx of labour, economic
livelihood activities in surrounding
areas will be increased.
Operation Phase
Air Quality Increase in SO2and Stack emissions Single stack with 30 m The resultant air
NOx levels in height will be provided for quality will
ambient air the proper dispersion of conform to the
pollutants. stipulated
standards
Water Quality Deterioration of Brine water Periodic monitoring at -
marine water Discharge outfall location
quality
Solid Waste Deterioration of The general solid Waste will be collected and -
soil, ground & waste generated segregated in a designated
marine water from the plant area and will be disposed
quality employees and through authorized agency.
contractors
Hazardous Deterioration of Discharge from Waste will be segregated -
wastes soil, ground & various plant units and properly stored in a
marine water designated area. Finally,
quality these materials will be
disposed-off through
authorized recyclers.
Ecology
a. Terrestrial Impact on plant Emissions from stack Emission will be As ambient air
species controlled as well as quality will be
dispersed through within limits, no
appropriate design. Impact on the
vegetation is
expected.
b. Aquatic Impact on marine not applicable
water

Vimta Labs Limited, Hyderabad C4-129

 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal
(ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour
Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-4(D)
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures-Power Plant

Discipline Potential Probable Mitigation Measures Remarks

Negative Source
Impacts
Noise Increase in noise Equipment in main Equipment will be Employees
levels in the plant plant and auxiliaries. designed to conform to working in high
area. noise levels prescribed by noise areas would
regulatory agencies. Be provided
earplugs/earmuffs
as protective
device.
Demography Strain on amenities Influx of people of Local population will be Overall
and socio- like housing, water proposed power plant given preference in socioeconomic
economics sources and employees as well as awarding work. No status of the
sanitation, medical contractor's significant impact is area is expected
and infrastructure employees/labourers envisaged. to improve.
facilities. .

Vimta Labs Limited, Hyderabad C4-130

CHAPTER 5
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

5.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

5.1 Alternative Site Analysis

Site analysis was under taken for the existing and potential conditions in and
around the proposed sites. The purpose of the analysis is to provide thorough
information about the site assets and liabilities prior to starting the design
process.

Many of the possible alternatives concerning type, scale, and location will be
influenced by technical, economic and environmental considerations. The
proposed project for development has considered approaches to the project and
means of preventing damage to the environment.

The alternatives have been studied with indication of the reasons for selecting the
proposed alternatives have been presented in subsequent sections of this chapter
being a good practice to consider alternatives during project planning, to examine
their environmental impacts in deciding which alternative to choose at project
design or to methods of construction or operation stages to avoid, reduce or
remedy environmental effects.

In the proposed holistic development of GNI, the following are the analysis four
alternative sites examined for the each of the project considered under the
holistic development of GNI:

5.2 Alternative Site Analysis for ICTT Project

The site alternatives are listed below and given in brief in the subsequent
sections:

 Site 1 – Galathea Bay

 Site 2 – Casuarina Bay
 Site 3 – Anderson Bay
 Site 4 – Pemayya Bay

The harbor layouts at each of the above alternative sites have been developed
considering the direction of waves, water depths to minimize dredging and
ensuring while the breakwater does not extend to deeper waters that would
increase the cost of development.

The location of the four alternate sites in the Great Nicobar Island is shown in
Figure 5.1.

C5-1
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Figure-5.1(A): Alternative Site Locations (Galathea Bay and Casuarina Bay)

Figure-5.1(B): Alternative Site Locations (Anderson Bay and Pamayya Bay)

5.2.1 Site 1 – Galathea Bay

This site is located near the southernmost tip of the Great Nicobar Island and is
approximately 40 km away from the mainline shipping route. The sea-bed
contours are steep, and the water depths of 20 m and 30 m are available within
2.3 km and 3.6 km from the shoreline respectively. The site offers the water area
of about 517.60 ha between shoreline and the 20 m contour which could be
optimally utilised for the development of the harbour facilities. The site is away
from habitation. Part of the site falls under ICRZ Zone 1A. The indicative layout of
the container Transshipment port is presented in Figure-5.2.

C5-2
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

It could be observed that about 6.07 km of total berth length is possible to be

developed on the western side of the bay. Two breakwaters of length 2.53 km
and 0.74 km respectively provide round the year wave tranquility. The port would
be developed in phased manner and the berths would be added as per the traffic
growth. However, the breakwaters would need to be fully constructed at the
initial phase only.

Figure-5.2: Galathea Bay Location – Proposed Layout – Selected Site the Present
Project

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

5.2.2 Alternative Site 2 – Casuarina Bay

The site is near to the Shompen habitation. Further, this area falls outside the
project area of 166.1 sq km. Part of site falls under ICRZ Zone 1A. the site is also
having leatherback turtle nesting sites. However, the nesting of the turtles were
not monitored recently. The site can offer adequate Harbour area, but it would
involve slightly higher dredging as compared to site 1, which eventually leads to
higher risk of involving rock dredging.

Two breakwaters of length 4.150 km and 0.88 km respectively provide round the
year wave tranquility. The port would be developed in phased manner and the
berths would be added as per the traffic growth.

The indicative layout of the container Transshipment port is presented in Figure-

5.3.

Figure-5.3: Casuarina Bay Location – Alternative Site-2 (Layout)

C5-4
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

5.2.3 Alternative Site 3 – Anderson Bay

The site is in a creek just south of Campbell Bay. The area of the creek is very
much limited and therefore lot of hill cutting would be needed to create the
required harbour area. Further, the entire site is relatively exposed to the sea and
thus would require longer breakwaters. The site is close to the habitation near
Campbell Bay. Part of the site falls under ICRZ Zone 1A. this site also having
leatherback and other sea turtle nesting sites.

Two breakwaters of length 4.00 km and 1.660 km respectively provide round the
year wave tranquility. The port would be developed in phased manner and the
berths would be added as per the traffic growth.

The indicative layout of the container Transshipment port is presented in Figure-

5.4.

Figure-5.4: Alternative Site-3: Anderson Bay (Layout)

C5-5
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

5.2.4 Alternative Site 4 – Pemayya Bay

The area of the creek is very much limited and therefore lot of hill cutting would
be needed to create the required harbour area. Further the entire site is relatively
exposed to the sea and thus would require longer breakwaters.

The site is away from any habitation. Further, this area may conflict with the
proposed Naval facilities planned near the Indira Point. Only small part of the
area falls under ICRZ Zone 1A. Nesting of sea turtles has been reported on the
Pamayya Bay site but was not monitored by forest department. Two breakwaters
of length 4.20 km and 1.55 km respectively provide round the year wave
tranquility. The port would be developed in phased manner and the berths would
be added as per the traffic growth.

The indicative layout of the container Transshipment port is presented in Figure-

5.5.

Figure-5.5: Alternative Site-4: Pamayya Bay (Layout)

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Multi-criteria Analysis of Alternative Sites

All the proposed alternative sites were evaluated using Multi-criteria Analysis as
presented in Table-5.1. The comparison and site evaluation were carried out
considering the various factors and the outcome of the evaluation is given in.

Table-5.1: Comparative Analysis of Alternate Sites

Sr Factor Galathea Bay Casuarina Bay Anderson Bay Pemayya Bay

No. Description
1 Proximity to Closest to the Additional Additional Additional
shipping International distance of 35 distance of 25 distance of 15
routes Shipping line km from Site 1 km km
(only from Site 1 from Site 1
40 km away)
2 Cost Risks Minimal Risk of rock Significant as Significant as
dredging higher hills hills
as compared to have to be cut have to be cut
site 1 for creating the for creating the
harbour basin. harbour basin.
Presence of rock Presence of rock
would make would make
dredging very dredging very
expensive expensive
3 Land Requires Reclamation Reclamation Reclamation
Development Reclamation of Required is required is less required is
Land to slightly than in Galathea slightly more
develop more as bay. However than
Onshore compared to significant hill in Galathea Bay.
Storage Galathea Bay. cutting is Hill cutting
facilities. Minimal hill involved required is
Minimal cutting maximum of all
hill cutting is is envisaged locations
required
4 Dredging Sufficient Shallower water Shallower water Shallower water
Requirement water depths near to depths near to depths near to
depth is shore. shore. shore.
available Dredging volume Significant Significant
close to shore. required is volume of Dredging
Minimal slightly dredging required. It is
dredging is more than required. more than
required Galathea Dredging Galathea bay
bay but less than required and
Anderson and is max among Casuarina bay
Pemayya bay all
locations

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Sr Factor Galathea Bay Casuarina Bay Anderson Bay Pemayya Bay

No. Description
5 Breakwaters Small length of Length of Length of Length of
breakwaters breakwater is breakwaters is breakwaters
required. more significantly required is max
than Galathea more of
bay than the length all locations
but less than required for
Anderson bay Galathea bay
and
Pemayya bay
6 Environmental Part of the part of the area Part of the area Very Small area
Issues area falls falls under rea falls under as compared to
under ICRZ ICRZ Zone 1A. ICRZ Zone 1A, other locations
Zone Area within Turtle nesting falls under ICRZ
1A, biosphere sites haven Zone 1A, Turtle
Turtle nesting reserve been reported nesting sites
sites haven and Campbell haven been
been reported National Park, reported
Turtle nesting
sites haven been
reported
7 Tribal Presence of
- Tribal in the - -
adjoining area
8 Gel with The location Location falls Site requires Development is
Overall gels outside the displacement of restricted. It
development well with the proposed project habitation and may
plan overall boundary and is therefore has overlap with the
development very far from the Rehabilitation defence land
plan. other project issues.
However, its components.
proximity with
the
proposed air
strip
needs to be
confirmed with
regard to the
150m high
cranes

Recommended Trans-shipment Port Layout

It could be observed from above that Transshipment Port site at Galathea Bay
appears to be the most feasible in terms of overall considerations for technical,
environmental and financial parameters and thus selected for further detailed
evaluation.

ZSI recommendation on the Galathea Bay site for ICTT

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Strategic reason: Presently, China is expanding its footprint around India in the
Indian Ocean Region. China has developed and funded different types of ports in
our neighboring countries to enjoy sovereign guarantees and facilities. China has
developed and funded a deep‐water port at Gwadar of Pakistan and Chittagong of
Bangladesh. China is also considering an oil pipeline as part of China Pakistan
Economic Corridor. This will help China's oil imports to bypass transport on the
Indian Ocean and specifically through the Strait of Malacca. China has provided
economic and technical aid to Sri Lanka for the expansion of the Hambantota port
and bunker facility. It is six nautical miles from a major Indian Ocean shipping
route. China is using Naval and commercial access at Chittagong Port of
Bangladesh along with harboring and refueling of aircraft. Burma is availing several
military and commercial facilities from China at Great Coco Island and a
commercial shipping facility at Sittwe. They are also planning to make a pipeline
from Sittwe to Kunming to deduce expenditure of oil for China that travels through
the Strait of Malacca. China and Thailand are discussing a canal at Kra that would
directly link the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea and allow the Chinese to
avoid the Strait of Malacca.

Under the above-mentioned situation, the outer boundary is chocking, and some
initiatives are required to counter these predominant activities of China in Indian
Ocean Region. The Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost landmass of India
with notable strategic importance which may provide a valid platform to counter
the Indian strong activities against China. The proposed project came out with
some specific goals in terms of the development program in Great Nicobar Island
like to strengthen India’s participation in the regional maritime economy by
establishing a new port city; to develop a diverse economy that combines
transshipment, trade, and tourism; to leverage the Island’s world-class ecological
resources to attract international and Indian tourists. The development plans are
designed in terms of some specific master plan assignments such as to provide an
inspiring and agile framework for the physical development of the new city; to
ascertain the best location and most appropriate size for major infrastructure
facilities (port, airport, urban infrastructure); to chart a balanced path forward that
can achieve economic development goals, conserve the natural environment, and
improve the quality of life of residents.

Technical Reason: Based on the thorough scrutiny and examination Galathea Bay is
selected for the ICTT as this is the best site in terms of distance from the
international sea route (nearly 40 km away), risk of rock dredging is comparatively
less, the requirement of reclamation of land to develop onshore storage facilities in
low cost, availability of natural breakwater as required for the project, no
requirement of hill cutting to use the land, no availability of habitation and tribal
population. Some environmental demerits are also investigated for all the proposed
sites and Galathea Bay stands with some important ecological and environmental
issues like some portion of the designated area is falling under ICRZ Zone 1A; the
presence of 117 species of scleractinian corals along with the live coral cover of
17.46%, 8 species of holothurians, saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus
porosus Schneider, 1801) in adjoining Galathea River along with mangrove
patches, predominant nests of vulnerable leatherback turtle Dermochelys
coriacea (Vandelli, 1764), 3 species of marine mammals are sighted, 14 breeding

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

pairs along with 7 active mounds of endemic Nicobar Megapode Megapodius

nicobariensis abbotti (Oberholser, 1919), and the Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca
fascicularis umbrosus (Miller, 1902). These issues are required to address with a
proper ecological restoration program and recommendations which are illustrated
in this report. Prediction of Environmental Impacts, Envisaged Benefit of the
Project, Evaluation for Alternate Sites, Environmental Management Plan, Mitigation
Strategies in Marine Environment at Proposed Project Sites, and Recommendations
are given in details in the report for the proposed 14.2 Million TEU (Twenty Feet
Equivalent Unit) ICTT Port, (main project), Airport (4,000 Peak hour passenger,
Category 4F), Township and Area Development for 14,960 Ha and Power Plant
(405MVA Gas +Diesel) (Additional 45 MVA from solar power will be included in
total power generation).

Ecological Reason: It is a fact that sea turtles are global species and they are
known to nest on the sandy beaches in the close proximity to existing and
operational coastal facilities globally. Several ports and jetties exist on the eastern
and western coast of India (Haldia, Dhamra, Paradeep, Nuagarh, Visakhapatnam,
Kakinada, Ennore, Tuticorin, Cochin, Goa, Ratnagiri, Veraval, Diu, and Jafrabad)
and despite of these coastal facilities, sea turtles continue to nest in close proximity
to the establishments. Here are some examples of existence of major Ports and sea
turtle nesting habitats along the east coast of India.

The Dhamra port, in Odisha coast is located near the famous mass nesting beaches
of olive ridley turtles, the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in a straight line. It falls
along the extremely important and fragile zone of Northern boundary of
Bhitarkanika National Park. While obtaining of the environmental clearance, one of
the most pressing concerns was on turtles (dredging, lighting, shipping, ballast
water discharge, current changes and their impacts, noise pollution, impacts from
an expanding local population, ancillary development) as well as other impacts on
the ecosystem of the area, on Bhitarkanika National Park and on Gahirmatha
Marine Sanctuary. The Dhamra port is fully operational and there is no impact
known on sea turtle nesting at Gahirmatha and adjoining areas where sporadic
nesting takes place.

Paradip is one of the major ports of India in the east coast commissioned after
independence situated in the mouth of Mahanadi and there are sporadic nesting
sites along both side estuary and are not known to be impacted by port activities.

The Kakinada Sea Ports Limited (KSPL) is situated near the Hope Island and
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and sporadic nesting of sea turtles have been occurring
in Hope Island and Sacramento uninterruptedly.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

5.3 Alternative Site Analysis for Airport

The airport site analysis was carried out based on reviews of available secondary
data, existing reports and a field visit. Numerous elements were considered in the
airport site context analysis, including a review of surrounding and site-specific
conditions with regards to wind direction, topography, adequacy of development
space, air traffic safety considerations, environmental issues and existing
infrastructure. This examination of the existing site conditions provides key
insights that help shape future development decisions.

The key factors that need to be taken into account when selecting a suitable
location for an airport include the following:

• Open, fairly leveled and well-drained site.

• Prevailing wind directions that support available runway configuration
options.
• Absence of obstructions to air navigation systems.
• Environmental concerns, national parks, tribal areas etc.
• Earthwork economics and need to minimise land cut and fill.
• Propensity for flooding and tidal variations.
• Connectivity and accessibility.

Five potential airport sites were selected for initial evaluation, see Figure 5.6
below.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Figure-5.6: Five potential airport sites

Examination of Sites 2 (Centre) and 4 (West) indicated they are deficient in two
important aspects :

• Restricted length of runways availability; and

• Prevailing wind directions would cause crosswinds for significant periods
and hence would risk regular interruptions to runway operations.

Moreover, other major disadvantages of Site 4 (West) are as follows:

• Proximity to Shompen tribe areas
• No connectivity either by land/ road or by sea; and so
• Would require the cutting of a new road through a virgin forest zone to
provide ground connectivity; and
• The proposed island development would be on the east coast and the
airport would relatively far away and located on the west coast of the
island.

C5-12
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

As a result of these considerations, Site 2 (Central) and Site 4 (West) was

rejected.

The three remaining shortlisted airport sites were further analysed. These sites
are as follows and are shown in Figure 2.1 below.
• North Site – Ranganatha Bay.
• Central Site – Existing runway at Campbell Bay.
• South Site- Shastri Nagar.

Figure-5.7: Alternative Sites for Airport

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

5.3.1 Ranganatha Bay – North Site

Topography: The airport site is along the length of a seasonal stream. The stream
runs south to north and which discharges to the sea at the north. The airport site
is adjacent to a ridge line to the west and a number of high isolated knolls to the
east. A number of ridge spurs protrude from west ridge into the valley and these
would need to be removed if the site was selected for the airport.

Wind Direction: The runway at this site would be oriented in an approximate

north-south direction and this would be quite suitable for the prevailing north-
east/south-west wind direction.

Obstructions to Air Navigation: These are significant, as follows:

• The ridge line to the west of the airport site runs north-south and is over
100m high, and therefore it penetrates the Inner Horizontal Surface, the
Conical Surface and the Outer Horizontal Surface.
• The runway approach from the south is obstructed and hampered by hill
features which lie directly in the runway approach and take-off climb
surfaces. These hills are significant obstructions to aircraft, risking safe
flying operations.

Air Approaches to the Site:

a. Approach from North

The approach is over Sea and mostly clear except for some obstructions on the
coastline.

b. Approach from South

The approach from South is obstructed and hampered by hill features which lie
right in the Approach surface. These hills are serious obstructions to approaching
aircraft and will endanger safe flying operations.

Airport Availability

Due to the restrictions of approach from South, the Airport could be approached
from Single direction only; hence, the airport will be available for operations only
when the Wind is from third quadrant or is in calm realm. Thus, the availability of
airport would be about 50% of the time.

C5-14
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Figure-5.8: Ranganatha Bay – North Site – Obstruction to Navigation

Runway Usability: Due to the restrictions on the runway approach from the south,
an airport at this site can only be approached from a single direction and so the
airport will be available for operations only when the wind is calm/light or from
the south-west. Therefore, the availability of airport would be severely restricted
and would not meet the ICAO requirement for an airport runway system to be
available 95% of the time and so all-weather, around the clock operations may
not be possible at this site.

Environmental Issues: This site lies close to hilly areas and is covered with dense
forest growth. This will entail clearing of the forest cover and a general levelling
of the site. The drainage pattern of the valley in which the airport would be
located will need to be retrained and will require substantial funds to ensure that
the catchment area on the slopes does not direct the discharge towards the
planned assets of airport. The entire area will require diversion / acquiring forest
land and part of area will be in wetlands. The northern end of runway will be in
the CRZ and will require some reclamation at the seashore. Access to inhabited

C5-15
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

areas and Campbell Bay is currently non-existent and new roads will need to be
constructed.

5.3.2 Existing Runway of INS Baaz – Central Site

Topography: The site is the existing Indian Navy airstrip. The runway is
approximately 1,000m long and would need significant extension to allow
commercial Code C aircraft operations the site is dominated by a hill feature to
the north and the southern edge of the site is the Campbell Bay shoreline. The
site has very limited scope for future expansion and will not be able to
accommodate the required infrastructure for development of an international
airport. Expansion of the site will require extensive land reclamation in Campbell
Bay along the length of the runway. The existing Indian Navy infrastructure
extends to the fringes of the existing short runway and safety clearances are not
adequate for a Code 4 runway and so these existing facilities will need to be
demolished. In addition, the extension of the runway to the north-east will
protrudes into and bisect an existing settlement area and this will also require
some demolition of existing buildings including a temple.

Wind Direction: The runway at this site would be oriented in an approximate

north-east/south-west direction and this would be suitable for the prevailing
north-east/south-west wind direction.

Obstructions to Air Navigation: The site is dominated by a hill feature to the north
over 80m high and this would penetrate the Inner Horizontal Surface and the
Conical Surface. Similarly, the approach and take-off climb surfaces from/to the
south-west are also penetrated by other hilly terrain.

C5-16
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Figure-5.9: Ins Baaz Central Site – Obstruction to Navigation

Air Approaches to the Site:

Approach from North- East.

The approach is over Sea and is mostly clear.

Approach from South.

The approach from South is obstructed and hampered by hill features which lie
right in the Approach surface. These hills are serious obstructions to approaching
aircraft and will endanger safe flying operations.

Airport Availability:

C5-17
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Due to the restrictions of approach from South, the Airport could be approached
from Single direction only; hence, the airport would be available for operations
only when the Wind is from third quadrant or calm realm. Thus, the availability of
airport would be about 50% of the time.

Runway Usability: Due to the restrictions on the runway approach from the south,
an airport at this site can only be approached from a single direction and so the
airport will be available for operations only when the wind is calm/light or from
the south-west. Therefore, the availability of airport would be severely restricted
and would not meet the ICAO requirement for an airport runway system to be
available 95% of the time and so all-weather, around the clock operations may
not be possible at this site.

Environmental Issues: This site lies close to hilly areas and is covered with dense
forest growth. This will entail clearing of the forest cover and a general levelling
of the site. The drainage pattern of the valley in which the airport would be
located will need to be retrained and will require substantial funds to ensure that
the catchment area on the slopes does not direct the discharge towards the
planned assets of airport. The entire area will require diversion / acquiring forest
land and part of area will be in wetlands. The northern end of extended runway
will be in the CRZ as it will require some reclamation at the seashore. adjacent
area is having habitation and may require displacement of population.

5.3.3 Shastri Nagar – Southern Site

Topography: The South Site is approximately 4,000m long, running along a flat
open patch of land. The site is dominated by a 100m high ridge line to the west
and there are two isolated knolls to the east. The site has a tidal inlet area to the
east which would need to be filled and levelled.

Wind Direction: The runway at this site would be oriented in an approximate

north-east/south-west direction and this would be suitable for the prevailing
north-east/south-west wind direction.

Obstructions to Air Navigation: The ridge line to the west of the site running over
100m in parts and therefore the Inner Horizontal Surface and Conical Surface are
penetrated. However, this ridge line also separates the airport site and the
proposed port site at Galethea Bay and provides a buffer zone between the two.
The sea port will have tower cranes for loading and unloading of ships; these
cranes are also likely to be aerodrome safeguarding obstacles and their obstacle
impact needs to be assessed by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) as the cranes
will lie in the shadow of the separating ridge line. Suitable and appropriate ATM
procedures need to be established by AAI for safe navigation if this airport site is
selected. The ridgeline and knoll penetrations of the aerodrome safeguarded
surfaces are shown in Figure below. Whilst there some penetrations of the
aerodrome safeguarded surfaces beyond the south-west end of the runway these
are minimal compared to the North and Central Sites, and the approach and take-
off climb surfaces beyond the north-eastern end of the runway are clear.

C5-18
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Figure-5.10: Shastri Nagar Southern Site – Obstruction to Navigation

Air Approaches to the Site:

a. Approach from North: The approach is over Sea and is mostly clear.

b. Approach from South:

The approach is over Sea and mostly clear except for some levelling on the
Coastline and reclamation of land. Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) Airport
Availability: The airport is available from both the approaches and hence is
assessed that it will be available for over 95 % of time which is a requirement of
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

C5-19
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Runway Usability: The airport is available from both the approaches and hence is
assessed that it will be available for over 95% of time, therefore meeting ICAO
usability criteria.

Environmental Issues: The South Site is a fairly open area. Minimal forest land
will be affected by the airport development. There is an existing road connection
to existing main areas of habitation on the island habitation. No land reclamation
will be required for a Code C runway; however, runway approach lighting systems
will extend into the sea. Reclamation will be required for the existing tidal inlet
area to the east which is under CRZ. The aircraft approach and take-off paths will
be over the sea at both runways ends and there will be minimal disturbance to
the local population and tribal areas due to overflying aircraft at low altitude.

5.3.4 Multi criteria Analysis of Alternative Sites

In Table-5.2 below we summarise the international airport site selection

evaluation for the three shortlisted airport sites (North, Central and South). The
evaluation takes account of a variety of key site selection criteria including impact
of island terrain on airport operations & usability and potential environmental
impacts of airport development.

Table-5.2: Analysis of Alternative Sits for Airport Project

Site Evaluation
S/N Evaluation Criteria
North Site Central Site South Site
Approximate
1 Length of Land 4,200 m 3,900 m 4,000 m
Available
Single, only from Single, only from
2 Aircraft Approaches Both
north north-east
Hills on West and
Obstructions to Air High Ridge Lines East;
3 Small Hill on North
Navigation Venturi effect Port Cranes in
Galathea Bay
Prevailing Wind Only partial Only partial
Airport available
4 Direction and availability of availability of
most of the year
Airport Usability Airport Airport
Earthworks
5 Expensive Intermediate Intermediate
Economics
Most Sensitive Fairly Sensitive Fairly Sensitive

Environmental Large part is

6 Large part is Revenue Land
Sensitivity Virgin Forest area
Revenue Land Minimal forest Land
affected

C5-20
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Site Evaluation
S/N Evaluation Criteria
North Site Central Site South Site

Existing Town of
No Habitation on Existing Town will Shastri Nagar and
Site Split in two parts part Gandhi will
need to be shifted

Needs new
Existing Road Existing Road
greenfield highway
Connectivity Connectivity
for connectivity

Needs significant
Needs some land Requires land
land reclamation
reclamation beyond reclamation of the
beyond the
the shoreline tidal inlet area
shoreline

Flight paths over Flight paths over

Flight paths over
entire width of the sea with
entire length of
island, tribal areas minimal
island and
and over habited disturbance to
habitation
areas habited areas

Unlikely
Likely disturbance Likely disturbance
disturbance of tribal
of tribal areas of tribal areas
areas
Flight paths over
Flight path may Flight path may
the sea and likely
interfere with interfere with
minimal
avifauna flight avifauna flight
disturbance to
paths and habitats paths and habitats
avifauna

7 Avifauna impacts Active and passive Active and passive Active and passive
measures would measures would measures would
need to be need to be need to be
instituted at the instituted at the instituted at the
airport to safeguard airport to safeguard airport to safeguard
flight operations flight operations flight operations
and avifauna and avifauna and avifauna

Turtle Nesting
8 Not affected Not affected Not affected
Areas
Crocodile Infested
9 Not affected Not affected Affected
Areas
Corals Not affected May get affected May get affected

10 Megapodes Nests reported Not affected Not affected

C5-21
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Site Evaluation
S/N Evaluation Criteria
North Site Central Site South Site
CRZ is impacted at
Impacts at the north the north and south
end of the airport Minimal impacts on ends of the runway
site and around the the southern side of and around the
11 central part of the the runway: centre of the airport
ICRZ runway: Partly in ICRZ Zone site there are two
Mangroves/ICRZ IV B water bodies:
Zone IV B Partly in ICRZ Zone
1 A, I B & IV B
12 Access can be planned by:

a Road Yes Yes Yes

b Speed Boats No Yes Yes

c Sea Aerodrome No No Yes

Site Selection recommendation: The number of sites on Great Nicobar Island

suitable for development of an international airport on Great Nicobar Island are
very limited. The island terrain is characterised by hills with only a relatively
narrow strip of land on the eastern and southern coasts where urban and tourism
development can take place. Various National Parks, environmentally sensitive
areas and local tribal areas add further development constraints. The significant
constraints imposed by the island terrain and characteristics mean that there is
no perfect site available on the island. All sites are compromised to some degree
and the most suitable site is the one where these compromises can be managed
and the one which provides a high degree of runway usability in line with ICAO
recommendations, with aircraft approaches and take-offs available to/from both
ends of the single runway. Based on our comparative site assessment and
selection analysis, only the South Site should be pursued as this is the only site,
we believe can be developed without wholescale terrain modification to allow
runway operations in both directions. Having said that, the South Site does
present some challenges that still need to be overcome, these include the
following:
• The need for some terrain modification to reduce penetration of the
aerodrome safeguarded surfaces by natural terrain obstacles to ensure safe
aircraft operations, and also to provide an airport platform onto which the airfield
and apron areas can be constructed to stringent ICAO longitudinal and transverse
profile standards;
• Air Traffic Control procedures to restrict aircraft approach, take-off, missed
approach routes etc. based on the agreed terrain modifications.
• The need for some land reclamation to allow construction of a 3,000m
runway with 240m Runway End Safety Areas and ILS Localisers at both ends of
the runway. This land reclamation requirement will invariably encroach upon the
CRZ, and so environmental clearance and some environmental
management/mitigation will be required.
C5-22
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

• Some reclamation is also necessary in the central part of airport at the

current tidal inlet area to create sufficient area for all anticipated airport
functions. This will also require environmental clearance and some environmental
management/mitigation.

The selected airport site is shown in Figure-5.12.

Figure-5.12: Map showing Location of selected Airport site

C5-23
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Figure-5.12: Airport Overlap on ICRZ Map

C5-24
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

5.4 Alternative Site Analysis – Power Plant

Three alternative sites were examined for the proposed LNG power plant. The
alternative sites are listed below:

Site-1: Near Campbell Bay;

Site-2: Near Shastri Nagar; and
Site-3: Near proposed port.

The alternate sites are shown in Figure-5.13. The selected site is option 3 which
is near to the ICTT facility.

Table-5.3: Comparison Statement for Site Selection of Power Plant

Sr. Description Near Campbell Bay Near Shastri Near Galathea

No Site-1 Nagar Site-2 Bay Site-3
1 Approx. Area of land available 96 acres 96 acres 96 acres
2 Earth work economics Expensive Intermediate Intermediate
3 Environmental Sensitivity Less Sensitive Fairly Sensitive Fairly Sensitive
a Turtle Nesting Areas Not affected Not affected Not affected
b Crocodile infested areas Not affected Not affected Not affected
c Megapode Not affected Not affected Not affected
d ICRZ Not affected Not affected Not affected
4 Equitable growth of different Long distance from Long distance Near load centre
areas load centre from load centre
5 Transportation Expensive Intermediate Less
transportation cost of transportation transportation
fuel cost of fuel cost of fuel
6 Generation expenses High Intermediate Less

C5-25
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Figure-5.13(A) Alternative Sites for Power Plant

C5-26
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Figure-5.14: Power Plant Overlap on ICRZ Map

C5-27
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-5
Analysis of Alternatives

Figure-5.15: Selected Site for Installation of Power Plant

 Power Plant Location

 An integrated location of power plant is suggested to feed the entire development

on island; and
 The location is near to proposed LNG jetty and is suitable for establishing all the
multiple sources of Power Generation for Great Nicobar Island viz., DG and LNG
plant

C5-28
CHAPTER 6
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-6
Environmental Monitoring Program

6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM

6.1 Introduction

Regular monitoring of environmental parameters is of immense importance to

assess the status of environment during project operation. With the knowledge of
baseline conditions, the monitoring programme will serve as an indicator for any
deterioration in environmental conditions due to operation of the project, to enable
taking up suitable mitigatory steps in time to safeguard the environment.
Monitoring is as important as that of control of pollution since the efficiency of
control measures can only be determined by monitoring.

Generally, an impact assessment study is carried over for a short period of time
and the data cannot bring out all variations induced by the natural or human
activities. Therefore, regular monitoring programme of the environmental
parameters is essential to take into account the changes in the environmental
quality.

6.2 Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Procedure

Monitoring shall confirm that commitments are being met. This may take the
form of direct measurement and recording of quantitative information, such as
amounts and concentrations of discharges, emissions and wastes, for
measurement against corporate or statutory standards, consent limits or targets.
It may also require measurement of ambient environmental quality in the vicinity
of a site using ecological/biological, physical and chemical indicators. Monitoring
may include socio-economic interaction, through local liaison activities or even
assessment of complaints.

6.2.1 Objectives of Monitoring

The objectives of environmental post-project monitoring are to:

• Verify effectiveness of planning decisions;

• Measure effectiveness of operational procedures;
• Confirm statutory and corporate compliance; and
• Identify unexpected changes.

6.3 Monitoring Schedule

Environmental monitoring schedules are prepared, covering various phases of

project advancement, such as constructional phase and regular operational phase.

6.3.1 Monitoring Schedule during Construction Phase

The generic environmental measures that need to be undertaken during project

construction stage are given in Table-6.1.

C6-1
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-6
Environmental Monitoring Program

Table-6.1: Environmental Monitoring During Project Construction Stage

Broad
Sr. Potential Parameters for Frequency of cost in
Action to be Followed Location
No. Impact Monitoring Monitoring INR
Lacs/ Yr
All construction Once in 6 months
Random checks of
equipment is operated including the All construction
equipment logs/
within specified design tension check of faces
manuals
parameters. the cane cables
Periodic during site
Vehicle trips to be
clearance &
minimized to the extent Vehicle logs
construction
possible
activities

Maintenance of DG set
Gaseous emissions All DG set
emissions to meet Once a month
(SO2, HC, CO, NO2) locations
stipulated standards

Two automatic
continuous
1 Air Emissions ambient 100
Monitoring Campbell Bay
Stations one at and Airport site
The ambient air
Campbell bay and
quality will conform
the other at the
to the standards for
airport site.
Ambient air quality to be PM10, PM2.5, SO2,
monitored. NO2, and CO and
other parameters as
AQ sampling at 10
specified in CPCB,
locations using
2009 standard
HVS as per CPCB/
Locations to be
SPCB requirement
decided
or on monthly
basis whichever is
earlier
List of all noise
generating machinery
onsite along with age to
be prepared. Equipment logs,
Once in six months
noise reading
Equipment to be
maintained in good
working order. All work faces
Night working is to be Working hour and
2 Noise Levels Daily records construction
10
minimized. records
sites
Generation of vehicular Maintenance of
Daily records
noise records of vehicles
As per CPCB/SPCB
requirement or on
Noise to be monitored in Spot Noise
quarterly basis
ambient air. recording
whichever is
earlier
No untreated discharge to Daily for few key
No discharge hoses
Wastewater be made to surface parameters like All discharge
3 Discharge water, groundwater or
shall be in vicinity
BOD, TDS, pH, and points
5
of watercourses.
soil. bacteria
All work faces
Protect topsoil stockpile Once a year
Effective cover in and
4 Soil Erosion where possible at edge of
place.
construction
construction
2
site. activity
sites
Ensure drainage system
Drainage and and specific design Visual inspection of
measures are working All drainage
5 effluent
effectively.
drainage and Once I six months
locations
1
Management records thereof

C6-2
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-6
Environmental Monitoring Program

The design to incorporate

existing drainage pattern
and avoid disturbing the
same.
Comprehensive
Waste Management
Plan should be in
Implement waste
place and available
management plan that
for inspection on-
identifies and
site.
characterizes every waste
All labour
arising associated with
Waste colonies and
6 Management
proposed activities and Once in a month
construction
5
which identifies the Compliance with the
sites
procedures for collection, MSW Rules, and the
handling & disposal and Hazardous & other
disposal of each waste Wastes
stream (Management and
Transboundary
Movement Rules).

Plan to be drawn up,

Non-routine
considering likely
events and Mock drills and
7 accidental
emergencies and steps
records of the same
Once a month
required to prevent/limit
releases
consequences.
All relevant
Employees and migrant
8 Health
labour health check ups
parameters Once a month 20
including HIV
Environmental
Management Cell /Unit of
Responsibilities and
the existing projects
Environmental roles will be decided
department to ensure During
9 Management Cell/
implementation and
before the
construction phase
Unit commencement of
monitoring of
work.
environmental
safeguards.
For the project forest
clearance is envisaged.
However, proposed
compensatory
Total GNI
afforestation is planned in
Development
consultation with UT
site and
Loss of flora and forest department. No. of plants, and
10 fauna, if any coral species
Once in a year Compensatory 40
afforestation
In this instant proposal
site in Madhya
the Govt of MP has
Pradesh
already submitted the CA
scheme for carrying out
CA' on 261.5 sq km of
degraded forest area.
Satellite tracking of
Turtles Galathea Bay,
Ecological monitoring as Pamaya Bay,
11 Ecology
suggested by ZSI. Monitoring of Corals Periodically
Joginder nagar
150
beach

6.3.2 Monitoring Schedule during Operation Phase

During operational stage, continuous air emissions from aircrafts, GSE, traffic,
power house, wastewater treatment, non-hazardous solid waste and hazardous
used oily wastes are expected from airport project and continuous air emissions
from gas engine exhausts, wastewater treatment plant, brine water from
desalination plant, hazardous used oily wastes are expected. The following

C6-3
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-6
Environmental Monitoring Program

attributes which merit regular monitoring based on the environmental setting and
nature of project activities are listed below:
• Source emissions and ambient air quality;
• Groundwater Levels and ground water quality;
• Water and wastewater quality (water quality, effluent & sewage quality etc);
• Solid and hazardous waste characterisation;
• Soil quality;
• Noise levels (equipment and machinery noise levels, occupational exposures
and ambient noise levels); and
• Ecological preservation and afforestation.
The following monitoring programme as detailed in Table-6.2 shall be
implemented at site. Besides to this monitoring, the compliances to all
environmental clearance conditions and regular permits from SPCB/MoEFCC shall
be monitored and reported periodically.

Table-6.2: Environmental Monitoring During Operation Phase

Broad
cost
Parameters
Sr. Potential Action to be Frequency of in
for Location Remarks
No. Impact Followed Monitoring INR
Monitoring
Lacs/
Yr
Continuous
recording of
On-line continuous these
monitoring system parameters in
shall be installed. the power Continues
plant and monitoring
incinerators cost has
been
included in
Air Emissions
Exhaust the power
from stacks In addition, stack PM, SO2, CO,
1 attached to 50 plant cost
including the monitoring will be NOx.
The manual gas engines and
DG set Stacks carried out
stack Incinerators.
manually by
monitoring Cost of
MOEF&CC
shall be carried stack
accredited third
out once in a monitoring
party agency. The
month for all is 50 lacs
stack shall be
stacks
provided with
sampling ports.

Two automatic Continuous

continuous AQ
monitoring monitoring
Ambient air quality stations with
PM10, PM2.5, station at Two
within the premises display of
SO2, NO2 as location one
Ambient air of the proposed results in all
2 per CPCB at Campbell 500
quality unit and nearby important
notification, and other at
habitations to be junctions and
2009. the airport
monitored. to ANIIDO and site. One
A&NPCC. location in the
plant

C6-4
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-6
Environmental Monitoring Program

premises,
At 10 sites
incinerator
using HVS once
and in about
a month or as
three
per CPCB/
locations
Nicobar
outside
Pollution
premises as
Control
recommended
Committee
by Nicobar
requirement or
Pollution
on weekly
Control
basis.
Committee.
Met Station at
Continuous
the airport
Wind speed, monitoring at
site.
Meteorological direction, the airport site
station in the temperature, using GPS
3 Meteorology 500
proposed project relative SONDE and
GPS sonde
site humidity and Radio Acoustic
data twice a
rainfall. Doppler
day for 365
SODAR
days. One.
The noise
At Gas
Noise levels of the levels shall be
engines, air
Work Zone operating Lmax and Lmin recorded every
compressor
4 Noise levels machinery to be using noise three months 10
and
in plant recorded at 1 m meter at high noise
desalination
distance. generating
plant.
areas.
Plant
Ambient noise The noise boundary,
Ambient levels within plant levels shall be and at
5 Lday, Lnight, LDN 5
noise levels and surrounding recorded every nearest
habitation six months. habitation in
15locations.
The
parameters
such as pH,
Temperature,
Conductivity,
TSS, TDS,
BOD, DO, Oil Wastewater
The
pH, conductivity, and Greases, collected in
parameters will
Wastewater temperature shall Phenolic the CMB
6 be monitored 5
quality be monitored at compounds, within the
every
CMB. Sulphates, plant site.
quarterly.
chlorides, Daily.
fluorides,
phosphates,
Iron and Heavy
metals (Hg,
Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn,
As, Cu)
Parameters
such as pH,
Temperature,
Conductivity,
TSS, TDS,
BOD, DO, MPN
Coliform Iron
Marine Water and Heavy Marine water
Marine Water quality monitoring metals (Hg, quality at 3
7 Quarterly 5
Quality near the outfall Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, locations once
point. As, Cu) in 3 months
The above
parameter will
be confirmed
after the
consultation
with A&N
Pollution

C6-5
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-6
Environmental Monitoring Program

Control
Committee.

Photo plankton,
Aquatic zoo plankton, Marine water Satellite
/Marine fishes and quality at 6 monitoring
Ecology other large locations cost has
organisms including been
8 Periodically 70
Satellite Galathea Bay, included in
tracking of Pammaya construction
Turtles Bay, Joginder phase
Monitoring of nagar beach monitoring
Corals
Fire protection and
safety measures to Mock drill
Emergency take care of fire records, on site
preparedness, and explosion emergency
9 Once a month -
such as fire hazards, to be plan,
fighting assessed and steps evacuation
taken for their plan.
prevention.

6.4 Infrastructure for Monitoring

All environmental monitoring and relevant operational data will be stored in a
relational database. This will enable efficient retrieval and storage and
interpretation of the data. Regular data extracts and interpretive reports will be
sent to the regulator.

6.4.1 Air Quality Monitoring and Data Analysis

6.4.1.1 Stack Monitoring

The emissions from all the stacks shall be monitored regularly. The exit gas
temperature, velocity and pollutant concentrations shall be measured. Any
unacceptable deviation from the design values shall be thoroughly examined and
appropriate action shall be taken. Continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS)
will be installed to monitor flue gas and to provide information
for combustion control in industrial settings.

6.4.1.2 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

The ground level concentrations of PM, SO2, NOx and CO and other parameter as
per CPCB norms in the ambient air shall be monitored at regular intervals. Any
abnormal rise shall be investigated to identify the causes and appropriate action
shall be initiated.

6.4.2 Water and Wastewater Quality Monitoring

To ensure a strict control over the water consumption, flow meters shall be
installed for all major inlets. All leakages and excess shall be identified and
rectified. In addition, periodic water audits shall be conducted to explore further
possibilities for water conservation.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-6
Environmental Monitoring Program

Methods prescribed in "Standard Methods for Examination of Water and

Wastewater" prepared and published jointly by American Public Health Association
(APHA), American Water Works Association (AWWA) are recommended for analysis
of samples.
6.4.2.1 Monitoring of Wastewater Streams

The wastewater in the project area shall be regularly analysed for physical and
chemical characteristics. The collected data shall be properly documented and
compared against the design values for any necessary corrective action.

6.4.2.2 Monitoring of Marine Water Quality

The monitoring of marine water quality is the most important tool to test the
efficiency of the control measures adopted for the marine water pollution control.
The marine water near the outfall location will be sampled and analysed for any
contaminations. Records of analysis should be maintained.

6.4.3 Noise Levels

Noise levels in the work zone environment such as gas engine house, desalination
plant and compressors area shall be monitored. The frequency shall be once in Six
months in the work zone. Similarly, ambient noise levels near habitations shall also
be monitored once in a year. Audiometric tests should be conducted periodically for
the employees working close to the high noise sources.

6.4.4 Ecology

Aquatic and Marine Ecology monitoring shall be carried out within the impact zone
of the project and any degradation/deterioration in the ecology during the
operation of the project shall be identified and corrective action shall be taken.
Terrestrial ecology should also be monitored during the construction phase.
Tagging of turtles and satellite monitoring will be undertaken periodically for
construction and operation phases. Health of corals will also be monitored yearly.

6.5 Reporting Schedules of the Monitoring Data

It is proposed that reporting of environmental performance with reference to the

EMP should be undertaken.

The environmental monitoring cell shall co-ordinate all monitoring programmes at

site and data thus generated shall be regularly furnished to the state regulatory
agencies.

The frequency of reporting shall be on as per consent conditions (six monthly

basis) to the PCB officials and to regional office of MoEF&CC. The environmental
audit reports shall be prepared for the entire year of operations and shall be
regularly submitted to regulatory authorities.

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CHAPTER 7
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

7.0 ADDITIONAL STUDIES

7.1 Public Consultation

This chapter describes the public consultation for the proposed project, Risk
Assessment and Disaster Management Plan, occupational health, and safety
issues.
7.1.1 Public Consultation Details

The public consultation will ordinarily have two components comprising of public
hearing at the site or in its close proximity-district wise, to be carried out in the
prescribed manner and obtaining responses in writing from other concerned
persons having a plausible stake in the environmental aspects of the project or
activity.

This report is being submitted to state pollution control board for the purpose of
public hearing/consultation purpose. After completion of the public consultation,
will address all the matters including environmental concerns expressed during
this process and make appropriate changes in the draft EIA. The EIA report, so
prepared, will be submitted to MoEF&CC for obtaining environmental clearance for
the proposed project.

7.2 Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment is a systematic process aimed at removing or minimizing hazards

at work place to make it safer and healthier. Risk Assessment involves the following
steps:

• Identify Hazard(s);
• Analyze / evaluate the risk associated with the hazard(s); and
• Determine appropriate measures to eliminate or control the hazard.

7.2.1 Introduction

A. Risk Assessment for ICTT Project

The Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) for International Container

Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) are being carried out and presented below.

Details of facility are as follow:

HSD transfer line from finger jetty to HSD storage tank

HSD Storage Tank – 1 Nos
HSD transfer pump – 1 Nos

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Figure-7.1: Layout of ICTT, power plant and fuel pipeline is shown below

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

The scope of this QRA study is to assess the Risk Associated at Transfer line from
finger jetty to HSD storage facility & HSD storage facility & Transfer pump. The
objectives of this study are as follows:

• Identify major accident scenarios associated with the storage and handling of
HSD storage and transferring.
• Carry out consequence analysis for the significant accident scenarios
• Carry out quantitative risk analysis,
• Compare the risk values with specified risk tolerance criteria and
• Identify measures for risk reduction wherever warranted.

Input Data for Risk Analysis

The details of storage tanks are provided in Table-7.1.

TABLE-7.1: Details of facility

Sr. Capacity
Description Nos.
No.
1 HSD transfer line from jetty to storage tank 1 -

2 HSD Storage Tank 1 5000m3

3 HSD Transfer Pump 1 150kg/hr.

Consequence Analysis

In case of any leakages from the HSD Transfer lines, HSD storage tank and HSD
transfer pump. The main hazard we are considering is LOC (Loss of Containment)
of HSD and it will be leading to pool fire only.

As per the OGP failure frequency data base (Report Ref: 434-1) more than 75%
of the leak happed up-to 25mm leak, for graphical representation of consequence
analysis is selected as representative leak size as 25mm.

Pool/ jet fire heat radiation

The effects of heat radiation from pool fire are shown in the following Table-7.2.

TABLE-7.2: Effects of heat radiation

Heat Radiation Level

Observed Effect
(kW/m2)
1.2 Average solar radiation received at noon in summer
4 Sufficient to cause pain to personnel if unable to reach

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

cover within 20 seconds; however, blistering of the skin

(second-degree burn) is likely; 0% lethality.
12.5 Minimum energy required for piloted ignition of wood,
melting of plastic tubing.
Significant chance of fatality for medium duration
exposure
37.5 Sufficient to cause damage to process equipment.
Significant chance of fatality if exposed even for very
short duration.

Vapour Cloud Explosion (VCE)

When a large quantity of flammable vapour or gas is released, mixes with air to
produce sufficient mass in the flammable range and is ignited, the result is a
vapor cloud explosion (VCE). The damage effect of VCE is due to overpressure,
the effects of overpressure due to VCE are shown in the following Table-7.3.

TABLE-7.3: Effects of overpressure

Over-pressure
bar(g) psig Observed Effect
“Safe distance” (no serious damage below this value); some
0.021 0.3
damage to house ceilings; 10% of window glass broken.
Repairable damage; partial demolition of houses, made
0.069 1
uninhabitable; steel frame of clad building slightly distorted.
0.138 2 Partial collapse of walls of houses.
Heavy machines (3000 lb.) in industrial buildings suffered
0.207 3 little damage; steel frame building distorted and pulled
away from foundations.

Flash fire is represented by presence of flammable gas mixture above LFL

concentration. Consequence analysis has been carried out for selected scenarios
in the HSD storage tank facility using DNV Phast software. Results of
consequence analysis for the above scenarios are shown in Table-7.4.

TABLE-7.4: Consequence analysis results

Description Downwind Effect Distances

(Meters)
Wind speed & Atm. Stability Class → 3 m/s; D
1. HSD Transfer line - 25mm Leak (Liquid)
Pool fire heat radiation intensity
4 kW/m2 112.02
12.5 KW/m2 48.66

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Description Downwind Effect Distances

(Meters)
Wind speed & Atm. Stability Class → 3 m/s; D
37.5 kW/m2 Not reached
1. HSD Tank - 25mm Leak (Liquid)
Pool fire heat radiation intensity
4 kW/m2 69.51
12.5 KW/m2 27.31
37.5 kW/m2 Not reached
Dyke fire
4 kW/m2 42.4
12.5 KW/m2 30.4
37.5 kW/m2 Not reached
2. HSD Pump - 25mm Leak
Pool fire heat radiation intensity
4 kW/m2 57.15
12.5 KW/m2 24.08
37.5 kW/m2 Not reached

Graphical results of consequence analysis plotted and are provided in the Figure-
7 to Figure-10.

HSD Transfer line -25 mm Leak (Liquid)

FIGURE-7.2: HSD transfer line - 25mm leak pool fire radiation intensity

The leak is considered from HSD transfer from jetty to storage tank of 25 mm
leak in above ground. Based on above figure, the different heat radiation

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

contours are plotted on map with shape and effect zone. The heat radiation
contour is very much depending on wind direction and direction of release. Figure
7 shown heat radiation contours are covering piping section only, it will not
impact any nearby equipment and building.

HSD Tank - 25mm Leak (Liquid)

FIGURE-7.3: HSD storage tank liquid release - 25mm leak pool fire radiation intensity

The leak is considered from bottom of HSD tank of 25 mm leak in above ground
(inside dyke). Based on above figure, the different heat radiation contours are
plotted on map with shape and effect zone. The heat radiation contour is very
much depending on wind direction and direction of release. Figure 8 shown heat
radiation contours are covering the whole dyke. Based on above, it is
recommended that necessary firefighting system such as remote operated water
monitors should be provided to cover HSD storage tank.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

HSD Tank Liquid Dyke fire

FIGURE-7.4: HSD storage tank liquid release (dyke fire side view)

The above figure shown side view of HSD tank dyke fire. The side view shown the
downwind distances of different heat radiation. Based on these distance tank
dyke separation distance will be decided, if separation distances are not feasible,
provide adequate firefighting system.
HSD Transfer Pump -25mm Leak (Liquid)

FIGURE-7.5: HSD transfer pump - 25mm leak pool fire radiation intensity

The leak is considered from HSD transfer pump discharge of 25mm leak in above
ground. Based on above figure, the different heat radiation contours are plotted

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

on map with shape and effect zone. The heat radiation contour is very much
depending on wind direction and direction of release. Figure 10 shown heat
radiation contours are covering adjacent tank. Based on above, it is
recommended Provision for stoppage of HSD transfer pumps by emergency
shutdown (ESD) system from a safe location in case of any leakage/fire.

Review of Consequence Analysis Results

The following observations are made based on review of the results of

consequence analysis for the selected failure scenarios.

HSD Transfer line

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within Boundary.

HSD Storage Tank

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within HSD Storage
Tank Area.

HSD Transfer Pump discharge

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within HSD transfer
pump Area.

Failure Frequency & Inventory

The input data for all failure scenarios considered for QRA are listed in Table-7.5.

TABLE-7.5: Failure scenarios and the relevant input data

Failure Rate for Estimated

Failure
Item Description Each Equipment Inventory
Scenario
(per year) (kg)
5 mm Leak 1.83E-03 29889
25 mm Leak 2.85E-04 29889
HSD Transfer line
100 mm Leak 2.33E-05 29889
FBR Leak 2.88E-05 29889
5 mm Leak 1.0E-03 3.69E+6
25 mm Leak 4.0E-04 3.69E+6
HSD Storage Tank
100 mm Leak 1.0E-04 3.69E+6
Dyke Fire 3.0E-06 3.69E+6
5 mm Leak 4.99E-03 3459
25 mm Leak 3.93E-04 3643
HSD Transfer Pump
100 mm Leak 2.92E-05 5177
FBR Leak 2.76E-05 5177

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Population Data

The distribution of people in the port area is shown in Table-7.6.

TABLE-7.6: DISTRIBUTION OF PEOPLE AT PORT WORK AREA

Description No. of Persons

Jetty area 2
HSD Storage area 10

Individual risk

Iso-risk contours for individual risk Overall and due to HSD Tank Storage are
shown in Figure-7.6 & Figure 7.7.

FIGURE-7.6: ISO-RISK CONTOURS FOR INDIVIDUAL RISK VIEW - OVERALL

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

FIGURE-7.7: ISO-RISK CONTOURS FOR INDIVIDUAL RISK ENLARGE VIEW - HSD

STORAGE AREA

The maximum individual risk contour observed Area which is at HSD storage tank
is 2.45E-05. The maximum individual risk is found to be 2.45E-05 per year. This
will be the location-specific individual risk (LSIR) applicable to a person standing
at the site all the time in the year. However, any individual person working in the
HSD Storage area is present at the site for an average period of about 2 hours of
work during the day.

Therefore, the individual-specific individual risk (ISIR) a person working in the

HSD storage area is estimated as follows:

ISIR = LSIR x (fraction of time in the year when exposed to risk)

= (2.45E-05) x (2/24) x (6/7) = 1.75E-06 per year.

The estimated maximum ISIR value of 1.75E-06 per year is in the lower part of
ALARP region and very much close to Acceptable level.

The values of individual risk to plant personnel and general public in comparison
with the specified risk criteria are shown in Figure 7.8.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

FIGURE-7.8: INDIVIDUAL RISK DUE TO HSD TRANSFER PUMP

Societal Risk

The FN Curves for societal risk for the HSD storage facility shown in Figure-7.9.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

FIGURE-7.9: SOCIETAL RISK

It is seen that the societal risk due to the HSD storage Tank is well within the
broadly Acceptable region.

Conclusions

QRA Study Results-ICTT

The results of this QRA study for Galathea Bay led to the following conclusions.
• Individual risk to members of the public is less than 1.0E-06 per year and
therefore in the Acceptable level.

• Individual risk to personnel working in the Power plant is 1.75E-06 per year
which is in the lower part of ALARP region very close to Acceptable level.

• Societal risk is in the Acceptable region.

Based on the above results of QRA study, it is concluded that the HSD storage
facility meets the specified risk criteria.

Consequence Analysis Results:

Consequence analysis for HSD release in case of the maximum credible scenarios
such as 25 mm leak in HSD storage tank shows the following:
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

HSD Transfer line

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within Boundary.
Liquid leak from HSD Storage Tank
The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within HSD storage
Tank Area.
Leak in HSD Transfer Pump discharge
The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within HSD transfer
Pump Area.

The above results indicate that the proposed HSD Storage Facility confirm well to
the risk criteria.

The installation design and construction confirm to relevant Indian/ international

codes and standards including OISD and PNGRB guidelines.

Company expected to ensure the best practices for safety management system,
engineering, construction, operation and maintenance for HSD Storage Facility.
Recommendation or Safety Measures

1) Necessary fire-fighting system such as remote operated water monitors

should be provided to cover the HSD storage tank.
2) Provision of adequate instrumentation and controls for overfill protection of
HSD storage tanks on the same lines as specified in OISD 244.
3) Provision for stoppage of HSD transfer pumps by emergency shutdown (ESD)
system from a safe location in case of any leakage/fire.

OIL SPILLAGE CONTINGENCY PLANT

The Port Authority intends to develop and maintain marine oil spill strategy. This
strategy recognizes the need for the national oil spill response capability to deal
with the current risk effectively.

One of the primary objectives of the risk assessment was to establish the
probability of oil spills occurring in the marine environment. This was used as a
basis for assessing the adequacy of preparedness and the required response
capability to deal with that risk.

Potential sources of oil spills

The main potential sources of oil spills were identified. These were generally
characterized by activity and vessel type:

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Vessels

• Cargo vessels
• Off-shore Supply vessels
• Naval & Coast Guard vessels

Sources of spills

• Bunkering operations
• Grounding
• Collision with another vessel
• Fire/explosion or structural failure
• Impact with wharves
• Overfilling tanks during inter tank transfer of bunker
• Hose/line failure
• Poor housekeeping

Contingency Plan

The size, location and timing of an oil spill are both unpredictable and varied. Oil
spill risks and the responses they require are classified according to the size of
spill and its proximity to the operating facilities leading to the concept of ‘tiered
Response’ to oil spills. Tier 1 response capability for dealing with spills arising out
of bunkering operations at a jetty, anchorage or moorings; grounding / collision
of cargo ships. The personnel and equipment with response capability aimed at
quickly containing and, if possible, recovering the spilt oil, are to be made
available to respond immediately to an ‘on-site’ incident.

In other words, Tier I is site-specific and vessels are expected to be able to

provide a clearly identifiable first response to pollution incidents for which they
are responsible. The Port Authority should have Tier 1 facilities for combating oil
spills in their port.

The management of an oil spill would require rapid assessment of the spill and
the mobilization of appropriate response resources. Establishing a comprehensive
response plan with clear channel of communication between those responsible for
on-site action group and crisis management team is a pre-requisite to a well-
coordinated response.

A Contingency or Response Plan is a plan for action prepared in anticipation of an

oil spill. Contingency plans are essential because they establish clear action plan
for all types of oil spills so that, when spills do occur, a quick response can
minimize the damage. Essentially, the Contingency Plan should be detailed with
the Emergency Oil Spill Response Plan which delineates functional responsibilities
in the response organisation for:

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

a)Setting clear objectives for the response effort and facilitate rapid mobilisation
of necessary pollution control equipment.
b)Safe and effective deployment of on-site operations including medical support.
c)Support and procurement functions; like maintaining adequate manpower and
equipment.
d)Liaison with external agencies for specialist advice, regulatory agency, public
representative and the media.

The contingency plans should normally include:

a) Identification of authority and a chain of command;

b)List of persons and organizations that must be immediately informed of a spill;
c)Inventory of available trained spill personnel and spill response equipment
d) List of jobs that must be done (in order of priority);
e) Communication network to coordinate response;
f)Probable oil movement patterns under different weather conditions and
g) Sensitivity maps and other technical data.

The planners need to know about

a)Important or sensitive physical and biological resources within or near the area.
b)Tides, currents and local climatic conditions such as wind and severe weather
patterns; shoreline characteristics: and
c)Trained response personnel for operating containment and oil spill clean-up
equipment.

In order to develop an appropriate Oil Spill Contingency Plan complying with

various guidelines based on perceived risk it is necessary to deal with the
organizational structure of port and functions and responsibilities of managerial,
operational and support services with respect to contingencies/emergencies
unique to port safety and environment protection. The following issues need to be
looked at

a) Procedures for initiating a response

b)Resources available to site incident controller/ On-Scene Commander (OSC)
c) Control of operations
d) Arrangements for recovery, treatment and disposal of oily debris
e) Communications - both internal and external
f) Exercise and training programme for the plan

The organizational responsibility for establishing Crisis Control Centre rests with
the CMD, Deputy Conservator is the Chief Incident controller and is responsible
for the following:

a) Deciding level of crisis and activation of emergency plan

b)Monitors on-site and off-site personnel protection, safety, medical aid etc.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

c)Directs and monitors port operations, shutting down and evacuation.

d) Liaison with statutory authorities and media.

The Port Master is the site incident controller and is in-charge of all crisis action
plan and rescue operations, activation of Action Group and deployment of
manpower and floating craft. The Master also liaises with the Coast Guard, Navy
and Fire Services.

Preliminary information

Standard international oil spill notification formats and procedures for shipping,
other maritime industries should be followed whenever possible. Preliminary
report should have the following information as the minimal:

a) Location of incident
b) Type and size of spills
c) Data and time of the incident
d) Other relevant in formation. -

Equipment and supplies

The assessment of risk the necessary collection of data and the development of
response strategies, are the cornerstones to a logical determination of equipment
requirements. The specification of equipment capabilities and levels of achievable
performance are a function of the specific local circumstances and would be
crucially dependent on a number of factors, especially weather and sea
conditions.

The time needed to transport and deploy equipment, and its effectiveness in
different oil spill situations, needs to be evaluated. This can be achieved through
field deployments during exercises. Notification and table-top simulations will test
communication channels and the coordination of resources.

Because there is an opportunity to react rapidly and contain a small oil spill in the
vicinity of an operating area, the acquisition of some equipment (such as booms,
skimmers and absorbents) to provide Tier 1 capability is an essential component
of an effective plan. On-site personnel must be trained and made aware of how
this equipment should be deployed and operated.

An inventory of primary and support equipment that may be used to carry out on
water and shoreline response activities should be made of oil spill response
equipment and supplies that would be available to the response organization in
the case of an oil spill. Such lists should be appended to contingency plans and
updated on a regular basis. The main purpose of keeping these lists is that, in
times of emergency, there will be a ready source of information about where to
obtain equipment, its specifications, the methods of transport and delivery times,
the costs involved, and the names and telephone number of contact points.

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Recovered Oil and Debris Management

Recovered oil, oily debris and contaminated beach material has to be properly
disposed Off. It may also need to be transported to, and handled through,
temporary storage sites. Suitable equipment, vehicles, temporary storage sites
and final disposal methods/ locations need to be identified and their availability
agreed with the local authorities at the contingency planning stage. Waste
management is a major logistics problem that can also raise serious legal issues;
it must always be coordinated with the State PCB.

The handling and disposal of contaminated oil and oily waste have major
implications for an oil clean-up operation. It is best to treat and dispose of
collected materials as near to the point of pick up as possible and adopt the
principles of waste minimization and where possible segregation into different
waste streams.

Processing and final disposal of oil and debris in an acceptable manner according
to local regulations also required planning. Care must be taken not to create
another environmental problem.

Training & Drills

Oil spill training is an important element in oil spill prevention and preparedness
efforts. Significant numbers of oil spills at fixed facilities are caused by operator
error, such as failing to close valves or over filling tanks during transfer
operations. Because operator error is more likely to be a factor in causing spills,
training and briefings are critical for the safe and proper functioning of a facility.
Some of these are enumerated below

a)Training provides a number of benefits in the area of oil spill preparedness.

Proper training of facility personnel can reduce the occurrence of operator-
related spills and reduce the severity of impacts when a spill does occur.
b)Training encourages up-to-date planning for the control of, and response to, an
oil spill, and also helps to sharpen operating and response skills
c)Training introduces the latest ideas and techniques and promotes interaction
with the emergency response organization and familiarity with the ports
emergency plan

OIL/CHEMICAL SPILL RESPONSE PLAN

ACTION PLAN IN CASE OF OIL SPILL/POLLUTION BY A VESSEL AT ANCHORAGE

OR AT BERTH

A. MASTER OF SHIP TO INFORM:

FURNISH PARTICULARS AT PORT SIGNAL STATION SUCH AS:

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
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(i) Name of the ship

(ii) Likely cause of oil spill.
(iii) Extent of spill.
(iv) Nature of assistance required.
(v) Any other relevant information.

B. ANY PERSON NOTICING OIL SPILL:

To inform Port Signal Station

C. ANY CREW MEMBERS OF PORT CRAFTS NOTICING OIL SPILL:

To inform Port Signal Station with maximum relevant information.

B. Risk Assessment for Airport Project

The environmental impact assessment studies for the proposed GNI Airport are
being carried out for quantitative risk assessment (QRA) study for ATF storage
facility.

Facility Description

Details of facility are as follow:

• ATF Storage Tank – 2 Nos

• ATF Transfer Pump

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Figure-7.10: Layout of GNI Airport is shown below:

FIGURE-1
LAYOUT OF GNI AIRPORT

The objectives of this study are as follows:

• Identify major accident scenarios associated with the storage and handling of
ATF storage and transferring.
• Carry out consequence analysis for the significant accident scenarios
• Carry out quantitative risk analysis,
• Compare the risk values with specified risk tolerance criteria and
• Identify measures for risk reduction wherever warranted.

Methodology

Risk arises from hazards. Risk is defined as the product of severity of

consequence and likelihood of occurrence. Risk may be to people, environment,
assets or business reputation. This study is specifically concerned with risk of
serious injury or fatality to people due to process hazards related to storage and
handling of ATF.

The following steps are involved in Quantitative Risk Assessment:

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

• Study of the plant facilities and systems.

• Identification of the hazards.
• Enumeration of the failure incidents.
• Estimation of the consequences for the selected failure incidents.
• Risk analysis taking into account the failure frequency, extent of
consequences and exposure of people to the hazards.
• Risk assessment to compare the calculated risk level with risk tolerability
criteria and review of the risk management system to ensure that the risk is
“As Low as Reasonably Practicable” (ALARP)

The process of QRA is shown in the following block diagram in Figure-7.11.

Figure-7.11 Flow Diagram of Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)

Consequence Analysis

Consequence analysis for the selected failure scenarios is carried out using DNV
Phast software which provides results for selected failure scenarios such as the
following:

• Dispersion of toxic clouds to defined concentrations

• Heat radiation intensity due to pool fire and jet fire
• Explosion overpressure

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Phast stands for ‘Process Hazard Analysis Software Tool’. It uses Unified
Dispersion Modeling (UDM) to calculate the results of the release of material into
the atmosphere.

Phast has extensive material database and provides for definition of mixtures.
Phast software is well validated and extensively used internationally for
consequence and risk analysis.

Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA)

The Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA) is carried out using the renowned DNV
software SAFETI version 8.4.

The following input data are required for the risk calculation:

• Process data for release scenarios (material, inventory, pressure,

temperature, type of release, leak size, location, etc.)
• Estimated frequency of each failure case
• Distribution of wind speed and direction (wind rose data).
• Distribution of personnel/ population in the plant/ adjoining area during the
day and night-time.
• Ignition sources

Failure frequencies are estimated using generic failure databases published by

organizations such as International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP).

Risk Analysis
The results of Quantitative Risk Analysis are commonly represented by the
following parameters:

• Individual Risk
• Societal Risk

Individual risk is the risk that an individual remaining at a particular spot would
face from the plant facility. The calculation of individual risk at a geographical
location in and around a plant assumes that the contributions of all incident
outcome cases are additive. Thus, the total individual risk at each point is equal
to the sum of the individual risks, at that point, of all incident outcome cases
associated with the plant.

The individual risk value is a frequency of fatality, usually chances per million per
year, and it is displayed as a two-dimensional plot over a locality plan as contours
of equal risk in the form of iso-risk contours as shown in the following Figure-
7.12.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Figure-7.12: ISO-Risk Contours on Site Plan (Typical)

Risk Tolerability Criteria

For the purpose of effective risk assessment, it is necessary to have established

criteria for tolerable risk. The risk tolerability criteria defined by UK Health &
Safety Executive (UK-HSE) are normally used for risk assessment in the absence
of specific guidelines by Indian authorities.

UK-HSE has, in the publications “Reducing Risk and Protecting People” and
“Guidance on ALARP decisions in control of major accident hazards (COMAH)”
enunciated the tolerability criteria for individual risk.

Indian Standard IS 15656:2006 provides guidelines for hazard identification and

risk analysis.

The risk tolerability criteria are as follows-

• An individual risk of death of one in a million (1 x 10-6) per annum for

both workers and the public corresponds to a very low level of risk and
should be used as a guideline for the boundary between the broadly
acceptable and tolerable regions.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

• An individual risk of death of one in a thousand (1 x 10-3) per annum

should on its own represent the dividing line between what could be just
tolerable for any substantial category of workers for any large part of a
working life, and what is unacceptable.
• For members of the public who have a risk imposed on them ‘in the wider
interest of society’ this limit is judged to be an order of magnitude lower, at
1 in 10,000 (1 x 10-4) per annum.

The upper limit of tolerable risk to public, 1 x 10-4 per year, is in the range of risk
due to transport accidents. The upper limit of broadly acceptable risk, 1 x 10-6 per
year, is in the range of risk due to natural hazard such as lightning. The
tolerability criteria for individual risk are shown in Figure-7.13.

Figure-7.13: Individual Risk Criteria

Societal Risk (or Group Risk) Criteria

Societal Risk parameter considers the number of people who might be affected by
hazardous incidents. Societal risk is represented as an F-N (frequency-number)
curve, which is a logarithmic plot of cumulative frequency (F) at which events
with N or more fatalities may occur, against N.

Societal risk criteria indicate reduced tolerance to events involving multiple

fatalities. For example, a hazard may have an acceptable level of risk for one

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

fatality but may be at an unacceptable level for 10 fatalities. The tolerability

criteria for societal risk as defined by UK-HSE are shown in the following Figure-
7.14.

Figure-7.14: Societal Risk Criteria

Risk Assessment

Based on the results of QRA, necessary measures to reduce the risk to ALARP are
to be formulated. For this purpose, the information regarding top risk contributors
provided by SAFETI software is useful.

Quantitative Risk Analysis

Input Data for Risk Analysis

The details of storage tanks are provided in Table-7.7.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Table-7.7: Details 0f Storage Tanks

Sr. No. Description Nos. Capacity (each)

1 ATF Storage Tank 2 6337.5 m3 (each tank)
2 ATF Transfer Pumps 2 150kg/hr.

Weather Data

As the specific location weather data is not available, hence the following Table-
7.8 weather data is used for dispersion analysis and QRA study risk results.

Table-7.8: Climatological Data

Month Temperature (0C) Rainfall (mm)

Min. Max. Monthly Total
January 21.6 29.3 37.2
February 21.3 30.1 18.5
March 22.1 31.2 12.9
April 23.6 32.2 80.2
May 23.7 31.1 339.3
June 23.5 29.6 457.7
July 23.3 29.2 436.6
August 23.2 29.1 436.6
September 22.7 29.2 424.8
October 22.6 29.6 308.5
November 22.8 29.5 240.4
December 22.6 29.3 124.9

We have proposed wind rose diagram for the site showing the distribution of wind
direction and wind speed during a year are shown in the Figure-7.15.

Figure-7.15: Wind Rose Diagram

.5%

3%
E4

8.
N 2.0%

E
N
NN
NN
W

.2%
E7
N

0.8
W

EN
WN
0.

W
7%

0.5
%
W 0.1% C-42.8% E 9.6%
%
0.1
W
WS
2%

ES
1.

0.9
S 1.3%

E9
.3%
SW

SS
W
SS

E3

SE
7.
.4%

3%

SCALE 5%
SPEED CALM

1 5 11 19 >19 Km/hr

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Consequence Analysis

In case of leaks from the ATF storage tanks & ATF transfer pumps, hazards are
mainly leakage of ATF and leading to pool fire only. As per the OGP failure
frequency data base (Report Ref: 434-1) more than 75% of the leak happed up-
to 25mm leak, for graphical representation of consequence analysis is selected as
representative leak size as 25mm.

Pool/ jet fire heat radiation

The effects of heat radiation from pool fire are shown in the following Table-7.9.

Table-7.9: Effects of Heat Radiation

Heat Radiation Level

Observed Effect
(kW/m2)
1.2 Average solar radiation received at noon in summer
4 Sufficient to cause pain to personnel if unable to reach cover
within 20 seconds; however, blistering of the skin (second-
degree burn) is likely; 0% lethality.
12.5 Minimum energy required for piloted ignition of wood, melting of
plastic tubing.
Significant chance of fatality for medium duration exposure
37.5 Sufficient to cause damage to process equipment.
Significant chance of fatality if exposed even for very short
duration.

Vapour Cloud Explosion (VCE)

When a large quantity of flammable vapour or gas is released, mixes with air to
produce sufficient mass in the flammable range and is ignited, the result is a
vapour cloud explosion (VCE). The damage effect of VCE is due to overpressure,
the effects of overpressure due to VCE are shown in the following Table-7.10.

Table-7.10: Effects of Overpressure

Over-pressure
bar(g) psig Observed Effect
“Safe distance” (no serious damage below this value); some
0.021 0.3
damage to house ceilings; 10% of window glass broken.
Repairable damage; partial demolition of houses, made
0.069 1
uninhabitable; steel frame of clad building slightly distorted.
0.138 2 Partial collapse of walls of houses.
Heavy machines (3000 lb) in industrial buildings suffered
0.207 3 little damage; steel frame building distorted and pulled
away from foundations.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Consequence analysis has been carried out for selected scenarios in the ATF Tank
farm using DNV Phast software. Results of consequence analysis for the above
scenarios are shown in Table-7.11.

Table-7.11: Consequence Analysis Results

Description Downwind Effect Distances

(Meters)
Wind speed & Atm. Stability Class → 3 m/s; D
ATF Tank - 25mm Leak (Liquid)
Pool fire heat radiation intensity
4 kW/m2 77.68
12.5 KW/m2 34.24
37.5 kW/m2 Not reached
Dyke fire
4 kW/m2 98.06
12.5 KW/m2 71.51
37.5 kW/m2 Not reached
Surface fire
4 kW/m2 54.07
12.5 KW/m2 39.59
37.5 kW/m2 Not reached
2. Pump - 25mm Leak
Pool fire heat radiation intensity
4 kW/m2 56.89
12.5 KW/m2 25.14
37.5 kW/m2 Not reached

Graphical results of consequence analysis plotted and are provided in the Figure-
7.16 to Figure-7.20.

Figure-7.16: ATF Storage Tank Liquid Release - 25mm Leak Pool Fire Radiation
Intensity

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

The leak is considered from bottom of ATF tank of 25mm leak in above ground
(inside dyke).

Based on above figure, the different heat radiation contours are plotted on map
with shape and effect zone. The heat radiation contour is very much depending
on wind direction and direction of release. Figure-7.17 shown heat radiation
contours are covering adjacent tank.

Based on above, it is recommended that necessary firefighting system such as

remote operated water monitors should be provided to cover ATF storage tank.

Figure-7.17: ATF Storage Tank Liquid Release (Dyke Fire) – Side View

The above figure shown side view of ATF tank dyke fire. The side view shown the
downwind distances of different heat radiation. Based on these distance tank
dyke separation distance will be decided, if separation distances are not feasible,
provide adequate firefighting system.

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Figure-7.18: ATF Storage Tank Liquid Release Surface Fire – Side View

The above figure shown side view of ATF tank surface fire. The side view shown
the downwind distances of different heat radiation. Based on these distance tank
separation distance will be decided, if separation distances are not feasible,
provide adequate firefighting or water deluge on adjacent tank.

Figure-7.19: ATF Transfer Pump - 25mm Leak Pool Fire Radiation Intensity

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

The leak is considered from ATF transfer pump discharge of 25mm leak in above
ground.

Based on above figure, the different heat radiation contours are plotted on map
with shape and effect zone. The heat radiation contour is very much depending
on wind direction and direction of release. Figure-7.19 shown heat radiation
contours are covering adjacent tank.

Based on above, it is recommended Provision for stoppage of ATF transfer pumps

by emergency shutdown (ESD) system from a safe location in case of any
leakage/fire.

Review of Consequence Analysis Results

The following observations are made based on review of the results of

consequence analysis for the selected failure scenarios.

ATF Storage Tank

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within ATF Storage
Tank Area.

ATF Transfer Pump discharge

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within ATF transfer
pump Area.

Table-7.12 Failure Scenarios and The Relevant Input Data

Failure Rate for Estimated

Failure
Item Description Each Equipment Inventory
Scenario
(per year) (kg)
5 mm Leak 1.0E-03 4.685E+06
25 mm Leak 4.0E-04 4.685E+06
ATF Tank 01 100 mm Leak 1.0E-04 4.685E+06
Dyke Fire 3.0E-06 4.685E+06
Surface Fire 9.0E-05 4.685E+06
5 mm Leak 1.0E-03 4.685E+06
25 mm Leak 4.0E-04 4.685E+06
ATF Tank 02 100 mm Leak 1.0E-04 4.685E+06
Dyke Fire 3.0E-06 4.685E+06
Surface Fire 9.0E-05 4.685E+06
5 mm Leak 4.99E-03 3458
25 mm Leak 3.93E-04 3964
ATF Transfer Pump
100 mm Leak 2.92E-05 5319
FBR Leak 2.76E-05 5319
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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Population Data

The distribution of people in the GNI AIRPORT area is shown in Table-7.13.

Table-7.13: Distribution of People in the GNI Airport

Description No. of Persons

ATF Tank farm Area 2
Utility Area 8
Admin & Operational Area 20

QRA Results

Individual Risk

Iso-risk contours for individual risk due to ATF Tank Storage are shown in
Figure-7.20.

Figure-7.20: Iso-Risk Contours for Individual Risk Enlarge View- ATF Storage
Facility

The maximum individual risk contour observed Area which is near to ATF transfer
Pump is 8.18E-04 per year and for ATF storage tank is 2.12E-04. The maximum
individual risk is found to be 8.18E-04 per year. This will be the location-specific
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

individual risk (LSIR) applicable to a person standing at the site all the time in the
year. However, any individual person working in the ATF Storage area is present
at the site for an average period of about 2 hours of work during the day.

Therefore, the individual-specific individual risk (ISIR) a person working in the

ATF Tank farm Facility is estimated as follows:

ISIR = LSIR x (fraction of time in the year when exposed to risk)

= (8.18E-04) x (2/24) x (6/7) = 5.84E-05 per year.

The estimated maximum ISIR value of 5.84E-05 per year is in the lower part of
ALARP region close to Acceptable level.

The values of individual risk to plant personnel and general public in comparison
with the specified risk criteria are shown in Figure-7.21.

Figure-7.21: Individual Risk Due to ATF Transfer Pump

Societal Risk

The FN Curves for societal risk for the GNI Airport, ATF storage facility shown in
Figure-7.22.

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Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Figure-7.22: Societal Risk Due to ATF Tank farm Facility

It is seen that the societal risk due to the ATF storage Tank is well within the
Acceptable region

Conclusions & Recommendations - Airport

Conclusion

QRA Study Results

The results of this QRA study for GNI Airport led to the following conclusions.

• Individual risk to members of the public is less than 1.0E-06 per year and
therefore in the Acceptable level.

• Individual risk to personnel working in the Power plant is 1.8E-05 per year
which is in the lower part of ALARP region very close to Acceptable level.

• Societal risk is in the Acceptable region.

Based on the above results of QRA study, it is concluded that the ATF storage
facility meets the specified risk criteria.

Consequence Analysis Results:

Consequence analysis for ATF release in case of the maximum credible scenarios
such as 25 mm leak in ATF storage tank shows the following:

Liquid leak from ATF Storage Tank

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
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The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within ATF storage
Tank Area.

Leak in ATF Transfer Pump discharge

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within ATF transfer
Pump Area.

The above results indicate that the proposed ATF Storage Facility confirm well to
the risk criteria.

The installation design and construction confirm to relevant Indian/ international

codes and standards including OISD and PNGRB guidelines.

Company expected to ensure the best practices for safety management system,
engineering, construction, operation and maintenance for ATF Storage Facility.

Recommendation or Safety Measures

Necessary fire-fighting system such as remote operated water monitors should be

provided to cover the ATF storage tank.

Provision of adequate instrumentation and controls for overfill protection of ATF

storage tanks on the same lines as specified in OISD 244.

Provision for stoppage of ATF transfer pumps by emergency shut-down (ESD)

system from a safe location in case of any leakage/fire.

Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP) for Disaster Management

A comprehensive Aerodrome Emergency Plan will be prepared. The AEP is

comprehensively prepared for specifying role of various groups / organizations/
agencies and plan of disaster management during various types of emergencies /
disasters like in-flight mass causalities, medical emergencies, aircraft accidents,
various fires on ground, accidents involving dangerous goods, natural disaster
management, unlawful act of seizure of aircraft etc. The following most likely
disaster scenarios are considered in the Aerodrome Emergency Plan.

Different types of emergencies are: emergencies involving aircraft, emergencies

not involving aircraft, medical emergencies or combinations of these
emergencies.

A) Emergencies Involving Aircraft

1) Accident - Aircraft on-airport

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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
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2) Accident - Aircraft off-airport a) Land b) Water

3) Incident - Aircraft in flight a) Severe air turbulence b) Decompression c)
Structural failure
4) Incident - Aircraft on ground
5) Incident - Sabotage including bomb threat
6) Incident - Unlawful seizure

B) Emergencies Not Involving Aircraft

1) Fire - Structural
2) Sabotage including bomb threat
3) Natural disaster
4) Dangerous goods
5) Medical emergencies

C) Compound Emergencies
1) Aircraft/structures
2) Aircraft/fueling facilities
3) Aircraft/aircraft

Emergency Action Plan for Accident/Incident

Air Traffic Control (ATC)

• Act as a warning & notification agency for an incident or emergency involving

aircraft or another emergency;
• Manage air traffic in the area of the incident or emergency;
• Support the incident or emergency rescue and recovery operations as
required;
• The hazardous cargo situation involving an aircraft in flight, the air traffic
controller will obtain the following information:

a) Location of the aircraft.

b) Presence of injured/ trapped persons
c) Symptoms of injured/trapped persons
d) Other pertinent facts as required
e) UN number and/or proper shipping name of the goods if possible.

• Provide emergency vehicles clearance/access corridor to the site. Divert all

air/vehicular traffic away from the danger area.

Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)

• As the combat agency, respond to and carry out the rescue and firefighting
as defined in the departmental SOP‟s/working instructions;

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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

• Provides the on-scene commander for all fire related incidents and other non-
security related emergencies on airport;
• Provides and establishes the FCP;
• Provide transportation officer & manage transportation to and from the
accident/incident site;
• On direction of the on-scene commander set up an appropriate site for a
triage area;
• Ensure minimal disturbance of wreckage other than required for firefighting
and rescue; and
• Act as the initial combat agency for dangerous goods incidents till the arrival
of Hyderabad Fire Brigade/concerned responding agency.

AOCC

• Send the duty manager – airside operations to the mobile command post.
• Determine (in cooperation with the on-scene commander) the exact nature
and scope of the incident and ensure that adjacent building(s) are evacuated.
• ensure (in cooperation with the on-scene commander) that all personnel are
provided with protective clothing suitable for the hazardous material
involved.
• Ensure that all contaminated persons have been identified and isolated for
appropriate treatment.
• Assist whenever possible.

CISF

• The duty supervisor of the security patrol division will proceed to the mobile
command post and report to the on-scene commander.
• Actions will be taken based on the information provided by the on-scene
commander.

SOCC shall notify:

• Senior Commandant, CISF.

CISF shall:

• Upon receipt of the notification, the security control centre will relay the
information to concerned agencies.
• The duty supervisor of the security patrol division will proceed to the mobile
command post and will report to the on-scene commander.
• If required, he will coordinate with the on-scene commander to:

a) Establish a perimeter security control zone;

b) Provide security around the controlled perimeter;
c) Assist in evacuating and isolating contaminated persons;
d) Provide crowd and traffic control;

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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
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e) Cordon off the area to prevent any unauthorized entrance.

f) Take action to prevent smoking, open flames, running engines or other
ignition source within the area.
g) If explosives are involved, call upon the services of the explosives
h) Disposal Team.
i) Liaise with the On-Scene Commander to determine whether to order an
evacuation. If the situation dictates an evacuation, the security officer will
direct the evacuation
j) Keep all persons, except ARFF Personnel at least 600m away from the
scene.

• Liaise with the ARFF Services or state disaster response & fire services on the
requirement of CISF assistance at the scene.
• Facilitate the access of the external resources into the airside.

Airport Medical Centre

A Senior Medical Officer will respond to the incident site and take action(s) as
required based on the type of dangerous goods involved and the scope of the
incident.

• If requested, report to the staging area or the incident scene as directed.

• Deploy personnel and equipment according to type and severity of the
incident, as required.
• Provide triage, treatment and transportation of any casualties as required.
• Coordinate medical activities with other agencies involved.
• Advice hospitals and other receiving centers of the potential of contamination
so that adequate steps may be taken in advance.
• Medical officer will provide examination, treatment, of any victims or persons
exposed to the toxic effects of the substance.

Chief Operating Officer

• Monitor the situation and take decision as required

• Request Corporate Communications Department to prepare news/media
releases in consultation with the agencies involved, if required
• On completion of the incident, schedule and conduct a debriefing
• Amend the airport emergency plan based on the reports received and the
comments made at the debriefing session.

Airside Operations

• Position one “Follow-Me” vehicle at gate for escorting the state disaster
response & fire services resources to the accident/incident site.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

• Initiate action to re-allocate the parking bays and if necessary, after

consultation with the dangerous goods specialist, make arrangements to
move the aircraft parked at the adjacent bays.

State Disaster Response and Fire Services

• Dispatch personnel and equipment to the rendezvous point or incident site in

accordance with instructions and support the Rescue and Fire Fighting
Department as required.
• Send a Senior Officer to represent the state disaster rescue and fire services
in the IMC, if activated.
• Send a senior officer to the mobile command post who will report to the on-
scene commander.

Corporate Communications

• When requested, coordinate any news release with the Airport, as well as
with the airline or handling agency involved

• Receive all authorized press personnel in the media press Centre where the
following will be provided:

o Briefing session/s
o press release/s

• Ensure that liaison is established with all government and security agencies
in order to prevent any breach of security.

Note:
• Under no circumstances will the press or any other unauthorized persons be
permitted inside security lines until authorized by the On-Scene Commander.
• At no time should the press be permitted access to the IMC.

Safety and Compliance

• Inform the authority concerned within 48 hrs of occurrence, followed by a

report as per the requirement under the Environment (Protection) Rules,
1986 for all accidents/incidents involving hazardous chemicals.

• Inform the District Level Committee/State Biotechnology Co-ordination

Committee and the state medical officer as per the requirement under the
Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 for all accidents/incidents involving
hazardous micro-organisms.

• Head safety & environment department who is also nominated as the ‘Safety
Investigation Co-Ordinator” will carry out the initial investigation and will
ensure preservation of evidences.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Aircraft Operator, Ground Handling agency/Tenant

• When damaged consignments of dangerous goods are discovered during

loading/unloading from an aircraft, the airline or the ground handling agent
concerned shall notify the ARFF Service, stating the parking bay number,
type of aircraft and airline, and type of dangerous goods (if known).
• If dangerous goods consignments are damaged in a cargo warehouse, the
ground handling agent or the cargo operator shall notify the ARFF Service,
stating the location, type of dangerous goods involved (if known) and the
extent of damage.
• Shut down or remove any equipment that may affect the situation.
• Contain the area, if safe to do so.
• Standby until the arrival of airport rescue and firefighting dept.
• Do not allow persons/vehicles to walk through the affected area.
• Prepare to evacuate the aircraft/facility.
• Co-ordinate cleanup operations with the on-scene commander and contact
the responsible agency to arrange for cleanup costs.
• Once the incident has been contained by the Fire Service, the airline or the
ground handling agent concerned shall arrange for the removal of the
hazardous materials from the airport’s premises as soon as possible.
• Inform Head, DRP, BARC, immediately if radioactive material is involved as
per requirement under Air Safety Circular No.2 of 1989.
• Proceed to the accident/incident site quickly.
• Help identify the type of dangerous goods involved and provide his/her
expert advice on the physical and chemical characteristics of the dangerous
goods and the potential hazards, as well as the necessary precautionary
measures to be taken.

Flow chart showing the emergency procedure during accident is shown in Figure-
7.23.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Figure-7.23: Emergency Procedure Flow Chart for Accident/ Incident

Duties:
- Rush to the site of fire and assume overall control of the situation
- Responsible for control and isolation of fire for protection of
personnel and obtain assistance from Fire Brigade, Police, OMCs,
Hospitals.
- Direct and utilize the Fire Brigade personnel as necessary
- Assess the magnitude of the situation including security
Station In-charge arrangements and issue messages “Fire Under Control” or declare
Main Incident Controller or Fire state of emergency
Chief - Withdraw personnel to safe distance in case danger of life is
expected and take necessary steps to prevent damage to adjacent
equipment, structure, tanks, etc.
- Declare when “All Clear” sign is to be given
- Inform Head-Operations & HSSE at HO.

- Person noticing the fire, shall alert others by shouting “Fire, Fire,
Fire…” and pointing towards fire.
- Stop all operations and inform security to operate siren
- Rush to the scene of fire and extinguish using the nearest fire
extinguisher and sand buckets.

FIRE COMBAT TEAM

AFE ON DUTY RESCUE TEAM AUXILLARY TEAM
AFE ON DUTY AFE ON DUTY
- Switch off power supply CONTRACTOR STAFF IF SECURITY ON DUTY
- Plug the leak/isolate hazardous PRESENT
area/pipeline - Shift office documents to safer
- Shut off all operations/ close - Raise alarm siren (long siren) place
valves - Alert AAI fire brigade - Evacuate visitors/staff to safer
- Remove vehicles to safe - Co-ordinate with hospital/ place
locations ambulance/police - Supply fire ext./ sand buckets
- Mobilize firefighting operation - Liaison with /OMC to fire combat team
with the help of AAI fire service - Rescue & provide first-aid - Open entry & exit gates for
and OMC - Assist fire fighting traffic control
- Assist fire combat team

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Emergency Action Plan for Natural Disasters

Air Traffic Services

• Notify agents/departments as per the emergency procedures flow chart for

natural disasters;
• Monitor and provide weather information as it becomes available;
• Control air and ground traffic;
• If the air traffic control tower is affected, transfer control to the ARFF watch
tower;
• Direct all ground and air traffic away from the affected area; and
• Submit a report on actions taken to the DGCA, as soon as practically possible
after the event.

Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)

• Place personnel and equipment on standby alert to respond;

• Secure equipment, vehicles and facilities as best as possible; and
• Respond as required.

Air Operation Control Centre (AOCC)

• Notify airport personnel of the situation;

• During extreme weather phenomena, liaise with the chief operating officer
for closing the airport;
• Place airport emergency personnel on a state of readiness;
• Dispatch personnel to secure airport facilities against impending “disaster”;
and
• Monitor the situation as the events unfold.

CISF

• SOCC will notify the agencies concerned as per the notification chart of
Section 3 “on airport accident” of this plan.

Airport Medical Centre

• Place personnel and equipment on alert status as required.

Chief Operating Officer

• Review arrangements/preparations with senior staff/members of the airport

emergency planning committee;
• On termination of the event, schedule and conduct a debriefing; and
• Amend the airport emergency plan based on the reports received and the
comments made at the debriefing session.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Technical Services

• Place personnel on a state of readiness;

• Assist/provide critical services including utility support (activation/cutoff), as
needed;
• Assist in facility restoration, including debris removal;
• Provide sanitation support services;
• Assist in provision of required resources;
• Set up emergency lighting upon request or cut off power as requested;
• Assist wherever possible; and
• Liaise with other agencies as required.

Corporate Communications

• When requested, coordinate any news release, as well as with the airline or
handling agency involved;

• Receive all authorized press personnel in the media/ press centre where the
following will be provided:

(a) Briefing session

(b) Press release

• Ensure that liaison is established with all government and security agencies
in order to prevent any breach of security.

Note:

• Under no circumstances will the press or any other unauthorized persons be

permitted inside security lines until authorized by the on- scene commander.
• At no time should the press be permitted access to the IMC.

At no time should employees of companies and organizations based at Airport

and/or from the Airport Authority of India be allowed to speak (or speculate) to
the media unless authorized to do so by the CEO.

Airlines/Ground Handling Agency/Tenant

Notify air traffic control/AOCC if you are the first agency aware of an impending
disaster

• Deploy personnel to secure company facilities, and ground equipment

• Prepare evacuation of company facilities, if necessary
• Coordinate all activities via the AOCC or through the IMC, if activated
• Submit a report on the actions taken to the Chief Operating Officer, as soon
as practically possible after the event.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

All other Agencies

Take whatever actions necessary to ensure maximum preparation. All

departments, divisions and tenants should take all steps to secure their
respective areas. This may include:

• Picking up loose objects;

• Bolting up windows and doors;
• Securing or removing antenna masts;
• Anchoring or picketing aircraft and ground equipment;
• Parking in hangar/garage equipment and vehicles;
• Lay sand bags if flooding is expected; and
• Take appropriate shelter timely.

Emergency Action Plan for Salvage of Crashed or Disabled Aircraft

Aircraft may become immobilized or disabled on an aerodrome for a number of

reasons, ranging from major accidents such as crash-landing to minor incidents
involving runway excursions or burst tyres.

1) If the aircraft is wrecked on water, the aircraft or any parts or contents

thereof may be removed to such extent as may be necessary for bringing the
aircraft or its contents to a place of safety;

2) The aircraft or any parts or contents thereof may be removed or interfered

with to such an extent as may be necessary for all or any of the following
purposes:

• Extricating persons or animals dead or alive;

• Preventing the destruction of the aircraft and its contents by fire or other
cause; and
• Preventing any danger or obstruction to the public, to air navigation, or to
other transport.

3) Goods shall not be removed from the aircraft except under the supervision
and with the concurrence of an officer of the Civil Aviation Department;

4) Passengers’ and crews’ personal luggage may be removed from the aircraft
under the supervision of an officer of the Police Department, a Magistrate,
and an officer of the Civil Aviation Department; and

5) Mails may be removed under the supervision of an officer of the Police

Department, a Magistrate, an officer of the Civil Aviation Department or an
officer of the Posts & Telegraphs Department.

• The Director-General may, for the purpose of any investigation or inquiry

under these rules, authorize any person to take measures for the

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

preservation of any aircraft involved in an accident, and such person may

thereupon have access to examine or otherwise deal with the aircraft.

• The registered owner of the aircraft or his nominated representative shall

have the right to be present during any examination or other action taken as
mentioned in the above paragraphs, provided that the Director-General shall
not be bound to postpone any action which he may consider necessary under
this rule by reason of the absence of the owner or his representative.

• A detailed disabled aircraft removal plan, describing the responsibilities &

actions of each agency for disabled aircraft removal at airport as well as
indicating the contact numbers and list of equipment available with different
agencies, is prepared & circulated separately.

Organization Key Functions

Airport Rescue & Fire • Aircraft rescue & fire-fighting operations
Fighting Service • Post-accident fire protection
• Support triage activities
• Evacuate injured passengers to hospitals
• Support structural fire-fighting and evacuation
• Mitigation of dangerous goods accidents/incidents
Airport Operations • Dissemination of aircraft accident message through
Control Centre phone / auto call
• Activation of IMC
• On-scene airport control and coordination.
• Airline information of persons on board and manifest
details.
• Collating information on the rescue operation.
• Continued functioning of airport operations after
handing over to IMC Chairman.
• Coordinate operations with ATC as needed.
• Contingency staffing.
Chief Executive • As chairman of IMC
Officer • To oversee the overall emergency situation and
make decisions as required.
• Gives final approval for release of emergency
instructions and information.
Chief Operating As Chairman of IMC (In absence of CEO)
Officer • To oversee the overall emergency situation and
make decisions as required.
• Gives final approval for release of emergency
instructions and information.

During availability of CEO as IMC Chairman

• Field co-ordinator at accident site.
• Liaison with reporting government departments &
assisting agencies.
• Coordination of operations at site.
• Termination of site operations.
Safety Investigation • Single point of contact for accident Investigations
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Organization Key Functions

Coordinator • Preservation of evidence
• Facilitate investigation
• Ensure securing of records
• Make provision for videography/photography
• Coordinate with police and district authorities
• Obtain the details of eye witnesses
• Ensure recording of evidences
• Ensure medical examination of crew
Airside Operations • On-scene liaison
• Escort services to and from accident scene.
• Check availability of R/W & taxiways for restoration
of operations.
• Ensure completion of necessary airport inspections
upon emergency termination.
• Restoration of aircraft movement area.
• Initiation of NOTAM action
Security • Secretariat for IMC and command post.
• Assist in access control activities.
• Crowd control at emergency reception centre(s) like
SRC, FRRC and other areas, as required.
Traffic Management • Provide traffic control as needed.
/Transportation • Provide transport facilities as needed.
Technical Services • Equipment and resources.
• Clear debris, as necessary.
• Ensure the restoration of utilities to critical and
essential facilities.
• Assist in facility restoration.
Facilities • Transportation of resources.
Management • Provide procurement services.
• Provide personnel services (welfare measures).
Terminal • Reception and care of uninjured passengers.
Operations • Public information announcements.
• Enquiry service.
• Terminal operations.
IT • Provision of necessary communication links between
the various Emergency units.
• Ensure redundant communications capacity.
Corporate • Provide news releases relative to the airport’s
Communications responsibilities and activities.
• Interface with the media.
• Provide preparedness information and any
instructions, as cleared by the airline authorities and
CEO.
Safety and • Support emergency operations and airport’s
Compliance activities.
Air Traffic Services • Activation and termination of accident action, full
emergency, local standby, etc.
• Air traffic management including issuing NOTAM.
• Control aircraft and vehicle operations on airside of
the airport in support of emergency response, if the
airport remains open.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Organization Key Functions

Disaster • Respond to aircraft incident/accident location in
Response & Fire accordance with established policies and procedures.
Services • Ensure appropriate mutual aid emergency response
organizations have been notified.
• Support post-accident fire protection
• Support triage activities
• Structural fire fighting & evacuation
• Mitigation of dangerous goods accidents/incidents
Airport Medical Centre • Provide triage and medical functions at accident site.
• Coordinate health and medical response team
efforts.
• Transportation of critically injured to medical
facilities.
• Collation of casualty information
• Conduct medical examinations and collection of blood
and urine samples for flight crew.
Medical Services • Provide triage and medical functions.
(Designated Hospitals) • Support evacuation of casualties to hospitals.
• Collation of casualty information.
• Provide patient identification information to the
airport medical centre.
CISF • Facilitate the access of external resources to the
operational area.
• Support security, crowd control and traffic control at
the accident site.
• Cordoning of accident site.
Police • Security, crowd and traffic control at the accident
site, terminal building and other affected areas.
• Facilitate aircraft investigation.
• Preservation of evidence at the accident site
including eye-witness accounts and photography.
• Custody of flight data and cockpit voice recorders,
cargo onboard including dangerous goods, and
baggage/passenger belongings.
• Investigation and management of dead bodies
including their identity establishment, mortuary
arrangements, and release of the bodies.
• Arrange medical examination of the survived crew
members as well as post-mortem examination of the
deceased crew members and passengers.
Traffic Police • Traffic control and regulation in the landside areas
Airline • Support overall crisis mitigation efforts e.g.
accountability of passengers, management of NOK,
aircraft accident investigation, etc.
• Support media management.
• Provide staff to man SRC, FRRC and RA and CCV.
• Passenger and NOK facilitation.
• Facilitate reunion of survivors and NOK.
• Prepare and provide passenger and cargo manifests.
• Report the aircraft accident or serious incident to the
authorities concerned as stipulated under Aircraft

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Organization Key Functions

Rules, 1937, Part X – Investigation of Accidents.
• Provide for timely removal of wrecked or disabled
aircraft as soon as authorised by appropriate
authority.
Ground Handling Agent • Provide ground service staff and facilities including
passenger steps, coaches, and aircraft towing
equipment.
DGCA • Set standards and directions for dealing with all
aviation related emergencies.
• Aircraft accident/incident investigation.
• Authorize removal of accident/ disabled aircraft.
Immigration • Immigration control and clearance facilitation.
Department
Customs Department • Custom control and clearance facilitation
Meteorological • Ensure provision of official weather report and other
Department records likely to be of use in an inquiry into the
cause of the aircraft accident.
State Information • Detail a senior member of staff to attend the IMC
Department and press centre.
• Arrange for special announcement through the
media.
District Collector • District collector or his rep. shall attend the IMC.
• Co-ordinate the acquisition and mobilisation of
additional manpower and resources, if required.

C. Risk Assessment for Power Project

Studies have been carried out for the proposed LNG & Diesel Power Plant for
quantitative risk assessment (QRA). Details of facility are as follow:

• Unloading facilities for LNG tanker

• LNG Storage facility
• Regasification of LNG
• Diesel Power plant have diesel storage tanks, 60 KL capacity 10 Nos, and 4.5
KL capacity 5 Nos.

Layout of layout of LNG & Diesel Power Plant is given in Figure-7.24.

C7-47
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Figure-7.24: Layout of LNG & Diesel Power Plants

C7-48
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

The scope of this QRA study covers the LNG storage and piping & Diesel storage
in LNG & Diesel Power Plants. The objectives of this study are as follows:

• Identify major accident scenarios associated with the storage and handling of
hydrocarbons in the LNG & Diesel Power Plant.
• Carry out consequence analysis for the significant accident scenarios
• Carry out quantitative risk analysis,
• Compare the risk values with specified risk tolerance criteria and
• Identify measures for risk reduction wherever warranted.

Failure frequencies are estimated using generic failure databases published by

organizations such as International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP).

Risk Analysis

The results of Quantitative Risk Analysis are commonly represented by the

following parameters:

• Individual Risk
• Societal Risk

Individual risk is the risk that an individual remaining at a particular spot would
face from the plant facility. The calculation of individual risk at a geographical
location in and around a plant assumes that the contributions of all incident
outcome cases are additive. Thus, the total individual risk at each point is equal
to the sum of the individual risks, at that point, of all incident outcome cases
associated with the plant. The individual risk value is a frequency of fatality,
usually chances per million per year, and it is displayed as a two-dimensional plot
over a locality plan as contours of equal risk in the form of iso-risk contours as
shown in the following Figure-7.25.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Figure-7.25 ISO-Risk Contours on Site Plan (Typical)

Risk Tolerability Criteria

For the purpose of effective risk assessment, it is necessary to have established

criteria for tolerable risk. The risk tolerability criteria defined by UK Health &
Safety Executive (UK-HSE) are normally used for risk assessment in the absence
of specific guidelines by Indian authorities.

UK-HSE has, in the publications “Reducing Risk and Protecting People” and
“Guidance on ALARP decisions in control of major accident hazards (COMAH)”
enunciated the tolerability criteria for individual risk.

Indian Standard IS 15656:2006 provides guidelines for hazard identification and

risk analysis.

The risk tolerability criteria are as follows-

• An individual risk of death of one in a million (1 x 10-6) per annum for

both workers and the public corresponds to a very low level of risk and
should be used as a guideline for the boundary between the broadly
acceptable and tolerable regions.

• An individual risk of death of one in a thousand (1 x 10-3) per annum

should on its own represent the dividing line between what could be just
tolerable for any substantial category of workers for any large part of a
working life, and what is unacceptable.

C7-50
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

• For members of the public who have a risk imposed on them ‘in the wider
interest of society’ this limit is judged to be an order of magnitude lower, at
1 in 10,000 (1 x 10-4) per annum.

The upper limit of tolerable risk to public, 1 x 10-4 per year, is in the range of risk
due to transport accidents. The upper limit of broadly acceptable risk, 1 x 10-6 per
year, is in the range of risk due to natural hazard such as lightning. The
tolerability criteria for individual risk are shown in Figure-7.26.

Figure-7.26: Individual Risk Criteria

Societal Risk (or Group Risk) Criteria

Societal Risk parameter considers the number of people who might be affected by
hazardous incidents. Societal risk is represented as an F-N (frequency-number)
curve, which is a logarithmic plot of cumulative frequency (F) at which events
with N or more fatalities may occur, against N.

Societal risk criteria indicate reduced tolerance to events involving multiple

fatalities. For example, a hazard may have an acceptable level of risk for one
fatality but may be at an unacceptable level for 10 fatalities. The tolerability

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

criteria for societal risk as defined by UK-HSE are shown in the following Figure-
7.27.

Figure-7.27: Societal Risk Criteria

Risk Assessment

Based on the results of QRA, necessary measures to reduce the risk to ALARP are
to be formulated. For this purpose, the information regarding top risk contributors
provided by Phast Risk software is useful.

Quantitative Risk Analysis

Input Data for Risk Analysis

The details of storage tanks are provided in Table-7.14.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Table-7.14: Details of Storage Tanks

Capacity (each)
Sr.No. Description Nos.
1 LNG Tanks 2 2500 M3
2 Vaporizer 2 1000 kg
3 Gas Piping to Gas Turbine - -
4 Diesel Storage Tanks 10 60 M3
5 Diesel Storage Day Tank 4 5 4.5 M3
6 Diesel Transfer Pump 3 -

Hazards in LNG Installation

LNG is liquefying natural gas. It is mostly methane with some ethane and
propane depending on the source.

The properties of LNG significant for this study are as follows.

Table-7.15: Properties of LNG

Molecular weight 16-17 (approx.)

Normal boiling point (-) 162 °C
Liquid density at boiling point 430 kg/m3
Vapour density at 20 °C 0.7 kg/m3
Lower flammable limit (LFL) 5 % (vol)
Upper flammable limit (UFL) 15 % (vol)
Reactivity classification for explosion Low

Accidental release of LNG can result in the following hazards.

• Pool fire due to burning of liquid LNG causing burn injury and structural
damage by thermal radiation
• Jet fire due to burning of gas leaking from pressurized equipment or piping
• Flash fire due to ignition of flammable gas cloud causing burn injury
• Vapour cloud explosion due to ignition of large flammable gas cloud under
conditions of confinement or congestion
• Explosion effect due to rapid phase transformation (RPT) by evaporation of
large quantity of LNG released into water
• Roll over phenomenon in storage tank due to sudden vaporization of large
quantity of LNG under abnormal conditions
• Asphyxiation hazard due to dispersion of large quantity of gas reducing
oxygen concentration in the vicinity
• Cold burns due to contact with cryogenic liquid

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Pool Fire, Jet Fire & Flash Fire

The main hazard of LNG spill is fire and primary focus is on pool fire caused by
ignition of vapour formed on a pool of liquid formed by the spill. LNG being mainly
methane, burns with a luminous non-smoky flame and the pool fire has high
radiation intensity than heavier hydrocarbons.

Jet fire is caused by release by leak from pressurized vessel or piping, such as
natural gas system after vaporizer. The heat radiation from jet fire is localized
and likely to cause damage of structures and equipment if prolonged.

When LNG spills on water or land, gas evaporating from the pool will mix with air
and form a vapour cloud which will then be driven by the wind. If any point of the
vapour cloud with dimensions defined to flammable concentrations (above lower
flammable limit) reaches an ignition source and ignites, there will be a flash fire.
The flash fire will be transient, with exposure lasting only for fraction of a second.
It will cause serious burn injury to people only inside the fire zone. The flash fire
will quickly burn back to the source and, in this case, result in a pool fire.

Vapour Cloud Explosion

Ignition of the vapour cloud having large quantity of fuel gas mixed with air to
flammable concentration (above LFL) may also result in vapour cloud explosion
(VCE) under conditions of partial confinement or congestion. A pressure wave is
formed by the flame front and the resultant overpressure may cause damage to
people and structures. The extent of explosion overpressure depends on the
flame speed. Natural gas has low reactivity of explosion. Therefore, vapour cloud
explosion is not likely in case of LNG release in open area.

Rapid Phase Transformation (RPT)

RPT explosion is a physical explosion due to sudden boiling from liquid to vapour
that occurs when LNG is spilled into water such that LNG penetrates into and
mixes well with water. No injuries have occurred from RPT of LNG, but equipment
damage may occur.

Roll Over in LNG Tank

Liquid in LNG tank kept stagnant for long period can stratify. Liquid density in
upper layer will increase over time due to methane boiling off thus increasing the
percentage of heavier components. When at some point the layers invert, the
lower layer will rise to the surface and a fraction of it immediately flash. Since
one volume of liquid will expand to 600 volumes of vapour, there will be sudden
increase in tank pressure that may exceed relief capacity. This phenomenon is
known as Roll Over. It is a hazard to operating personnel. Preventive measures
for roll over include provision of multiple temperature indicators to monitor
temperatures in different zones of the tank and recirculation of tank contents to
avoid stagnation.
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Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Asphyxiation

When vapour from leaking LNG mix with air, oxygen concentration in air
(normally 21 %) will be reduced. Atmosphere with less than 19.5% oxygen is
designated as oxygen deficient. Breathing air with oxygen concentration below
15% will impair behaviour, below 10% will cause nausea and vomiting and below
6% will cause fatality. Such asphyxiation effect will only very close to the LNG
spill and thus not expected to affect the public.

Cold Burn

Accidental contact with leaking LNG at (-) 162 °C will cause severe cold (frost)
burn injury. There was one incident in 1977 during ship loading when a large
valve made of wrong grade of aluminum ruptured spraying LNG on the worker
nearby. This hazard is likely to occur close to the leak. Preventive measures
include use of proper materials for equipment, leak check procedure and use of
appropriate clothing and PPE.

LNG Incidents

LNG industry has maintained high standards of safety over the past six decades.
Safety record of all LNG facilities worldwide demonstrate safety of the primary
containment of LNG tank because the secondary spill containment systems
installed around all the tanks have never been required to hold liquid.

A few significant incidents in LNG installations available in technical publications

are as follows.

Cleveland, Ohio (1944)

A large LNG tank failed shortly after it was placed in service. Ignition of the
dispersing vapour cloud resulted in 128 fatalities in nearby residential area. The
tank failure was due to compromise in the material of construction on account of
war time shortage of alloy steel. This is the only incident of LNG tank failure.

Italy (1971)

This was one incident of roll over while unloading into LNG tank. The tank
pressure increased suddenly, and roof was slightly damaged. There was no
ignition.

Maryland (1979)

Explosion occurred in the electrical substation of LNG terminal due to leakage

through inadequately tightened electrical penetration seal of LNG pump. The
explosion caused one fatality, injury to another and considerable property

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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

damage. Necessary changes were made in design codes to prevent such

incidents.

Indonesia (1993)

LNG leaked from an open run-down line in the LNG liquefaction facility during
pipeline modification project and entered the concrete storm water system. It
caused rapid vapor expansion which over pressurized and ruptured the sewer
lines.

Ship Incidents

There were a few incidents of LNG release due to valve leakage and two incidents
of overfilling which resulted in cracking of deck plates. In one case of valve
failure, there was spillage of LNG on the worker.

There were a few cases on stranding/ grounding of vessel resulting in damage of

ballast tanks and vessel bottom and listing of vessels. However, there were no
instances of LNG release.

There was one case of mooring breakage during loading resulting in hull and deck
fractures. However, there was no LNG release.

There was one case of collision of LNG carrier in ballast condition with US nuclear
powered submarine. The ship suffered leakage of sea water into double bottom
dry tank area.

Damage of LNG tank in ship can occur only when the hulls are breached by high
energy collisions. This is not likely in the area around LNG berth in a port where
the carrier movement is carried out under controlled conditions using velocity
meters and other devices. Regular maintenance of shipping channel and control
of ship movement in port is required to prevent occurrences of collision or
grounding.

Consequence Analysis

In case of leaks from the LNG tanks, pumps, vaporizers etc. the hazards are
mainly pool fire, jet fire, flash fire and/or vapour cloud explosion.

As per the OGP failure frequency data base more than 75% of the leak size was
25mm leak, hence for the consequence analysis representative leak size selected
as 25mm leak.

Results of consequence analysis for the above scenarios are shown in Table-
7.16.

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Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Table-7.16: Consequence Analysis Results

Description Downwind Effect Distances

(Meters)
Wind speed & Atm. Stability Class → 3 m/s; D
1. LNG Tank - 25mm Leak (Liquid)
Pool fire heat radiation intensity
4 kW/m2 57.16
12.5 KW/m2 40.20
37.5 kW/m2 25.94
Vapour cloud explosion overpressure
0.021 bar (0.3 psi) 151.2
0.138 bar (2 psi) 83.62
0.207 bar (3psi) 78.28
Flash fire envelope
LFL concentration (4.1%) 53.60
2. LNG Vaporizer Outlet - 25mm Leak
Jet fire heat radiation intensity
4 kW/m2 19.03
12.5 KW/m2 15.24
37.5 kW/m2 12.84
Vapour cloud explosion overpressure
0.021 bar (0.3 psi) 109.40
0.138 bar (2 psi) 57.98
0.207 bar (3psi) 53.91
Flash fire envelope
LFL concentration (4.1%) 7.20
3. LNG Piping Gas Leak – 25mm Leak
Jet fire heat radiation intensity
4 kW/m2 11.92
12.5 KW/m2 9.54
37.5 kW/m2 Not Reached
Flash fire envelope
LFL concentration (4.1%) 5.00
4. Diesel Tank – 25mm leak
Pool fire heat radiation intensity
4 kW/m2 22.36
12.5 KW/m2 14.29
37.5 kW/m2 5.10
5. Diesel Tank – Dyke fire (Side View)
4 kW/m2 22.78
12.5 KW/m2 15.72
37.5 kW/m2 12.09
6. Diesel Tank – Surface fire (Side View)
4 kW/m2 17.66

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Chapter-7
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Description Downwind Effect Distances

(Meters)
Wind speed & Atm. Stability Class → 3 m/s; D
12.5 KW/m2 12.16
37.5 kW/m2 9.35
7. Diesel Day Tank – 25mm leak
Pool fire heat radiation intensity
4 kW/m2 14.62
12.5 KW/m2 9.493
37.5 kW/m2 4.048
8. Diesel Day Tank – Dyke fire (Side view)
4 kW/m2 14.59
12.5 KW/m2 10.04
37.5 kW/m2 7.72
9. Diesel Day Tank – Surface fire (Side view)
4 kW/m2 9.35
12.5 KW/m2 6.46
37.5 kW/m2 5.02
10. Diesel Pump Suction Piping – 25mm leak
Pool fire heat radiation intensity
4 kW/m2 43.76
12.5 KW/m2 21.99
37.5 kW/m2 Not Reached
11. Diesel Pump – 25mm leak
Pool fire heat radiation intensity
4 kW/m2 14.61
12.5 KW/m2 9.48
37.5 kW/m2 4.04

Graphical results of consequence analysis plotted on map are provided in the

Figure-7.28 to Figure-30.

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Chapter-7
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Figure-7.28: LNG Tank Liquid - 25mm Leak Pool Fire Radiation Intensity

The leak is considered from bottom of LNG tank of 25mm leak in above ground.

Based on above figure, the different heat radiation contours are plotted on map
with shape and effect zone. The heat radiation contour is very much depending
on wind direction and direction of release. Figure-7.28 shown heat radiation
contour of 4kw/m2 is slightly covering the switching station.

Based on above, it is recommended that necessary firefighting system such as

remote operated water monitors should be provided to cover the LNG fuel
storage, gas receiving and diesel storage tank.

Figure-7.29: LNG Tank Liquid – 25mm Leak Vapour Cloud Explosion Overpressure

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Chapter-7
Additional Studies

The leak is considered from bottom of LNG tank of 25mm leak in above ground.
Based on above figure, the different explosion over pressure contour is shown on
map with shape and effect zone for all explosion overpressure contour. Switching
station slightly covered explosion overpressure contour of 0.2068barg. In actual
case, the explosion overpressure will be depended on wind direction and ignition
source.

This explosion overpressure will be used to design nearby building and structure
based on criteria indicated Table-7.30.

Figure-7.30: LNG Vaporizer Outlet Gas – 25mm Leak Jet Fire Radiation Intensity

The leak is considered from bottom of LNG tank of 25mm leak in above ground.

Based on above figure, the different explosion over pressure contour is shown on
map with shape and effect zone for all explosion overpressure contour. Switching
station slightly covered explosion overpressure contour of 0.2068 barg. In actual
case, the explosion overpressure will be depended on wind direction and ignition
source. This explosion overpressure will be used to design nearby building and
structure based on criteria indicated Table-7.11.

LNG Vaporizer Outlet - 25mm Leak

The leak is considered from LNG vaporizer outlet of 25mm leak in above ground.

Based on above figure, the different heat radiation contours are plotted on map
with shape and effect zone. The heat radiation contour is very much depending
on wind direction and direction of release. Figure-7.31 shown heat radiation
contours are covering any of the nearby equipment or building.
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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Figure-7.31: LNG Vaporizer Outlet Gas – 25mm Leak Jet Fire Radiation Intensity

LNG Piping Gas Leak – 25mm Leak

Figure-7.32: LNG Piping – 25mm Leak Jet Fire Radiation Intensity

Diesel Tank – 25mm leak

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Chapter-7
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Figure-7.33: Diesel Tank Liquid – 25mm Leak Pool fire Radiation Intensity

The leak is considered from bottom of Diesel tank of 25mm leak in above ground
(inside dyke). Based on above figure, the different heat radiation contours are
plotted on map with shape and effect zone. The heat radiation contour is very
much depending on wind direction and direction of release. Figure-7.33 shown
heat radiation contours are covering adjacent tank. Based on above, it is
recommended that necessary firefighting system such as remote operated water
monitors should be provided to cover diesel storage tank.

Diesel Tank – Dyke fire (Side View)

Figure-7.34: Diesel Tank Liquid Dyke Fire – Side View

The above figure shown side view of diesel tank dyke fire. The side view shown
the downwind distances of different heat radiation. Based on these distance tank

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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
Additional Studies

dyke separation distance will be decided, if separation distances are not feasible,
provide adequate firefighting system.

Diesel Tank – Surface fire (Side View)

Figure-7.35: Diesel Tank Liquid Surface Fire – Side View

The above figure shown side view of diesel tank surface fire. The side view shown
the downwind distances of different heat radiation. Based on these distance tank
separation distance will be decided, if separation distances are not feasible,
provide adequate firefighting or water deluge on adjacent tank.
Diesel Day Tank – 25mm leak

Figure-7.36: Diesel Day Tank Liquid – 25 Mm Leak Pool Fire Radiation Intensity

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Chapter-7
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The leak is considered from bottom of diesel day tank of 25mm leak in above
ground (inside dyke). Based on above figure, the different heat radiation contours
are plotted on map with shape and effect zone. The heat radiation contour is very
much depending on wind direction and direction of release. Figure-7.36 shown
heat radiation contours are covering adjacent tank. Based on above, it is
recommended that necessary firefighting system such as remote operated water
monitors should be provided to cover diesel storage tank.

Diesel Day Tank – Dyke fire (Side View)

Figure-7.37 Diesel Day Tank Liquid Dyke Fire – Side View

The above figure shown side view of diesel tank dyke fire. The side view shown
the downwind distances of different heat radiation. Based on these distance tank
dyke separation distance will be decided, if separation distances are not feasible,
provide adequate firefighting system.

Diesel Day Tank – Surface fire (Side View)

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Chapter-7
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Figure-7.38: Diesel Day Tank Liquid Surface Fire – Side View

The above figure shown side view of diesel tank surface fire. The side view shown
the downwind distances of different heat radiation. Based on these distance tank
separation distance will be decided, if separation distances are not feasible,
provide adequate firefighting or water deluge on adjacent tank.

Diesel Pump Suction Piping – 25 mm leak

Figure-7.39: Diesel pump suction piping liquid –25mm leak pool fire radiation
intensity

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Chapter-7
Additional Studies

The leak is considered from Diesel transfer pump suction of 25mm leak in above
ground. Based on above figure, the different heat radiation contours are plotted
on map with shape and effect zone. The heat radiation contour is very much
depending on wind direction and direction of release. Figure-7.39 shown heat
radiation contours are covering adjacent tank. Based on above, it is
recommended that necessary firefighting system such as remote operated water
monitors should be provided to cover diesel storage tank.

Diesel Pump Discharge Piping – 25mm leak

Figure-7.40: diesel pump discharge liquid –25mm leak Pool fire radiation intensity

The leak is considered from Diesel transfer pump discharge of 25mm leak in
above ground. Based on above figure, the different heat radiation contours are
plotted on map with shape and effect zone. The heat radiation contour is very
much depending on wind direction and direction of release. Figure-7.40 shown
heat radiation contours are covering adjacent tank. Based on above, it is
recommended Provision for stoppage of diesel transfer pumps by emergency shut
down (ESD) system from a safe location in case of any leakage/fire.

Conclusion Of Consequence Analysis Results LNG Power

The following observations are made based on review of the results of

consequence analysis for the selected failure scenarios.

LNG liquid leak from Fuel Tank

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within LNG Fuel
Tank Area.

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Chapter-7
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High pressure gas leak from Vaporizer outlet

Vapour cloud explosion overpressure radius corresponding to 0.069 bar (1 psi)

extends inside the power plant but does not affect any building in the onsite
installation.

Leak in Gas Metering System

Vapour cloud explosion overpressure radius corresponding to 0.069 bar (1 psi)

does not affect the control room or Power Plant area.

Leak in Diesel Tank

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within Diesel Tank
Area.

Leak in Pump discharge

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within Diesel Pump
Area.

Input Data for QRA

Failure Frequency & Inventory

The input data for all failure scenarios considered for QRA are listed in Table-
7.17

Table-7.17: Failure Scenarios and The Relevant Input Data

Failure Rate for Estimated

Failure
Item Description Each Equipment Inventory
Scenario
(per year) (kg)
5 mm Leak 1.0E-03 10000
LNG Tanks 25 mm Leak 4.0E-04 10000
100 mm Leak 1.0E-04 10000
5 mm Leak 7.0E-04 1000
LNG Vaporizer Unit 25 mm Leak 2.5E-04 1000
100 mm Leak 1.0E-04 1000
5 mm Leak 2.0E-05 1000
LNG piping to Gas
25 mm Leak 5.0E-06 1000
Turbine
100 mm Leak 6.0E-07 1000
5 mm Leak 1.21E-03 35590
Diesel Storage Tank 25 mm Leak 1.88E-04 35590
100 mm Leak 1.22E-05 35590
Diesel Storage Day 5 mm Leak 1.21E-03 2670
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Chapter-7
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Tank 25 mm Leak 1.88E-04 2670

100 mm Leak 1.22E-05 2670
5 mm Leak 4.24E-03 274
Diesel Pump 25 mm Leak 1.70E-04 274
100 mm Leak 2.09E-05 274

Population Data

The distribution of people in the LNG Terminal and Power Plant area is shown in
Table-7.18.

Table-7.18: Distribution of People in the LNG Terminal

Description No. of Persons

DG Set Area 6
Diesel Tank & Filtration Area 3
Electrical & Control room Area 4
Admin Building & Sampling Unit Area 8
Standby DG set & Fire water area 2
Parking 2
STP & ETP Area 4
HRSG & Turbine Area 3
Maintenance Area 5
Switchyard Area 2
Gas receiving & Storage Area 3

QRA Results

Individual Risk

Iso-risk contours for individual risk due to LNG facility are shown in Figure-7.41.

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Chapter-7
Additional Studies

Figure-7.41 Iso-Risk Contours for Individual Risk Enlarge View- LNG Facility

Iso-risk contours for individual risk due to LNG facility are shown in Figure-7.42.

Figure-7.42: Iso-Risk Contours for Individual Risk Enlarge View- Diesel Facility

The maximum individual risk contour observed in the LNG facility is 5.85E-06 per
year and in the Diesel, facility is 2.52E-04. The maximum individual risk is found
to be 2.52E-04 per year. This will be the location-specific individual risk (LSIR)
applicable to a person standing at the site all the time in the year. However, any
individual person working in the Diesel Storage area is present at the site for an
average period of about 2 hours of work during the day.

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Chapter-7
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Therefore, the individual-specific individual risk (ISIR) a person working in the

LNG Terminal is estimated as follows:

ISIR = LSIR x (fraction of time in the year when exposed to risk)

= (2.52E-04) x (2/24) x (6/7) = 1.8E-05 per year.

The estimated maximum ISIR value of 1.8E-05 per year is in the lower part of
ALARP region close to Acceptable level.

The values of individual risk to plant personnel and general public in comparison
with the specified risk criteria are shown in Figure 7.43.

Figure-7.43: Individual Risk Due to LNG Terminal

SOCIETAL RISK

The FN Curves for societal risk for the LNG & Diesel Power Plant shown in Figure-
7.44.

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Chapter-7
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Figure-7.44 Societal Risk Due to LNG Terminal

It is seen that the societal risk due to the LNG & Diesel power plant is well within
the Acceptable region.

CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusions

QRA Risk Results:

The results of this QRA study for the LNG & Diesel Power plant lead to the
following conclusions.

• Individual risk to members of the public is less than 1.0E-06 per year and
therefore in the Acceptable level.

• Individual risk to personnel working in the Power plant is 1.8E-05 per year
which is in the lower part of ALARP region very close to Acceptable level.

• Societal risk is in the Acceptable region.

Based on the above results of QRA study, it is concluded that the LNG & Diesel
Power Generation Facility meets the specified risk criteria.

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Chapter-7
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Consequence Analysis Results:

Consequence analysis for LNG & Diesel release in case of the maximum credible
scenarios such as 25 mm leak in high pressure LNG system and diesel storage
tank shows the following.

LNG liquid leak from Fuel Tank

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 12.5 & 37.5 kW/m2 falls within Fuel Tank
Area.

High pressure gas leak from Vaporizer outlet

Vapour cloud explosion overpressure radius corresponding to 0.069 bar (1 psi)

extends inside the power plant but does not affect any building in the onsite
installation.

Leak in Gas Metering System

Vapour cloud explosion overpressure radius corresponding to 0.069 bar (1 psi)

does not affect the control room or Power Plant area.

Leak in Diesel Tank

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 37.5 kW/m2 falls within Diesel Tank Area.

Leak in Pump discharge

The fire radiation intensity ellipse of 37.5 kW/m2 falls within Diesel Pump Area.

Based on worldwide experience over 70 years, LNG industry including on-shore

installations and marine LNG carriers has established exemplary safety record.

The above results indicate that the proposed LNG Storage & Diesel storage Unit
and Land-based Power Plant confirm well to the risk criteria.

The installation design and construction confirm to relevant Indian/ international

codes and standards including OISD and PNGRB guidelines.

Company expected to ensure the best practices for safety management system,
engineering, construction, operation and maintenance for LNG & Diesel power
plant.

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Chapter-7
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Recommendations or Safety Measures – LNG Power Plant

• In case of any LNG leakage in the Terminal, it is necessary to isolate the

supply with minimum delay. For this purpose, effective leak detection system
with alarm and automatic arrangements for isolation and/ or mitigation is to
be established. Besides the conventional systems for gas leak detection,
imaging systems are also found to be very effective for monitoring LNG
transfer equipment over large area.
• Necessary firefighting system such as remote operated water monitors
should be provided to cover the LNG fuel storage, gas receiving and diesel
storage tank.
• Provision of adequate instrumentation and controls for overfill protection of
storage tanks in the tank farm on the same lines as specified in OISD 244.
• Provision for stoppage of diesel transfer pumps by emergency shut-down
(ESD) system from a safe location in case of any leakage/fire.

7.3 Natural Disaster Management

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration has set up a Disaster

Management Authority (DMA) under the chairmanship the of the Union Territory
(UT) Lt Governor as part of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The members of
the authority include the Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary, A&N
Administration, Director General of Police, Chief of Staff, Andaman and Nicobar
Command, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Development Commissioner,
Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health) and Commissioner-cum-Secretary (R&R).
As per the notification issued by the government, a Disaster Management
Executive Committee has been set up to assist the DMA, which would be
coordinating and monitoring body for disaster management in the UT. While the
Chief Secretary of the UT Administration being the ex-officio Chairperson of the
Committee will be the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, the members of
the Committee include Director General of Police, Chief of Staff, Andaman and
Nicobar Command, Development Commissioner, Commissioner-cum-Secretary
(Health), Commissioner-cum-Secretary (APWD), Commissioner-cum-Secretary
(Shipping), Chief General Manager (BSNL), In-charge Meteorological Department
and Officer in-charge, National Institute of Ocean Technology. The Commissioner-
cum-Secretary (R&R) shall be its Member Secretary.

Apart from the above, District Disaster Management Authorities have been
constituted for the Districts of South Andaman, North and Middle Andaman and
Nicobar. The Additional District Magistrate of South Andaman, Assistant
Commissioner of Mayabunder and Assistant Commissioner (HQ) of Car Nicobar

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Chapter-7
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District will function as the Chief Executive Officer of the respective District
Disaster Management Authority.

Directorate of Disaster Management of Andaman and Nicobar has drawn a

detailed Disaster Management Plan (DMP) in 2016. The DMP covers wide range of
topics like Hazard Management,

Thirty odd types of hazards/ disaster agents have been identified and the same
have been grouped into different categories:

a. Terrorist Outrages
b. War and Interstate Situation
c. Water and Climate related disasters
d. Migration/Exodus/Infiltration
e. Breakdown of services
f. Man-made Disasters
g. Nuclear Disasters
h. Natural Disasters
i. Law and Order
j. Geologically related disasters
k. Chemical, Industrial and Nuclear related disasters,
l. Biological and;
m. Accident related disasters

However, all the above disasters do not fall under the scope of the EIA and only
Natural disasters will be covered in this section.

7.3 Natural hazard vulnerability and Disaster Management system

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Andaman and Nicobar Island (ANI) is seismically very active and is situated in
Zone V of Seismic Zoning Map of India (as per IS-1893 Part 1-2002). These
islands are one of the Multi hazard prone areas of India.

In most of the cases seaquakes often trigger tsunamis. The Andaman and Nicobar
basin has evolved through a complex history of tectonics associated with
convergence of plate boundaries between Indian plate and west Burmese plate.
The Basis was initiated with the northern drift of Indian plate with respect to Asia.
The collision of Indian/Eurasian plates started along the irregular boundary and
occurrence at the at the same time as the oceanic subduction beneath the
southern Eurasia. The continental collision slowed down the oceanic spreading
rates in the Indian ocean and slowed down the subduction velocity along the
Sundra Arc system.

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Chapter-7
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Figure-7.45 Morphology and tectonics of the Andaman and Nicobar Forearc

Source: Morphology and tectonics of the Andaman Forearc, north-eastern Indian

Ocean James R. Cochran; Geophysical Journal International, Volume 182, Issue
2, August 2010,

Map showing the location of geographic features. Red arrows show the
convergence direction and rate between the Indian Plate to the west and the
Sunda Plate to the east of the Burma Plate using the pole of Socquet et
al. (2006). Scale is given by the arrow in the inset which has an amplitude of 30
mm a−1. Red triangles show the location of subaerial volcanoes. Aceh, Aceh
Forearc Basin; AI, main Andaman Island group (Lower Andaman, Middle
Andaman and North Andaman Islands); AR, Alcock Rise; AS, the Aceh strand of

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Chapter-7
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the Sumatran Fault System; ASC, the Andaman spreading centre; BI,Barren
Island; CNI, Car Nicobar Island; DF, the Diligent Fault; EMF, the Eastern Margin
Fault; GNI, Great Nicobar Island; IB, Invisible Bank; KF, the Kabaw Fault; LAI,
Little Andaman Island; NI, Narcondam Island; SaF, the Sagaing Fault; SR, Sewell
Rise; SS, the Seulimeum strand of the Sumatran Fault System; WAF, the West
Andaman Fault; WB, West Basin; WSR, the West Sewell Ridge

The major faults in the Andaman Sea is given in the map below.

Figure-7.46 Andaman Sea fault map

Source: Morphology and tectonics of the Andaman Forearc, north-eastern Indian

Ocean James R. Cochran; Geophysical Journal International, Volume 182, Issue
2, August 2010,

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Chapter-7
Additional Studies

From the map it is evident that the Nicobar Island is junction of two major faults,
that is, west Andaman fault and Areh strand of Sumatran fault system. The
Seulimenum fault also passes close to Nicobar Island.

According to official estimates in India, 10,749 people were killed, 5,640 people
were missing and thousands of people became homeless when a tsunami
triggered by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake near the Indonesian island of
Sumatra struck the southern coast on 26 December 2004. The earthquake
registered 9.1–9.3 Mw and was the largest in five decades. It was followed by
strong aftershocks on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The death toll of the
earthquake was estimated to be around 1,500 people. The Great Nicobar and Car
Nicobar islands were the worst hit among all the islands because of their
proximity to the quake and relatively flat terrain. Aftershocks rocked the area,
and as per the newspaper reports one-fifth of the population of the Nicobar
Islands was reported dead, injured or missing. Chowra Island lost two-thirds of its
population of 1,500. Entire islands were submerged, and Trinket Island was
divided in two. Communications were cut to the Nancowry group of islands, some
of which were submerged.

The location of occurrence of earthquakes in shallower depths <35 km in

Andaman sea between 1918 to 2005 is given below.

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Chapter-7
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Source: Morphology and tectonics of the Andaman Forearc, north-eastern Indian

Ocean James R. Cochran; Geophysical Journal International, Volume 182, Issue
2, August 2010,

Barring a few studies, not much information on paleoseismic and paleo-tsunami is

available. A recent study based on turbidites reveals 6600-year earthquake
history from the Sumatra-Andaman Subduction Zone. From the study of
sediments, the scientists were able to trace about as seven mega tsunamis from
the past 8000 years. In addition to the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake (Mw
9.3) and the associated giant tsunami, several other tsunami events occurred
during the medieval period CE 850–900, CE 660–880, CE 1100–1300, CE 1679,
and CE 17623. Of these, the CE 660–880 and CE 1100–1300 were unusual
events (mega earthquakes 9.0 ≥ Mw ≤ 9.5) triggered along the Andaman-Arakan
and Andaman segments respectively and generated transoceanic tsunamis. These
events were similar to the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake in terms of
magnitude, rupture length and in producing giant tsunami.

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Chapter-7
Additional Studies

The most interesting fact is bases on statistical analysis, seismologists suggest a

Return Period of 420–750 years for mega-earthquakes having different source,
and a shorter interval of 80–120 years for large magnitude earthquakes.

Cyclone, High Velocity Winds and Floods

Cyclones are associated with strong winds, torrential rains and storm surges
(abrupt rise of sea level at the time storm crossing the coast). Storms surge is
the most destructive phenomena associated with a cyclone. Due to these low-
lying areas along the coast are inundated by the sea water, which can result in
the loss of human lives unless the people are evacuated from those areas.

The Nicobar island lied between 6˚ 45” to 7˚ 11” latitude. The formation of a
tropical cyclone requires a number of favourable environmental conditions and
one of them is a suitable latitude. Almost all tropical cyclones form over regions
more than 5 degrees of latitude away from the Equator and very few occur near
the Equator. This generally happens because of Frictional force of air molecules,
Pressure gradient force difference two places and the Coriolis force, the self-
rotation of the Earth can cause a deflection in the air motion. It would be
important to note that since the Great Nicobar Island is on low latitude, the
intensity of cyclone will be low as compared to other Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. However, the residual force of the cyclonic storm in higher latitudes may
sometime affect the GNI.

The Andaman Sea is known for the genesis of many severe cyclones that traverse
the Bay of Bengal. The Andaman Islands face the surge disaster threat as their
north-south orientation comes across the eastward path of severe cyclones
moving from the Andaman Sea and western Pacific Ocean. In general terms it can
be seen that the risk from tropical storms is moderate in the Andaman Sea. The
north Indian Ocean accounts for 7% of global tropical cyclones; on average, 5 to
6 tropical cyclones form over this area every year. Activity is concentrated in two
cyclone seasons; a pre-monsoon season from March to May and post-monsoon
season in October to December. Of the cyclones in this area, about 80% form in
the Bay of Bengal and about 20% in the Arabian Sea, thus 4 to 5 cyclones are
likely to occur in the study area per year on average. Studies indicate that there
is an increasing trend in the frequency of intense tropical cyclones over the north
Indian Ocean.

Semi-enclosed nature of this basin in conjunction with its funnel shape steers the
cyclone pathway striking the land. Historical reports signify that most deadly
cyclones with highest catastrophe and death tolls occurred in this basin. The
design wind speed in the whole UT is 44 m/s (158 km/h), which could be reached
during monsoon. Andaman and Nicobar Islands is classified as Moderate Damage
Risk Zone-A. The cyclone affected coastal areas are classified in 50 m/s zones
(Very High Damage Risk Zone-B) and 55 m/s zones (Very High Damage Risk

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Zone-A). The basic wind speeds are applicable to 10m heights above mean
ground level in an open terrain.

The figure below provides the frequency of Cyclones and depression in the Bay of
Bengal and Arabian sea.

Figure-7.47 Frequency of formations of Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal

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Figure-7.48 Frequency of Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal

Certain areas/islands have poor natural drainage due to peculiar geographical

features. The islands like Great Nicobar have central hill ridges and coastal flats
and sandy at certain places. The velocity of the runoff varies with topography and
the density and type of vegetation. Such islands where the drainage is
predominantly by seepage are vulnerable A&N Islands

Disaster Management System

The Directorate of Disaster Management has been established considering the

vulnerability profile of these Islands towards Natural Disaster like Earthquake,
Tsunami, Cyclones, Floods etc. with a vision “To build safer and disaster resilient
Islands by developing technology driven strategy for disaster management
through collective efforts of all Government Agencies and Non-Governmental
Agencies”. For implementation of Disaster Management activities and
strengthening of Incident Response System in A&N Islands, the A&N
Administration has constituted various Authorities and Committees i.e. Union
Territory Disaster Management Authority (UTDMA), District Disaster Management
Authorities (DDMAs), Union Territory Disaster Management Executive Committee

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(UTDMEC), Committee & Sub Committee for implementation of Emergency

Communication Plan in A&N Islands.

The State Control Room and Emergency Operation Centres at Mayabunder, Port
Blair, Hut Bay, Car Nicobar, Kamorta and Campbell Bay of A&N Islands are
functioning round the clock 24 x 7 for monitoring incidents that occurs frequently
like earthquakes, cyclones, floods and other unforeseen disasters for
disseminating timely alerts to authorities and General public to tackle the crisis
situation and also update the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) along with
line departments for implementing the Emergency Response Procedures and to
promote Emergency Preparedness in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Proposal for
creation of 140 posts has also been taken up with the Ministry of Home Affairs by
the Administration for strengthening of the 06 (Six) Emergency Operation Centres
and State Control Room which will act as nerve centres during natural
calamities/disasters.

The SOP encompasses the following five phases of disaster management for
effective and efficient response to natural disasters.

(i) Preparedness Phase – This phase will include taking all necessary measures
for planning, capacity building and other preparedness so as to be in a state of
readiness to respond, in the event of a natural disaster. This Stage will also
include development of Search & Rescue Teams, mobilization of resources and
taking measures in terms of equipping, providing training, conducting mock
drills/exercises etc.

It has been presumed that in case of a big Tsunami, a 20 m wave may strike
GNI. This large wave may be followed by smaller waves. The affected area, below
20 m is referred in the Figure 7.49 The affected area includes, residential,
commercial, Institutional and tourism area.

As per the the design Indian Tsunami Early Warning System (ITEWS), the early
warning will come between 10 to 20 minutes time. In case of emergency, one can
rush to upto to 2.5 km distance. Some can walk to the nearest higher levels
(above 20 M) in the development area. The areas above 20 m should be
designated and published widely amongst residents and visiting population. Those
who cannot move to higher places due to distance, can rush to nearby tsunami
centers. it is proposed to construct tsunami wave resistant structure at 2.5 km
where those who present during the incident at below 20 m level can rush to the
designated buildings. These buildings will be designed to accommodate up to
20,000 people. Once the tsunami waves pass away, people can be taken to
tsunami rescue centers equipped with medical facilities, food etc.

During the incident of Tsunami, people from the affected area who might be
present at the affected areas can rush to the tsunami resistant buildings. The
tsunami resistant buildings during normal time can be used as School, community
centers, club houses, community centers etc.

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Figure-7.49 20 meter contour map of planning area

For a proper coordination between all the three districts, line departments, lead agencies,
Nodal Agencies, PRI members, Communities, NGOs and v a r i o u s
S e r v i c e Providers a separate Directorate of Disaster Management and State
Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) with State of Art Communication Facilities
has been established during 2008. Campbell Bay has one such centre. As an
aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami of 26th, Dec 2004 in the Andaman and
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Nicobar Administration, to cope up with the situation, a core group of authorities

functioned primarily for the rescue and evacuation of inhabitants. Relief Operation
in the war footing manner also started with Non-Governmental Agencies who
came forward hand to hand with the Administration for the interim relief of the
affected peoples in various affected Islands.

For a proper coordination between all the three districts, line departments, lead
agencies, Nodal Agencies, PRI members, Communities, NGOs and various Service
Providers a separate Directorate of Disaster Management and State Emergency
Operation Centre (SEOC) with State of Art Communication Facilities has been
established during 2008.

These SEOC and EOCs have been facilitated with State-of-Art Communication
equipment for networking the activities with other government agencies/ various
service providers such as Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
(INCOIS), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and other Regional and
Pacific Service Providers website viz. United State Geological Survey (USGS),
European Mediterranean for monitoring, observing, analyzing the situations in
and around these Islands as well as in the world. The incident information so
observed/monitored will be disseminated after proper evaluation/analyses to the
all the Members of Union Territory Disaster Management Authority and Union
Territory Disaster Management Executive Committee and to all the Heads of the
line Departments/Institutions, EOCs, and to the Nodal Officers (DM) in A&N
Islands. The information also been disseminated to all the PRI members, Media
(as per the requirement) and to the General Public from the SEOC with
advisories/alerts.

The SEOC is connected with the following Emergency Communication Systems:

1. Monitoring Website of INCOIS, European Mediterranean , USGS and IMD

2. 13 SAT Phones (INMARSAT Mini-M Terminal) Make – Thrane &Thrane
3. VSAT of INCOIS , MHA , NDMA and BSNL
4. VC with MHA and 6 EOCs and 4 PHC and 35 Schools through the link of
Vidhyavahini VSAT.
5. 36 Standalone Sirens in almost all the Islands.
6. VoIP links with 22 states in 41 stations
7. 9 Hotline linked with 6 EOCs, Raj Niwas, INCOIS and ANC
8. VHF system linked with NDRF, Police, Forest and Electricity Dept. ,
Department of Shipping Services and Port Management Board.
9. Electronic Display Board for receiving information of weather, sea waves
and tsunami alerts with automated sirens.
10. Toll Free Numbers (Four-digit number 1077)
11. SMS Burst System of Centre for Development of Advance Computing (C-
DAC), MoCIT, GoI.

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All activities of the SEOC are monitored by the Operation Section under the
guidance of the Assistant Director (Operation) and overall direction,
superintendence and control of Director, Disaster Management.

(ii) Early Warning Phase – This phase will include all necessary measures to
provide timely, qualitative and quantitative warnings to the disaster managers to
enable them to take preemptive measures for preventing loss of life and reducing
loss/damage to the property. On the occurrence of a natural disaster or imminent
threat thereof, all the concerned Agencies will be informed/notified for initiating
immediate necessarily follow up action.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences has established the Indian Tsunami Early Warning
System (ITEWS). The ITEWS was established in 2007 and is based at & operated
by Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad.
The ITEWS is an integrated effort of different organizations including the
Department of Space (DOS), Department of Science and Technology (DST), the
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Survey of India (SOI) and
National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).

The ITEWS comprises a real-time network of seismic stations, Bottom Pressure

Recorders (BPR), tide gauges and 24 X 7 operational tsunami warning centre to
detect tsunamigenic earthquakes, to monitor tsunamis and to provide timely
advisories to vulnerable community by means of latest communication methods
with back-end support of a pre-run scenario database and Decision Support
System (DSS).

The ITEWS has the responsibility to provide tsunami advisories to Indian Mainland
and the Island regions. It is capable of issuing Tsunami bulletins in less than 10
minutes after any major earthquake in the Indian Ocean thus leaving us with a
response/lead time of about 10 to 20 minutes for near source regions in the
Andaman & Nicobar and a few hours in the case of mainland.

The ITEWS disseminates tsunami bulletins to various stakeholders through

multiple dissemination modes simultaneously (Fax, Phone, Emails, GTS and SMS
etc.). Users can also register on the website for receiving earthquake alerts and
tsunami bulletins through emails and SMS.

The flow of information as per the Directorate of Disaster Management, A&N is

given in Figure 7.50

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Figure-7.50 Flow information regarding warning of a Disaster

Earthquakes cannot be generally predicted. However, there area early warning

centers which continuously monitors the seismic activity of Indian Ocean and
Pacific Ocean after being exchanging the earthquake data collected through
National/ International Seismological Center installed at different area i.e. Indian
Ocean Tsunami Warning Service (IOTWS) provider under the treaty with INCOIS,
Hyderabad, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia and with Pacific Tsunami Warning
Service provider (PTWS).

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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
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Figure-7.51 Global Seismographic Network

This network enables the Real-Time Seismic Monitor Network (RTSMN)

established by IMD, New Delhi comprising of 17 Broad-Bands seismic field
stations for transmitting Real-Time data through V-SAT communication to the
Central Receiving Stations located at IMD and INCOIS, Hyderabad. The scenario
of each earthquake data collected from seismic center, bottom pressure gauges,
and buoys through SAT reaches to super computers installed at INCOIS put this
scenario in a single Tsunami model simulation that is calculated from the required
initial seismic deformation condition with the pre-defined input fault geometry
parameters of earthquake ruptures, i.e. fault location, Depth, Length, Width,
Displacement, Strike angle, Dip angle and Slip angle. Each scenario output
contains the expected Tsunami wave travel time, run-up light and directive maps.
Whenever an earthquake occurs, the closest scenario to the event is extracted
from the scenario database based on magnitude and hypocenter location to
identify the region at risk. All these above functions are automated one.

The criteria for considering an area under different Threat level (WARNING/
ALERT / WATCH) are as follows:

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Pre-run Model Scenario Results

ETA < 60 mins ETA > 60 mins
EWA Threat EWA (M) Threat
(M) Status Status
>2 WARNING >2 ALERT
0.5 to 2 ALERT 0.5 to 2 WATCH
0.2 to WATCH 0.2 to 0.5 WATCH

Earthquake information bulletins issued by INCOIS: - For earthquake occurring

on land with < M 6.5 or earthquake occurring > 100km depth or occurring in very
shallow water column etc. no tsunami is expected.

Tsunami Warning: - Tsunami warnings are issued by INCOIS based on the

coastal area falling within 60 mins. travel time from a tsunamigenic earthquake >
M6.5 occurring in the ocean within the depth of <100 km.

Earthquakes of all magnitudes occurring on land will not have potential to trigger
a tsunami

Earthquakes of all magnitudes occurring at depth greater than 100 km will not
have potential to trigger Tsunami
The earthquakes in ocean, which have shallow focus, less than 100 km within the
magnitude range 6.5≤ M ≤ 7.0 have potential to trigger a small local tsunami
(within 100 to 300 km from epicenter)
The earthquakes in ocean, which have shallow focus, less than 100 km within the
magnitude range 7.0 ≤ M ≤ 7.5 have potential to trigger a destructive regional
tsunami (within 100 to 300 km from epicenter).

The earthquakes in ocean, which have shallow focus, less than 100 km within the
magnitude range 7.5 ≤ M ≤ 7.8 have potential to trigger a destructive regional
tsunami (within 1000 to 1500 km from epicenter).

The earthquake in ocean, which have shallow focus, less than 100 km and
magnitude greater than M 7.8, have potential to trigger on ocean-wide
destructive tsunami (above 100 km from epicenter).

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The natural disasters cannot be prevented with the man’s present depth of
knowledge and technology. Nevertheless, his sufferings can be reduced by
application of his wisdom. It is in this context establishment of a separate
department of Disaster Management was fond necessary to combat disasters.

(iii) Response Phase – This phase will include all necessary measures to
provide immediate succour to the affected people by undertaking search, rescue
and evacuation measures. Campbell Bay has a state emergency operation center
(SEOC) from where the rescue operation can be directed.

(iv) Relief Phase - This phase will include all necessary measures to provide
immediate relief and succour to the affected people in terms of SOP, their
essential needs of food, drinking water, health & hygiene, clothing, shelter etc.

(v) Restoration Stage – This phase will include all necessary measures to
stabilize the situation and restore the utilities. This SOP does not cover long-term
measures needed either for mitigation or for rehabilitation/recovery of the
affected people and reconstruction of the area.

This SOP is being reviewed annually. The overall responsibility of the disaster
management lies with District Administration where the Deputy Commissioner will
be the Responsible Officer (RO) for each Districts and in case of situation is
worsened and will have its affect in larger area, then the Chief Secretary, A&N
Administration will be the (RO). In case the disaster level exceeds a certain
threshold, the help of Central Government is sought.

Assessment of Scale of disaster

The Union Territory Disaster Management Authority shall be actively involved in

the management of Large Scale Disasters. The Large Scale Disaster is one
wherein the affect is mentioned in [pl refer at page 16 (2.1.3)]:

(a) All the Districts in these Islands are prone to by Medium Scale Disaster
(Medium Scale Disaster is the one whose spread/effect does not exceed
ten villages or death toll does not exceed 20 and loss of property does not
exceed 10 Crores) or
(b) Loss of human life in one or in all the Districts exceeds 20 or
(c) Loss of property in one or in all Districts exceeds ` 10 Crores or
(d) Any one or in all the District Disaster Management Control Rooms have
asked for assistance from Defence Forces or
(e) Any one or all the Districts have sought more funds in addition to those
normally allotted every year to manage the Disasters or
(f) Is declared to be a large scale disaster by the A & N Administration

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(i) Information about Disaster to Government of India

The Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Administration shall inform the
Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of
Agriculture through FAX/Telex/Wireless/NIC NET about the occurrence of the
Disaster. The copies of the message shall go to the Private Secretary to the Prime
Minister, Home Minister, Agriculture Minister for their information. Another copy
of the message shall be sent to the Director (C.P.C), Ministry of Home Affairs,
Government of India, New Delhi.

(ii) Assistance from Defence Forces

The Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command shall keep the Armed
Forces on alert following the receipt of information from Director, Disaster
Management or from the Deputy Commissioner or on receipt of forewarning about
the impending occurrence of a Disaster so that, Defence Forces shall plunge
into action as soon as their assistance is sought by the UTDMA/DDMAs.
The Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Indian Coast guard to involve
during the occurrence of any disaster like situation with the following action plan:

a. Representatives to be stationed in the Armed Force Room earmarked in

the Directorate of Disaster Management.
b. A detachment of forces to be stationed at the premises of the SCR
with mobile communication equipment for SAR Operations & MFR.
c. All other establishments of ANC will remain on alert.
d. Respond to request of assistance of RO/ICs/SCR.

The extent and nature of assistance required from the Defence Forces in the first
instance shall be assessed by the District Disaster Management Authority and
intimated to Union Territory Disaster Management Authority.

The Union Territory Disaster Management Authority shall hold quick deliberations
on the nature and extent of help to be sought from the Government of India. This
assistance shall be for (a) Short (Immediate) Term Measures (b) Medium Term
Measures and (c) Long Term Measures.

The assistance for Immediate Term Measures is meant for the Rescue and Relief
Operations. The Rehabilitation Operations after a Disaster constitute the medium
term measures. The assistance from Government of India for the medium term

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measures could be to restore the public utility services and to help the general
public to restart their occupations. Assistance from the Government of India for
long term measures will be sought under the Annual Plan.

The concerned Departments shall make a quick assessment of damage in

their sector/ activities and project the requirement of funds to the Union Territory
Disaster Management Authority. The District Disaster Management
Authority/Deputy Commissioner shall with the assistance of Government
Departments make a quick estimate of damage / impact and requirement of
funds.

The request for the immediate assistance from Government of India could go
through a fax / wireless / NIC NET from the Lt. Governor following his
conversation with Union Minister of Home Affairs and the Prime Minister.
(iii) Monitoring Rescue Relief and Rehabilitation Operation
The Union Territory Management Authority shall receive the reports
from District Disaster Management Control Rooms at the following
periodicity:-
(a) Report on Rescue Operation - at 1200 hours daily
(b) Report on Relief Operation - Everyday at 2000 hours
(c) Rehabilitation Operation - Every week on Monday. Later this report
could be obtained every month.

7.4 Rehabilitation & Resettlement

The GNI has a total population of about 8500 persons out of which 237 belong to
tribe and 1087 are Nicobarese Tribe. Many families in the GNI are settlers from
the mainland who came to this island around 1970. These families were allotted
land and they are generally engaged in cultivation and businesses.

As per the GNI development plan, apart from Airport and Roads, no other land or
homesteads will be acquired.

Approximate number of affected private plots has been estimated to be about

399 in numbers out of which 230 private plots with an area of 382.34 Ha for
Airport site and 169 private plots with an area of 39.2388 ha are for road
infrastructure. However, the exact number of families to be affected will be
known after the SIA study under section 4 of the Right to Fair Compensation and
Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLAR&R)
Act 2013

The R&R for the affected families will be provided as per the Right to Fair
Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
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Resettlement Act, 2013. This act, thereafter, is referred in the EIA report as R&R
Act, 2013.

The R&R Act, 2013 is an act to ensure, in consultation with institutions of local
self-government and Gram Sabhas established under the Constitution, a humane,
participative, informed and transparent process for land acquisition for
industrialization, development of essential infrastructural facilities and
urbanization with the least disturbance to the owners of the land and other
affected families and provide just and fair compensation to the affected families
whose land has been acquired or proposed to be acquired or are affected by such
acquisition and make adequate provisions for such affected persons for their
rehabilitation and resettlement and for ensuring that the cumulative outcome of
compulsory acquisition should be that affected persons become partners in
development leading to an improvement in their post-acquisition social and
economic status.

The R&R Act, 2013 refers to four distinct components namely:

1. Determination and definition of the of the affected families

2. Payment of Compensation for land and the property that is to be acquired
3. The R&R entitlement of the affected Families
4. Facilities to be provided to the affected families

A separate Social Impact Assessment (SIA) as per Section 4 of the R&R Act, 2013
is to be conducted by UT Administration. SIA is to be carried out in all cases of
land acquisition within six months of date of commencement. It is to be
conducted by an independent third-party agency. Before the SIA study is
conducted a notification will have be issued by the appropriate government on
the date & prescribing manner in which the study is to be conducted.

The number of Affected Families eligible for R&R will be known after the SIA study
by the UT Administration as per the R&R Act, 2013. SIA, as per Sec 4(1) to Sec.
9 the R&R Act forms an integral part of land acquisition. SIA study helps make
informed decision regarding the problems that the displacement will cause. SIA
also helps enhance the project benefits while minimizing or mitigating concerns,
risks and adverse impacts through a participatory, informed and transparent
process involving all stakeholders.

It helps estimate the number of families displaced and affected, if the

ameliorative measures will be adequate to effectively mitigate the adverse impact
on individual and community assets, infrastructure and restoration of livelihood of
affected families and also calculate the compensation to be paid.

The objective of the study is given below.

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To start the SIA study, on receipt of the application in form A (completed in all
respects), the district collector will on be being satisfied shall forward it to the
authority conducting SIA study. with copy to the department dealing with the
subject matter of land acquisition and department to which the project relates.
The district collector shall send the land particulars of the proposed project area
to the Tahasildar for updating the Record of Rights.
Before the SIA study is conducted, a notification will have to issues by the
appropriate government on the date and prescribing the manner in which the
study is to be conducted. Government shall ensure that adequate representation
has been given to the representatives of Panchayat, Gram Sabha, Municipality or
Municipal Corporation, Collectorate or as the case may be, at the stage of
carrying out the Social Impact Assessment study.
The appropriate Government shall , while undertaking a Social Impact
Assessment study, consider the impact that the project is likely to have on
various components such as livelihood of affected families, public and community
properties, assets and infrastructure particularly roads, public transport,
drainage, sanitation, sources of drinking water, sources of water for cattle,
community ponds, grazing land, plantations, public utilities such as post offices,
fair price shops, food storage godowns, electricity supply, health care facilities,
schools and educational or training facilities, anganwadis, children parks, places

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of worship, land for traditional tribal institutions and burial and cremation
grounds.

The SIA study needs to include the followings:

(a) assessment as to whether the proposed acquisition serves public purpose;

(b) estimation of affected families and the number of families among them likely
to be displaced
(c) extent of lands, public and private, houses, settlements and other common
properties likely to be affected by the proposed acquisition
(d) whether the extent of land proposed for acquisition is the absolute bare-
minimum extent needed for the project
(e) whether land acquisition at an alternate place has been considered
(f) study of social impacts of the project, and the nature and cost of addressing
them and the impact of these costs on the overall costs of the project vis-a-
vis the benefits of the project.

The flow sheet as per the (RFCTLAR&R Act 2013), the flow chart of the
application of the law is given in Figure 7.52

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Figure-7.52 FLow diagaram showing process of SIA

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The implementation of the Act and the timeline for implementation is given
below:

Under section 31, Collector shall pass awards for R&R benefits as per second
Schedule of the Act
Under section 32- Collector shall ensure the provision of infrastructural facilities
and basic minimum amenities specified in the third schedule.
Collector shall possession of land Under section 38:
After ensuring full payment of compensation as well as R&R entitlements
Timeline from the date of award Under section 30;
1. For Compensation - Within 3 months
2. For monetary part of R&R entitlements- within 6 months
3. For infrastructural entitlements under second and third schedule- within 18
months
4. In case of irrigation or hydel projects 6 months prior to submergence
Collector shall ensure that R&R Process is complete in all aspects before

displacement

Additional compensation (100%) for second and successive displacements

Affected families includes the following

o the family who’s land other immovable property to be acquired
o family who doesn’t own any land but a member of such family like agriculture
labours, tenants, sharecroppers, artisans who may be working in the affected
area for more then 3 years who’s primary source of livelihood stands affected
o Schedule tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have lost any of
their forest rights

Family as per the Act means:

o A person his/her spouse, minor children, minor brothers / sister dependent

on
o Widows, divorcee, and women deserted by family is considered as separate
family
o An adult without spouse or children or dependence shall be considered as
separate family

The eligibility criteria as per the RFCTLAR&R, 2013 include the following:

(i) a family whose land or other immovable property has been acquired.

(ii) a family which does not own any land but a member or members of such
family may be agricultural labourers, tenants including any form of tenancy or
holding of usufruct right, share-croppers or artisans or who may be working in
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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-7
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the affected area for three years prior to the acquisition of the land, whose
primary source of livelihood stand affected by the acquisition of land;

(iii) the Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have lost any
of their forest rights recognized under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional
Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (2 of 2007) due to
acquisition of land;

(iv) family whose primary source of livelihood for three years prior to the
acquisition of the land is dependent on forests or water bodies and includes
gatherers of forest produce, hunters, fisher folk and boatmen and such livelihood
are affected due to acquisition of land.

(v) a member of the family who has been assigned land by the State Government
or the Central Government under any of its schemes and such land is under
acquisition.

(vi) a family residing on any land in the urban areas for preceding three years or
more prior to the acquisition of the land or whose primary source of livelihood for
three years prior to the acquisition of the land is affected by the acquisition of
such land;

• Public hearing to be conducted to ascertain the views of the affected families.

• For private companies' prior consent of at least 80% of the affected families
are required.
• For PPP projects, consent of at least 70% of the affected families are
required.

Rehabilitation and Resettlement Entitlements

Provision of housing units in case of displacement

(1) If a house is lost in rural areas, a constructed house shall be provided as per
the Indira Awas Yojana specifications. If a house is lost in urban areas, a
constructed house shall be provided, which will be not less than 50 sq mts in
plinth area.
(2) The benefits listed above shall also be extended to any affected family which
is without homestead land and which has been residing in the area continuously
for a period of not less than three years preceding the date of notification of the
affected area and which has been involuntarily displaced from such area:

Provided that any such family in urban areas which opts not to take the house
offered, shall get a one-time financial assistance for house construction, which
shall not be less than one lakh fifty thousand rupees:

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Provided further that if any affected family in rural areas so prefers, the
equivalent cost of the house may be offered in lieu of the constructed house:

Provided also that no family affected by acquisition shall be given more than one
house under the provisions of this Act.

Explanation. –The houses in urban area may, if necessary, be provided in multi-

storied building complexes.

Offer for Developed Land

In case the land is acquired for urbanization purposes, twenty per cent. of the
developed land will be reserved and offered to land owning project affected
families, in proportion to the area of their land acquired and at a price equal to
the cost of acquisition and the cost of development:

Provided that in case the land-owning project affected family wishes to avail of
this offer, an equivalent amount will be deducted from the land acquisition
compensation package payable to it.

Choice of Annuity or Employment

The appropriate Government shall ensure that the affected families are provided
with the following options:

(a) where jobs are created through the project, after providing suitable training
and skill development in the required field, make provision for employment at a
rate not lower than the minimum wages provided for in any other law for the time
being in force, to at least one member per affected family in the project or
arrange for a job in such other project as may be required; or

(b) one-time payment of five lakhs rupees per affected family; or

(c) annuity policies that shall pay not less than two thousand rupees per month
per family for twenty years, with appropriate indexation to the Consumer Price
Index for Agricultural Labourers.

Subsistence grant for displaced families for a period of one year

Each affected family which is displaced from the land acquired shall be given a
monthly subsistence allowance equivalent to three thousand rupees per month
for a period of one year from the date of award. In addition to this amount, the
Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes displaced from Scheduled Areas shall
receive an amount equivalent to fifty thousand rupees.

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In case of displacement from the Scheduled Areas, as far as possible, the affected
families shall be relocated in a similar ecological zone, so as to preserve the
economic opportunities, language, culture and community life of the tribal
communities.

Transportation cost for displaced families

Each affected family which is displaced shall get a onetime financial assistance of
fifty thousand rupees as transportation cost for shifting of the family, building
materials, belongings and cattle.

Cattle shed/Petty shops cost

Each affected family having cattle or having a petty shop shall get one-time
financial assistance of such amount as the appropriate Government may, by
notification, specify subject to a minimum of twenty-five thousand rupees for
construction of cattle shed or petty shop as the case may be.

One-time grant to artisan, small traders and certain others

Each affected family of an artisan, small trader or self-employed person or an

affected family which owned non-agricultural land or commercial, industrial or
institutional structure in the affected area, and which has been involuntarily
displaced from the affected area due to land acquisition, shall get one-time
financial assistance of such amount as the appropriate Government may, by
notification, specify subject to a minimum of twenty-five thousand rupees.

Fishing rights

In cases of irrigation or hydel projects, the affected families may be allowed

fishing rights in the reservoirs, in such manner as may be prescribed by the
appropriate Government.

One-time Resettlement Allowance

Each affected family shall be given a one-time ―Resettlement Allowance‖ of fifty

thousand rupees only.

Stamp duty and registration fee

(1) The stamp duty and other fees payable for registration of the land or house
allotted to the affected families shall be borne by the Requiring Body.
(2) The land for house allotted to the affected families shall be free from all
encumbrances.
(3) The land or house allotted may be in the joint names of wife and husband of
the affected family.

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Facilities to be provided for Resettlement area:

1. Roads within the resettled villages and an all-weather road link to the nearest
pucca road, passages and easement rights for all the resettled families be
adequately arranged.

2. Proper drainage as well as sanitation plans executed before physical

resettlement.

3. One or more assured sources of safe drinking water for each family as per the
norms prescribed by the Government of India.

4. Provision of drinking water for cattle.

5. Grazing land as per proportion acceptable in the State.

6. A reasonable number of Fair Price Shops.

7. Panchayat Ghars, as appropriate.

8. Village level Post Offices, as appropriate, with facilities for opening saving
accounts.

9. Appropriate seed-cum-fertilizer storage facility if needed.

10. Efforts must be made to provide basic irrigation facilities to the agricultural
land allocated to the resettled families if not from the irrigation project, then by
developing a cooperative or under some Government scheme or special
assistance.

11. All new villages established for resettlement of the displaced persons shall be
provided with suitable transport facility which must include public transport
facilities through local bus services with the nearby growth centres/urban
localities.

12. Burial or cremation ground, depending on the caste- communities at the site
and their practices.

13. Facilities for sanitation, including individual toilet points.

14. Individual single electric connections (or connection through nonconventional
sources of energy like solar energy), for each household and for public lighting.

15. Anganwadi ‘s providing child and mother supplemental nutritional services.

16. School as per the provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory
Education Act, 2009 (35 of 2009)

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17. Sub-health centre within two kilometers range.

18. Primary Health Centre as prescribed by the Government of India.

19. Playground for children.

20. One community centre for every hundred families.

21. Places of worship and chowpal/tree platform for every fifty families for
community assembly, of numbers and dimensions consonant with the affected
area.

22. Separate land must be earmarked for traditional tribal institutions.

23. The forest dweller families must be provided, where possible, with their forest
rights on non-timber forest produce and common property resources, if available
close to the new place of settlement and, in case any such family can continue
their access or entry to such forest or common property in the area close to the
place of eviction, they must continue to enjoy their earlier rights to the aforesaid
sources of livelihood.

24. Appropriate security arrangements must be provided for the settlement, if

needed.

25. Veterinary service centre as per norms

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CHAPTER 8
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-8
Project Benefits

8.0 PROJECT BENEFITS

8.1 Introduction

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation LTD

(ANIIDCO) proposes Integrated Development Project at Great Nicobar Islands,
Nicobar District. As a part of integrated development, an International Container
Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) is proposed. The other interlinked projects will be
Green Field International Airport, Township and Area Development and LNG
based Power Plant are proposed at Greater Nicobar Islands (GNI), Nicobar
district. This chapter presents existing social and physical infrastructure details in
GNI along with project benefits due to the proposed Integrated Development
Project.

8.2 Economic Benefits:

It is proposed to leverage the Opportunity to Promote Sustainable Tourism and

strategic location with respect to major international shipping lines, it is important
to develop Greater Nicobar Island
The economic development will rest on the three pillars as highlighted below:

A preliminary study has been carried out for each of these pillars as the economic
driver. The economic impact in terms of the GDP contribution is worked out at the
constant prices for the year 2052 which is the design year for the study. Details
of these are already given in the report. A brief methodology is presented below
Tourism: The impact of tourism on the GDP of the island is worked out on the
basis of the projected number of international and domestic tourists and the per
capita spend. It is estimated that tourism will be the biggest contributor to the
economy of the island and will contribute around Rs. 4,707 Crore per year by

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2052. It is also estimated that tourism will be the largest generator of the jobs
and contribute to around one lakh direct and indirect jobs.
Port: It is estimated that the Inland Container Transhipment Terminal will be the
second largest contributor to the island’s economy. It is also estimated that the
ICTT will generate around Rs. 3,369 Crores per year to the GDP and will be the
second largest contributor to the economy. It will also create more than 10,000
direct and indirect jobs for the people.
Airport: The direct impact of the airport on the economy of the island may be
relatively smaller but it is an important catalyst for other economic drivers
particularly tourism to reach their potential. The impact of the airport is yet to be
worked but a ballpark number of approximately Rs. 2,000 Crore per year is
estimated for the year 2051. It will generate around more than 4 thousand jobs.
Primary and Secondary Sectors: The primary and secondary sectors will provide
important support system to the economy and also help it to broad base and
diversify. It is estimated that these sectors will contribute around Rs. 1500 Crore
to the economy and generate around 8700 direct and indirect jobs.
Other tertiary sectors: Like Primary and secondary sectors, the other tertiary
sector will also help to provide critical support to the main pillars of the economy
and help to broad base and diversify it. It is estimated that it will contribute to
around more than Rs. 2 thousand crores.

The brief summary of the GDP contribution is as given below:

Economic Sectors Value in Rs Crs.* % Share in total GDP
Primary and 1,544 11%
Secondary
Tertiary Sector
- Tourism 4,707 34%
- Port 3,369 24%
- Airport 2,000 14%
- Other Services 2,315 17%
Total 13,934 100%
* for the year 2051 on constant prices

A comparison of the year 2052 has been done with the base year i.e 2022. It is
presented in the table given below:
2022 2052 Growth Rate
Population 8,941 3,32,596 12.81%
GDP 140 13,934 16.57%
GDP per Capita 1,56,582 4,18,956 3.34%

It may be noted here that the GDP estimates for the base year were not
available. It has been estimated by assuming that the GDP per Capita for the
Nicobar is same as the Andaman and Nicobar Island UT. However, in case Nicobar
GDP per Captia is lower than the average GDP per Capita for the UT, then the
Growth rate for the GDP and GDP Per Capita will be even higher.

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8.2 National Security: Counter for foreign powers

consolidation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) The development of Great Nicobar
Island is significant from the point of view of national security. This is in light of
the ongoing consolidation of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the military and
economic impact of this consideration making it as the most important ocean in
the 21st century due to Growing Economic Importance and also has vast stocks
of resources like fish and minerals etc. The Indian Ocean has importance due to
its role as a transit zone for the world’s trade routes. At present, some 50% of
global container traffic and 70% of the world’s oil trade pass through the seaways
of the Indian Ocean. There are maritime chokepoints which are entry to ocean
not only for trade but are also points for global energy security. The two most
important “maritime oil chokepoints” are the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of
Malacca. This Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in general and the Indian Ocean in
particular has turned into a strategic hotspot in recent years. All superpowers are
looking to have their strategic presence in the IOR. Considering this Geopolitical
situation in the IOR, Foreign power in particular is continuously building its
presence in the IOR by establishing its base all around Indian peninsula. Thus, in
response to the increasing strategic value of this IOR, a critical mass of
development in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is necessary for strengthening
India’s regional presence and for maritime security of the country

8.3 Leveraging the strategic Location in terms of proximity to

World’s busiest shipping route

Great Nicobar Island lies adjacent to the Western entrance to the Malacca Strait,
which is, a major Indian Ocean chokepoint. Seven countries are close to Campbell
Bay, which is the headquarters of the southernmost frontier of India in the Great
Nicobar Island. As mentioned earlier, the southern tip of the Island at Indira
Point is only around 40 km from the major international sea route, carrying
around one quarter of global sea trade and more than one third of world oil
supplies (2011). This main east-west shipping route links East Asian exports with
the Indian Ocean, Suez Canal and Europe. This strategic location presents
immense opportunities to further strengthen India’s trading position in the world,
through the holistic development of this island and India can participate more
fully in the global shipping trade, creating employment opportunities for its
citizens and improving quality of life for current and future residents of Great
Nicobar Island.

8.4 Development of GNI

This project will steer a significant development of the GNI. Currently, the island
is isolated with very limited access. Therefore, the number of people visiting the
island is insignificant. However, with the growth of the infrastructure, large
number of people like leisure, business travellers etc will visit the island. The
development of the Airport will be ease the travel for the travellers. The GNI will
also have other developments like ICTT, Township etc., which will trigger

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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
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tremendous growth of the island. The number of visiters in this island is goven in
Table 8.1

Table-8.1: Year wise projection of the visitors from 2022 to 2052

Yr 2027 Yr 2037 Yr 2052

Air Arrivals people 202,425 771,332 1,639,709

Leisure Travelers people 98,000 441,000 980,000

Business
Travelers people 9,836 33,818 61,035

Social Trips people 94,590 296,514 598,674

The proposed investment of the Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island at

Andaman & Nicobar Islands will accelerate the economic and industrial
development of the Andaman Nicobar Islands. The project will help in setting up
ancillary facilities which will provide the spin of benefits to the economy and will
help livelihood around the people. The year wise projection of the employment
from 2022 to 2052 is presented in Table-8.2.

Table-8.2: Year wise projection of the employment from 2022 to 2052

Employment
sector Yr 2022 Yr 2027 Yr 2037 Yr 2052

Tourism - 4,195 18,878 41,952

Airport 50 298 988 1,766

ICTT and
Logistics Area - 1,050 2,310 4,200

Industrial 120 228 683 910

Primary Sector 1,069 1,168 1,875 2,595

Direct
Employees 1,239 6,939 24,734 51,423

Tourism - 6,293 28,317 62,927

Airport 75 447 1,483 2,650

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ICTT and
Logistics Area - 1,575 3,465 6,300

Industrial 180 341 1,024 1,365

Primary Sector 1,604 1,752 2,813 3,893

Indirect
Employees 1,859 10,408 37,101 77,135

Tourism - 10,488 47,195 104,879

Airport 125 746 2,471 4,416

ICTT and
Logistics Area - 2,625 5,775 10,500

Industrial 300 569 1,706 2,275

Primary Sector 2,673 2,920 4,688 6,488

Total
Employees 3,098 17,347 61,835 128,558

it is apparent from the table that during the initial phases of the project the total
number of 17,347 (2027) job will be created which refers to the operation of the
project only. However, this figure does not include the employment generated
during the construction phase, that is construction labour, equipment operators,
drivers, construction manager etc. which is about 7,300. this means, the total
number of 24,647 employment will be generated. In addition to this, there will be
indirect jobs which relates to the jobs to the services provided to the employees
and their families, like, shops, restaurants, service centers, etc.

8.5 Socio-economic growth of local populace by developing

manufacturing from local products

The significant number of settlers in this island between 1970s and

1980s. Till now, apart from agriculture activities not much of
development has taken place, which can augment their income.
From past 40+ year the original settlers from the mainland have
been waiting for some development activity to commence on the
island. The original settlers have struggled through the toughest
times, surviving on the most remote location of our country in
absence of any economic development. This project will bring
opportunities to the local population. Currently the local population
may not have adequate skills to fit to the development model. This
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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-8
Project Benefits

project will provide adequate skill development opportunities to the

local who could provide the services.

8.6 Infrastructure Development of the Project area

8.6.1 Social and Physical Infrastructure

While it is necessary to determine the social infrastructure/community amenity

area requirements, it is equally important to ensure that the community amenity
provision is based on realistic spatial parameters such as clustering relevant
amenities along with open green spaces, comfortable walking distance to schools
and medical facilities, and safe access for children and the elderly. This is also
important from the perspective of providing an opportunity to the residents for
social interaction and enhancing the overall quality of life within a community,
thus laying the nucleus for building sustainable communities.

The development framework strategy to distribute Social infrastructure within the

GNI planning area includes:

• Identifying Existing social infrastructure in existing villages

• Determining social and physical infrastructure requirements
• Recommending social physical infrastructure/community amenity spaces

8.6.2 Identifying Existing Community Amenities in Existing Villages:

The existing seven revenue villages of Great Nicobar Island fall within the
delineated project area. For the master planning, the existing community
amenities that cater to the health, education and cultural needs of the inhabitants
within each of these villages, the existing social infrastructure are to be
considered while developing distribution strategy for the entire GNI planning
area. While distributing proposed social infrastructure in the GNI planning area,
the existing community amenities present in these revenue villages are to be
considered ensuring no overlap happens.

Provision and distribution of social amenities is based on population estimates

done but the spatial location takes into consideration a larger catchment area.
The existing social amenities within villages have been discounted from the new
calculations, but at the same time the strategy adopted is that of upgrading the
existing social amenities at the existing location itself. This strategy is to be
formulated keeping in mind that although there is an up gradation of existing
amenities, there is still a sense of familiarity that is retained such that the
villagers do not feel estranged in their new surrounding environment.

Currently the GNI lacks adequate social infrastructure facilities. The existing
social infrastructure is shown in the Figure 8.1.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Chapter-8
Project Benefits

Figure 8.1: Existing social infrastructure facilities in GNI

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
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Project Benefits

For the purposes of providing the social infrastructure in the GNI planning area,
from the total population of GNI planning area (3,21,394) the existing villages
projected population (11,203) was also included as the existing revenue villages
do not have sufficient social infrastructure at present.

8.6.3 Recommended Social Infrastructure Framework:

Since the population will increase, the infrastructure facilities will be augmented.
All these facilities will also be available to local communities also. Major labour
force will have to be transported from the mainland as the number of eligible
persons and skills will not be available to start with. However, the locals will be
trained to make then eligible for the jobs and make then competitive. Some of
the facilities like ITIs, Hospitals etc will be provided right in the beginning of the
project so that locals can be trained and made suitable for the job in the project;
both during construction and operation.

Community markets and informal bazaars to be located within the neighborhood

centers for the convenience of the residents. One such facility to be located in
each residential cluster. Informal bazaars are an important centre of economic
activity at community level while serving needs of inhabitants. In order to avoid a
situation where community level markets, such as farmers market, whole sale
vendors etc. haphazardly utilize spaces creating traffic or cleanliness issues, they
are to be clustered along with community markets with dedicated spaces.

Considering that Great Nicobar island is not well developed and is mostly rural in
nature, there is a complete lack of healthcare facilities. For the future
communities to come and settle in the GNI planning area it is paramount that
certain healthcare facilities be provided.

Following are the considerations for the spatial location of healthcare facilities:

The approach for the provision of health care facilities within the GNI planning
area is that of clustering similar facilities in one location for optimum use of land,
hence, healthcare facilities such as family welfare centre, pediatric centre, and
geriatric centre etc. area to be clubbed together.
Hospital serving a larger population to be located close to arterial road, at a
central location from the perspective of visibility, access, and catchment area.
Healthcare is an essential requirement for any city to deal with industrial
accidents in case of disasters and also to cater to health needs of the resident
population.

The dispensary and polyclinic are to be distributed throughout the GNI planning
area and clustered within neighborhood centers in residential areas as well as
mixed use / commercial areas.

the area lacks adequate educational facilities, though there are primary and
secondary schools in the island, But for higher education students will have to
travel to the Port Blair or main land as there are no college, ITI facilities in GNI.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
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Project Benefits

In order to create livable places within the GNI planning area, a strong
educational, entertainment and cultural mix is required so that residents, visitors
and workers of all age groups have an opportunity to live-work-play- relax-
recreate. This coupled with public art to visually enhance the look and feel as well
as to spread awareness about cleaner, greener City, will not only promote local
artists to engage in community development but will also create employment.

In addition to the above, provisions such as religious places, socio-cultural

centers, Multi- purpose community halls, cinema halls are to be proposed.

Apart from the above-mentioned social amenities certain other community as

basic amenities/ facilities are also required to be considered for the efficient
functioning of new communities in the future development.

The following tables explains the proposed community amenities for development
at GNI.

Table-8.5: Proposed educational infrastructure

Proposed
Educational facilities
No of Units

Nursery + Primary School 77

Secondary School 19
Integrated School without Hostel facility (Class I-XII) 4
Integrated School with Hostel facility (Class I-XII) 1
College 2
Scientific Research Institute 3
General College 1
Vocational Training Centre (ITI/ Polytechnic) 2
Adult education centre 1
Technical Education Centre 1
School for mentally and physically challenged 1
University 1
Sports Institute 1

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Table-8.6: Proposed Residential infrastructure

Proposed
Special Residential facilities
No of Units

Old age home 2

Working men-women hostel 1

Orphanage/ Children's Centre 1

Table-8.7: Proposed Shopping infrastructure

Proposed
Shopping facilities
No of Units

Convenience Shopping 77
Local shopping including service centre 26
Community Market + Informal Bazar 19
Community Centre with service centre 4
Zonal Commercial Centre 4
Weekly Markets 4
Organised Informal eating spaces 4
District Centre 1
Service Market 1

Regional Retail Centre/ Market 1

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Table-8.8: Proposed Health infrastructure

Proposed
Health facilities
No of Units

Dispensary/ Poly Clinic 38

Nursing home/ Poly Clinic + Maternity Home 8
Hospital A (100 beds to 200 beds) 4
Hospital B (20 beds to 80 beds) 4
Multi speciality hospital (100 beds to 200 beds) 4
Speciality hospital (100 beds to 200 beds) 4
General Hospital (300 to 500 Beds) 2
Veterinary hospital for pet animals 1

Family Welfare centre + Paediatric Centre +

4
Geriatric Centre + Diagnostic Centre

Table-8.9: Proposed other basic infrastructure

Proposed
Other basic facilities
No of Units

Aanganwari + Day Care Facility 77

Religious Center_01 77
Community Room 77
Community Hall, mangal karyalaya, barat ghar/
26
library
Multipurpose Community Hall 4
Music, dance and drama centre 4
Meditation and Spiritual Centre 4
Recreational Club 4
Cinema Hall (LIG) 4
Community level Multipurpose ground 4
Religious Center_02 1
Socio Cultural Center 1
District level multipurpose ground 1

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Night Shelter 1

Sub city level multipurpose ground 1

8.6.4 Economical Weaker Section (EWS) Housing:

Considering that Port (ICTT) and Airport are the prominent nodes in the project
area, the affordable housing component or EWS in the GNI to cater to the worker
force becomes critical. The options for exploring affordable worker housing in or
near existing villages are currently limited. With influx of construction new
economic centers, it is expected that the existing village settlements will dandify
with creation of rental housing on existing plots by vertical growth. This will
increase the pressure on already lacking physical infrastructure of the village
leading to unhygienic living conditions. Such a situation is very common in many
of our cities. Thus EWS housing is required throughout the GNI area as a facility,
primarily in the medium density residential land use category. The criteria of
spatially locating the EWS housing include close proximity to jobs (Port, Airport
and Township construction), presence of open green spaces and
adjacency/proximity of community amenities. Total seven locations has been
identified for EWS housing with a consolidated area of 326 Ha.

8.7 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Section-135 of the Companies Act, 2013 deals with Corporate Social

Responsibility (CSR) and Schedule-VII of the Act lists out the activities which, be
included by companies in their CSR Policies. The concept of CSR as provided for
in the Companies Act, 2013 and covered under the Companies (Corporate Social
Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 comes into effect only in case of companies
having operating projects and making net profit as also subject to other
stipulations contained in the aforesaid Act and Rules.

GNI project will carry out all the CSR activities as per the company Act 2013.

The cost of CSR is to be in addition to the cost envisaged for the implementation
of the EIA/EMP which includes the measures for the pollution control,
environmental protection and conservation, R&R, wildlife and forest
conservation/protection measures including the NPV and compensatory
afforestation, required, if any, and any other activities, to be derived as part of
the EIA process.

The cost of CSR is to be in addition to the cost envisaged for the implementation
of the EIA/EMP which includes the measures for the pollution control,
environmental protection and conservation, R&R, wildlife and forest
conservation/protection measures including the net project value (NPV) and
compensatory afforestation, required, if any, and any other activities, to be
derived as part of the EIA process.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-9
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

9.0 CARRYING CAPACITY AND COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

The scope of the EIA/EMP has been prescribed vide the Terms of Reference (TOR)
issued by MoEF&CC vide Letter F.No. 10-12/2018-IA-III dated 16th April, 2018
also enclosed as Annexure-I. As per SO 1533 dated 14th September 2006, the
chapter on environmental cost benefit analysis is prepared if prescribed at
scoping stage.

9.1 Carrying Capacity

This carrying capacity framework has been developed to assess the impact of
future development and tourism on Great Nicobar on the island’s valuable natural
and human assets. This framework is meant to provide a structure to determine
maximum carrying capacity on GNI in order to avoid degradation of the assets
resulting from excessive urban development or tourism. The framework is based
on three primary considerations: environmental conservation, socio-cultural
preservation, and the legal and policy considerations for development and
tourism. Several Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been developed to
guide development and tourism and are meant to help arrive at a maximum
carrying capacity for population (year-round) and tourism (seasonal).

Carrying capacity refers to the number of individuals who can be supported in a

given area within natural resource limits, and without degrading the natural
social, cultural and economic environment for present and future generations. 1
Carrying capacity is a not a fixed number but rather a dynamic entity that evolves
subject to the pressures that increasing population puts on the finite land and
natural resources essential to sustain the population of any given area. Thus,
Carrying Capacity needs to be monitored by a set of Key Performance Indicators
(KPI) that determine that carrying capacity is within the threshold limit. The
concept of carrying capacity predates the concept of sustainability and though it
has been used in a wide variety of disciplines and applications, it is now most
strongly associated with issues of global human population. 2
There are 2 significant domains of application of the concept of Carrying Capacity that
are relevant to the study area of Great Nicobar Island. These are Regional Carrying
Capacity for Sustainable Land Use Planning and Tourism Carrying Capacity. Each of
these applications have their own distinctive methodologies for calculating and
monitoring. This chapter will cover the broad working definitions of these two
domains, the carrying capacity framework for Great Nicobar Island, the monitoring
and management framework and end with a summary of the key approach to
sustainable development of the Island based on the Carrying Capacity.

Regional Carrying Capacity for Sustainable Land Use Planning

The global impact of an ever-increasing population-base combined with rapidly

depleting natural resources necessitates the need for changes in human lifestyles
and land-use patterns. 3 As urban planners and urban designers, we have a
responsibility to ensure that populations live within the carrying capacity of their
natural assets in a manner more accountable to and ethically responsible for the

1
http://www.carryingcapacity.org/whatis.html
2
https://geography.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/sayre_2012_carryingcapacity.pdf
3
Lane, Murray. The Carrying Capacity Imperative: Assessing Regional Carrying Capacity Methodologies
For Sustainable Land-Use Planning

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Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

land which sustains them. Carrying capacity is an indispensable tool to ensure

that planned urban developments achieve more equitable and sustainable land
use. This is the essence of analysing the regional carrying capacity of the
greenfield city of Great Nicobar Island. At a regional level such as the Great
Nicobar Island, the concept of Carrying Capacity establishes direct causal
relationships between a specific landscape, timeframe and people, and inherently
links these aspects to systems of land usage and social function. 4

There are 3 broad methodological approaches to assess Carrying Capacity at a

regional scale 5:

A. Societal Methodologies
Carrying Capacity analyses based primarily on societal parameters are largely
extensions of population models. In some cases, population projections are
extended to also include upper limits usually based on demographic
considerations. While societally-constraining Carrying Capacity models may shed
light on demographic population limits, they largely ignore the finite nature of the
physical environment within which society exists. Consequently, this
methodological approach is extremely narrow in scope.

B. Environmental Methodologies

The majority of existing Carrying Capacity methodologies focus primarily on the

environmental constraints of resource consumption and/or environmental impacts
to determine population limits. The most common current examples of
environmental modelling are based on the Ecological Footprint approach
developed by Rees and Wackernagel in the 1990s. This methodology uses both
consumption and impact estimates of a particular human population to calculate
their total land requirements. Another group of environmental-based analysts
focus primarily on the availability of resources, particularly food, energy and
water, attainable within defined land areas to derive the Carrying Capacity
calculations.

C. Systems Methodologies

Systems-based Carrying Capacity methodologies not only examine a number of

concurrent factors effecting population limits but also consider the relationships
between these factors. The most comprehensive of this model is one which
examines interconnected relationships in resource usage over extended time-
frames

Demographic/Population Carrying Capacity

The carrying capacity concept has become a prominent issue in planning and
management fields for the guiding of territories where residents take pride in
living due to, for example, their environmental quality, convenient transportation,

4
Lane, Murray. The Carrying Capacity Imperative: Assessing Regional Carrying Capacity Methodologies
For Sustainable Land-Use Planning
5
Lane, Murray. The Carrying Capacity Imperative: Assessing Regional Carrying Capacity Methodologies
For Sustainable Land-Use Planning

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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-9
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

functional urban services, and, in general because they constitute environments

where they feel physically and culturally comfortable. 6

Literature shows there are various types of carrying capacities, each suitable to a
specific case and a specific environment. For Great Nicobar Island Project, which
is a greenfield coastal city development driven by large scale infrastructure and
tourism, population projection becomes the most vital aspect which will shape the
city growth. While estimation through calculations and projections through
formulae is one thing, the present carrying capacity of the island needs to be
understood and a proposed carrying capacity in terms of population intake that
the island can behold in future envisioned city needs to be assessed. Thus, for
urban development projects, a demographic carrying capacity instrument should
be developed to derive not just at a future population number but the
management plan for sustaining that population as well.

Concept of Demographic carrying capacity:

The Rapa Nui example shows a Demographic Model for calculating Carrying
Capacity (CC), considering different variables and defining saturation and latency
indicators that provide the necessary information to develop a management plan.
Demographic Carrying Capacity like the other carrying capacity concept needs to
be checked against different parameters/ modules/variables. (Refer section 2)
The overall definition or idea remains the same- the number of people that can be
accommodated and make use of space without degrading its natural, cultural,
and social environment, with the ultimate goal of maintaining a desired quality of
life in the long term. Thus, as rightly mentioned in the Rapa Nui model, CC is not
fixed, but dynamic and more than a number it is an instrument or a complex
model which is flexible to update over specific periods of time.

CC can increase or decrease through the improvement or deterioration of

infrastructure, use of technologies, preferences of residents, investment, and
consumption patterns and lifestyles, among others (Graymore et al., 2010;
Navarro et al., 2012; Wei et al., 2015; Wei et al., 2016) and, therefore, it should
be understood dynamically. 7

The parameters against which the demographic carrying capacity is assessed are
not fixed or can fluctuate over time, with change of market conditions and
environment. Thus, this instrument or model requires to be flexible and dynamic
and not just a static number. The following methodology was adopted in the Rapa
Nui Model which can to some extent be applicable to GNI as well-

6
Demographic carrying capacity model: A tool for decision-
making in Rapa Nui, Island Studies Journal
7
Demographic carrying capacity model: A tool for decision-
making in Rapa Nui, Island Studies Journal

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Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

Figure 1: Rapa Nui Methodology for Demographic Carrying Capacity

Source: Demographic carrying capacity model: A tool for decision-
making in Rapa Nui, Island Studies Journal

For GNI, firstly the setting up of parameters has been done. Against these
parameters it was determined for what purpose the parameters are set- Tourism
or Urban Development, as it is envisioned as a city-scale development with urban
centres, but at the same time certain zones would pre-dominantly be dedicated
for tourism related activities. After setting the parameters and their units of
measurement, data collection through primary surveys, secondary sources,
stakeholder reviews, previous studies and through literature was collected to feed
under the heads of ‘maximum’ and ‘actual’ potential for the existing condition.

As in the Rapa Nui model Saturation thresholds were set for each of the modules
to get output values, similarly, values were calculated put in further for the
proposed condition under the ‘maximum’ and ‘to be achieved’ heads. The
resultant will be the values achieved for existing carrying capacity and proposed
carrying capacity.

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Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

1.2 Tourism Carrying Capacity

While tourism acts as a driver of development, its growth can also lead to excessive
pressures on the physico-chemical, biological and cultural environment of the destination.
Such pressures have been found to alter the socio-economic conditions in and around the
said destination, often resulting in a higher standard of living, but lower quality of life. The
impacts of tourism can also negatively affect attractiveness and competitiveness of the
destination itself. Thus, holistic and effective management emerges as an important aspect
that needs to be addressed by the local governance system to achieve sustainable
development. One internationally accepted approach to tourism management is through the
concept of Carrying Capacity.
In the case of tourist destinations that rely significantly on natural resources and processes
for sustaining its tourism value and viability, maintenance of healthy ecosystems and robust
delivery of ecosystem services becomes an equally important aspect to be integrated into
local governance systems to ensure sustainable tourism. Great Nicobar Island is well-
documented to contain natural values that are integral to its perceived tourism potential.
Thus, while taking a Carrying Capacity approach to tourism management at the Island, it
becomes essential to adequately assess the geomorphological or biodiversity features that
underpin such natural value and suitably integrate their monitoring and management into
the local administrative processes. The methodology proposed for estimation of Carrying
Capacity for the project is informed by our prior experience on similar projects and
preliminary desktop research. Estimation of Carrying Capacity is envisaged as a multi-
disciplinary exercise which would involve all the team-members engaged in the project.
Though different organizations and individuals have proposed different definitions of
Carrying Capacity, all point to the central theme of capping human activity. All definitions
also point towards maintaining or preserving a baseline condition of the area in general.
Considering that Carrying Capacity is itself a dynamic entity that can increase or decrease
depending on provision of infrastructure or incorporation of suitable mitigation measures,
the factors contributing to Carrying Capacity need to be studied and monitored regularly in
course of the implementation of the project.

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Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

Figure 2: Various definitions of Carrying Capacity

Source: Various

The concept of Carrying Capacity has been examined by NITI Aayog in the past and its use
for development of the islands in the Andaman & Nicobar chain has been suggested. The
NITI Aayog publication titled ‘Transforming the Islands through Creativity & Innovation’
provides a methodology for calculation of Carrying Capacity and recognises the importance
of regular monitoring of targets set through assessment of Carrying Capacity.

Figure 3: Carrying Capacity diagram adopted from a NITI Aayog publication

Source: Transforming the Islands through Creativity & Innovation. NITI Aayog

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Chapter-9
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A study of available literature on Carrying Capacity yields a range of concepts and

methodologies. Prominent amongst them is the concept of ‘Tourism Carrying Capacity’
(TCC) (Sridhar et al, 2016). The methodology for calculating TCC consists of three
sequential steps. The first step is to calculate the Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC), which
directly reflects the land available, along with the density of people that can be
accommodated. PCC includes three sub-steps that use ‘correction factors’, such as number
of rainy days, sunny days, days with strong winds, periods of cyclone when tourists cannot
visit, etc., with each correction factor being based on its own set of assumptions and
operational factors, thereby allowing a much wider variety of elements to be considered.
Physical Carrying Capacity based on actual available space is calculated and moderated by
the applicable correction factors, which then becomes the Real Carrying Capacity (RCC). The
last sub-step yields Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC) through moderation of RCC by
applying factors related to management and availability of infrastructure.

Figure 4: Methodology for calculating Carrying Capacity propounded by National Center for
Sustainable Coastal Management
Source: Sridhar et al, 2016

Some of the key challenges in application of this methodology are highlighted below:
• Appropriate enumeration of all the relevant correction factors.

• Consideration of financial and market-related aspects, which greatly influence the

long-term economic sustenance of projects.

• Integration of the social and ecological aspects that are essential to holistic
assessment of Carrying Capacity.

In order to overcome these challenges and to holistically incorporate the most significant
factors impacting Carrying Capacity, following parameters has been identified to assess the
GNI potential:

Environmental:

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Chapter-9
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1. Accessible Coastline length

Accessible coastline length is the stretch of coastal strip that can be opened
for public or private usage depending upon the adjacent functions. It can be
measured in the units of length (m or km) and is a function of tourism
carrying capacity at large.

GNI has beautiful long coastline and all the existing as well as proposed
development is along this coastline (eastern and southern coast from
Campbell Bay to Pemayya Bay). Thus, the coastal area is an inevitable part of
the urban development, especially in terms of tourism related activities. Thus,
to have a holistic approach and to take informed decisions, it is important to
consider this parameter for carrying capacity.

Tourism development activities like sports tourism, beach resorts, hotels, etc.
would definitely be a great economic booster for the place. While it would
increase the employment opportunities for local people, it would also help
upgrade the infrastructure which is lacking at present. But at the same time,
the modification of the natural coastline of Great Nicobar Island for making it
accessible to the tourists could lower the ecological and environmental value
(e.g. Marine assets) of the place, due to the tourism and construction
activities. In such situations, using this parameter to identify the carrying
capacity can regulate the impact of any adhoc development. This can be done
through coastal regulations – allowing specific coastal areas to be public,
assigning no development zones, restrictions on building heights and
densities, having temporary and stilt structures, low impact developments
and more of open recreational areas, etc.

2. Forest cover
The parameter of Forest Cover is the extent of green densely vegetated area
under the purview/ownership of the Forest Department of a particular place.
It can be measured in sq.m or sq.km unit and is an important component for
urban development of any given place.

Forest Cover parameter is primarily considered because it is directly linked to

physical aspect of land and the use of the land, which is one of the most
important resource required for any kind of development to happen. It is also
important due to its larger contribution to the overall quality of environment
as well as due to the various resources it has to offer, especially to the fauna
and aboriginal tribes which are dependent on the forest for their livelihood
needs to certain extent.

The forest land in the GNI project area (166.1 sq.km.) is approximately 78%
(includes Protected forest as well as deemed forest) of the project area.
Diversion of this forest land to non-forestry uses i.e. change of the forest land
use to that of residential, commercial, institutional, utilities and other
infrastructure is essential for city development. While the development of this
forest covered land will have a positive impact related to emergence of new

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Chapter-9
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

socio-economic opportunities, provision of essential amenities and eventual

growth in real estate/commercial value of the place ultimately contributing to
revenue of the envisioned city, there will be at the same time some negative
impacts (especially on the environment and aboriginal tribes). The alteration
in the forest cover at GNI to accommodate the new population needs will
have direct and indirect impacts on the flora-fauna and the resident
population and their present quality of life.

Thus, care needs to be taken to avoid to the maximum extent excessive or

unnecessary degradation of this ecosystem by appropriating the uses to be
allocated in this diverted forest area. This is to be achieved through
preserving the heavily vegetated land on the island to the maximum extent
possible and allocating uses that are low impact development with minimal
built footprint/ temporary structures, nature trails, and eco-friendly (eco-
tourism areas) as well as limiting access of public interference in these areas.

3. Tribal Reserve
This parameter is the level of tolerance of the existing stakeholders (these
include aboriginal tribal people) to the urban development activity. It is
pertaining to the change that can be termed acceptable by these individuals
at a given time and can be quantified in area (sqm or sq.km)

There is a presence of total 751.070 sq.km of Tribal area on GNI with a

presence of aboriginal tribes of Shompens and Nicobarese. Though the
Nicobarese have joined mainstream, the Shompen Tribes still prefer living in
the forests (near water streams) and are hunter-gatherers. The present area
falling under tribal in the delineated project boundary is 84.1 sq.km. and
occupies almost 50 % of the project area. Some portion of this is required to
be denotified to put to use under other landuses for the envisioned city. Thus,
the culture and traditions of these people (e.g., traditional fishing rights of
tribals, etc.) would be eventually exposed.

One cannot neglect the positive impact of urbanization on the community

residing in a remote and inaccessible area like GNI- that is creation of
livelihood opportunities. Though the sudden population influx due to
development in the present agrarian /tribal areas where there is presence of
especially these vulnerable groups (aboriginal tribes) would impact the
uniqueness and quality of their natural habitat leading to lower social and
cultural value due to overcrowding and overshadowing the culture of the
existing tribes, as well as exposing them to new diseases/health issues. Thus,
the level of their habitat degradation due to urban development needs to be
taken into account through the formulation and implementation of policies/
regulations, some of which are already in existence- Shompen Policy (2015)
and PAT Regulation (1972).

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-9
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

Climate:

1. Rainfall
Rainfall is a measurement of how much water (through precipitation) falls
as rain in a given place in a certain period of time, for example, a week or
a month. Rainfall can also be measured in days.

Tropical climates have significant amount of rainfall most of the months of

the year. For tourism areas rainfall becomes a very important factor as it
directly impacts outdoor recreational activities, especially beach tourism
like diving, snorkelling and other water sports activities. It also affects the
activities related to adventure tourism like trekking, camping, site-seeing,
etc.

In GNI, rainy season lasts for 180 days influenced by southwest monsoon
during mid-May to end of September and under northeast monsoon during
November to January. The average annual rainfall in the region based on
the IMD data is 2790.7 mm. The southwest monsoon generally sets in
during the last week of May. About 30.9% of the rainfall is received during
the southwest monsoon. The rainfall gradually increases after July. The
northeast monsoon sets in the month of October and contributes to the
rainfall by about 52.5% of the total rainfall. The maximum number of
rainy days occur in the months of October and then in November.
Therefore, the of heavy rainfall can be considered as the months of
restricted access to tourism spots in the new city and a limiting magnitude
for this parameter.

2. Strong Wind
Strong winds are the most common means of destruction associated with
hurricanes and cyclones. Strong Wind can be measured in days.

Not only can the strong winds be dangerous, but the fact that they
continually blow upon the water creates another problem - storm
surge and high waves. Storm surge and high waves can contribute to
water rising as high as 30 feet -- easily enough to devastate homes and
businesses along the shore. Coastal towns adjacent to large bays or areas
with shallow water are especially susceptible to damage by such strong
winds. It also affects the tourism of any given place.

In GNI generally, light to moderate winds prevail throughout the year. The
Environmental Baseline Monitoring Study conducted for 3 months
(December to March) shows that the predominant winds are mostly from E
(9.6%) direction and ESE (9.3%) direction followed by NE (8.3%). The
Calm conditions are observed to be 42.8%. The wind speed is fairly
constant but during cyclonic events it may go high, which can hamper the
number of days tourists can visit a particular spot.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-9
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

3. Excessive Sunshine
Excessive sunshine is mostly observed in tropical climate regions. The
unprotected exposure of the skin to the ultra-violet radiations of the sun
prove harmful and prolonged exposure can cause skin damage, eye
damage, immune system suppression, and also skin cancer. Excessive
sunshine can be measured in hours/year unit.

For any coastal city development, sunshine is an important parameter due

to the extensive stretches of beaches and activities happening around it.
For an island city specifically, sunshine is the most important factor for
tourism (especially beach tourism) and other open-air recreational
activities. As mentioned, sunshine has a direct impact on the people i.e.
tourists visiting a particular spot.

In GNI, the months of March to May are considered as summer season.

During the dry summer period of pre-monsoon, the mean maximum
temperature (April) is observed to be 34.1°C. Such high sunshine may
lead to sunburn so the tourist arrival in this time period will have to be
curtailed. Thus, excessive sunshine in the summer season can be
considered as a limiting factor for deriving the carrying capacity for the
island.

Land & Infrastructure:

1. Surface water availability

Surface water is any waterbody above ground, including streams, rivers,
lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and creeks. How much of this surface water
can be accumulated and stored for usage (in reservoirs, etc.) gives the
year-round availability/ supply and can be measured in million cubic meter
unit.

This parameter is considered as change in the urban environment with

population growth, means an increase in the demand for water supply and
in turn increase on the pressure of the existing available water resources
and infrastructure of the area. Thus, if not regulated or if the service is not
planned accordingly to accommodate the future population growth, any
development could also prove self-destructive, if it does not respect the
limits of consumption of natural resources.

The main source of water for the GNI is surface water through streams
and nalas as well as groundwater (though dug wells). Though there is
ample rainfall, due to no major storage facility available, except for few
Check Weir, area (with around 8500 population only) already experiences
shortage of water especially during the summer season. With the increase
in population this problem would surely aggravate if a proper system for
water availability is not developed as the natural resources are not infinite.
Thus, this parameter is one of the most important for demographic
carrying capacity calculation for how much the current resources can offer
for sustainable living and if not it can be resolved/ implemented through
engineering solutions.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-9
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

2. Power generation capacity

Power generation is the process of producing electric energy or the
amount of electric energy produced by transforming other forms of energy
into electrical energy. The capacity of power generation is commonly
expressed in kilowatt (kW) or megawatt (MW).

One of the key examples to prove the impact of demographic growth in

any territory is the pressure on the generation of electrical energy, as
power cuts have become increasingly recurrent. For running a city and
major infrastructure that it beholds, the capacity of power generation of
the place and resource availability for the same are important factors to be
considered.

Currently, the power demand of Great Nicobar Island is dependent on

Diesel fuel to operate its powerhouse of 11KV situated at Campbell Bay
which provides electricity to all the seven revenue villages. As the
provision of power relies on diesel generators, it is considered insufficient
to meet current needs of the island even with less population. The existing
source of power also has negative climate implications. Thus, with
increase in population, greater the power consumption and greater the
demand and greater the negative impact on climate. Therefore, for future
development, the existing source of power cannot be considered as
primary source, reliable and reasonable and this factor has to be taken
into consideration for deriving at a demographic carrying capacity for the
island.

3. Developable Land

In physical geography, suitable developable land is crucial in view of soil

strata, terrain, and existing land cover. This is usually expressed in terms
of the elevation, slope, and orientation, soil bearing capacity,
waterbodies, wetland etc. A developable land parcel can be considered and
measured through in sqm or sqkm of land free from the limitation to the
construction, which is a decent/appropriate standard for building on the
land parcel.

The natural land terrain of a place should govern the way in which a site is
designed and planned. This is for the simple reasons of respecting the
water bodies, wetlands, natural drainage systems to avoid water logging
problems. The unplanned exploitation of land and topography can destroy
the basic functionalities of the ecosystem and create a risk of losing the
place’s recovery capacities and these effects are normally associated with
the number of users (demographic numbers).

The existing land terrain at GNI is highly undulating with ridges and
valleys running across the entire island. Under the project area the land
slopes towards the coast in the east and south and is flanked by mountain
ranges in the backdrop. Only the revenue land that is presently habited is

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Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-9
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

the flat land available. Terrain is a very important factor for land suitability
and thus in turn for availability of developable land parcels. Availability of
suitable land for development would therefore drive the demographic
numbers.

Based on the above parameters, for GNI, carrying capacity has been
calculated for existing scenario as well as for proposed development
scenario and shown in the table below:

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-9
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

Demographic
Sector Existing Proposed Remarks
carrying capacity
Sector consideration Unit
can be
for Max Actual Max Existing Proposed
achieved
Environmental
Accessible Considered 50m length space per
1 Tourism Km 145 28 145 59 202356 431569
coastline length person

Designated Considered 50m length space per

2 Tourism Sqkm 44 2 279 69 2433 250281
tourism area person

Considering 50% coverage with

3 Forest cover Development Sqkm 866 866 866 735 143507 568445
6500/sqkm density

Considering 50% coverage with

4 Tribal reserve Development Sqkm 751 751 751 744 516523 539630
6500/sqkm density
Climate
Calculated on max population
1 Rainfall Tourism Days 365 164 365 164 284441 907859
accommodation under all parameters
Calculated on max population
2 Strong wind Tourism Days 365 62 365 62 428784 614916
accommodation under all parameters
Hour /
Excessive Calculated on max population
3 Tourism year 8760 368 8760 368 20618 703838
Sunshine accommodation under all parameters
hours
Land & Infrastructure
Million
Surface water
1 Development cubic 0.9 1.4 30 16 22222 740741 Considered 135lpcd consumption
availability
meter
Power
2 generation Development MW 1.6 1.4 400 450 4160 702000 Considered 1MW for 650 families
capacity
Developable Considering 50% coverage with
3 Development Sqkm 279.49 9.724 279.49 149 31603 484250
land 6500/sqkm density

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-9
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

The above table represents that the carrying capacity for GNI development is ranging
from 4.8 lacs to 9 lac for various parameters which clearly says that population within
4.84 lac can be accommodated within the developable aera within any constraint or
additional resources.

The projected population for which the entire development is considered 3.32 lacs which
is well within the range of the carrying capacity and can be expanded a bit more if needed
in the future.

CC Monitoring – KPI

The parameters of carrying capacity worked-out above to be monitored in a way to

assess that any changes arise which related to these parameters should not exceed /
degrade which impacts the estimated carrying capacity.

9.2 Cost Benefit analysis

Table-A: Estimation of cost of forest diversion

[ As per MoEF&CC guideline for conducting Cost Benefit Analysis vide file no. & 69/2011-
FC(Pt.) dated 1st August 2017]

S. No Parameter Remarks
1. Ecosystem services losses due Economic value of loss of eco-system
to proposed forest diversion services due to diversion of forests shall be
the net present value (NPV) of the forest
land being diverted as prescribed by the
Central Government (MoEF & CC). The
proposed forest area (including deemed
forest area) to be diverted is mostly
consisting of Very Dense of Eco Class I i.e.,
Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests. Tropical
Semi Evergreen Forests and Tropical Moist
Deciduous Forests and Eco-Class II i.e.,
Consisting of Littoral and Swamp Forests.
According to MOEF & CC guidelines for
diversion of forest land for non-forestry
purposes under Forest Conservation Act,
1980 and Guideline for calculation of Net
Present Value (NPV) dated 05.02.2009, the
area comes under Class1 and Class II type
of forest. Considering Very Dense, an
average value of Rs. 10,43,000/- can be
considered per hectare. Hence the total NPV
for the diverted project shall be Rs. 10.43 *
13075 hectares = Rs. 1,36,372.25 lakhs.
2. Loss of animal husbandry NIL
productivity, including loss of

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-9
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

folder.
3. Cost of human resettlement No resettlement in the forest land that are
diverted for the project
4. Loss of public facilities and No utility shifting in forest area
administrative infrastructure
(Roads, Building, Schools,
Dispensaries, Electric lines,
Railways etc.) on forest land,
which would require forest land
if these facilities were diverted
due to this project
5. Environment losses erosion 30% of NPV i.e., Rs. 40,911.675 lakhs
effect on hydrological cycle,
wildlife, habitation, micro
climatic ratting of ecological
balances.
6. Cost of suffering of oustees There are no oustees involved in the forest
area.
7. Habitat Fragmentation Cost NIL
8. Compensatory afforestation The compensatory afforestation will be done
cost by the government at some reserved site for
such purposes in Madhya Pradesh and the
cost of deforestation in Nicobar Islands will
be paid to government to do compulsory
afforestation at the reserved site. Total area
to be considered for plantation will be 261.5
sqkm i.e., 26,150 hectares in MP where Rs.
96,706 lakhs will be incurred. The estimation
of this cost is based on the cost of
developing trees per hectare in that area.

The total estimated cost of forest diversion = Ecosystem losses + Loss of animal
husbandry productivity + Cost of human resettlement + Loss of public and
administrative facilities + Possession value of forest land diverted + Cost of suffering to
oustees + Habitat fragmentation cost + Compensatory afforestation and soil & moisture
conservation cost.
Hence, the total cost of forest diversion out to be Rs. 1,36,372.25 lakhs + Rs.
40,911.675 lakhs + Rs. 78,450.00 lakhs = Rs. 2,73,989.925 lakhs

Table-B: Existing guidelines for estimating benefits of forest-diversion in CBA

[ As per MoEF&CC guideline for conducting Cost Benefit Analysis vide file no. & 69/2011-
FC(Pt.) dated 1st August 2017]

S. No Parameter Remarks
1. Increase in productivity The proposed project does not involve any
attribute to the specific project manufacturing/production.
2. Benefits to economy due to the Around 13,075 hectares land of Nicobar
project Islands will be developed in the region. The
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-9
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

huge infrastructure development will be

done. The infrastructure cost will include the
following:
S. No. Proposed Estimated
project Cost (Rs.
in Lakhs)
1 Airport 8,58,300
2 ICTT 35,95,900
3 Township and
Power Plant 28,08,000
Total 72,62,200
Average cost of land per square meter works
out to be Rs. 6,000 after such huge
infrastructure development in the island and
hence the incremental revenue comes out to
be 130750000 square meters * Rs. 6000 =
Rs. 78,45,000 lakhs.

Thus, total incremental benefit to be

generated would be Rs. 5,82,800 lakhs.

3. No. of population benefited due The population in the specified area and of
to specific project the entire region of Nicobar Islands will be
hugely benefitted.
4. Economic benefits due to of As per the calculation provided, the project
direct and indirect employment will generate huge direct and indirect
due to the Specific project. employment which will generate economic
benefits upto the tune of Rs. 14,97,613
lakhs in net present value terms as per the
sheet attached.
5. Economic benefits due to In lieu of total area to be affected in forest
compensatory afforestation land it is proposed to undertake at least
twice of the affected area as compensatory
afforestation as per Forest (conservation)
Act so that the net productivity will increase
apart of compensatory plantation. The
compensatory afforestation will be done in
26150 hectares of CA land. The ecological
value of 50 years period would be Rs.
2,65,140.08 lakhs

The total estimated benefit of forest diversion = Increase in productivity + Benefit to

economy due to the project + Number of populations to be benefitted due to the project
+ Economic benefits due to direct and indirect employment generated due to the project
+ Economic benefits due to the compensatory afforestation.

Hence, the total Environmental Benefit of forest diversion comes out to be Rs. 5,82,800
lakhs + Rs. 14,97,613 lakhs + Rs. 2,65,140.08 lakhs = Rs. 23,45,553.08 lakhs

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-9
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis

Therefore, Cost Benefit Ratio = Environmental benefits / Total cost of forest diversion.
2345553.08/273989.925 = 8.5607
Therefore, 8.5607 > 1
Hence, project is found viable.

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CHAPTER 10
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

10.0 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

10.1 Introduction

The management action plan aims at controlling pollution at the source level to the
possible extent with the best available technology followed by treatment measures
before they are discharged to the environment.

10.2 Environmental Management System

The earlier chapters identified measures for environmental protection especially for
providing the necessary pollution control to comply with the standards stipulating
the limits for emitting pollutants in air, water or on land so that the assimilative
capacity is not exceeded. Standards are stipulated by various regulatory agencies
to limit the emission of pollutants in air and water. Similarly, a mandatory practice
is recommended for preparing an Environment Statement each year in order to
reduce the quantities of wastes. This in itself is not sufficient since this does not
provide an assurance that its environmental performance not only meets, but also
will continue to meet legislative and policy requirements.

In the present report, the Environmental Management Systems (EMS) is discussed

for the proposed integrated development, including facilities to ensure that the
activities and services of the region conform to the carrying capacity (supportive
and assimilative capacity). This is based on Bureau of Indian Standard Specification
IS: 13967 (1993): Environmental Management Systems - Specification (equivalent
to British Standard BS 7750).

The Environment Management system will be implemented for all the projects
related to Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island. However, there would be
separate environmental management cell for each project.

10.2.1 Formation of an Environmental Management System

The environmental management system will enable to maximize its beneficial

effects and minimize its adverse effects - with emphasis on prevention. It will:

• Identify and evaluate the environmental effects arising from the proposed
activities, and services to determine those of significance;

• Identify and evaluate the environmental effects arising from incidents, accidents
and potential emergency situations;

• Identify the relevant legislative and regulatory requirements;

• Enable priorities to be identified and pertinent environmental objectives and

targets to be set;

• Facilitate planning, control, monitoring, auditing and review activities to ensure

that the policy is complied with; and

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

• Allow periodic evaluation to suit changing circumstances so that it remains

relevant.

10.2.2 Implementation of an Environmental Management System

It is essential that the top management is committed to development of its

activities in an environmentally sound manner and supports all efforts in achieving
this objective.

Initial Environmental Review

Preparatory environmental review for the proposed project facilities will cover four
areas:

• Legislative and regulatory requirements;

• Evaluation and registration of significant parameters and their environmental
impacts;
• Review of existing environmental management practices and procedures; and
• Assessment of feedback from investigation of previous environmental incidents
and non-compliance with legislation, regulations or existing policies and
procedures.

The resulting report will address:

• The nature and extent of problems and deficiencies;

• The priorities to be accorded to rectify them; and
• An improvement program designed to ensure that the personnel and material
resources required are identified and made available.

Environmental Policy

The management will actively initiate, develop and support the environmental
policy, which is relevant to its proposed activities and services and their
environmental effects.

Broadly, this will cover the following:

• Commitment to the environment.

• Formulation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) which is feasible to
implement.
• Abide by all the legal framework of the country. However, UT may make the
regulation more stringent in view of the environmental sensitivity of GNI.
• Will contain standard operating process / procedures.
• Communication and implementation procedures at all levels of the operation
• Publishes widely and include in the company website.
• Should have an environmental compliance management system.
• Conduct yearly environmental audit as per international standards.
• Reduce the carbon footprints of GNI as per India commitment to International
agencies.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

One of the directors of the board should have rich background in environmental
discipline.

The policy for Environment Management has been proposed to create sound and
eco-friendly environment for sustainable development.

Organization and Personnel

To facilitate the implementation of the EMS, one of the most important aspects
relate to the organization and personnel. The related issues are:

• Define and document the responsibility, authority and inter-relations of key

personnel involved in the implementation of the environmental policy, objectives
and environmental management system;
• Identify the in-house verification requirements and procedures including
resources and personnel;
• Communicate to employees at all levels the importance of compliance with the
environmental policy, their role and responsibilities in achieving compliance, the
potential consequences of departures from the specified procedures and identify
and provide appropriate training; and
• Establish and maintain procedures to ensure that contractors are made aware of
the environmental management system requirements and provisions.

Environmental Aspects and Impacts

The authorities will establish and maintain procedures for:

• Receiving, documenting and responding to internal as well as external

communications concerning environmental aspects and management;
• Identifying, examining and evaluating the environmental effects of its activities
under normal and abnormal/emergency situations (including risk assessment)
and compiling significant effects in a register; and
• Recording all legislative, regulatory and other policy requirements and codes in a
register.

Environmental Objectives and Targets

The objectives will be set with a view to realizing gradual and steady improvements
in environmental performance through application of best available and
economically viable practices. The areas targeted for improvement will be those
where improvements are most necessary to reduce risks (to environment) and
liabilities. These will be identified through cost-benefit analysis wherever
practicable.

Environmental Management Manual and Documentation

The documentation is intended to provide an adequate description of the

environmental management system. The manual is expected to provide a reference
to the implementation and maintenance of the system.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
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Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

Operational Control

With respect to the proposed additional facilities, the management responsibilities

will be defined to ensure that the control, verification, measurement and testing of
environmental parameters within the port complex will be adequately coordinated
and effectively performed.

The control, verification, measurement and testing will be made through

documented procedures and work instructions defining the manner of conducting
activities, the absence of which can lead to violation of the environment policy.

In the event of non-compliance, procedures for investigation of the causative

mechanism will be established and the factors reported for corrective actions.

Reporting Structure

The purpose of Environment Management plan (EMP) is to establish and maintain a

system of records to demonstrate compliance with the environmental

Structure of Environment Management system

Board of Directors
(Main SPV)

Managing Director
(Main SPV)

Environment Review &

Advisory Committee (Including
public representatives)

Director – Environment
(Main SPV)

Project Director – Project Director – Project Director – Project Director –

Environment - Township Environment - Township Environment - Township Environment – Power Pant

EMC - Township EMC - Airport EMC – Port (ICTT) EMC – Power Plant

The purpose of Environment Management plan (EMP) is to establish and maintain a

system of records to demonstrate compliance with the environmental management
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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

systems and the extent of achievement of the environmental objectives and

targets. In addition, the other records (legislative, audit and review reports) and
management records will address the following:

• Details of failure in compliance and corrective action;

• Details of incidents and corrective action;
• Details of complaints and follow-up action;
• Appropriate contractor and supplier information;
• Inspection and maintenance reports;
• Monitoring data;
• Environmental training records; and
• Housekeeping.

Environmental Statement

As a mandatory requirement under the Environment Protection Rules (1986) as

amended through the Notification issued by the Ministry of Environment and
Forests in April 1993, an Environmental Statement will be prepared annually. This
will include the consumption of total resources (e.g. water), quantity and
concentration of pollutants (air and water) discharged, quantity of hazardous and
solid waste generation, pollution abatement measures, conservation of natural
resources and cost of production vis-à-vis the investment on pollution abatement.
The intention of this statement is:

• To identify the areas where resources can be used more efficiently through a
comparison with the figures of a similar project (thereby reducing the
consumption of resources);
• To determine the areas where waste generation can be minimized at source
and through end of pipe treatment (thereby reducing the wastes generated and
discharged); and

• To initiate a self-correcting/improvement system through an internal analysis to

achieve cost reduction through more efficient practices.

Environmental Management Reviews

The senior management will periodically review the Environment Management

System (EMS) to ensure its suitability and effectiveness. The need for possible
changes in the environmental policy and objectives for continuous improvement
will be ascertained and revisions made accordingly. EMS based on the above
objectives will be formulated and implemented at the industry level.

10.3 Environment Management Cell

An Environment Management Cell has to be created consisting of officers from

various disciplines to co-ordinate the activities concerned with the management
and implementation of the environmental control measures. This Environment
Management Cell will be the nodal agency to co-ordinate and provide necessary
services on environmental issues during operation of the project. This department
interacts with PCB and other environment regulatory agencies.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

The Environment Management Cell will be responsible to obtain/renewed Consent

for Operation under Water Act, 1974 and 1981 Air Act from PCB.

This cell will supervise the monitoring of environmental pollution levels viz.
ambient air quality, water and effluent quality; noise level etc.. Monitoring will
be done in line with regulatory compliance so as to ensure that the pollution is
limited to allowable values and to take corrective action by either enforcing use of
new equipment or by improving the performance of the pollution control
equipment by the users.

Environment management cell will submit the compliance to the environmental

clearance report to MoEF&CC as per the clearance conditions.

In case the monitored results of environmental pollution are found to exceed the
allowable values, the Environment Management Cell will suggest remedial action
and get these suggestions implemented through the concerned port authorities.
The Environment Management Cell will also co-ordinates all the related activities
such as collection of statistics of health of workers and population of the region,
afforestation and green belt development.

As the Holistic Development consist of four major projects including Port (ICTT),
Airport, Power Plant and Township, Specific environment management plan for
each of the project are mentioned in the subsequent sections for construction
phase and operational phase.

10.4 Environmental Management Plan for ICTT

Environmental Management Plan for ICTT is given below

10.4.1 Management Plan for Construction Phase

The impacts of construction activities would be temporary and will reduce

gradually with the completion of the construction activities. Various mitigation
measures proposed to be implemented during construction phase are described in
Table-10.1.

10.4.2 Management Plan for Operation Phase

The impacts of operation phase will be long term in nature. Table-10.2 describes
various mitigation measures, being implemented during operation phase.

C10-6
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

Table-10.1: Environment Management Measures – ICTT Project (Construction phase)

Sr. Attribute Potential Impact Mitigation Measure Responsibility Broad Remarks

No cost in
INR
Lacs/ Yr
1 Land The proposed project The planning will be Project SPV This is one-
Environment facilities berth and harbor in accordance with time cost and
area with breakwater will be landscape planning will be
developed within the concepts to minimise included in the
offshore. Other major landscape Project cost
infrastructure facilities like changes. Land
Container Storage, Internal reclamation and
Roads, Port & Utility change in land use
Buildings, parking etc. will pattern will be
be developed on the limited to the
landside adjacent to the proposed port limits
reclaimed land of the port. and will be carried
Overall, for the all phases out in such a way
put together, total 3.27km that to ensure the
(2.53 East & 0.74 West) proper drainage by
breakwater will be providing surface
constructed. drainage systems
including storm
water network, etc.
The breakwaters often serve
as an anchor for growth of
corals, sea grasses, and
forms the habitat of benthic
animals.

C10A-7
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

The breakwater also

provided calmer
environment for growth of
fishes.
2 Reclamation The back-up area will have The dredge fill will be Project SPV Cost included
to be developed by covered by gravel in construction
reclamation which will before hard standing. cost
extend up to the intertidal After completion of
zone. The total reclaimed the reclamation and
land (227 ha) has been hard standing,
redistributed between berths necessary
(13%), container storage development will be
(71%), building & utilities carried out. In order
(1%), road & pavements to prevent the
(9%) & Green areas (6%). seepage of return
sea water into the
groundwater,
suitable impervious
liners such as LDPE
will be provided all
along the return
water channel if
required
3 Changes in Coastal structure similar to a Continuous Project SPV Cost included
Coastline/Shore groin or a breakwater when monitoring of in construction
line introduced into the sea shoreline with the cost
interrupts wave-induced help of high
littoral sediment transport in resolution satellite
the direction of flow. The imageries during
obstruction of sediment construction and

C10A-8
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

transport leads to sediment operation phase.

built-up up-drift and erosion
down-drift due to deficit in
sediment supply due to the
obstruction.
Strengthening the
erosion prone
shoreline (if any) just
prior to construction
phase by latest
satellite imagery and
then ground truthing
on a regular basis
with close monitoring
and ground
markings.
4 Ecology Turtle nesting sites are Currently no SPV 400 including
observed on the Western development has 200lacs for
flank of Galathea Bay. been planned at the radio tagging
western flank of the of turtles,
Galathea Bay i.e. 100lac for
location of turtle megapode
nesting sites. monitoring
and 100lac for
As per WII study, the crocodile and
leather back turtles other
have less fidelity to endanger
the nesting sites. species

During the breading

C10A-9
Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

seasons i.e. between

November to
February
construction
activities on the
offshore to be halted
to the possible
extend.
Presence of Megapode
nesting sites are under
investigation. No crocodile
nests in the port location
The coastal stretch of the Between 12-20 ha of Project SPV 400 This is
port area has mangroves mangroves might get (ICTT) & Forest onetime cost
and associated species. affected due to the Department of
The mangroves on the construction. The UT
eastern flank will be affected extent of loss of Administration
due to port construction. mangroves may be
compensated in GNI
by re-densification of
existing mangroves
or planting of
mangroves to non-
forest area as per the
principals of
compensatory
afforestation.
The coastal Project SPV 300 This is one
vegetation on the (ICTT) time cost
western side is to be

C10A-10
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

densified with the

same existing
species to avoid
erosion during high
wave incidence and
also to ensure that
any future
development at
inland area of west
coast have no impact
on the turtle nesting
site.
For long term
understanding of the
leatherback turtle
nesting, ZSI suggest
Radio telemetry and
by using advanced
molecular tools.

5 Coral Reefs As per the ZSI report, coral Translocation of SPV Coral
do not exist in the Galathea corals: If the coral translocation
Bay area, however, on the colonies in the cost for entire
eastern peninsula part proposed project has
(Outside the construction transhipment areas been included
area) some corals were and dredging under the
noticed. channels area is Airport
affected then it operation EMP

C10A-11
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

needs to be
translocated in
suitable place.
Dredging activities in the
nearshore waters of the
developmental projects
during the construction
phase may affect some
corals patches
6 Lighting Artificial illumination on the Light pollution to be Project SPV Cost to be
beach can affect the sea avoided as turtles included in the
turtle nesting and hatchlings are sensitive to construction
lights. Sea turtles are cost
less affected by red,
yellow and low
pressure sodium
vapor lights.
Wherever possible,
sodium vapor lights
should be used for
lightings.
repositioning,
shielding, redirecting,
lowering, or
recessing fixtures are
some of the available
options for reducing
illumination to the
beach
7 Road Impacts from road If any wildlife is Contractor + SPV 10 Amount

C10A-12
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

construction construction on wildlife encountered during designated

populations and their construction of during the
habitats is to consider roads, it needs to be construction
alignment that can prevent reported to the forest period
conflicts, particular for the department for
species like Nicobar relocation.
Megapode, Coconut Crab
and Long-Tailed Macaque of
Nicobar Island
8 Air Emission The sources of air pollutants Transportation Project SPV - this will be
from port construction vehicles to be part of the
include combustion properly and timely contractor's
emissions from ships‟ maintained and obligation
propulsion and auxiliary serviced regularly to through
engines and boilers, mainly control the emission agreement
consisting of Sulphur dioxide of air pollutants in
(SO2), nitrogen oxides order to maintain the
(NOX), greenhouse gases emissions of PM, CO,
(e.g. carbon dioxide [CO2] NOx and SOx within
and carbon monoxide [CO]), the limits.
fine particulate matter [PM], All the vehicles
and volatile organic engaged for
compounds [VOC]), followed construction should
by combustion source have valid pollution
emissions from vehicles, check certificate as
port equipment and land- per the motor vehicle
based engines and boilers act.
contributing similar Further, any
pollutants. Volatile organic regulations related to
compounds (VOC) may also vehicle emission

C10A-13
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

be emitted fuel storage and issued by local

transfer. government should
also be adhered to.
Use of good quality
fuel and lubricants to
be promoted.
Moreover, low
sulphur content
diesel to be used as
fuel for generator
sets to control
emission of SO2.
Generators and
machineries are to
be serviced and
maintained regularly
to avoid generation
of dust and other air
pollutants.
9 Noise Pollution From operation of Under water noise Project SPV -
equipment including the generation should be
dredger and associated tugs, restricted with
piling equipment, tracked modified equipment.
excavators, Lorries, dump If necessary, the
trucks, and other earth- project authorities
moving equipment, cranes, will issue directives
and generators / lighting to ensure compliance
equipment. to low under water
noise norms.
All contractors and

C10A-14
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

subcontractors
involved in the port
construction phase
should comply with
the relevant
international noise
standards
10 Waste Water Galathea Bay water may be Temporary sanitation Project SPV cost included
impacted due to non-point facilities (septic in the project
discharges of waste water tanks) will be set-up construction
from the sewage generated for disposal of cost
from the construction work sewage generated by
force stationed at the site the work force
11 Solid Waste The wastes from the labour During the initial Project SPV 100 1 OWC is
colonies include human stages of proposed. This
wastes, wastes from construction, the is one-time
kitchens and other wastes municipal waste will cost including
like food packets, drinking be segregated and operational
water bottles, boxed from the organic portion cost
consumables etc. will be treated
through OWCs.
The recyclable part
will be collected and
sold to the
authorized vendors.
An Integrated Solid
waste management
system has been
planned in GNI
development for

C10A-15
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

collection,
transportation,
treatment and
disposal. The same
will be used for
waste generated
from the port once
the integrated waste
management system
is in place
12 Social Shompen habitation exist in There will not be any SPV 30 Two control
the upstream of the disturbance to the points with
Galathea river. existing tribes. two porta
Strict measures will cabins and
be adopted to ensure with 3 shifts
that none of the total 6 person
labours ever to be
trespasses the employed
Shompen area.
Adequate number of
control points will be
established to
monitor the
movement of the
labours during
working and non-
working hours
(24x7x365).
ICTT project will bring major The local population
investments to the region is the largest

C10A-16
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

covering a wide range of beneficiary among

sectors connectivity and these employees.
Cargo industry The employment
potential ameliorates
economic conditions
of these families
directly and provide
employment to many
other families
indirectly
Fishing activity by Shompen The Shompen
undertake fishing
activity near the
Casuarina Bay area
which is near to their
habitation. No fishing
activity by Shompens
is reported in the
Galathea Bay area

Table-10.2: Environment Management Measures – ICTT Project (Operation phase)

Broad
Sr. cost in
Attribute Potential Impact Mitigation Measure Responsibility Remarks
No INR
Lacs/ Yr
1 Land Deleterious impact Plantation on the denuded Cost included
Project SPV
Environment after construction area. in

C10A-17
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

with be remediated. Landscaping within the port Construction

area EMP
Clearing of any temporary
Cost is
shelters/ temporary
included in
storage established for
project
construction
construction
Clearance of construction
cost
wastes
2 Changes in Cost will be
Coastline/Shore included in
Change in Coastline / Training of the erosion area
line Project SPV project
Shoreline of the coastline, if any
construction
cost
3 Ecology
Reduction of underwater
noise by providing
Impacts on turtle appropriate propels to the
nesting sites tuck boats, pilot boats and
service boats and cargo
ships Cost will be
included in
Light pollution to be Project SPV project
avoided as turtles are construction
sensitive to lights. Sea cost
turtles are less affected by
Impact on birds &
red, yellow and low-
Turtles
pressure sodium vapor
lights. Wherever possible,
sodium vapor lights should
be used for lightings.

C10A-18
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

repositioning, shielding,
redirecting, lowering, or
recessing fixtures are some
of the available options for
reducing illumination to the
beach

Halt on offshore
construction activities to
the extent possible
between November to
February months which is
the nesting seasons for the
Turtles.
4 Air Emission The sources of air Transportation vehicles to
pollutants from port be properly and timely
operation include maintained and serviced
combustion emissions regularly to control the
from ships‟ emission of air pollutants in
propulsion and order to maintain the
auxiliary engines and emissions of PM, CO, NOx this will be an
boilers, mainly and SOx within the limits. operational
Project SPV
consisting of sulphur All the vehicles engaged cost of project
dioxide (SO2), for construction should SPV
nitrogen oxides have valid pollution check
(NOX), greenhouse certificate as per the motor
gases (e.g. carbon vehicle act.
dioxide [CO2] and Further, any regulations
carbon monoxide related to vehicle emission
[CO]), fine particulate issued by local government

C10A-19
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

matter [PM], and should also be adhered to.

volatile organic Use of good quality fuel
compounds [VOC]), and lubricants to be
followed by promoted. Moreover, low
combustion source sulphur content diesel to be
emissions from used as fuel for generator
vehicles, port sets to control emission of
equipment and land- SO2.
based engines and
boilers contributing
Generators and
similar pollutants.
machineries are to be
Volatile organic
serviced and maintained
compounds (VOC)
regularly to avoid
may also be emitted
generation of dust and
fuel storage and
other air pollutants.
transfer.

5 Solid Waste An Integrated Solid waste

management system has
been planned in GNI
Cost is
Waste generation at development for collection,
Project SPV included in
port site transportation, treatment
township cost
and disposal. The same will
be used for waste
generated from the port.
6 Social Shompen habitation There will not be any Cost included
exists in the upstream disturbance to the existing SPV in
of the Galathea river tribes. Construction

C10A-20
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

Strict measures will be EMP

adopted to ensure that
none of the worker ever
trespasses the Shompen
area.
Adequate number of
control points will be
established to monitor the
movement of the worker
during working and non-
working hours (24x7x365).
Full operation of
infrastructure facility line
Health, education,
community and basis
services will be available
within walking distance.
Multiple economic activities
will be provided number of
jobs locally.
On-site and off-site
All the
emergency planning, which
buildings and
should include, at a
development
minimum, the preparation
Fire and will be as per
and implementation of an
7 explosion Impact on Structure Project SPV Indian safety
Emergency Management
hazards standards and
Plan and a Communication
cost will be
Plan prepared with the
included in
participation of local
project cost
authorities and potentially

C10A-21
Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

affected communities

C10A-22
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

10.5 Environmental Management Plan for Airport

Environmental Management Plan for Airport is given below

10.5.1 Management Plan for Construction Phase

The impacts of construction activities would be temporary and will reduce

gradually with the completion of the construction activities. Various mitigation
measures proposed to be implemented during construction phase are described in
Table-10.3.

10.5.2 Management Plan for Operation Phase

The impacts of operation phase will be long term in nature. Table-10.4 describes
various mitigation measures, being implemented during operation phase.

C10A-24
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

Table-10.3: Environment Management Measures – Airport Project (Construction phase)

Sr. Mitigation Broad cost in

Attribute Potential Impact Responsibility Remarks
No Measure INR Lacs/ Yr

The proposed area is R&R measure as per

sparsely populated and RFCTLAR&R (Right to
Fair Compensation and Cost will be provided
there are only two
Transparency in Land by UT Administration
1 Land Environment villages in the area of SPV
Acquisition, after SIA as per
proposed airport where
Rehabilitation and RFCTLAR&R Act 2013
form families may be Resettlement), Act
displaced 2013.
Approximately 4ha
Area for runway
of Coral restoration
extending into sea. The
has been
options for selecting of
considered.
a site for an airport are
Coral restoration, if This cost though
very limited on this
corals are affected apportion to the
2 Reclamation island. the present site SPV 3200
during the Airport, involves
needs to reclaim land
reclamation activity. restoration for the
approximately 71 Ha of
entire project
land in order to
including Port,
establish an operational
Power plant and
airport.
Township
Construction material Care will be taken to
storage also contributes ensure that dust Cost included in
3 Air Environment to the degradation of generated during Project SPV the project
the air quality construction is construction
especially during the suppressed with

C10-25
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

high wind conditions. water sprays

Water quality
deterioration during
Temporary
construction phase is
sanitation facilities
possible along the
Water quality (septic tanks) will Cost included in
beaches of Shastri
4 /Wastewater be set-up for Project SPV the project
Nagar and Gandhinagar
Generation disposal of sewage construction
due to sewage
generated by the
generated from the
work force
construction workforce
stationed at the site
Provision of
silencers, ear plugs
and mufflers at the
Noise Noise generation from
5 exit of noise source Project SPV 10 Cost of ear plugs
Environment operating equipment
on the machineries
like generators,
pumps. vehicles etc
Few crocodiles have
been reported from the relocation of
creek area that would crocodiles to
reclaimed have few suitable habitat in
6 Ecology SPV 10
crocodiles. While consultation with
reclaiming the creek the forest / wildlife
area, the crocodiles will department
have to be relocated
Organic fraction to be 1 OWC is proposed,
Waste from labour this is one-time cost
treat through OWC
7 Solid Waste colonies and construction
and recyclable fraction
Project SPV 100
including
site
will be sold to operational cost
C10-26
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

authorised handlers

Table-10.4: Environment Management Measures – Airport Project (Operation phase)

Sr. Broad cost in

Attribute Potential Impact Mitigation Measure Responsibility Remarks
No INR Lacs/ Yr
The area has high No fruiting trees,
rainfall and the soil is which attract birds,
generally fertile. Under should be planted
these circumstances within 1 km from the
there will be a airport boundary.
1 Land Environment tendency for growth of Project SPV -
luxurious vegetation.
No trees within the
Trees, bushes etc
operational area of
attract birds which
the airport
might compromise
flight safety
Major pollutants Strict adherence to
envisaged from the DGCA/ICAO
proposed project will prescribed Cost is part of the
2 Air Emission be from aircraft environmental Project SPV - Operation cost of
exhaust, ground guidelines & circulars the Airport
service equipment, on airport operations.
vehicular traffic Vehicles and service
C10-27
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

(airside and landside) equipment must be

and from DG sets. maintained at
prescribed standards.

All the vehicles

engaged for the
airport should have
valid pollution check
certificate as per the
motor vehicle act.
Further, any
regulations related to
vehicle emission
issued by local
government should
also be adhered to.
Shut down engines
during idling and
taxing.
Towing the aircraft
up to runway by
specialized ground
vehicles
The wastewater The wastewater
generation mainly generated from the
Water & consists of sanitary Airport area will be SPV + Project Cost included in
3
Wastewater waste, sewage from sent to the SPV the Township cost
airport terminal, flight integrated
kitchen etc. wastewater

C10-28
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

treatment facility.
There is no
discharge of any
wastewater outside
the airport
premises.
Strict adherence to
DGCA/ICAO
prescribed
environmental
guidelines & circulars
on airport operations.
Restricted usage of
Aircraft movements ground engine run-
will be the major ups to reduce noise Cost is part of the
source of noise
4 Noise Pollution Project SPV Operation cost of
pollution from the
Use of proper the Airport
proposed airport
personal protective
project
equipment to all
ground workers

Towing the aircraft

up to runway by
specialized ground
vehicles

C10-29
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

No uncovered
waste in the
vicinity of 5 km.
An Integrated Solid
waste management
system has been
planned in GNI
Solid waste generation SPV + Project Cost included in
5 Solid Waste development for
from aircrafts. SPV the Township cost
collection,
transportation,
treatment and
disposal. The same
will be used for
waste generated
from the Airport.
On-site and off-site
emergency planning,
which should include,
at a minimum, the
All the buildings
preparation and
and development
implementation of an
will be as per
Fire and explosion Emergency
6 Impact on Structure Project SPV Indian safety
hazards Management Plan
standards and cost
and a
will be included
Communication Plan
under project cost
prepared with the
participation of local
authorities and
potentially affected
C10-30
Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

communities

C10-31
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

10.6 Environmental Management Plan for Power Plant

Environmental Management Plan for Power Plant is given below

10.6.1 Management Plan for Construction Phase

The impacts of construction activities would be temporary and will reduce

gradually with the completion of the construction activities. Various mitigation
measures proposed to be implemented during construction phase are described in
Table-10.5.

10.6.2 Management Plan for Operation Phase

The impacts of operation phase will be long term in nature. Table-10.6 describes
various mitigation measures, being implemented during operation phase.

C10A-30
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

Table-10.5: Environment Management Measures – Power Plant (Construction phase)

Broad
cost in
Sr.
Attribute Potential Impact Mitigation Measure Responsibility INR Remarks
No
Lacs/
Yr
The proposed project site is located
near the mouth of the Galathea Cost to be
Land SPV proposed compensatory
1 river and 39 hectares of forest land SPV included in the
Environment afforestation
which will be diverted for non-forest project cost
purposes
Appropriate soil conservation
Due to loss of top soil in the measures associated with
construction areas and improved construction
cost included in
Soil contamination of the soils of techniques would minimize
2 Project SPV - the project
Environment surrounding area due to such impacts.
construction cost
construction materials such as The top soil should be collected
cement, sand etc separately and stored and used
for landscaping.
All the vehicles engaged for
construction should have
valid pollution check
Main sources of emission during the certificate as per the motor
construction period are the vehicle act. cost to be
movement of equipment at site and Further, any regulations included in the
3 Air Quality Project SPV
dust emission during the related to vehicle emission project
excavation, levelling, grading, issued by local government construction cost
earthwork and foundation works
should also be adhered to.
Proper maintenance of vehicles
and construction equipment
Water spray at the construction
C10-31
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

site for dust suppression.

River water may be impacted due to
Temporary sanitation facilities
non-point discharges of solids from cost included in
(septic tanks) will be set-up for
4 Water Quality soil loss and sewage generated from Project SPV the project
disposal of sewage generated
the construction work force construction cost
by the work force
stationed at the site
Emission from Vehicular traffic, Proper maintenance of vehicles
Cost considered
construction equipment like dozers, and construction equipment
for ear plugs and
scrapers, concrete mixers, cranes,
5 Noise Levels Use of ear plugs / mufflars to Project SPV 2 rest is included
generators, pumps, compressors,
all construction workers in the project
rock drills, pneumatic tools, saws,
exposed to noise cost
vibrators etc
Organic fraction to be treat 1 OWC is
through OWC and recyclable proposed, this is
Waste from labour colonies and fraction will be sold to one-time cost
6 Solid Waste Project SPV 100
construction site authorised handlers including
operational
cost
Trees will be cut only from the
Terrestrial The plant is in dense to riverine
7 area where construction Project SPV -
Ecology grass land area
enabling works is required.
The power plant is located near to
the Galathea river mouth. The
runoff from construction area may
lead to a short-term increase in
suspended solids and decrease in No untreated effluent from the
cost included in
dissolved oxygen near the discharge construction site will be dispose
8 Aquatic Ecology Project SPV the project
point in receiving water body, that outside the project boundary
construction cost
is, the Galathea river mouth. This without treatment
may lead to a temporary decrease
in the photosynthetic activity of
Phyto-planktons, rise in conditions
and food chain modification.
C10-32
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

Strict measures will be

adopted to ensure that none
of the labours ever
trespasses the Shompen
area.
Adequate number of control Four control
points will be established to points with four
monitor the movement of porta cabins
the labours during working SPV 60 and with 3
and non-working hours shift, total 12
(24x7x365). person to be
The power project site is the employed
nearest site to the Shompen habitat The forest and tribal area
Socio- compared to any other project should be guarded and even
9 barricaded with barbwires if
Economics appurtenant, therefore there is a
possibility of trespassing of necessary, to ensure that there
construction works into tribal areas. is no interaction with the tribal
during the construction phase.
Full operation of
infrastructure facility line
Health, education,
community and basis
services will be available
within walking distance.
Multiple economic activities
will be provided number of
jobs locally.

C10-33
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

Table-10.6: Environment Management Measures – Power Plant (Operation phase)

Broad
cost in
Sr.
Attribute Potential Impact Mitigation Measure Responsibility INR Remarks
No
Lacs/
Yr
Plantation on the denuded
area.
Landscaping within the port
This is one-time
Deleterious impact after area
Land cost and will be
1 construction with be Clearing of any temporary Project SPV
Environment included in the
remediated. shelters/ temporary storage
Project cost
established for construction
Clearance of construction
wastes
Provision of NOx burner or
steam injection system for
lowering the NOx from the
combustion.
The fugitive emission is The emission from LNG To be included
envisaged from the chimney, chimney and DG sets will
2 Air Emissions Project SPV in the Project
DG sets and vehicle movement not exceed the prescribed cost
within the project site ambient air quality
Use of low Sulphur fuel for
power generation.
Proper maintenance of vehicles
and operation equipment
Deleterious impact after Project SPV To be included
3 Ecology
construction will be remediated. in the Project

C10-34
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

Maintain a thick green cost

buffer between western
flank of the Galathea beach
between turtle nests and
the power plant
Many of the loss of ecosystems Re-densification of the From CAMPA
during the construction period vegetation if require in Project SPV + fund
will be restored during the consultation with forest Forest
operation phase. All efforts will department. Species for re- Department of
be made to re-densify the densification will have to be UT
vegetation if any of the chosen judiciously in Administration
surrounding area is affected consultation with the forest
during the construction stage. department so as to
maintain the biodiversity of
the forest
No wastewater will be
Wastewater will be generated
discharged out of the plant
from DM regeneration waste To be included
Water & premises without treatment. SPV + Project
4 from service water system, in the Project
Wastewater The project has air-cooled SPV
sanitary waste etc which can cost
system and therefore there
pollute the Galathea river
is no cooling tower required.
An Integrated Solid waste
management system has
Sewage waste generation at been planned in GNI
Cost is included
power plant site which might development for collection, SPV + Project
5 Solid Waste in the Township
pollute the adjacent water transportation, treatment SPV
cost
bodies and disposal. The same will
be used for waste generated
from the power plant.

C10-35
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

The adoption of modern

building design and the use
of sound-absorbing
materials will minimize
Operation of generators and gas noise and vibration from the For Ear plugs
6 Noise Project SPV 10
engines inside the power house powerhouse etc
Ear plugs
Mufflars at the sound
generating sites
On-site and off-site
emergency planning, which All the buildings
should include, at a and
minimum, the preparation development
Fire and and implementation of an will be as per
7 explosion Impact on Structure Emergency Management Project SPV Indian safety
hazards Plan and a Communication standards and
Plan prepared with the cost will be
participation of local included under
authorities and potentially project cost
affected communities

C10-36
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

10.7 Environmental Management Plan for Township

Environmental Management Plan for Township is given below

10.7.1 Management Plan for Construction Phase

The impacts of construction activities would be temporary and will reduce

gradually with the completion of the construction activities. Various mitigation
measures proposed to be implemented during construction phase are described in
Table-10.7.

10.7.2 Management Plan for Operation Phase

The impacts of operation phase will be long term in nature. Table-10.8 describes
various mitigation measures, being implemented during operation phase.

C10A-36
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

Table-10.7: Environment Management Measures – Township (Construction phase)

Broad
cost in
Sr.
Attribute Potential Impact Mitigation Measure Responsibility INR Remarks
No
Lacs/
Yr
The top soil will be
extracted, stored and shall Cost Included
be reused for greenbelt Project SPV in the project
development and cost
landscaping.
Citywide stormwater drain Cost Included
has been planned to cater in the project
the storm drainage cost
Construction involves cut and fill
earthworks. The cut and fill
Several landslides were
works will normally change the
noted at the construction
Land natural topography of the land
1 sites of the new road
Environment which will result in a disruption
connecting Galethea bay
of the natural drainage of the
and existing road. There
land and the surrounding
were small to significant
vicinity Project SPV &
landslides due to slipping of
Construction
soil and fragmented rock
Contractor/s
overlaying the undegraded
parent rock. This was more
severe where the hills were
steep and trees on the
slopes were tall and large.
Hence, it was identified as a

C10-37
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

major problem and

preventive measures should
be made a part of
development plan and to be
included in the construction
contract agreements. Slope
stabilisation measures,
needs to be undertaken
wherever there is a
possibility of landslides.
All the vehicles engaged for
construction should have
valid pollution check
certificate as per the motor
vehicle act.
Dusts include brick and silica Cost included in
Further, any regulations
dusts and from earth moving the project
2 Air Emissions related to vehicle emission Project SPV
and other vehicle movements construction
issued by local government
within the site cost
should also be adhered to.
Sprinkling of water and
atomised spray through
foggy nozzle to suppress
the dust.
In the initial stages, due to non-
point discharges of sewage At the construction site,
Cost included in
Water & generated at the project site by adequate number of toilets
the project
3 Wastewater the construction workforce with hygienic environment Project SPV
construction
generation After the infrastructure for will be provided with Septic
cost
Integrated waste water tanks
treatment is ready, all the waste

C10-38
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

will be connected with the

integrated facility

Shock absorbing techniques

should be adopted to reduce
Due to operation of heavy
impact.
equipment such as rock drills,
Cost included in
pneumatic tools, concrete
Effective barricading to the project
4 Noise Levels mixers, cranes, generators, Project SPV
requisite heights shall be construction
pumps, compressors, vibrators,
provided to limit cost
etc and increased frequency of
vehicular traffic transmission of noise to
adjacent areas and within
permitted decibels
all the solid waste
generated from the
construction colonies, the
organic fraction will be
Domestic waste from labour treated through the 7 OWCs 7 OWCs
Solid waste colonies and recyclable will be sold considered.
5 Project SPV 700
generation Construction and demolition to the authorised handlers This is one-time
waste Construction and demolition cost
waste should be used for
making pavement tiles etc,
which can be used in the
construction.

C10-39
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

Table-10.8: Environment Management Measures – Township (Operation phase)

Broad cost
Sr. No Attribute Potential Impact Mitigation Measure Responsibility in INR Remarks
Lacs/ Yr
The proposed township will
be excellently landscaped
with proper terracing and
benching and will be
provided with pucca roads
Cost
Air Emissions will be from proposed The incinerator will strictly
1 Project SPV included in
Emissions DG sets and incinerators follow the regulatory
the project
emission guidelines.
The equipment will be
fitted with automatic
emission monitoring
system
The entire wastewater
generated will be treated in
the centralized sewage Cost
Water & The domestic wastewater
2 treatment plants and the Project SPV included in
Wastewater generated from township
treated water will be the project
reused for flushing,
watering and landscaping

C10-40
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

purposes in the township.

Will be routed to Integrated Cost
3 Solid Waste Domestic solid waste waste management facility Project SPV included in
for treatment and disposal the project

Ten control
Great Nicobar Island is inhabited points with
by aboriginal mongoloid Ten control points to be 10 porta
Shompen. The Shompen are established on 24X7X365 cabins and
SPV 150
hunter-gatherers and depend on basis to ensure that no one with 3 shift,
the forest and marine resources trespassed the Trible area. total 30
for sustenance person to be
Socio- employed
4
Economics

Full operation of
infrastructure facility line
Health, education,
community and basis
services will be available
within walking distance.

Multiple economic activities

will be provided number of
jobs locally.
C10-41
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant in
16610 ha, at Green Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-10
Environment Management Plan

All the
On-site and off-site buildings
emergency planning, which and
should include, at a development
minimum, the preparation will be as
Fire and and implementation of an per Indian
5 explosion Impact on Structure Emergency Management Project SPV safety
hazards Plan and a Communication standards
Plan prepared with the and cost will
participation of local be included
authorities and potentially under each /
affected communities specific
projects

C10-42
CHAPTER 12
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-12
Disclosure of Consultants

12.0 DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS ENGAGED

12.1 Introduction

NITI Aayog engaged M/s. AECOM India Pvt Ltd as DPR consultant. M/s. AECOM in
turn has engaged M/s. Vimta Labs Limited, Hyderabad, QCI-NABET accredited
consultant to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study and
preparation of Environment Management Plan (EMP) for various environmental
components, which may be affected due to the impacts arising out of the
proposed project.

AECOM With over 3,200 employees located in five regional offices and project
offices across 26 states in India, AECOM has the resources and expertise to see
projects through from concept to completion.

12.2 Vimta Labs Limited-Environment Consultant

Vimta Labs Limited is a leading multi-disciplinary testing and research

laboratory in India. Vimta provides contract research and testing services in the
areas of environmental assessment, analytical testing, clinical research, pre-
clinical (animal) studies, clinical reference lab services, advanced molecular
biology services and research & development studies.

The Environment Division has been in the forefront of its vision to provide
better environment through guiding and assisting the industry for sustainable
development. A stalwart in the mission to protect and preserve the natural
resources on earth for future generations, it offers extensive research and
consultancy services in the field of environment. With its rich experience, multi-
disciplinary expertise and with the support of its state-of the-art analytical
equipment, the services offered by the division are wide ranging and
encompasses entire gamut of environment management and monitoring services.
With its emphasis on quality services over the years, it has evolved itself into a
single reference point in India for comprehensive environmental services.

12.2.1 The Quality Policy

• Vimta is committed to good professional practices and quality of operations in

its testing, validation and research services;
• Vimta shall ensure customer satisfaction by maintaining independence,
impartiality and integrity in its operations;
• Vimta shall provide the services in accordance with national and international
norms;
• Vimta shall implement quality systems as per ISO/IEC 17025 and applicable
Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) & Good Clinical Practices (GCPs), to
generate technically valid results/data; and
• Vimta shall ensure that all its personnel familiarize with the policies and
procedures of the quality system and implement the same in their work.

C12-1
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-12
Disclosure of Consultants

12.2.2 Major Milestones and Accreditations

• 1984–Registered with an initial investment of Rs.200,000=00

• 1985–Recognized by ISI (now known as Bureau of Indian Standards)
• 1987–Qualified by the criteria of Ministry of Environment and Forests, India
and was notified as one of the first 14 Standard Environmental Laboratories
published in the Gazette of India
• 1988–Licensed for carrying out tests on Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
• 1991–Accredited by NCTCF, DST, Government of India (the forerunner of
NABL)
• 1995–Accredited by NABL, India under its revised scheme, certified by
Standards Australia, Quality Assurance Services as per ISO/IEC Guide 25 and
ISO 9002
• 1996–GLP Compliance
• 1998–Accreditation by GOSSTANDART and joint venture for certification of
Food Exports with ROSTEST, Russia
• 1998–World Bank Recognition
• 2002–ANVISA Brazil Certification
• 2003–USFDA accepts Vimta Bioequivalence study report. Showcased Vimta at
AAPS (USA) and ICSE-CPHI (Germany)
• 2003–Recognized by Saudi Arabian Standards Organization
• 2004–Enters Gulf market-Executes a contract for environmental consultancy
in Kuwait
• 2006–Expands its overseas activities. Undertakes environmental assignment
in Saudi Arabia
• 2006–Undertakes environmental impact assignment in Tanzania, Africa
• 2008–Has been Pre-Qualified by World Health Organization (WHO)
• 2009–Undertaken environmental impact assessment studies in Cameroon,
Africa
• 2010 – Quality Council of India Recognition

C12-2
Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District
Chapter-12
Disclosure of Consultants

C12-3
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant
in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District

Chapter-12
Disclosure of Consultants

DETAILS OF PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN CURRENT EIA/EMP STUDY – VIMTA LABS LTD

Sr. Contribution in Expertise/Functional

Name Qualification Position Experience
No. Current EIA Area
In House Experts
M.Tech Vice President & About 29 years of experience in the field of Environmental
1 Mr. M. Janardhan EIA Coordinator FAE for AP, AQ, NV &
(Env. Engg) Head (Env) Management and Environmental Engineering
SHW
Associate Vice About 21 years of experience in the field of Environmental
2 Dr. B Chandra Sekhar M. Sc. Ph. D EIA Coordinator FAE for AQ
President (Env) Management and Environmental Engineering
About 19 years of experience in the field of Environmental
3 Mr. G. V. Raghava Rao M. Tech. (Env) Manager (Env) EIA Coordinator FAE for AP, ISW & MSW
Management and Environmental Engineering
M.Tech (Env.
Mngt.), M. Sc About 18 years of experience in the field of Environmental
4 Ms. Bh. Durga Bhavani Assistant Manager EIA Coordinator FAE for AQ & WP
(Env Science), Management and Environmental Chemistry
LLB
MSC. Applied About 13 years of experience in the field of geology and
5 Mr. K. Rajeshwar Sr. Scientist Expert FAE–HG & Geo
Geology Hydrogeology
About 9 years of experience in the field of Social Impact
6 Mr. Ch. Narendra M.S.W Group Leader Expert FAE-SE
Assessment Studies
Environmental About 8 years in the field of Environment Management and
7 Ms. D Svega M. Tech. (Env.) Expert FAE-WP
Engineer Engineering.
Environmental About 1 year of experience in EIA Study and Environmental
8 Mr. K Sudarshan M. Tech. (Env.) Team Member TM for AP
Engineer Management
Environmental About 3 years of experience in Environment and Air Dispersion
9 Mr. Anup Nikhil Balaji M. Tech. (Env.) Team Member TM for AQ
Engineer Modeling
About 20 years of experience in the field of environmental
10 Mr. J. Ramakrishna I.T.I (Civil) Engineer Cartography --
management and civil drawings
About 31 years of experience in the field of environmental
11 Mr. P. Niranjan Babu B. Com Dy. Manager Secretarial Support --
monitoring and secretarial support
Empaneled Experts
12 Mr.Ramsushil Mishra M.Tech. Empaneled Expert EIA Coordinator EIA-Coordinator About 8 years of experience in the field of Environmental Studies
About 20 years of experience in the field of land-use and land-
M.Sc. (Applied Empaneled Expert
13 Mr. J. Rajendra Prasad Expert FAE- HG, Geo & LU cover, satellite data interpretation and detailed hydrology &
Geology)
hydrogeology (representing multi-tech services)
M.Tech (Chemical About 46 years of experience in the field of risk assessment and
14 Mr. Rajgopal Krishnan Empaneled Expert Expert FAE for RH
Engineering) hazardous management
About 45 years of experience in the field of Ecology and
15 Prof. K. Bayyapu Reddy M.Sc., Ph.D Empaneled Expert Expert FAE for EB & SC
Biodiversity and Soil Conservation

C12-4
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield
International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based Power Plant
in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District

Chapter-12
Disclosure of Consultants

Sr. Contribution in Expertise/Functional

Name Qualification Position Experience
No. Current EIA Area
16 Mr. Dr. Y. Ramamohan M. Sc, Ph.D Empaneled Expert Expert FAE for LU About 18 years of experience in land use & remote sensing

FAE – Functional Area Expertise

SC - Soil Conservation RH – Risk and Hazardous Waste Management

GEO – Geology NV – Noise and Vibrations
AP – Air Pollution LU/LC- Land use and land cover
AQ – Air Quality (Modeling) SHW – Solid and Hazardous Waste
WP – Water Pollution SE – Socio-Economic
EB – Ecology and Biodiversity HG – Hydrogeology

C12-5
COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT REPORT
FOR
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND IN ANDAMAN AND
NICOBAR ISLANDS INCLUDING INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL
CONTAINER TRANSHIPMENT TERMINAL (ICTT)-14.2 MILLION TEU ALONG WITH
GREENFIELD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (4000 PEAK HOUR PASSENGERS-PHP),
TOWNSHIP & AREA DEVELOPMENT AND 450 MVA GAS AND SOLAR BASED
POWER PLANT IN 16610 HA. GREAT NICOBAR ISLANDS,
IN NICOBAR DISTRICT

DRAFT REPORT FOR PUBLIC HEARING

(Annexures)

Project Proponent

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation

Ltd (ANIIDCO),
(A Government undertaking)

December 2021

DPR Consultant

AECOM India Pvt. Ltd.

9/F , Infinity Tower C
DLF Cyber City, DLF Phase - II
Gurugram – 122002, Haryana , India

EIA Consultant

Vikas Bhawan, PB No. 180, Port

Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Vimta Labs Ltd,
Islands 744101 142, IDA, Phase II, Cherlapally,
Hyderabad - 500051, India.
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP, Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at GNIs, Nicobar District

List of annexures

Annexure Title
Annexure I Comment compliances to the ToR issued by MoEF&CC
Annexure II Campbell Bay National Park – Notification
Annexure III Galathea National Park – Notification
Annexure IV Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary – De-Notification
Annexure V Methodology for monitoring and analysis
Annexure VI Applicable Environmental Standards
Annexure VII Ambient AQ Monitoring results
Annexure VIII Demographic data as per Census 2011
Annexure IX Health Data from January 2020 to December 2020
Undertakings from A&N Administration
 Regarding environment Policy by ANIIDCO
 Land Acquisition details by Assistant Commissioner, Nicobar
 Fuel Type and quality for power plant by Sec. Power, A&N Administration
 Protection of tribal rights by Directorate of Trible Welfare
 Approved administrative map of Great Nicobar Island
 Status of Court case by Divisional forest, Nicobar Division
Annexure X  Regarding encroachment by Divisional forest, Nicobar Division
 Land for CA scheme by Assistant Conservator of forest, A&N
Administration
 Master plan notification by APWD, Town & Country planning unit
 Regarding proposed transportation plan by Directorate of Transportation,
A&N Administration

Annexure XI Letter of TOR from MOEFCC

List of attachments

Attachment Title
Attachment I ZSI Report
Attachment II WII Report

TOC-10
ANNEXURE I
 Compliance to TOR issued by MoEFCC
TOR clause Compliance
A International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT)
i. The Island has large number of endangered species such Two independent studies were
as Leatherback Turtle at the Galathea Bay. The area also conducted by Wildlife Institute of
has a presence of Nicobar Megapod, an endemic species India and Zoological Survey of India.
and possibility of other endangered species such as The reports are attached as part of EIA
Dugong and Saltwater Crocodiles. An independent report and recommendations
evaluation of impact of proposed port site at Galathea Bay suggested have been incorporated in
including its backend support infrastructure on the the Environment Management Plan
ecology and biodiversity shall be carried out by engaging (EMP) as Chapter 10 of EIA report.
a nationally recognized institutes such as Zoological
Survey of India or SACON or Wildlife Institute of India or
consortium of these three institutes and submit detailed
study including findings, recommendations and
comprehensive mitigation plan to the Ministry. The report
shall specifically include key components such as impact
of dredging and reclamation, port operations, ship
movement, illumination, habitat alteration, breakwater,
underwater noise, oil pollution etc on the movement and
nesting beaches of Leatherback as well as shore
morphology and sand grain profile at the nesting sites.
The report shall become the part of EIA/EMP report and
the selection of the site shall be based on the
recommendations and environment management plan
prescribed in the report. The study also should examine
other alternate sites suggested in the presentation such
as Casuarina Bay, Anderson Bay, Pemayya Bay and
Campbell Bay based on environmental, ecological and
economic considerations, and choose one appropriate
site having minimum impacts on ecology and
environment with specific focus on Leatherback Turtle
and other endangered species (both terrestrial and
marine). A detailed comparison of the sites in this regard
shall be submitted. The study should emphasize impact on
Leatherback Turtles and Nicobar Magapod and its past
and present distribution including nesting of these
species.
ii. An independent study for assessment of biodiversity and Two independent studies were
Wildlife value of all the alternative sites for ICTT port shall conducted by Wildlife Institute of
be conducted by engaging a nationally recognized India and Zoological Survey of India.
institutes such as WII or ZSI or IISc or SACON or
consortium of these institutes. Diversity and wildlife value The reports are attached as part of EIA
so assessed by these organisations or a team of these report and recommendations
organisations shall form one of the criteria for cost benefit suggested have been incorporated in
analysis of all the alternative sites. The report along with the Environment Management Plan
Cost Benefit Analysis shall be incorporated in EIA/EMP (EMP) at Chapter 10 of EIA report.
report
Cost benefit analysis included in
chapter 9 of the EIA report
 TOR clause Compliance
iii. The alternate sites than proposed Galathea Bay for Details site assessment studies (
International Container Transhipment Terminal should be Chapter 5) with focus on Environment
explored through detailed studies with more focus on and Ecological impact assessment
environmental and ecological impact of ICTT during have been conducted and are part of
construction and its operation, specially movements of the EIA Report.
vessels on turtles.
Detail assessment has also been
conducted by ZSI and the report is
attached as part of the EIA report
iv The ecologically fragile area including CRZ 1A area etc Due process for CRZ approval is being
shall be demarcated in conformity with latest approved adopted for seeking statutory
CZMP as per notification of 2019 and superimposed on approvals.
the layout plan at 1: 4000 scale and submitted. Submit
a copy of layout superimposed on the HTL/LTL map
demarcated by an authorized agency on 1:4000 scale.
v. Risk analysis for handling different types of cargos shall Detailed assessment has been carried
be conducted and submitted. Focus also should be out in light of the recommendations
given on how such a cargo will affect Leatherback given by ZSI in this regard.
nesting areas.
vi. Detailed study well supported by strong historical data Included in the EIA report Chapter 3,
through simulation studies, whether the selected site 4, 7 and 10
can withstand the cyclone/storm surge and Tsunami.
vii Erosion and accretion study at the mouth of the Included in the EIA report Chapter 3,
Galathea Bay and entire island with reputed national 4, 7 and 10
institute to be submitted through predictive modelling
for port area reclamation, construction and
breakwaters. The study should highlight impact of
these on Leatherback nesting sites.
viii Recommendation of the A&N CZMA shall be obtained Due process for CRZ approval is being
and submitted. Submit superimposing of latest CZMP adopted for seeking statutory
as per CRZ (2011) on the CRZ map. Submit a complete approvals.
set of documents required as per para 4.2 (i) of CRZ
Notification, 2011.
ix Comprehensive study of the impact of dredging and Details site assessment studies with
reclamation and port operations including oil spills on focus on Environment and Ecological
marine ecology and marine biodiversity with specific impact assessment have been
focus on corals, mangroves, sandy shores and mud flat conducted and is included in the EIA
should be done by engaging a nationally recognized report.
institutes such as Zoological Survey of India or SACON
or Wildlife Institute of India or consortium of these Detail assessment has also been
three institutes and draw up a management and conducted by ZSI and the report is
mitigation plan. Being sensitive area, proposed plan of attached as part of the EIA report as
annexure I
online monitoring of water quality drilling dredging and
disposal should be submitted.
x A specific study to be undertaken to ascertain the No migratory birds discovered on the
impact of proposed development on the migratory island. Same has been confirmed by
birds by engaging a nationally recognized institutes ZSI in their report.
such as Zoological Survey of India or SACON or Wildlife
 TOR clause Compliance
Institute of India covering both inward and return Independent study by ZSI and WII
migration period. The studies should specially focus on conducted and are attached as part of
migratory bird species composition, impact due to EIA report.
habitat destruction, impact due to oil spillage and risk
of all the hazards that has potential to damage the
fragile environment. A comprehensive mitigation plan
also to be developed.
xi A detailed and comprehensive study for assessment of Details are given in the EIA report.
requirement of water, power, with source of supply,
status of approval, water balance diagram, man-power
requirement (regular and contract) shall be conducted
and submitted.
xii A detailed study for assessing the carrying capacity of Carrying capacity has been carried out
the areas proposed for development shall be and is included in Chapter 9 of EIA
conducted and incorporated in EIA/EMP Report report.

xiii An assessment of the cumulative impact of all Detailed Traffic and transportation
development and increased inhabitation being carried plan for the entire project has been
out or proposed to be carried out by the project or prepared and is part of the EIA report.
other agencies in the core area, shall be made for traffic
densities and parking capabilities in a 05 kms radius
from the site.
xiv A detailed traffic management and a traffic The project is greenfield project and
decongestion plan drawn up through an organization of no decongestion plan applicable.
repute and specializing in Transport Planning shall be
submitted with the EIA. However, detailed Traffic and
transportation plan for the entire
project has been prepared and is part
of the EIA report.
xv Disaster Management Plan for the project shall be Included in the EIA report Chapter 4, 7
prepared and submitted. and 10
xvi Oil spill management plan should be drawn as per NOS Included in the EIA report Chapter 4, 7
DCP and submitted & 10
xvii The details about number of labourers, number of Details included in chapter 2, 4 and 10
labour camps and its construction, their basic of the EIA report
requirements such as transport, fuel for cooking,
freshwater, sanitation, health and emergency
evacuation etc to be provided in detail.
xviii Public hearing to be conducted and issues raised and All provisions for seeking EC and CRZ
commitments made by the project proponent on the approval as per statutory provision are
same should be included in EIA/EMP Report in the form being complied with.
of tabular chart with financial budget for complying
with the commitments made. It should be ensured that
tribes such as Shompen and Nicobarese and
anthropological organisations well versed in
communication with and involved in welfare of
Shompen and Nicobarese are adequately represented
in the Public Hearing.
 TOR clause Compliance
B. Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers-PHP)
i The EIA will give a justification for land requirements Details site assessment and area
along with a comparison to the guidelines established delineation along with area
by the Airport Authority of India/Ministry of Civil requirement included in chapter 2C
Aviation in this regard. and 5 of the EIA report.

ii An assessment of the cumulative impact of all Included in the EIA report Chapter 7
development and increased inhabitation being carried
out or proposed to be carried out by the project or
other agencies in the core area, on the flora and fauna
of the region shall be made.
iii Detailed studies on Bird Hazzard to the proposed No migratory birds discovered on the
airport and flight operations and its mitigation island.
measures should be carried out (both migratory and Independent study by ZSI & WII has
resident birds) by engaging a nationally recognized been conducted and are attached as
institutes such as SACON or Wildlife Institute of India. part of EIA report.

iv Impact of proposed Port on the Flight Safety and Included in the Chapter 2, 4 and 7 of
operations and Airport security should be examined in the EIA report
detailed
v Layout maps of proposed project indicating runway, Included in the EIA report Chapter 2B
Aerodrome building, parking, greenbelt area, utilities
etc.
vi The ecologically fragile area including CRZ 1A area etc Due process for CRZ approval is being
shall be demarcated and superimposed on the layout adopted for seeking statutory
plan and submitted. approvals.
vii An independent study for assessment of biodiversity Independent study by ZSI conducted
and Wildlife value of all the alternative sites for airport and is attached as part of EIA study.
shall be conducted by the organisations in this field like
WII, ZSI, IIS and SACON. Diversity and wildlife value so Cost benefit analysis included in
assessed by these organisations or a team of these chapter 9 of the EIA report
organisations shall form one of the criteria for cost
benefit analysis of all the alternative sites. The report
along with Cost Benefit Analysis shall be incorporated
in EIA/EMP report

viii An assessment of the cumulative impact of all Detailed Traffic and transportation
development and increased inhabitation being carried plan for the entire project has been
out or proposed to be carried out by the project or prepared and is part of the EIA report.
other agencies in the core area, shall be made for traffic
densities and parking capabilities in a 05 kms radius
from the site. A detailed traffic management and a
traffic decongestion plan drawn up through an
organization of repute and specializing in Transport
Planning shall be submitted with the EIA.
Undertaking from Directorate of
The Plan to be implemented to the satisfaction of the
Transport, A&N Administration is
State Urban Development and Transport Departments
enclosed as annexure X
 TOR clause Compliance
shall also include the consent of all the concerned
implementing agencies.
ix The E.I.A. should specifically address to vehicular traffic Detailed Traffic and transportation
management as well as estimation of vehicular parking plan for the entire project has been
area inside the Airport premises. prepared and is part of the EIA report.
x An onsite disaster management plan shall be drawn up Included in the EIA report Chapter 4,7,
to account for risks and accidents. This onsite plan shall & 10
be dovetailed with the onsite management plan for the
district.
xi A note on appropriate process and materials to be used Details has been included in the
to encourage reduction in carbon foot print. Optimize chapter 2B, 4 and 10 EIA report
use of energy systems in buildings that should maintain
a specified indoor environment conducive to the
functional requirements of the building by following
mandatory compliance measures (for all applicable
buildings) as recommended in the Energy Conservation
Building Code (ECBC) 2017 of the Bureau of Energy
Efficiency, Government of India. The energy system
includes air conditioning systems, indoor lighting
systems, water heaters, air heaters and air circulation
devices.
xii Details of emission, effluents, solid waste and Included in the EIA report Chapter 4 &
hazardous waste generation and their management. 10
Air quality modelling and noise modelling shall be
carried out for the emissions from various types of No impact of noise on national Park as
the site selected is away from the
aircraft. Detail plan for impact of noise on the sensitive
environment specially the wildlife sanctuaries and National parks and their ESZ.
national parks. Flight path is over the sea and not
over the land
xiii The impact of aircraft emissions in different scenarios Included in the EIA report Chapter 2 &
of idling, taxiing, take off and touchdown shall be 7
examined and a management plan suggested.
xiv The impact of air emissions from speed controlled and Included in the EIA report Chapter 2 &
other vehicles plying within the Airport shall be 7
examined and management plan drawn up.
xv A detailed management plan, drawn up in consultation Undertaking from District collector
with the competent District Authorities, shall be regarding no encroachment enclosed
submitted for the regulation of unauthorized along with EIA (refer annexure X)
development and encroachments within a 5 Km radius
of the Aerodrome.
xvi The details about number of labourers, number of Details included in Chapter 2B & 4 of
labour camps and its construction, their basic the EIA report
requirements such as transport, fuel for cooking,
freshwater, sanitation, health and emergency
evacuation etc to be provided in detail.
xvii Noise monitoring and impact assessment shall be done Included in the EIA report Chapter 10
for each representative area (as per the Noise Rules of
MoEF&CC). A noise management plan shall be
 TOR clause Compliance
submitted to conform to the guidelines of the
MoEF&CC and the DGCA. Noise monitoring shall also be
carried out in the funnel area of flight path.
xviii A detailed and comprehensive study for assessment of Details are given in chapter 2B, 4 and
requirement of water, power, with source of supply, 10 of the EIA report.
status of approval, water balance diagram, man-power
requirement (regular and contract) shall be conducted
and submitted.
xix A detailed study for assessing the carrying capacity of Details carrying capacity assessment
the areas proposed for development shall be studies conducted and is part of the
conducted and incorporated in EIA/EMP Report chapter 9 of EIA report.

xx Public hearing to be conducted and issues raised, and All provisions for seeking EC and CRZ
commitments made by the project proponent on the approval as per statutory provision are
same should be included in EIA/EMP Report in the form being complied with.
of tabular chart with financial budget for complying
with the commitments made. It should be ensured that
tribes such as Shompen and Nicobarese and
anthropological organisations well versed in
communication with and involved in welfare of
Shompen and Nicobarese are adequately represented
in the Public Hearing.
xxi Recommendation of the A&N CZMA shall be obtained Due process for CRZ approval is being
and submitted. adopted for seeking statutory
approvals.
xxii Details of fuel tank farm and its risk assessment. Included in the EIA report Chapter 2B
and 7

xxiii The report should give a detailed impact analysis and Included in the EIA report Chapter 4
management plan for handling of the following wastes & 10
for the existing and proposed scenarios. The
management plan will include compliance to the
provisions of the MSW Rules, 2016.
(a) Trash collected in flight and disposed at the
Aerodrome including the segregation
mechanism.
(b) Toilet wastes and sewage collected from
aircrafts and disposed at the Aerodrome.
(c) Maintenance and workshop wastes.
(d) Wastes arising out of eateries and shops
situated within the Aerodrome.
C Township & Area development.
i The ecologically fragile area including CRZ 1A area etc Due process for CRZ approval is being
shall be demarcated and superimposed on the layout adopted for seeking statutory
plan and submitted. approvals.
ii Seismic and Tsunami hazard map on entire island and Details included in the EIA report
its relation to each component of the integrated project Chapter 3, 4 and 10
should be detailed. All the facilities should be analysed
 TOR clause Compliance
for these hazards, with emphasis on future possible
events
iii An assessment of the cumulative impact of all Detailed Traffic and transportation
development and increased inhabitation being carried plan for the entire project has been
out or proposed to be carried out by the project or prepared and is part of the EIA report.
other agencies in the core area, shall be made for traffic
densities and parking capabilities in a 05 kms radius
from the site. A detailed traffic management and a
traffic decongestion plan drawn up through an
organization of repute and specializing in Transport
Planning shall be submitted with the EIA. The Plan to be
Consent and undertaking from
implemented to the satisfaction of the State Urban
Directorate of Transportation, A&N
Development and Transport Departments shall also
Administration is enclosed in EIA
include the consent of all the concerned implementing
(annexure X)
agencies.
iv The details about number of labourers, number of Details included in chapter 2C of the
labour camps and its construction, their basic EIA report
requirements such as transport, fuel for cooking,
freshwater, sanitation, health and emergency
evacuation etc to be provided in detail.
v A note on appropriate process and materials to be used Details included in Chapter 2C of the
to encourage reduction in carbon footprint. Optimize EIA report
use of energy systems in buildings that should maintain
a specified indoor environment conducive to the
functional requirements of the building by following
mandatory compliance measures (for all applicable
buildings) as recommended in the Energy Conservation
Building Code (ECBC-R) 2018 of the Bureau of Energy
Efficiency, Government of India. The energy system
includes air conditioning systems, indoor lighting
systems, water heaters, air heaters and air circulation
devices.
vi A detailed and comprehensive study for assessment of Details included in chapter 2C of the
requirement of water, power, with source of supply, EIA report
status of approval, water balance diagram, man-power
requirement (regular and contract) shall be conducted
and submitted.
vii A specific study should be conducted to enumerate the Included in the EIA report Chapter 4, 6
anticipated impact and mitigation of increased and 10
illumination and noise on nocturnal bird and mammal
fauna.
viii A detailed study for assessing the carrying capacity of Details carrying capacity assessment
the areas proposed for development shall be studies conducted and is part of
conducted and incorporated in EIA/EMP Report. Chapter 9 of EIA report
ix Details of emission, effluents, solid waste and Included in the EIA report Chapter 10
hazardous waste generation and their management.
x Specify plan of Administration of A & N to prevent Undertaking enclosed at annexure X
further encroachment on the forest land with the of the EIA report
 TOR clause Compliance
proposed increased population considering that
already 2 sq km revenue land has been encroached by
existing population as envisaged in the ToR
presentation
xi Public hearing to be conducted and issues raised and All provisions for seeking EC and CRZ
commitments made by the project proponent on the approval as per statutory provision are
same should be included in EIA/EMP Report in the form being complied with.
of tabular chart with financial budget for complying
with the commitments made. It should be ensured that
tribes such as Shompen and Nicobarese and
anthropological organisations well versed in
communication with and involved in welfare of
Shompen and Nicobarese are adequately represented
in the Public Hearing.
xii Recommendation of the A&N CZMA shall be obtained Due process for CRZ approval is being
and submitted. adopted for seeking statutory
approvals.
D 450 MVA Gas and Solar based power plant
i The proposed project shall be given a unique name in To be decided at a later stage by
consonance with the name submitted to other Government of India.
Government Departments etc. for its better
identification and reference.
ii Vision document specifying prospective long-term plan Included as part of the EIA report in
of the project shall be formulated and submitted. Chapter 1 and Executive summary.

iii The project proponent needs to identify minimum Included in the detail site assessment
three potential sites based on environmental, chapter 5 of EIA report
ecological and economic considerations, and choose
one appropriate site having minimum impacts on
ecology and environment. A detailed comparison of the
sites in this regard shall be submitted.
iv Executive summary of the project indicating relevant Executive summary covers the
details along with recent photographs of the proposed relevant details and recent
site (s) shall be provided. Response to the issues raised photographs of the site are provided
during Public Hearing and the written representations in Chapter 3 of the EIA report.
(if any), along with a time bound Action Plan and
budgetary allocations to address the same, shall be
provided in a tabular form, against each action
proposed.
v Harnessing solar power within the premises of the Included in the EIA report Chapter 2D,
plant particularly at available roof tops and other 4D and chapter 10
available areas shall be formulated and for expansion
projects, status of implementation shall also be
submitted.
vi The geographical coordinates (WGS 84) of the Included in the EIA report Chapter 3
proposed site (plant boundary), including location of
ash pond along with topo sheet (1:50,000 scale) and IRS
satellite map of the area, shall be submitted. Elevation
 TOR clause Compliance
of plant site and ash pond with respect to HFL of water
body/nallah/River and high tide level from the sea shall
be specified, if the site is located in proximity to them.
vii Layout plan indicating break-up of plant area, ash Relevant infrastructure components
pond, green belt, infrastructure, roads etc. shall be and necessary layout plans included in
provided. Chapter 2D

viii Land requirement for the project shall be optimized No land acquisition involved.
and in any case not more than what has been specified
by CEA from time to time. Item wise break up of land
requirement shall be provided.
ix Present land use (including land class/kism) as per the Entire land presently is forest reserve
revenue records and State Govt. records of the which is being proposed to be
proposed site shall be furnished. Information on land to diverted to Non-Forest land.
be acquired including coal transportation system, Details included in the EIA report
laying of pipeline, ROW, transmission lines etc. shall be
specifically submitted. Status of land acquisition and
litigation, if any, should be provided.
x Impact of transmission lines on migratory birds and It is proposed that all the transmission
large raptors by engaging a nationally recognized lines are underground and substations
institutes such as Zoological Survey of India or SACON are all GIS based.
or Wildlife Institute of India.
No known presence of any kind of
migratory birds
Same has been confirmed by ZSI in
their report as attached with the EIA
report.
xi If the project involves forest land, details of application, Process of diversion of forest in
including date of application, area applied for, and progress
application registration number, for diversion under
FCA and its status should be provided along with copies
of relevant documents.
xii The land acquisition and R&R scheme with a time No land acquisition or R&R involved in
bound Action Plan should be formulated and addressed the project.
in the EIA report.
xiii Satellite imagery and authenticated topo sheet Included in Chapter 3, 4 and 10 of the
indicating drainage, cropping pattern, water bodies EIA report
(wetland, river system, stream, nallahs, ponds etc.),
location of nearest habitations (villages), creeks,
mangroves, rivers, reservoirs etc. in the study area shall
be provided.
xiv Location of any National Park, Sanctuary, Authorised map enclosed at Annexure
Elephant/Tiger Reserve (existing as well as proposed), X
migratory routes / wildlife corridor, if any, within 10 km
of the project Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021
Page 13 of 18 site shall be specified and marked on the
map duly authenticated by the Chief Wildlife Warden
of the State or an officer authorized by him.
 TOR clause Compliance
xv Topography of the study area supported by toposheet Incorporated in the EIA report in
on 1:50,000 scale of Survey of India, along with a large chapter 3
scale map preferably of 1:25,000 scale and the specific
information whether the site requires any filling shall
be provided. In that case, details of filling, quantity of
required fill material; its source, transportation etc.
shall be submitted.
xvi A detailed study on land use pattern in the study area Not applicable- the land is presently
shall be carried out including identification of common forest reserve and is proposed to be
property resources (such as grazing and community diverted.
land, water resources etc.) available and Action Plan for
its protection and management shall be formulated. If
acquisition of grazing land is involved, it shall be
ensured that an equal area of grazing land be acquired
and developed and detailed plan submitted.
xvii A mineralogical map of the proposed site (including soil Not applicable
type) and information (if available) that the site is not
located on potentially mineable mineral deposit shall
be submitted.
xviii Details of fly ash utilization plan as per the latest fly ash Not applicable- proposed power plant
Utilization Notification of GOI along with firm is Gas & Diesel based and also has
agreements / MoU with contracting parties including component of solar generation.
other usages etc. shall be submitted. The plan shall also
include disposal method / mechanism of bottom ash.
xix The water requirement shall be optimized (by adopting Minimum water requirement due to
measures such as dry fly ash and dry bottom ash the proposed technology. The gas-
disposal system, air cooled condenser, concept of zero based power plant is air cooled thus
discharge) and in any case not more than that mitigating any disposal of water into
stipulated by CEA from time to time, to be submitted the sea. details included in chapter 2D,
along with details of source of water and water balance 4, 6 and 10
diagram. Details of water balance calculated shall take
into account reuse and re-circulation of effluents.
xx Water body/Nallah (if any) passing across the site Not applicable
should not be disturbed as far as possible. In case any
Nallah / drain is proposed to be diverted, it shall be
ensured that the diversion does not disturb the natural
drainage pattern of the area. Details of proposed
diversion shall be furnished duly approved by the
concerned Department of the State.
xxi It shall also be ensured that a minimum of 500 m Site away from HFL/ CRZ boundary
distance of plant boundary is kept from the HFL of river
system / streams etc. and the boundary of site should
also be located 500 m away from railway track and
National Highways
xxii Hydro-geological study of the area shall be carried out Not Applicable- The systems proposed
through an institute/ organization of repute to assess are air cooled.
the impact on ground and surface water regimes.
Specific mitigation measures shall be spelt out and time
 TOR clause Compliance
bound Action Plan for its implementation shall be
submitted.
xxiii Detailed Studies on the impacts of the ecology Not applicable- The systems proposed
including fisheries of the River/Estuary/Sea due to the are air cooled.
proposed withdrawal of water / discharge of treated
wastewater into the River/Sea etc shall be carried out
and submitted along with the EIA Report. In case of
requirement of marine impact assessment study, the
location of intake and outfall shall be clearly specified
along with depth of water drawl and discharge into
open sea.
xxiv Source of water and its sustainability even in lean The systems proposed are air cooled
season shall be provided along with details of ecological with minimal water requirement for
impacts arising out of withdrawal of water and taking operations.
into account inter-state shares (if any). Information on Overall water sourcing is included in
other competing sources downstream of the proposed chapter 2C
project and commitment regarding availability of
Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 14 of 18
requisite quantity of water from the Competent
Authority shall be provided along with letter /
document stating firm allocation of water.
xxv Detailed plan for rainwater harvesting and its proposed Incorporated in chapter 2C of the EIA
utilization in the plant shall be furnished. report
xxvi Feasibility of near zero discharge concept shall be Nearly zero discharge integrated with
critically examined, and its details submitted. township. Details incorporated in EIA
xxvii Optimization of Cycles of Concentration (COC) along Not Applicable- The systems proposed
with other water conservation measures in the project are air cooled.
shall be specified.
xviii Plan for recirculation of ash pond water and its Not Applicable
implementation shall be submitted.
xxix Detailed plan for conducting monitoring of water Details are included in Chapter 2, 4
quality regularly with proper maintenance of records and 10 of the EIA report
shall be formulated. Detail of methodology and
identification of monitoring points (between the plant
and drainage in the direction of flow of surface / ground
water) shall be submitted. It shall be ensured that
parameter to be monitored also include heavy metals.
A provision for long-term monitoring of ground water
table using Piezometer shall be incorporated in EIA,
particularly from the study area.
xxx Socio-economic study of the study area comprising of Details has been included in the EIA
10 km from the plant site shall be carried out through a report
reputed institute / agency which shall consist of detail
assessment of the impact on livelihood of the local
communities.
xxxi Action Plan for identification of local employable youth The holistic development of GNI
for training in skills, relevant to the project, for eventual address creation of employment and
employment in the project itself shall be formulated training at the township scale
 TOR clause Compliance
and numbers specified during construction & operation including port, airport and power
phases of the Project. plant. Details has been included in the
EIA report
xxxii If the area has tribal population it shall be ensured that Details included in chapter 3, 4,6, and
the rights of tribals are well protected. The project 10 of the EIA report
proponent shall accordingly identify tribal issues under
various provisions of the law of the land.
xxxiii Public hearing to be conducted and issues raised and All provisions for seeking EC and CRZ
commitments made by the project proponent on the approval as per statutory provision are
same should be included in EIA/EMP Report in the being complied with.
form of tabular chart with financial budget for
complying with the commitments made. It should be
ensured that tribes such as Shompen and Nicobarese
and anthropological organisations well versed in
communication with and involved in welfare of
Shompen and Nicobarese are adequately represented
in the Public Hearing.
xxxiv R&R plan, as applicable, shall be formulated wherein No land acquisition or R&R involved
mechanism for protecting the rights and livelihood of
the people in the region who are likely to be impacted,
is taken into consideration. R&R plan shall be
formulated after a detailed census of population based
on socio economic surveys who were dependant on
land falling in the project, as well as population who
were dependant on land not owned by them.
xxxv Assessment of occupational health and endemic Included in Chapter 4 and 10 of the
diseases of environmental origin in the study area shall EIA report
be carried out and Action Plan to mitigate the same
shall be prepared.
xxxvi Occupational health and safety measures for the Included in the EIA report Chapter 4
workers including identification of work related health and 10
hazards shall be formulated. The company shall engage
full time qualified doctors who are trained in
occupational health. Health monitoring of the workers
shall be conducted at periodic intervals and health
records maintained. Awareness programme for
workers due to likely adverse impact on their health
due to working in non-conducive environment shall be
carried out and precautionary measures like use of
personal equipment etc. shall be provided. Review of
impact of Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page
15 of 18 various health measures undertaken at
intervals of two to three years shall be conducted with
an excellent follow up plan of action wherever
required.
xxxvii One complete season site specific meteorological and Included in the EIA report, refer
AAQ data (except monsoon season) as per latest annexure V
MoEFCC Notification shall be collected and the dates of
 TOR clause Compliance
monitoring shall be recorded. The parameters to be
covered for AAQ shall include PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx,
CO and Hg. The location of the monitoring stations
should be so decided so as to take into consideration of
the upwind direction, pre-dominant downwind
direction, other dominant directions, habitation and
sensitive receptors. There should be at least one
monitoring station each in the upwind and in the
predominant downwind direction at a location where
maximum ground level concentration is likely to occur.
xxxviii Cumulative impacts of all sources of emissions Included in the EIA report Chapter 7
including handling and transportation of existing and
proposed projects on the environment of the area shall
be assessed in detail. Details of the Model used and the
input data used for modelling shall also be provided.
The air quality contours should be plotted on a location
map showing the location of project site, habitation
nearby, sensitive receptors, if any. The windrose and
isopleths should also be shown on the location map.
The cumulative study should also include impacts on
water, soil and socio-economics.
xxxix Radio activity and heavy metal contents of coal to be Not applicable- Gas based power plant
sourced shall be examined and submitted along with
laboratory reports.
xl Fuel analysis shall be provided. Details of auxiliary fuel, Included in the EIA report Chapter 2D,
if any, including its quantity, quality, storage etc should 4D, 6 and 10
also be furnished. undertaking is provided by the A&N
administration for type of fuel to be
used in the power plant, refer
annexure X

xli Quantity of fuel required, its source and characteristics Included in the EIA report.
and documentary evidence to substantiate confirmed undertaking is provided by the A&N
fuel linkage shall be furnished. The Ministry’s administration for type of fuel to be
Notification dated 02.01.2014 regarding ash content in used in the power plant, refer
coal shall be complied. For the expansion projects, the annexure X
compliance of the existing units to the said Notification
shall also be submitted The ministry notification dated
02.01.2014 is not applicable as the
proposed power plant is Gas/Diesel
based.
xlii Details of transportation of fuel from the source The proposed plant is Gas based and
(including port handling) to the proposed plant and its no coal will be involved in any form as
impact on ambient AAQ shall be suitably assessed and fuel.
submitted. If transportation entails a long distance it
shall be ensured that rail transportation to the site shall Transmission details of gas from port
be first assessed. Wagon loading at source shall to power plant Included in the EIA
preferably be through silo/conveyor belt. report Chapter 7
 TOR clause Compliance
xliii For proposals based on imported coal, inland Not Applicable
transportation and port handling and rail movement
shall be examined and details furnished. The approval
of the Port and Rail Authorities shall be submitted.
xliv Details regarding infrastructure facilities such as Details included in chapter 2D and 4 of
sanitation, fuel, restrooms, medical facilities, safety the EIA report
during construction phase etc. to be provided to the
labour force during construction as well as to the casual
workers including truck drivers during operation phase
should be adequately catered for and details furnished.
xlv EMP to mitigate the adverse impacts due to the project Included in the EIA report Chapter 10
along with item - wise cost of its implementation in a
time bound manner shall be specified.
xlvi A Disaster Management Plan (DMP) along with risk Included in the EIA report Chapter 6, 7
assessment study including fire and explosion issues and 10
due to storage and use of fuel should be carried out. It
should take into account the maximum inventory of
storage at site at any point of time. The risk contours
should be plotted on the plant layout map clearly
showing which of the proposed activities would be
affected in case of an accident taking place. Based on
the same, proposed safeguard measures should be
provided. Measures to guard against Proposal No.
IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 16 of 18 fire hazards
should also be invariably provided. Mock drills shall be
suitably carried out from time to time to check the
efficiency of the plans drawn.
xlvii The DMP so formulated shall include measures against Included in the EIA report Chapter 7
likely Fires/Tsunami/Cyclones/Storm and 10
Surges/Earthquakes etc, as applicable. It shall be
ensured that DMP consists of both On-site and Off-site
plans, complete with details of containing likely
disaster and shall specifically mention personnel
identified for the task. Smaller version of the plan for
different possible disasters shall be prepared both in
English and local languages and circulated widely.
xlviii Detailed scheme for raising green belt of native species The site area surrounding the
of appropriate width (50 to 100 m) and consisting of at identified power plant boundary has
least 3 tiers around plant boundary with tree density of natural green cover. The area for
2000 to 2500 trees per ha with a good survival rate of power plant is thus considered
around 80% shall be submitted. Photographic evidence minimal considering the external
must be created and submitted periodically including green belt surrounding the power
NRSA reports in case of expansion projects. A shrub plant.
layer beneath tree layer would serve as an effective
sieve for dust and sink for CO2 and other gaseous
pollutants and hence a stratified green belt should be
developed.
 TOR clause Compliance
xlix Over and above the green belt, as carbon sink, plan for 88% of the island area after the
additional plantation shall be drawn by identifying proposed phase of development shall
blocks of degraded forests, in close consultation with remain as green. No degraded forest
the District Forests Department. In pursuance to this details available for the Great Nicobar
the project proponent shall formulate time bound island
Action Plans along with financial allocation and shall
submit status of implementation to the Ministry every
six months.
l The details about number of labourers, number of Details included in chapter 2D of the
labour camps and its construction, their basic EIA report
requirements such as transport, fuel for cooking,
freshwater, sanitation, health and emergency
evacuation etc to be provided in detail.
li Corporate Environment Policy Undertaking regarding nonexistence
a. Does the company has a well laid down Environment of any specific policy enclosed as part
Policy approved by its Board of Directors? If so, it may of EIA report. Refer annexure 10
be detailed in the EIA report.
b. Does the Environment Policy prescribe for standard
operating process / procedures to bring into focus any
infringement / deviation / violation of the
environmental or forest norms / conditions? If so, it
may be detailed in the EIA.
c. What is the hierarchical system or Administrative
order of the company to deal with the environmental
issues and for ensuring compliance with the
environmental clearance conditions. Details of this
system may be given.
d. Does the company has compliance management
system in place wherein compliance status along with
compliances / violations of environmental norms are
reported to the CMD and the Board of Directors of the
company and / or shareholders or stakeholders at
large? This reporting mechanism should be detailed in
the EIA report. All the above details should be
adequately brought out in the EIA report and in the
presentation to the Committee.
lii Details of litigation pending or otherwise with respect Undertaking regarding no litigation
to project in any Court, Tribunal etc. shall invariably be pending over 166 Sq.km. of proposed
furnished. development enclosed as part of EIA
report. Refer annexure X

E Special Conditions
1 Cumulative Impact Assessment of all above proposed Refer EIA report chapter 4, 6 and 10
four sectors (ICTT, Greenfield International Airport,
Township and Area Development and 450 MVA Gas
and Solar Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page
17 of 18 based power plant) to be undertaken keeping
 TOR clause Compliance
in focus ecological and environmental impacts on Great
Nicobar Island
2 Detailed freshwater requirement and augmentation Included in chapter 2 of the EIA report
plan, its impact and mitigation plan on native,
endangered and endemic freshwater flora and fauna to
be developed for all above four sectors.
3 Public hearing: It should be ensured that tribes such as All provisions for seeking EC and CRZ
Shompen and Nicobarese and anthropological approval as per statutory provision are
organisations well versed in communication with and being complied with.
involved in welfare of Shompen and Nicobarese are
adequately represented in the Public Hearing. Details
of the same to be provided in EIA-EMP of all above four
sectors.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
i The EIA document shall be printed on both sides, as for Complied
as possible.
ii All documents should be properly indexed, page Complied
numbered.
iii Period/date of data collection should be clearly Complied, refer annexure V
indicated.
iv Authenticated English translation of all material Complied
provided in Regional languages.
v The letter/application for EC should quote the Complied
MoEF&CC File No. and also attach a copy of the letter
prescribing the TOR.
vi The copy of the letter received from the Ministry on the Complied, refer annexure XI
TOR prescribed for the project should be attached as an
annexure to the final EIA-EMP Report.
vii The final EIA-EMP report submitted to the Ministry Complied
must incorporate the issues in TOR and that raised in
Public Hearing. The index of the final EIAEMP report,
must indicate the specific chapter and page no. of the
EIA-EMP Report where the specific TOR prescribed by
Ministry and the issue raised in the P.H. have been
incorporated. Questionnaire related to the project
(posted on MoEF&CC website) with all sections duly
filled in shall also be submitted at the time of applying
for EC.
viii Grant of TOR does not mean grant of EC. Noted
ix Grant of TOR/EC to the present project does not mean Noted
grant of approvals in other regulations such as the
Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 or the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972.
x Grant of EC is also subject to Circulars and Office Noted
Memorandum issued under the EIA Notification 2006
and subsequent amendments, which are available on
the MoEF&CC website: www.envfor.nic.in.
 TOR clause Compliance
xi The status of accreditation of the EIA consultant with Details included in chapter 12 of the
NABET/QCI shall be specifically mentioned. The EIA report
consultant shall certify that his accreditation is for the
sector for which this EIA is prepared.
xii On the front page of EIA/EMP reports, the name of the Complied
consultant/consultancy firm along with their complete
details including their accreditation, if any shall be
indicated. The consultant while submitting the
EIA/EMP report shall give an undertaking to the effect
that the prescribed TOR (TOR proposed by the project
proponent and additional TOR given by the MoEF) have
been complied with and the data submitted is factually
correct (Refer MoEF office memorandum dated 4th
August 2009).
xiii While submitting the EIA/EMP reports, the name of the Noted and included in chapter 12 of
experts associated with/involved in the preparation of the EIA report
these reports and the laboratories through which the
samples have been got analysed should be stated in the
report. It shall clearly be indicated whether these
laboratories are approved under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 and the rules made there under
(Please refer MoEF office memorandum dated 4th
August, 2009). The project Coordinator of the EIA study
shall also be mentioned.
xiv All the TOR points as presented before EAC shall be Complied
covered.
ANNEXURE II
 रजिस्ट्री सं. डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99

सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-29102020-222814
xxxGIDHxxx
CG-DL-E-29102020-222814
xxxGIDExxx

असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग II—खण्ड 3—उप-खण्ड (ii)
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii)
प्राजधकार से प्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

सं. 3419] नई दिल्ली, बुधवार, अक्तूबर 28, 2020/कार्ताक 6, 1942

No. 3419] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020/KARTIKA 6, 1942

पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु पररवतान मंत्रालर्

अजधसूचना

नई दिल्ली, 28 अक्तूबर, 2020

का.आ. 3873(अ).—अजधसूचना का जनम्नजलजखत प्रारुप, जिसे के न्द्रीर् सरकार, पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म,
1986 (1986 का 29) की धारा 3 की उपधारा (2) के खंड (v) और खंड (xiv) तथा उपधारा (3) के साथ परित उपधारा
(1) द्वारा प्रित्त िजिर्ों का प्रर्ोग करते हुए, िारी करने का प्रस्ट्ताव करती है को, पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) जनर्मावली 1986
के जनर्म 5 के उपजनर्म (3) की अपेक्षानुसार, िनसाधारण की िानकारी के जलए प्रकाजित दकर्ा िाता है जिनके उससे
प्रभाजवत होने की संभावना है, और र्ह सूजचत दकर्ा िाता है दक उि प्रारूप अजधसूचना पर, उस तारीख से, जिसको इस
अजधसूचना को अंतर्वाष्ट करने वाले भारत के रािपत्र की प्रजतर्ां िनसाधारण को उपलब्ध करा िी िाती हैं, साि दिन
की अवजध की समाजि पर र्ा उसके पश्चात् जवचार दकर्ा िाएगा;

ऐसा कोई व्यजि, िो प्रारूप अजधसूचना में अंतर्वाष्ट प्रस्ट्तावों के संबंध में कोई आपजत्त र्ा सुझाव िेने का इच्छु क है,
वह जवजनर्िाष्ट अवजध के भीतर, के न्द्रीर् सरकार द्वारा जवचार दकए िाने के जलए अपनी आपजत्त र्ा सुझाव सजचव,
पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु पररवतान मंत्रालर्, इं दिरा पर्ाावरण भवन, िोर बाग रोड, अलीगंि, नई दिल्ली-110003
को जलजखत रूप में र्ा ई-मेल esz-mef@nic.in पर भेि सकता है।

5258 GI/2020 (1)

2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

प्रारूप अजधसूचना

और, कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान का क्षेत्रफल 426.23 वर्ग ककलोम़ीटर में फै ला हुआ है और अंडमान एवं
ननकोबार द्व़ीप के ननकोबार निला में ग्रेट ननकोबार द्व़ीप के उत्तर कें द्ऱीय भार् में नथित है। क्षेत्र वनथपनत और ि़ीविंतु की
समृद्ध और नवनवधता का वास है निसमें कई थिाननक पौधों और पशुओं को प्रश्रय देने वाल़ी तट़ीय और मैंग्रोव
पाररनथिनतकी प्रणानलयां शानमल हैं;

और, कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान अनधसूचना संख्या िे-22010/14/89-स़ीएसस़ी, द्वारा 13 िनवऱी, 1989,
से ि़ीवमंडल ररज़वग के बफर िोन के रूप में संरनक्षत वन से निरा हुआ ग्रेट ननकोबार ि़ीवमंडल ररज़वग का कोर क्षेत्र है और
2013 में यूनेथको द्वारा नवश्व धरोहर थिल भ़ी िोनित ककया र्या िा;

और, संरनक्षत क्षेत्र में 5 बाहरमास़ी नकदयां है, िो संरनक्षत क्षेत्र के अंतर्गत 2106 फीट (642 म़ीटर) तक ऊंच़ी
चोट़ी वाले, माउं ट थूल्लीर्र से ननकलत़ी हैं और ग्रेट ननकोबार द्व़ीप में तािे िल की आवश्यकता के नलए महत्वपूणग िल
ग्रहण क्षेत्र है। महत्वपूणग नकदयों में र्लानिया नद़ी सभ़ी में सबसे बड़ी और सबसे चौड़ी है िो कक दनक्षण में र्लनिया खाड़ी
िात़ी है, िुबल़ी नद़ी उत्तर की ओर बहत़ी है, अलेक्संडर, डर्मर और अमृत कौर पनिम की ओर बहत़ी है;

और, कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान की वनथपनत भू-मध्यरे खा के ननकटतम होने के कारण इसकी उष्णकरटबंध़ीय
आद्रग िलवायु, क्षेत्र की द्व़ीप़ीय प्रकृ नत, द्व़ीपों के भौनतक अलर्ाव और दनक्षण-पनिम और उत्तर-पूवग दोनों मॉनसून के
प्रभाव के कारण अद्भुत है िो कक िनत्व वृनद्ध और नवनवध वनथपनत का कवर प्रदान करता है;

और, कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान में वनथपनत नवश्व में सबसे अच्छे संरनक्षत उष्णकरटबंध़ीय विाग वनों में एक है
और अपऩी भौर्ोनलक नथिनत और भौनतक अलर्ाव के कारण उच्च थतर की थिाननकता को दशागता है। राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान के
इं डो-च़ीन और इं डो-मालायन क्षेत्रों से भ़ी िटक हैं। 422 िेनेरा और 142 पररवारों से संबंनधत क्षेत्र से वनथपनत की
लर्भर् 648 प्रिानतयां ररपोटग की र्ई है, निसमें से थिाननक वनथपनत की 48 प्रिानतयां और र्ैर-थिाननक वनथपनत की
85 प्रिानतयां दुलगभ और लुप्तप्राय है। निमनोथपमगस् 3 िेनेरा और 3 पररवारों से संबंनधत 4 प्रिानतयों का प्रनतनननधत्व
करता है। पेट्रोडोफाइरटक समूह 77 प्रिानतयों से युक्त पौधों की नवनवधता और समृद्धता के अच्छे नवथतार में सहायक है
निसमें आंतररक वनों के पहाड़ी ढलानों के साि वनथपनत का मुख्य भार् फनग वृक्ष से संिरटत है;

और, कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान ज्वाऱीय दलदल वन (मैंग्रोव वन), तट वन (समुद्र तट वन), ननचला थतर
सदाहररत वन (कोरल ऱीफ वन), उष्णकरटबंध़ीय सदाहररत वन (टु रू उष्णकरटबंध़ीय वन), दनक्षण़ी पहाड़ी-नशखर
सदाहररत वन और फनग ब्रेक से युक्त है। राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान में इयूफोरनबयाककया, रूनबयककया, अरे काककया, आर्कग डाककया और
थयपेराककया और पोआककया और अन्नोनाककया पररवारों के सदथय उच्च प्रनतनननधत्व दशागते हैं। क्षेत्र की वनथपनतयााँ की
नवनशष्टता इस प्रकार देख़ी िा सकत़ी है कक मेलाथटोमाटाककया की िेनेरा ओटेंिरे ा और एथट्रोननया, थरोफु लाररयाककया के
सराईटड्रोनमया, िेस्नेररयाककया के साइरटेंड्र, इकाकीनाककया के थटेमोनुरूस, ऑर्कग डाककया के अरे काककया और
थपािोर्लोट्ट़ीस से रहोपलोब्लाथटे और कई और प्रिानतयां इन क्षेत्रों की थिाननक प्रिानतयां हैं;

और, क्षेत्र में थिाननक वनथपनत प्रिानतयां नवद्यमान है निसमें वृक्ष फनों िैसे सफाईरोप्टेररस एल्बो-सेताके या
(कर्िेया एल्बो-सेताके या) और सफाईरोप्टेररस ननकोबाररका (कयािेया ननकोबाररका) शानमल हैं। क्षेत्र में अन्य थिाननक
वनथपनत प्रिानतयों में प्रोनेपहररर्म नाकाइके यइम, अटागबोटॉर्स ननकोबाररअनुस, उवररया ननकोबाररका, नचसोचेटोन
ननकोबाररअनुस, ननकोबाररओ डेंड्रोंसलेयमेऱी, कोन्नारूस ननकोबाररकस, ओटांिरे ा ननकोबारें नसस, ओकफआरर्हगिा
इं फुंनडबुलाररस, ओकफओरर्हगिा ननकोबाररका, िानथमनुम सयर्रिं नर्फोनलयम, नचलोकापुगस डेनड
ु ाटु स वार, ननकोबाररकस,
र्ेननअंिुस होरे इ, कयरटांड्रोइनमया ननकोबाररका, कीरतंद्रा बुरट्ट़ी, कीयरतांड्रा ओक्कीडेंटानलस, नोिोफोइबे ननकोबाररकस
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3

कलेइथटांिुस बालाकररसनानन, टरोर्ोनोथटेमोन नवल्लोसुस वार, ननकोबाररकस, एररडेस इमेररकी, अनोइकटोनचलुस

ननकोबाररकस, डेंड्रोनबयम शोम्पेनन, हॉनगथटेनडया फें िल़ी, फरयननयम पाननकु लातम, कलामुस ननकोबाररकस,
रहोपालोबालाथटे और्ुथटाटा, अग्लाओनेमा ननकोबाररकम, होमालोमेना नग्रनफफि़ी वार, ओवाटे पाई िात़ी हैं;

और, क्षेत्र के मैंग्रोव वनों में उच्च उवगर पाररनथिनतकी प्रणानलयां है और कई पाररनथिनतकीय करयाएं है। क्षेतर् से
मैंग्रोव की 14 प्रिानतयां अिागत् रह़ीिोफोरा अनपकु लाटा, बरूर्ुइरा र्यम्नोरर्हगिा,सोन्नेरारटया कासेओलाररस, आकद
अनभनलनखत की र्ई है। क्षेत्र के अन्य महत्त्वपूणग वनथपनत में बेल और कठलता िैसे डेर्रग स राइफोजलर्ाटा, सारकोलोबुस
र्लोबोसुस,कफनलायसोननया ओबोवाटा, इफाइट़ीक फनग और ऑककड अिागत् एथपलेननयम ननडु स, डेंड्रोजबर्म क्रुमेनाटम
और टररचोर्लोरट्टस नचरर्हगफेरा शानमल है। संरनक्षत क्षेत्र में संभानवत और आर्िगक रूप से महत्त्वपूणग प्रिानतयां निसमें
नयपा फरूरटकनस और वाननल्ला अंडमाननका शानमल हैं प्रचुर मात्रा में उर्त़ी हैं;

और, कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान से ि़ीविंतु की कु ल 330 प्रिानतयां अनभनलनखत की र्ई है निसमें
थतनधाररयों (3 मऱीन थतनधाऱी सनहत) की 28 प्रिानतयां, पनक्षयों की 97 प्रिानतयां, सऱीसृपों की 23 प्रिानतयां,
उभयचरों की 10 प्रिानतयां, नततनलयों की 52 प्रिानतयां, ऑडोनोट्स की 24 प्रिानतयां, मकनडयों की 20 प्रिानतयां और
िल़ीय हेम़ीप्ट्ट्रेनस् की 76 प्रिानतयां शानमल हैं;

और, कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान वन्यि़ीव की नवशेि नवनवधता के नलए िाना िाता है, राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान से
मुख्य संकटापन्न और थिाननक ि़ीविंतु ननकोबार रै ब ईटटंर् मैकाक्यू (मकाका फनथककु लाररस उम्बरोसा), ननकोबार
वन्यि़ीव सूअर (सस स्ट्क्रोफा ननकोबाररका), डु र्ोंर् (डु र्ोंर् डु र्ोन), ननकोबार ट्ऱी श्रेव (तुपाइया ननकोबाररका
ननकोबाररका), ननकोबार फलांइर् लोमड़ी (पटेरोपुस फौनुलुस), थपाइऩी श्रेव (करोककडु रा ननकोबाररका) और ननकोबार
नोज्ड (नहप्ट्पोनसडेरोस अटेर ननकोबारूलेया), रे ट (रत्तुस बुरेथके न्स), (रत्तुस बुरूगस), (रत्तुस पुनल्लवेंटेर), (रत्तुस पाल्मारूम),
ननकोबार नपनपथट्रेल्ले (नपनपथट्रेल्लुस कामोटेया), अंडमान वाटर मॉननटर (वारानुस सल्वाटोर अंडमानेंनसस), नतवाऱी
र्ाडगन नलिागड (कलोटेस डाननइनल), इथचूराइन मगरमच्छ (रोकोनडलुस पोरोसस), अनभनलनखत ककए र्ए है;

और, संरनक्षत क्षेत्र के सम़ीपवती समुद्र तट जर्ांइट लैिर बैक कछु आ (डेमोचेल्यस कोररअके या), ओनलव ररडले
कछु आ (लेनपडोचेल्यस ओनलवाके या), ग्ऱीन स़ी कछु आ (चेलोननया मायदास) के नलए महत्त्वपूणग बसेरा थिलों में से एक है;

और, क्षेत्र में महत्त्वपूणग थिाननक पक्ष़ी प्रिानतयों में ननकोबार बाि नबटनग (र्ोरसानचउस मेलानोफु स
माइनर),ननकोबार कोयल डव (माररोपयनर्या रूकफपेंननस रूकफपेनन्नस),ननकोबार इमेराल्ड डव (चाल्कोफाप्ट्स इं नडका
और्ुथटा), ग्रेट ननकोबार रे थटेड सरपेंट ईर्ल (नथपलोरननस कलोनथसस), ननकोबार पेराडाइस फ्लाईकै चर (टेररनसपोन
पेराडाइस ननकोबाररका), अंडमान थ्ऱी टोइड ककं गदफिर (के यक्स इररिाकस मारोकरूस), ननकोबार थटोकनबल्लेड
ककं गदफिर (पेलारर्ोनप्ट्सस कापेंनसस), ननकोबार वाइट-कोल्लारे ड ककं गदफिर (हलकयोन चलोररस ओकक्कनपटानलस),
अंडमान कोयल(इयडयनामयस थकोलोपाके या डोलोसा), ननकोबार मेर्ापोडे (मेर्ापोनडयस ननकोबाररइं नसस), ननकोबार
नहल मैना (ग्राकु ला रे नलनर्ओसा हानलबरे कटा), ननकोबार बैक-नापेड ओररओले (ओररओलुस नचनेंनसस मारोउरूस),
ननकोबार थकोपस ओवल (ओटुस थकोपस ननकोबाररकस), बल्यिस ननकोबार पैराककट(पनसट्टाकु ला काननके पस),ननकोबार
रे डच़ीकड पैराकीट (पनसट्टाकु ला लोंनर्कउडा ननकोबार), ननकोबार कबूतर (कै लोजनर्स जनकोबाररका जनकोबाररका),
जनकोबार ग्रीन िाही कबूतर (डु कुला एनेर्ा जनकोबाररका), कटचेल जिकरा (एदकजपटर बैजिर्स ऑब्सोलेटस), ननकोबार
वाइट आई (जोस्ट्टरोप्स पाल्पेबरोस अननकोबाररका), अंडमान ग्लॉसी स्ट्टेर्र (एप्लॉजनस पैनर्ेजन्द्सस टाइटलरी), जनकोबार
ऑजलव बैकड सनबडा (नेकररननया िुर्ुलाररस कलोनथस), ननकोबार यल्लो बैकड सनबडग (एथोपेगा जसपारािा
ननकोबाररका), अंडमान ग्रे रूम्पेड जस्ट्वफ्टलेट (कोल्लोकानलया फु ककफार्ा इनेक्पेकटाटा), वाइट बेल्ल़ीड जस्ट्वफ्टलेट
(कोल्लोकानलया इथकु लेंटा अनफफननस), जनकोबार ग्राउं ड थ्रि (जोथेरा जसरीन एल्बोगुलररस), आकद नवद्यमान हैं;
4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

और, कै म्पबेल खाडी राष्ट्रीर् उद्यान संवेदनश़ील िनिानत समूहों, में से एक िनिानत शोम्पेन का वास थिल है,
िो कक नशकार करने और संचयन करने के चरण में है और वन संसाधन पर पूऱी तरह से ननभगर है कै म्पबेल खाडी राष्ट्रीर्
उद्यान सनहत पाररनथिनतकी संवेद़ी िोन को अंडमान एवं ननकोबार (आकदकाल़ीन िनिानतयों का संरक्षण) नवननयमन,
1956 की धारा 3 के अध़ीन आकदवास़ी ररज़वग के रूप में अनधसूनचत ककया र्या, निसमें वह अंडमान एवं ननकोबार
(आकदकाल़ीन िनिानतयों का संरक्षण) नवननयमन, 1956 और वन्यि़ीव (संरक्षण) अनधननयम,1972 की धारा 65 के
अध़ीन वन संसाधनों पर उन्मुक्त अनधकारों का प्रयोर् करते हैं;

और, कृ नि उद्देश्यों के नलए भूनम के आबंटन और ररज़वग क्षेत्र के अंतर्गत ककस़ी भ़ी भूनम में ककस़ी भ़ी ब्याि का
अनधग्रहण या ऐस़ी भूनम पर उत्पाकदत फसलों को अंडमान और ननकोबार (आकदकाल़ीन िनिानतयों का संरक्षण)
नवननयमन, 1956 की धारा 4 और धारा 6 के अध़ीन नवननयनमत ककया िाता है;

और, ररज़वग क्षेत्र में आकदकाल़ीन िनिानत के ककस़ी व्यनक्त के अलावा या आकदकाल़ीन िनिानत के सदथयों के
अलावा व्यनक्तयों की ककस़ी श्रेण़ी के प्रवेश का नवननयमन पूवोक्त नवननयम की धारा 7 के अध़ीन ककया िाएर्ा। इसके
अनतररक्त, नबरी, नवननमय, बंधक, पट्टे या अन्यिा द्वारा का आकदकाल़ीन िनिानत के सदथय के अलावा ककस़ी अन्य व्यनक्त
को हथतांतरण अंडमान एवं ननकोबार (आकदकाल़ीन िनिानतयों का संरक्षण) नवननयमन, 1956 की धारा 5 के अध़ीन
नवननयनमत ककया िाएर्ा और ग्रेट ननकोबार द्व़ीप की शोम्पेन िानत संबंध़ी ऩीनत-2015 द्वारा सामानिक, सांथकृ नतक और
आर्िगक अखंडता, समुदाय की सुरक्षा, सामुदानयक कल्याण को प्रकट करने के साि-साि प्राकृ नतक वास की सुरक्षा
ननदेनशत होत़ी है;

और, कै म्पबेल खाडी राष्ट्रीर् उद्यान के चारों ओर के क्षेत्र को, जिसका जवस्ट्तार और सीमाएं इस अजधसूचना के
पैराग्राफ 1 में जवजनर्िाष्ट हैं, पाररजस्ट्थजतकी, पर्ाावरणीर् और िैव-जवजवधता की िृजष्ट से पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के रूप
में सुरजक्षत और संरजक्षत करना तथा उि पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में उद्योगों र्ा उद्योगों की श्रेजणर्ों के प्रचालन तथा
प्रसंस्ट्करण को प्रजतजिद्ध करना आवश्र्क है;

अतः अब, के न्द्रीर् सरकार, पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) जनर्मावली, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के उपजनर्म (3) के साथ परित
पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 (1986 का 29) (जिसे इसमें इसके पश्चात् पर्ाावरण अजधजनर्म कहा गर्ा है) की
उपधारा (1) तथा धारा 3 की उपधारा (2) के खंड (v) और खंड (xiv) एवं उपधारा (3) के द्वारा प्रित्त िजिर्ों का प्रर्ोग
करते हुए, कें र िाजसत प्रिेि अंडमान और जनकोबार द्वीप समूह के कै म्पबेल खाडी राष्ट्रीर् उद्यान की सीमा के चारों ओर 0
(िून्द्र्) से 1 दकलोमीटर तक क्षेत्र 65.81 वगा दकलोमीटर तक के साथ जवस्ट्ताररत कै म्पबेल खाडी राष्ट्रीर् उद्यान क्षेत्र को
पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन (जिसे इसमें इसके पश्चात् पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन कहा गर्ा है) के रूप में अजधसूजचत
करती है, जिसका जववरण जनम्नानुसार है, अथाात् :-

1. पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवि
े ी िोन का जवस्ट्तार और सीमा.-(1) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन का जवस्ट्तार कै म्पबेल खाडी
राष्ट्रीर् उद्यान की सीमा के चारों ओर 0 (िून्द्र्) से 1 दकलोमीटर तक जवस्ट्तृत है और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन का
क्षेत्रफल 65.81 वगा दकलोमीटर है। िून्द्र् जवस्ट्तार कै म्पबेल खाडी राष्ट्रीर् उद्यान की सीमा के कारण है िो दक बंगाल
की खाडी की सीमा के साथ है।

(2) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन की सीमा का जववरण और जवस्ट्तार अनुलग्नक–I के रूप में संलग्न है।

(3) भू-जनिेिांकों, सैटेलाइट जचत्र और अवस्ट्थान मानजचत्र के साथ कै म्पबेल खाडी राष्ट्रीर् उद्यान के पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी
िोन का मानजचत्र अनुलग्नक –IIक-ग के रूप में संलग्न हैं।

(4) कै म्पबेल खाडी राष्ट्रीर् उद्यान की सीमा और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के भू-जनिेिांकों की सूची अनुलग्नक -III की
सारणी क और ख के रूप में संलग्न हैं।
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 5

(5) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के अंतगात कोई रािस्ट्व ग्राम जस्ट्थत नहीं है। तिानप 2004 की सूनामी से बुरी तरह
प्रभाजवत होने के कारण कोंडु ल आदिवासी ग्राम के जनकोबाररर्ों को सूनाम़ी के बाद कोंडु ल द्वीप से कै म्पबेल खाडी राष्ट्रीर्
उद्यान के उत्तर-पजश्चमी भाग में अफरा खाडी में बसार्ा गर्ा।

े ी िोन के जलए आंचजलक महार्ोिना.–(1) संि राजर् सरकार, द्वारा पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के
2. पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवि
प्रर्ोिन के जलए, रािपत्र में अंजतम अजधसूचना के प्रकािन की तारीख से िो विा की अवजध के भीतर, स्ट्थानीर् व्यजिर्ों
के परामिा से और इस अजधसूचना में दिए गए अनुबंधों का पालन करते हुए, कें र िाजसत राज्य के सक्षम प्राजधकारी के
अनुमोिनाथा एक आंचजलक महार्ोिना बनाई िार्ेगी।

(2) कें र िाजसत प्रिेि द्वारा पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के जलए आचंजलक महार्ोिना इस अजधसूचना में जवजनर्िाष्ट रीजत
से तथा प्रासंजगक कें रीर् और राजर् जवजधर्ों के अनुरूप तथा कें र सरकार द्वारा िारी दििा जनिेिों, र्दि कोई हों, के
अनुसार बनार्ी िाएगी।

(3) आंचजलक महार्ोिना में पाररजस्ट्थजतकी और पर्ाावरण संबंधी सरोकारों को िाजमल करने के जलए इसे कें र िाजसत
सरकार के जनम्नजलजखत जवभागों के परामिा से बनार्ा िाएगा, अथाात्:-

(i) पर्ाावरण और वन;

(ii) िनिानत कल्र्ाण जवभाग;

(iii) कृ जि;

(iv) पिुपालन;

(v) अंडमान लोक जनमााण जवभाग;

(vi) रािस्ट्व;

(vii) मत्सस्ट्र्; और

(viii) अंडमान एवं लक्षद्वीप बंिरगाह जनमााण (एएलएचडब्ल्र्ू) और अन्द्र् अनुसंधान संगिन।

(4) िब तक इस अजधसूचना में जवजनर्िाष्ट न हो, आंचजलक महार्ोिना में वतामान में अनुमोदित भू-उपर्ोग, अवसंरचना
और दक्रर्ाकलापों पर कोई प्रजतबंध नहीं लगार्ा िाएगा तथा आंचजलक महार्ोिना में सभी अवसंरचनाओं और
दक्रर्ाकलापों में सुधार करके उन्द्हे अजधक िक्ष और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी-अनुकूल बनाने की व्यवस्ट्था की िाएगी।

(5) आंचजलक महार्ोिना में वनरजहत और अवक्रजमत क्षेत्रों के सुधार, जवद्यमान िल जनकार्ों के संरक्षण, िलग्रहण क्षेत्रों
के प्रबंधन, िल-संभरों के प्रबंधन, भू-िल के प्रबंधन, मृिा और नमी के संरक्षण, स्ट्थानीर् िनता की आवश्र्कताओं तथा
पाररजस्ट्थजतकी एवं पर्ाावरण के ऐसे अन्द्र् पहलुओं की व्यवस्ट्था की िाएगी जिन पर ध्र्ान दिर्ा िाना आवश्र्क है।

(6) आंचजलक महार्ोिना ग्रेट जनकोबार द्वीप-2015 के िोम्पेन िनिाजत संबंध़ी नीजत और अंडमान एवं जनकोबार
(आदिकालीन िनिाजतर्ों का संरक्षण) जवजनर्मन, 1956 में दकए गए प्रावधानों को ध्र्ान में रखते हुए तैर्ार की
िाएऱ्ी।
(7) आंचजलक महार्ोिना द्वारा पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में होने वाले जवकास का जवजनर्मन दकर्ा िाएगा और ग्रेट
जनकोबार द्वीप-2015 के िोम्पेन िनिाजत संबंध़ी नीजत में प्रजतष्ठाजपत और अंडमान एवं जनकोबार (आदिकालीन
िनिाजतर्ों का संरक्षण) जवजनर्मन, 1956 में दकए गए प्रावधानों को जविेि रूप से संवेिनिील िनिाजत समूह
(पीवीटीिी) के बचाव, सुरक्षा और कल्र्ाण को ध्र्ान में रखते हुए पैराग्राफ 4 में सारण़ी में सूच़ीबद्ध प्रनतनिद्ध,
नवननयनमत कायगकलापों का पालन ककया िाएर्ा।
6 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

(8) आंचजलक महार्ोिना में सभी जवद्यमान पूिा स्ट्थलों, ग्रामों एवं िहरी बजस्ट्तर्ों, वनों की श्रेजणर्ों एवं दकस्ट्मों, कृ जि
क्षेत्रों, उपिाऊ भूजम, उद्यानों एवं उद्यानों की तरह के हररत क्षेत्रों, बागवानी क्षेत्रों, बगीचों, झीलों और अन्द्र् िल जनकार्ों
की सीमा का सहार्क मानजचत्र के साथ जनधाारण दकर्ा िाएगा और मौिूिा और प्रस्ट्ताजवत भू-उपर्ोग की जविेिताओं
का ब्र्ौरा भी दिर्ा िाएगा।

(9) आंचजलक महार्ोिना में पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में होने वाले जवकास का जवजनर्मन दकर्ा िाएगा और पैराग्राफ
4 में सारणी में र्थासूचीबद्ध प्रजतजिद्ध एवं जवजनर्जमत दक्रर्ाकलापों का पालन दकर्ा िाएगा। इसमें स्ट्थानीर् िनता की
आिीजवका की सुरक्षा के जलए पाररजस्ट्थजतकी-अनुकूल जवकास का भी सुजनश्चर् एवं संवधान दकर्ा िाएगा।

(10) आंचजलक महार्ोिना, क्षेत्रीर् जवकास र्ोिना की सह-काजलक होगी ।

(11) अनुमोदित आंचजलक महार्ोिना, जनगरानी सजमजत के जलए एक संिभा िस्ट्तावेि होगी तादक वह इस अजधसूचना के
उपबंधों के अनुसार जनगरानी के अपने कताव्यों का जनवाहन कर सके ।

3. कें र िाजसत प्रिेि द्वारा दकए िाने वाले उपार्.- कें र िाजसत प्रिेि अजधसूचना के उपबंधों को प्रभावी बनाने के जलए
जनम्नजलजखत उपार् करे गी, अथाात्:-

(1) भू-उपर्ोग.– (क) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में वनों, बागवानी क्षेत्रों, कृ जि क्षेत्रों, मनोरं िन के जलए जचजन्द्हत उद्यानों
और खुले स्ट्थानों का वृहि वाजणजजर्क र्ा आवासीर् पररसरों र्ा औद्योजगक दक्रर्ाकलापों के जलए प्रर्ोग र्ा संपररवतान
अनुमजत नहीं दकर्ा िाएगा:

परं तु पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के भीतर भाग (क), में जवजनर्िाष्ट प्रर्ोिन से जभन्न प्रर्ोिन के जलए कृ जि और अन्द्र्
भूजम का संपररवतान, जनगरानी सजमजत की जसफाररि पर और सक्षम प्राजधकारी के पूवा अनुमोिन से क्षेत्रीर् नगर र्ोिना
अजधजनर्म तथा र्था लागू के न्द्रीर् सरकार एवं कें र िाजसत सरकार के अन्द्र् जनर्मों एवं जवजनर्मों के अधीन तथा इस
अजधसूचना के उपबंधों के अनुसार स्ट्थानीर् जनवाजसर्ों की जनम्नजलजखत आवासीर् िरूरतों को पूरा करने के जलए अनुमत
दकर्ा िाएगा िैसे:-

(i) जवद्यमान सडकों को चौडा करना, उन्द्हें सुिढ़ृ करना और नई सडकों का जनमााण करना;

(ii) बुजनर्ािी ढांचों और नागररक सुजवधाओं का संजनमााण और नवीकरण;

(iii) प्रिूिण उत्सपन्न न करने वाले लघु उद्योग;

(iv) कु टीर उद्योग एवं ग्राम उद्योग; पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पर्ाटन में सहार्क सुजवधा भण्डार, और स्ट्थानीर् सुजवधाएं तथा गृह
वास; और

(v) पैराग्राफ-4 में उजल्लजखत बढ़ावा दिए गए दक्रर्ाकलापः

परं तु र्ह भी दक क्षेत्रीर् िहरी जनर्ोिन अजधजनर्म के अधीन सक्षम प्राजधकारी के पूवा अनुमोिन के जबना तथा
राजर् सरकार के अन्द्र् जनर्मों एवं जवजनर्मों एवं संजवधान के अनुच्छे ि 244 के उपबंधों तथा तत्ससमर् प्रवृत्त जवजध,
जिसके अंतगात अनुसूजचत िनिाजत और अन्द्र् परं परागत वन जनवासी (वन अजधकारों की मान्द्र्ता) अजधजनर्म, 2006
(2007 का 2) भी आता है, का अनुपालन दकए जबना वाजणजजर्क र्ा औद्योजगक जवकास दक्रर्ाकलापों के जलए िनिातीर्
भूजम का प्रर्ोग अनुमत नहीं होगा:

अंडमान एवं जनकोबार (आदिकालीन िनिाजतर्ों का संरक्षण) जवजनर्मन, 1956 की धारा 4,5 और 6 में दकए
गए प्रावधानों के अनुसार भूजम उपर्ोग को जवजनर्जमत दकर्ा िाएगा:
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 7

परं तु र्ह भी दक पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के अंतगात आने वाली भूजम के अजभलेखों में हुई दकसी त्रुरट को,
जनगरानी सजमजत के जवचार प्राि करने के पश्चात्, संि राजर् सरकार द्वारा प्रत्सर्ेक मामले में एक बार सुधारा िाएगा और
उि त्रुरट को सुधारने की सूचना कें रीर् सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु पररवतान मंत्रालर् को िी िाएगी:

परं तु र्ह भी दक उपर्ुाि त्रुरट को सुधारने में, इस उप-पैरा में र्था उपबंजधत के जसवार्, दकसी भी ििा में भू-
उपर्ोग का पररवतान िाजमल नहीं होगा।
(ख) अनुप्रर्ुि र्ा अनुत्सपािक कृ जि क्षेत्रों में पुन: वनीकरण तथा पर्ाावासों की बहाली के प्रर्ास दकए िाएंगे।

(2) प्राकृ जतक िल स्रोत.- सभी प्राकृ जतक िलमागों के िलग्रहण क्षेत्रों की पहचान की िाएगी और आंचजलक महार्ोिना
में उनके संरक्षण और बहाली की र्ोिना सजम्मजलत की िाएगी और कें र िाजसत सरकार द्वारा दििा-जनिेि इस रीजत से
तैर्ार दकए िाएंगे दक उसमें ऐसे क्षेत्रों में र्ा उसके पास जवकास दक्रर्ाकलापों को प्रजतजिद्ध और जनबंजधत दकर्ा गर्ा हो ।

(3) पर्ाटन एवं पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पर्ाटन.– (क) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में सभी नए पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पर्ाटन दक्रर्ाकलाप
र्ा जवद्यमान पर्ाटन दक्रर्ाकलापों का जवस्ट्तार पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन संबंधी पर्ाटन महार्ोिना के अनुसार अनुमत
होगा।
(ख) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पर्ाटन महार्ोिना कें र िाजसत सरकार के पर्ाावरण और वन जवभाग के परामिा से पर्ाटन जवभाग
द्वारा बनार्ी िाएगी।
(ग) पर्ाटन महार्ोिना आंचजलक महार्ोिना का घटक होगी।
(घ) पर्ाटन महार्ोिना पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन की वहन क्षमता के आधार पर तैर्ार की िार्ेगी।
(ङ) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पर्ाटन संबंधी दक्रर्ाकलाप जनम्नानुसार जवजनर्जमत दकए िाएंग,े अथाात:् -

(i) संरजक्षत क्षेत्र की सीमा से एक दकलोमीटर के भीतर र्ा पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन की सीमा तक, इनमें से
िो भी अजधक जनकट हो, दकसी होटल र्ा ररिॉटा का नर्ा सजन्नमााण अनुमत नहीं दकर्ा िाएगाः
परं तु र्ह, पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पर्ाटन सुजवधाओं के जलए संरजक्षत क्षेत्र की सीमा से एक दकलोमीटर की िूरी
से परे पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन की सीमा तक पूवा पररभाजित और अभीजहत क्षेत्रों में पर्ाटन महार्ोिना के
अनुसार, नए होटलों और ररिॉटा की स्ट्थापना अनुमत होगी;

(ii) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के अन्द्िर सभी नए पर्ाटन दक्रर्ा-कलापों र्ा जवद्यमान पर्ाटन दक्रर्ाकलापों का
जवस्ट्तार, के न्द्रीर् सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु पररवतान मंत्रालर् द्वारा िारी दििाजनिेिों तथा
पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पर्ाटन, पाररजस्ट्थजतकी-जवकास और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी-जिक्षा पर बल िेने वाले राष्ट्रीर् व्याघ्र संरक्षण
प्राजधकरण द्वारा िारी पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पर्ाटन संबंधी दििाजनिेिों (समर्-समर् पर र्था संिोजधत) के अनुसार
होगा;

(iii) आंचजलक महार्ोिना का अनुमोिन होने तक, पर्ाटन के जवकास और जवद्यमान पर्ाटन दक्रर्ाकलापों के
जवस्ट्तार को वास्ट्तजवक स्ट्थल-जवजिष्ट संवीक्षा तथा जनगरानी सजमजत की जसफाररि के आधार पर संबंजधत
जवजनर्ामक प्राजधकरणों द्वारा अनुमत दकर्ा िाएगा और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में दकसी नए होटल/ ररिॉटा
र्ा वाजणजजर्क प्रजतष्ठान का संजन्नमााण अनुमत नहीं होगा ।

(4) प्राकृ जतक जवरासत.– पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के अंतगात आने वाले बहुमूल्र् प्राकृ जतक जवरासत के सभी स्ट्थलों िैसे
दक िीन पूल ररिवा क्षेत्र, िैल संरचना, िल प्रपात, झरने, िरे , उपवन, गुफाएं, स्ट्थल, वनपथ, रोहण मागा, उत्सप्रपात आदि
की पहचान की िाएगी और उनकी सुरक्षा एवं संरक्षण के जलए आंचजलक महार्ोिना के भाग के रूप में एक जवरासत
संरक्षण र्ोिना बनार्ी िाएगी।
8 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

(5) मानव जनर्मात जवरासत स्ट्थल.- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में भवनों, संरचनाओं, कलाकृ जत-क्षेत्रों तथा ऐजतहाजसक,
स्ट्थापत्सर् संबधी, सौंिर्ाात्समक और सांस्ट्कृ जतक महत्सव के क्षेत्रों की पहचान की िाएगी और उनके संरक्षण के जलए आंचजलक
महार्ोिना के भाग के रूप में एक जवरासत संरक्षण र्ोिना बनार्ी िाएगी।
(6) ध्वजन प्रिूिण.- पर्ाावरण अजधजनर्म के अधीन ध्वजन प्रिूिण (जवजनर्मन और जनर्ंत्रण) जनर्म, 2000 में जनर्त
उपबंधों के अनुसार पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में ध्वजन प्रिूिण की रोकथाम और जनर्ंत्रण दकर्ा िाएंगा ।

(7) वार्ु प्रिूिण.- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में, वार्ु प्रिूिण का जनवारण और जनर्ंत्रण, वार्ु (प्रिूिण जनवारण और
जनर्ंत्रण) अजधजनर्म, 1981 (1981 का 14) और उसके अधीन बनाए गए जनर्मों के उपबंधों के अनुसार दकर्ा िाएगा ।

(8) बजहस्राव का जनस्ट्सरण.- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में उपचाररत बजहस्राव का जनस्ट्सरण, पर्ाावरण अजधजनर्म और
उसके अधीन बनाए गए जनर्मों के अधीन आने वाले पर्ाावरणीर् प्रिूिकों के जनस्ट्सरण के जलए साधारण मानकों र्ा कें र
िाजसत द्वारा जनर्त मानकों, िो भी अजधक किोर हो, के उपबंधों के अनुसार होगा।

(9) िोस अपजिष्ट.- िोस अपजिष्ट का जनपटान एवं प्रबन्द्धन जनम्नानुसार दकर्ा िाएगा:-

(i) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में िोस अपजिष्ट का जनपटान और प्रबंधन भारत सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु
पररवतान मंत्रालर् की समर्-समर् पर र्था संिोजधत अजधसूचना सं. का.आ. 1357(अ), दिनांक 8 अप्रैल, 2016 के तहत
प्रकाजित िोस अपजिष्ट प्रबंधन जनर्म, 2016 के उपबंधों के अनुसार दकर्ा िाएगा; अकाबाजनक पिाथो का जनपटान
पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन से बाहर जचजन्द्हत दकए गए स्ट्थानों पर पर्ाावरण-अनुकूल रीजत से दकर्ा िाएगा;

(ii) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में मान्द्र् प्रौद्योजगदकर्ों का प्रर्ोग करते हुए जवद्यमान जनर्मों और जवजनर्मों के अनुरूप
िोस अपजिष्ट का सुरजक्षत और पर्ाावरण अनुकूल प्रबंधन अनुमत दकर्ा िार्ेगा।

(10) िैव जचदकत्ससा अपजिष्ट.- िैव जचदकत्ससा अपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन जनम्नानुसार दकर्ा िाएगा:-

(i) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में िैव जचदकत्ससा अपजिष्ट का जनपटान भारत सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु
पररवतान मंत्रालर् की समर्–समर् पर र्था संिोजधत अजधसूचना सं.सा.का.जन 343 (अ), तारीख 28 माचा, 2016 के
तहत प्रकाजित िैव जचदकत्ससा अपजिष्ट प्रबंधन जनर्म, 2016 के उपबंधों के अनुसार दकर्ा िाएगा।

(ii) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में मान्द्र् प्रौद्योजगदकर्ों का प्रर्ोग करते हुए जवद्यमान जनर्मों और जवजनर्मों के अनुरूप
िोस अपजिष्ट का सुरजक्षत और पर्ाावरण अनुकूल प्रबंधन अनुमत दकर्ा िार्ेगा।

(11) प्लाजस्ट्टक अपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन.- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में प्लाजस्ट्टक अपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन, भारत सरकार के
पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु पररवतान मंत्रालर् की समर्-समर् पर र्था संिोजधत अजधसूचना सं.सा.का.जन 340(अ),
तारीख 18 माचा, 2016 के तहत प्रकाजित प्लाजस्ट्टक अपजिष्ट प्रबंधन जनर्म, 2016 के उपबंधो के अनुसार दकर्ा
िाएगा।

(12) जनमााण और जवध्वंस अपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन.- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में जनमााण और जवध्वंस अपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन,
भारत सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु पररवतान मंत्रालर् की समर्-समर् पर र्था संिोजधत अजधसूचना
सं.सा.का.जन 317(अ), तारीख 29 माचा, 2016 के तहत प्रकाजित संजनमााण और जवध्वंस अपजिष्ट प्रबंधन जनर्म, 2016
के उपबंधों के अनुसार दकर्ा िाएगा।

(13) ई–अपजिष्ट.- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में ई–अपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन, भारत सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु
पररवतान मंत्रालर् द्वारा प्रकाजित तथा समर्-समर् पर र्था संिोजधत ई–अपजिष्ट प्रबंधन जनर्म, 2016 के उपबंधों के
अनुसार दकर्ा िाएगा।

(14) सडक-र्ातार्ात.- सडक-र्ातार्ात को पर्ाावास-अनुकूल तरीके से जवजनर्जमत दकर्ा िाएगा और इस संबंध में
आंचजलक महार्ोिना में जविेि उपबंध िाजमल दकए िाएंगे। आंचजलक महार्ोिना के तैर्ार होने और कें र िाजसत
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 9

सरकार के सक्षम प्राजधकारी से अनुमोदित होने तक, जनगरानी सजमजत प्रासंजगक अजधजनर्मों और उनके तहत बनाए गए
जनर्मों एवं जवजनर्मों के अनुसार सडक-र्ातार्ात के अनुपालन की जनगरानी करे गी।

(15) वाहन िजनत प्रिूिण.- वाहन िजनत प्रिूिण की रोकथाम और जनर्ंत्रण लागू जवजधर्ों के अनुसार दकर्ा िाएगा।
स्ट्वच्छतर ईंधन के उपर्ोग के जलए प्रर्ास दकए िाएंगे ।

(16) औद्योजगक ईकाइर्ां.- (क) सरकारी रािपत्र में इस अजधसूचना के प्रकािन की तारीख को र्ा उसके बाि
पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में दकसी नए प्रिूिणकारी उद्योग की स्ट्थापना की अनुमजत नहीं होगी।

(ख) िब तक इस अजधसूचना में जवजनर्िाष्ट न हो, पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में कें रीर् प्रिूिण जनर्ंत्रण बोडा द्वारा फरवरी,
2016 में िारी दििाजनिेिों में दकए गए उद्योगों के वगीकरण के अनुसार के वल गैर-प्रिूिणकारी उद्योगों की स्ट्थापना
अनुमत होगी। इसके अजतररि, गैर-प्रिूिणकारी कु टीर उद्योगों को बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा।

(17) पहाडी ढलानों का संरक्षण.- पहाडी ढलानों का संरक्षण जनम्नानुसार दकर्ा िाएगा:-

(क) आंचजलक महार्ोिना में पहाडी ढलानों के उन क्षेत्रों को ििाार्ा िाएगा जिनमें दकसी भी संजनमााण की अनुज्ञा
नहीं होगी;

(ख) जिन ढलानों र्ा जवद्यमान खडी पहाडी ढलानों में अत्सर्जधक भू-क्षरण होता है उनमें दकसी भी संजनमााण की
अनुज्ञा नहीं होगी ।

4. पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवि
े ी िोन में प्रजतजिद्ध र्ा जवजनर्जमत दकए िाने वाले दक्रर्ाकलापों की सूची- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी
िोन में सभी दक्रर्ाकलाप, पर्ाावरण अजधजनर्म उसके अधीन बने जनर्मों के उपबंधों जिसमें तटीर् जवजनर्मन िोन,
2011 एवं पर्ाावरणीर् प्रभाव आकलन अजधसूचना, 2006 िाजमल है सजहत वन (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1980
(1980 का 69), भारतीर् वन अजधजनर्म, 1927 (1927 का 16), वन्द्र्िीव (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1972 (1972
का 53) अन्द्र् लागू जनर्मों तथा उनमें दकए गए संिोधनों के अनुसार िाजसत होंगे और नीचे िी गई सारणी में
जवजनर्िाष्ट रीजत से जवजनर्जमत होंगे, अथाात:् -

सारणी

क्रम सं. दक्रर्ाकलाप रटप्पणी

(1) (2) (3)
क. प्रजतजिद्ध दक्रर्ाकलाप
1. वाजणजजर्क खनन, पत्सथर उत्सखनन (क) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के अंतगात वास्ट्तजवक स्ट्थानीर्
और अपघिाण इकाइर्ां । जनवाजसर्ों की घरे लू आवश्र्कताओं जिसमें मकानों के संजनमााण र्ा
मरम्मत के जलए धरती को खोिना सजम्मजलत है, के जसवार् सभी प्रकार
के नए और जवद्यमान खनन (लघु और वृहत खजनि), पत्सथर उत्सखनन
और अपघिाण इकाइर्ां तत्सकाल प्रभाव से प्रजतजिद्ध होंगी;

(ख) खनन प्रचालन, 1995 की ररट र्ाजचका (जसजवल) सं. 202 में
टी.एन. गौडाबमान जथरुमूलपाि बनाम भारत संघ के मामले में
माननीर् उच्चतम न्द्र्ार्ालर् के आिेि 4 अगस्ट्त ,2006 और 2012 की
ररट र्ाजचका (जसजवल) सं. 435 में गोवा फाउं डेिन बनाम भारत संघ
के मामले में तारीख 21 अप्रैल ,2014 के आिेि के अनुसरण में होगा ।

2. प्रिूिण (िल, वार्ु, मृिा, ध्वजन, पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में कोई नर्ा उद्योग लगाने और वतामान
10 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

आदि) उत्सपन्न करने वाले उद्योगों प्रिूिणकारी उद्योगों का जवस्ट्तार करने की अनुमजत नहीं होगीः
की स्ट्थापना ।
िब तक दक इस अजधसूचना में जवजनर्िाष्ट न हो, पाररजस्ट्थजतकी
संवेिी िोन में फरवरी, 2016, में कें रीर् प्रिूिण जनर्ंत्रण बोडा द्वारा
िारी दििाजनिेिों में दकए गए उद्योगों के वगीकरण के अनुसार के वल
गैर- प्रिूिणकारी उद्योगों की स्ट्थापना होगी। इसके अजतररि, गैर-
प्रिूिणकारी कु टीर उद्योगों को प्रोत्ससाहन दिर्ा िाएगा।

3. बडी िल जवद्युत पररर्ोिनाओं की प्रजतजिद्ध।

स्ट्थापना ।
4. दकसी पररसंकटमर् पिाथा का प्रजतजिद्ध।
प्रर्ोग र्ा उत्सपािन र्ा प्रस्ट्संकरण ।
5. प्राकृ जतक िल जनकार्ों र्ा भूजम प्रजतजिद्ध।
क्षेत्र में अनुपचाररत बजहस्रावों का
जनस्ट्सरण ।
6. नई आरा जमलों की स्ट्थापना। पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के भीतर नई और जवद्यमान आरा जमलों का
जवस्ट्तार अनुमत नहीं होगा ।
7. ईंट भट्टों की स्ट्थापना करना। प्रजतजिद्ध।
8. पोजलथीन बैगों का प्रर्ोग । प्रजतजिद्ध।
9. िलावन लकजडर्ों का वाजणजजर्क प्रजतजिद्ध।
प्रर्ोग।
10. होटलों और ररसोटों की वाजणजजर्क प्रजतजिद्ध।
स्ट्थापना ।

11. संजनमााण दक्रर्ाकलाप । प्रजतजिद्ध।

12. गैर प्रिूिणकारी लघु उद्योग। प्रजतजिद्ध।

13. वृक्षों की कटाई । प्रजतजिद्ध।

14. सतही और भूिल का वाजणजजर्क प्रजतजिद्ध।

प्रर्ोग एवं जनष्किाण ।

15. जविेिी प्रिाजतर्ों को लाना । प्रजतजिद्ध।

16. प्रजतजिद्ध।
बडे पैमाने पर वाजणजजर्क तरीके से
र्ंत्रीकृ त नाव की मदि से निी िल
कृ जि और मत्सस्ट्र् ग्रहण।
ख.जवजनर्जमत दक्रर्ाकलाप
17. जवद्युत और संचार टॉवर लगाने, लागू जवजधर्ों के अधीन जवजनर्जमत होगा (भूजमगत के बल जबछाने को
तार-जबछाने तथा अन्द्र् बुजनर्ािी बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा)।
ढांचे की व्यवस्ट्था ।
18. नागररक सुजवधाओं सजहत लागू जवजधर्ों, जनर्मों और जवजनर्मनों और उपलब्ध दििाजनिेिों के
बुजनर्ािी ढांचा। अनुसार न्द्र्ूनीकरण उपार् दकए िाएंगे।
19. जवद्यमान सडकों को चौडा करना, लागू जवजधर्ों, जनर्मों और जवजनर्मनों और उपलब्ध दििाजनिेिों के
उन्द्हें सुिढृ बनाना और नई सडकों अनुसार न्द्र्ूनीकरण उपार् दकए िाएंगे।
का जनमााण।
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 11

20. पर्ाटन से संबंजधत अन्द्र् लागू जवजधर्ों के अधीन जवजनर्जमत होगा ।

दक्रर्ाकलाप िैसे दक पाररजस्ट्थजतकी
संवेिी िोन क्षेत्र के ऊपर से गमा
वार्ु के गुब्बारे , हेलीकाप्टर, ड्रोन,
माइक्रोलाइट्स उडाना आदि।
21. राजत्र में वाहन र्ातार्ात का लागू जवजधर्ों के अधीन वाजणजजर्क प्रर्ोिन के जलए जवजनर्जमत
संचलन । होगा ।

22. स्ट्थानीर् िनता द्वारा अपनार्ी िा स्ट्थानीर् िनता के प्रर्ोग के जलए लागू जवजधर्ों के अधीन अनुमत होंगे।
रही वतामान कृ जि और बागवानी
पद्धजतर्ों के साथ डेर्ररर्ां, िुग्ध
उत्सपािन, िल कृ जि और मत्सस्ट्र्
पालन।

23. प्राकृ जतक िल जनकार्ों र्ा भू क्षेत्र िल जनकार्ों में उपचाररत अपजिष्ट िल/बजहस्रााव के जनस्ट्सरण से बचा
में उपचाररत अपजिष्ट िल/ िाएगा। उपचाररत अपजिष्ट िल के पुनचाक्रण और पुन:उपर्ोग के
बजहस्रााव का जनस्ट्सरण । प्रर्ास दकए िाएंगे अन्द्र्था उपचाररत अपजिष्ट िल/बजहस्रााव का
जनस्ट्सरण लागू जवजधर्ों के अनुसार जवजनर्जमत दकर्ा िाएगा।
24. फमों, कारपोरे ट, कं पजनर्ों द्वारा स्ट्थानीर् आवश्र्कताओं को पूरा करने के नसवाय लागू जवजधर्ों के
बडे पैमाने पर वाजणजजर्क पिुधन अधीन जवजनर्जमत (अन्द्र्था उपबंनधत के अलावा) होंगे ।
संपिा और कु क्कु ट फामों की
स्ट्थापना ।
25. कृ जि और अन्द्र् उपर्ोग के जलए नवननयनमत और उपयुक्त प्राजधकारी द्वारा दक्रर्ाकलापों की सख्ती से
खुले कुं आ, बोर कुं आ, आदि ।
जनगरानी की िार्ेऱ्ी।
26. िोस अपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन। लागू जवजधर्ों के अधीन जवजनर्जमत होगा ।
27. पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पर्ाटन। लागू जवजधर्ों के अधीन जवजनर्जमत होगा ।
28. वाजणजजर्क संकेत बोडा और होर्डंग लागू जवजधर्ों के अधीन जवजनर्जमत होगा ।
का प्रर्ोग ।
29. पारम्पररक मत्सस्ट्र् पालन। लागू जवजधर्ों के अधीन जवजनर्जमत होगा ।
ग.संवर्धात दक्रर्ाकलाप
30. वन उत्सपािों और गैर काष्ठ वन अंडमान एवं जनकोबार (आदिकालीन िनिाजतर्ों का संरक्षण)
उत्सपािों का संग्रहण ।
जवजनर्मन, 1956 में उपबंनधत पीवीटीिी (िोम्पेन) एवं जनकोबाररर्ों
की प्रामाजणक आवश्र्कता को पूरा करने के जलए अनुमजत िी गई।
31. पहाडी ढालों और निी तटों का पीवीटीिी (िोम्पेन) की आिीजवका को प्रभानवत ककए जबना यिासंभव
संरक्षण । बढ़ावा िेना है।
32. पीवीटीिी एवं जनकोबाररर्ों द्वारा िीजवका आवश्र्कता के जलए बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा।
कृ जि और बागवानी पद्धनतयां।
33. विाा िल संचर् । सदक्रर् रूप से बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा ।
34. िैजवक खेती। सदक्रर् रूप से बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा ।
35. सभी गजतजवजधर्ों के जलए हररत सदक्रर् रूप से बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा ।
प्रौद्योजगकी का अंगीकरण ।

36. ग्रामीण कारीगरी सजहत कु टीर सदक्रर् रूप से बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा ।
उद्योग।
12 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

37. नवीकरणीर् ऊिाा और ईंधन का बार्ोगैस, सौर प्रकाि इत्सर्ादि को सदक्रर् बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा।
प्रर्ोग ।
38. कृ जि वाजनकी । सदक्रर् रूप से बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा ।
39. बागान लगाना और िडी बूरटर्ों सदक्रर् रूप से बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा ।
का रोपण ।
40. पाररजस्ट्थजतकी अनुकूल र्ातार्ात सदक्रर् रूप से बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा ।
का प्रर्ोग ।
41. कौिल जवकास । सदक्रर् रूप से बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा ।
42. अवक्रजमत भूजम/वनों/ पर्ाावासों सदक्रर् रूप से बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा ।
की बहाली ।
43. पर्ाावरण के प्रजत िागरुकता। सदक्रर् रूप से बढ़ावा दिर्ा िाएगा ।

5. जनगरानी सजमजत.- पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 की धारा 3 की उपधारा (3) के तहत इस अजधसूचना के
उपबंधों की प्रभावी जनगरानी के जलए के न्द्रीर् सरकार एतद्वारा एक जनगरानी सजमजत का गिन करे गी िो जनम्नजलजखत से
जमलकर बनेगी, नामत:

क्र.स. जनगरानी सजमजत का गिन पि

1. उपार्ुि, जनकोबार जिला अध्र्क्ष;

2. सिस्ट्र्, जिला पररिि, कै म्पबेल खाडी सिस्ट्र्;

3. कार्ाकारी अजभर्ंता, एपीडब्ल्र्ूडी, कै म्पबेल खाडी सिस्ट्र्;

4. जनिेिक, कृ जि र्ा उनके प्रजतजनजध सिस्ट्र्;

5. जनिेिक, मत्सस्ट्र् पालन र्ा उनके प्रजतजनजध, अंडमान और जनकोबार द्वीप प्रिासन सिस्ट्र्;

6. वररष्ठ पिु जचदकत्ससा अजधकारी, कै म्पबेल खाडी सिस्ट्र्;

7. पर्ाावरण के क्षेत्र में काम करने वाले गैर-सरकारी संगिन के एक प्रजतजनजध सिस्ट्र्;
(जवरासत संरक्षण सजहत) को कें र िाजसत सरकार द्वारा नाजमत दकर्ा िाना है।

8. कें र िाजसत सरकार द्वारा नाजमत एक प्रजतजष्ठत संस्ट्थान से पर्ाावरण र्ा सिस्ट्र्;
पाररजस्ट्थजतकी र्ा वन्द्र्िीव में एक जविेिज्ञ

9. अंडमान और जनकोबार द्वीप समूह िैव जवजवधता पररिि के प्रजतजनजध सिस्ट्र्;

10. प्रभागीर् वन अजधकारी, जनकोबार प्रभाग सिस्ट्र्- सजचव

6.जवचाराथा जविर्:- (1) जनगरानी सजमजत इस अजधसूचना के उपबंधों के अनुपालन की जनगरानी करे गी।

(2) जनगरानी सजमजत का कार्ाकाल तीन विा तक र्ा कें र िाजसत सरकार द्वारा नई सजमजत का पुनगािन दकए िाने तक
होगा और इसके बाि जनगरानी सजमजत कें र िाजसत सरकार द्वारा गरित की िाएगी।

(3) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन में भारत सरकार के तत्सकालीन पर्ाावरण और वन मंत्रालर् की अजधसूचना सं. का.आ.
1533(अ), तारीख 14 जसतंबर, 2006 की अनुसूची में सजम्मजलत और पाररजस्ट्थजतकीर् संवेिी िोन में आने वाले
दक्रर्ाकलापों और इस अजधसूचना के पैराग्राफ 4 के अधीन सारणी में र्था जवजनर्िाष्ट प्रजतजिद्ध गजतजवजधर्ों के जसवार्
आने वाले ऐसे दक्रर्ाकलापों की वास्ट्तजवक जवजनर्िाष्ट स्ट्थलीर् ििाओं के आधार पर जनगरानी सजमजत द्वारा संवीक्षा की
िाएगी और उि अजधसूचना के उपबंधों के अधीन पूवा पर्ाावरण अनापजत्त लेने के जलए के न्द्रीर् सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 13

और िलवार्ु पररवतान मंत्रालर् को जनर्िाष्ट की िाएगी।

(4) इस अजधसूचना के पैरा 4 के अधीन सारणी में र्था जवजनर्िाष्ट प्रजतजिद्ध दक्रर्ाकलापों के जसवार्, भारत सरकार के
तत्सकालीन पर्ाावरण और वन मंत्रालर् की अजधसूचना संख्र्ा का.आ. 1533(अ), तारीख 14 जसतंबर, 2006 की
अजधसूचना के अनुसूची के अधीन ऐसे दक्रर्ाकलापों, जिन्द्हें सजम्मजलत नहीं दकर्ा गर्ा है, परं तु िो पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी
िोन में आते हैं, ऐसे दक्रर्ाकलापों की वास्ट्तजवक जवजनर्िाष्ट स्ट्थलीर् ििाओं के आधार पर जनगरानी सजमजत द्वारा संवीक्षा
की िाएगी और उसे संबद्ध जवजनर्ामक प्राजधकरणों को जनर्िाष्ट दकर्ा िाएगा ।

(5) जनगरानी सजमजत का सिस्ट्र्-सजचव र्ा संबंजधत उपार्ुि ऐसे व्यजि के जवरूद्ध, िो इस अजधसूचना के दकसी उपबंध
का उल्लंघन करता है, पर्ाावरण अजधजनर्म की धारा 19 के अधीन पररवाि िार्र करने के जलए सक्षम होगा।

(6) जनगरानी सजमजत संबंजधत जवभागों के प्रजतजनजधर्ों र्ा जविेिज्ञों, औद्योजगक संघों के प्रजतजनजधर्ों र्ा संबंजधत पक्षों
को, प्रत्सर्ेक मामले में आवश्र्कता के अनुसार, अपने जवचार-जवमिा में सहार्ता के जलए आमंजत्रत कर सके गी ।

(7) जनगरानी सजमजत प्रत्सर्ेक विा 31 माचा की जस्ट्थजत के अनुसार अपनी वार्िाक कारा वाई ररपोटा संि राजर् के मुख्र्
वन्द्र्िीव वाडान को, अनुलग्नक IV में दिए गए प्रपत्र के अनुसार, उस विा की 30 िून तक प्रस्ट्तुत करे गी ।

(8) के न्द्रीर् सरकार का पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु पररवतान मंत्रालर् जनगरानी सजमजत को उसके कृ त्सर्ों के प्रभावी
जनवाहन के जलए ऐसे जनिेि िे सके गा िो वह उजचत समझे ।

7. अजतररक्त उपार्.- इस अजधसूचना के उपबंधों को प्रभावी बनाने के जलए कें रीर् सरकार और कें र िाजसत सरकार,
अजतररक्त उपार्, र्दि कोई हों, जवजनर्िाष्ट कर सकें गी।

8. उच्चतम न्द्र्ार्ालर्, आदि आिेि.- इस अजधसूचना के उपबंध भारत के माननीर् उच्चतम न्द्र्ार्ालर् र्ा उच्च न्द्र्ार्ालर्
र्ा राष्रीर् हररत अजधकरण द्वारा पाररत दकए गए र्ा पाररत दकए िाने वाले आिेि, र्दि कोई हो, के अध्र्धीन होंगे ।

[फा. सं. 25/15/2020-ईएसिेड]

डॉ. सतीि चन्द्र गढ़कोटी, वैज्ञाजनक ‘िी’

अनुलग्नक–I

कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान के पाररनथिनतकी संवद

े ़ी िोन की स़ीमा का नववरण

पूव-ग कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान की पाररनथिनतकी संवेद़ी स़ीमा बबंद ु 1 (7° 12' 48.477" उ एवं93° 51' 8.036"
पू) से आरं भ होत़ी है, बबंदु ए1 (7° 12' 59.550" उ एवं93° 51' 39.402" पू) के पूवग की ओर मुडत़ी है और इसके
बाद समुद्र की ओर भार् पर स़ीमा से 1 ककलोम़ीटर की एकरूप दूऱी बनाकर बबंदु ए2 (7° 9' 1.306" उ एवं 93°
51' 11.834" पू एवं ए 3 (7° 3' 49.313" उ एवं 93° 51' 52.757" पू) से होते हुए बबंदु ए4 (7° 0' 19.620" उ
एवं 93° 50' 57.591" पू) के दनक्षण की ओर िात़ी हैं।
दनक्षण- बबंदु ए4 (7° 0' 19.620" उ एवं93° 50' 57.591" पू), से, स़ीमा इसके बाद राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान की स़ीमा से
एक ककलोम़ीटर की एकरूप दूऱी बनाकर बबंदु ए8 (6° 57' 56.254" उ एवं93° 44' 35.214" पू) से होते हुए,
बबंदु ए5 (7° 0' 9.652" उ एवं93° 48' 15.215" पू), ए6 (7° 0' 37.585" उ एवं93° 47' 26.796" पू) एवं ए7
(6° 59' 41.162" उ एवं93° 45' 19.845" पू) से होते हुए पनिम की ओर मुडत़ी है।
पनिम:- बबंदु ए 8 (6° 57' 56.254" उ एवं93° 44' 35.214" पू) से, स़ीमा इसके बाद राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान की दनक्षण-
पनिम़ी स़ीमा से एक ककलोम़ीटर की दूऱी में बबंदु ए 9 (6° 58' 50.571" उ एवं93° 44' 10.297" पू) के उत्तर की
ओर िात़ी है और इसके बाद कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान की पनिम़ी स़ीमा के भार् से होते हुए बबंदु ए 10 (6°
14 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

59' 32.776" उ एवं 93° 42' 28.464" पू) िात़ी है। पाररनथिनतकी संवद
े ़ी िोन की स़ीमा इसके बाद पनिम़ी भार्
पर राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान की स़ीमा से 200 म़ीटर (बबंदु ए 16 एवं ए 17 के ब़ीच) से एक ककलोम़ीटर तक की नवथतृत दूऱी
में बबंदु ए11 (6° 59' 46.491" उ एवं93° 42' 23.926" पू), ए12 (7° 1' 6.885" उ एवं93° 41' 22.885" पू),
ए13 (7° 3' 51.309" उ एवं93° 40' 12.472" पू), ए14 (7° 4' 40.520" उ एवं93° 40' 14.158" पू), ए15
(7° 5' 8.013" उ एवं93° 40' 11.421" पू), ए16 (7° 6' 26.617" उ एवं93° 40' 33.098" पू), ए17 (7° 7'
6.016" उ एवं93° 39' 59.120" पू), ए18 (7° 7' 33.058" उ एवं93° 39' 56.081" पू), ए19 (7° 7'
56.593" उ एवं93° 40' 12.999" पू), ए20 (7° 8' 19.265" उएवं93° 41' 2.227" पू), ए21 (7° 9' 22.362"
उ एवं93° 41' 17.342" पू), ए22 (7° 9' 27.083" उ एवं93° 40' 55.655" पू), ए23 (7° 9' 30.224" उ
एवं93° 40' 49.687" पू) एवं ए24 (7° 9' 45.654" उ एवं93° 40' 32.010" पू) से होते हुए बबंदु ए14 (7° 10'
29.435" उ एवं93° 40' 35.571" पू) के उत्तर कदशा में मुडत़ी है।
उत्तर: उत्तर में पाररनथिनतकी संवद
े ़ी िोन की स़ीमा राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान की उत्तर पूवी स़ीमा पर नथित आरं नभक बबंद1
ु
(7° 12' 48.477" उ एवं93° 51' 8.036" पू) तक बबंदु 14 (7° 10' 29.435" उ एवं93° 40' 35.571" पू) से
कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान की उत्तऱी स़ीमा से होते हुए िात़ी है।
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 15

अनुलग्नक–IIक

भू-ननदेशांकों के साि कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान के पाररनथिनतकी संवद

े ़ी िोन का माननचत्र
16 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

अनुलग्नक–IIख

कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान और इसके पाररनथिनतकी संवद

े ़ी िोन का सैटेलाइट नचत्र
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 17

अनुलग्नक–IIर्

कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान और इसके पाररनथिनतकी संवद

े ़ी िोन का अवथिान माननचत्र

अनुलग्नक-III

सारणी क: माननचत्र पर दशागए र्ए कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान की स़ीमा के साि मुख्य अवथिानों के भू-जनिेिांक

थटेशन अक्षांश देशांतर

1 7° 12' 48.477" उ 93° 51' 8.036" पू
2 7° 8' 40.042" उ 93° 50' 36.763" पू
3 7° 3' 50.652" उ 93° 51' 19.464" पू
18 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

4 7° 0' 45.024" उ 93° 50' 36.733" पू

5 7° 0' 41.926" उ 93° 48' 19.468" पू
6 7° 1' 29.838" उ 93° 47' 38.514" पू
7 7° 0' 33.696" उ 93° 45' 34.557" पू
8 6° 58' 27.846" उ 93° 44' 23.937" पू
9 6° 59' 44.897" उ 93° 43' 0.268" पू
10 7° 1' 31.241" उ 93° 41' 44.493" पू
11 7° 5' 55.213" उ 93° 40' 50.986" पू
12 7° 7' 23.222" उ 93° 40' 26.764" पू
13 7° 9' 35.985" उ 93° 41' 56.282" पू
14 7° 10' 29.435" उ 93° 40' 35.571" पू

सारणी ख: माननचत्र पर दशागया र्या कै म्पबेल खाड़ी राष्ट्ऱीय उद्यान के पाररनथिनतकी संवद
े ़ी िोन की स़ीमा के साि मुख्य
अवथिानों के भू-ननदेशांक
थटेशन अक्षांश देशांतर
ए1 7° 12' 59.550" उ 93° 51' 39.402" पू
ए2 7° 9' 1.306" उ 93° 51' 11.834" पू
ए3 7° 3' 49.313" उ 93° 51' 52.757" पू
ए4 7° 0' 19.620" उ 93° 50' 57.591" पू
ए5 7° 0' 9.652" उ 93° 48' 15.215" पू
ए6 7° 0' 37.585" उ 93° 47' 26.796" पू
ए7 6° 59' 41.162" उ 93° 45' 19.845" पू
ए8 6° 57' 56.254" उ 93° 44' 35.214" पू
ए9 6° 58' 50.571" उ 93° 44' 10.297" पू
ए10 6° 59' 32.776" उ 93° 42' 28.464" पू
ए11 6° 59' 46.491" उ 93° 42' 23.926" पू
ए12 7° 1' 6.885" उ 93° 41' 22.885" पू
ए13 7° 3' 51.309" उ 93° 40' 12.472" पू
ए14 7° 4' 40.520" उ 93° 40' 14.158" पू
ए15 7° 5' 8.013" उ 93° 40' 11.421" पू
ए16 7° 6' 26.617" उ 93° 40' 33.098" पू
ए17 7° 7' 6.016" उ 93° 39' 59.120" पू
ए18 7° 7' 33.058" उ 93° 39' 56.081" पू
ए19 7° 7' 56.593" उ 93° 40' 12.999" पू
ए20 7° 8' 19.265" उ 93° 41' 2.227" पू
ए21 7° 9' 22.362" उ 93° 41' 17.342" पू
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 19

ए22 7° 9' 27.083" उ 93° 40' 55.655" पू

ए23 7° 9' 30.224" उ 93° 40' 49.687" पू
ए24 7° 9' 45.654" उ 93° 40' 32.010" पू

अनुलग्नक-IV
की गई कारा वाई - सम्बन्ध़ी ररपोटा का प्रपत्र पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवि
े ी िोन की जनगरानी सजमजत

1. बैिकों की संख्र्ा और तारीख ।

2. बैिकों का कार्ावृत : (कृ पर्ा मुख्र् उल्लेखनीर् ंबंिओं

ु का वणान करें । बैिक के कार्ावृत को एक पृथक
अनुलग्नक में प्रस्ट्तुत करें ) ।

3. पर्ाटन महार्ोिना सजहत आंचजलक महार्ोिना की तैर्ारी की जस्ट्थजत ।

4. भू-अजभलेखों की स्ट्पष्ट त्रुरटर्ों के सुधार के जलए जनबटाए गए मामलों का सार(पाररजस्ट्थजतकी-संवेिी िोन

वार) । जववरण अनुलग्नक के रुप में संलग्न करें ।

5. पर्ाावरण प्रभाव आकलन अजधसूचना, 2006 के अधीन आने वाली गजतजवजधर्ों से संबंजधत संवीक्षा दकए
गए मामलों का सार।(जववरण एक पृथक अनुलग्नक के रूप में संलग्न करें )।

6. पर्ाावरण प्रभाव आकलन अजधसूचना, 2006 के अधीन न आने वाली गजतजवजधर्ों से संबंजधत संवीक्षा
दकए गए मामलों का सार । (जववरण एक पृथक अनुलग्नक के रूप में संलग्न करें )।

7. पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 की धारा 19 के अधीन ििा की गई जिकार्तों का सार ।

8. कोई अन्द्र् महत्सवपूणा मामला ।

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 28th October, 2020
S.O. 3873(E).—The following draft of the notification, which the Central Government proposes to issue in
exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1), read with clause (v) and clause (xiv) of sub-section (2) and sub-
section (3) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) is hereby published, as required
under sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, for the information of the public likely to
be affected thereby; and notice is hereby given that the said draft notification shall be taken into consideration on or
after the expiry of a period of sixty days from the date on which copies of the Gazette containing this notification are
made available to the public;
Any person interested in making any objections or suggestions on the proposals contained in the draft
notification may forward the same in writing, for consideration of the Central Government within the period so
specified to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan,
Jorbagh Road, Aliganj, New Delhi-110 003, or send it to the e-mail address of the Ministry at esz-mef@nic.in
DRAFT NOTIFICATION
AND WHEREAS, the Campbell Bay National Parkis spread over an area of 426.23square kilometers and
is located in theNorth Central part of Great Nicobar Island in Nicobar District of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The
area isan abode of rich and diverse flora and fauna including the coastal and mangrove ecosystems harboring many
endemic plants and animals;
20 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

AND WHEREAS, Campbell Bay National Park is the core area of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve with
surrounding Protected Forest as the Buffer Zone of the Biosphere Reserve with effect from 13 January 1989, vide
notification No.J-22010/14/89-CSC and was also declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2013;
AND WHEREAS, the protected area has 5 perennial rivers, originating from Mt. Thullier, the highest
peak,rising to 2106 feet (642 meters) within the Protected Area, and is significant catchment area for meeting the
demand of freshwater in the Great Nicobar Islands. The important river amongst all is the largest and the widest
Galathea River which drains South into Galathea Bay, Jubilee River flows to the North, the rivers Alexandra,
Dagmar and Amrit Kaur flowing to the West;
AND WHEREAS, the vegetation of the national park is unique due to its tropical humid climate being
closer to the equator, insular nature of the territory, physical isolation of the islands and the impact of both South-
West and North-East monsoons which has given rise to dense and diverse vegetation cover;
AND WHEREAS, the vegetation at Campbell Bay National park is one of the best preserved tropical rain
forests in the world and shows high degree of endemism owing to its geographic location and physical isolation. The
National Park also has elements from the Indo-Chinese and Indo-Malayan regions. About 648 species of flora have
been reported from the area belonging to 422 genera and 142 families, out of which 48 species of endemic flora and
85 species of non-endemic flora are rare and endangered. The gymnosperms are represented by 4 species belonging
to 3 genera and 3 families. The pteridophytic group contributes to a great extent to the plant diversity and richness of
the flora comprising of 77 species of which the population of tree fern constitute a major portion of the vegetation
along the hilly slopes of the interior forests;
AND WHEREAS, the Campbell Bay National Park consists of Tidal Swamp Forest (Mangrove Forest),
Littoral Forest (Beach Forests), Low level Evergreen Forests (Coral Reef Forests), Tropical Evergreen Forests (True
Tropical Forests), Southern hill-top evergreen forests and fern breaks. The members of the families Euphorbiaceae,
Rubiaceae, Arecaceae, Orchidaceae and Cyperaceae and Poaceae and Annonaceae show high representation in the
National Park. The distinct flora of the area can be visualized by the fact that the genera Otenthera and Astronia of
Melastomataceae, Cyrtandromea of Scrophulariaceae, Cyrtandra of Gesneriaceae, Stemonurus of Icacinaceae,
Rhopaloblaste from Arecaceae and Spathoglottis of Orchidaceae and many more species are endemic to these areas;
AND WHEREAS, the endemic floral species present in the area includes tree ferns like Sphaeropteris
albo-setacea (Cyathea albo-setacea) and Sphaeropteris nicobarica (Cyathea nicobarica). Other endemic floral
species found in the area are Pronephrium nakaikeuim, Artabotrys nicobarianus, Friesodielsia forniculata, Uvaria
nicobarica, Chisocheton nicobarianus, Nicobario dendronsleumeri, Connarus nicobaricus, Otanthera nicobarensis,
Ophiorrhiza infundibularis, Ophiorrhiza nicobarica, Jasminum syringifolium, Chilocarpus denudatus var.
nicobaricus, Genianthus horei, Cyrtandroemia nicobarica, Cyrtandra burttii, Cyrtandra occidentalis, Nothophoebe
nicobaricus, Cleistanthus balakrishnani, Trogonostemon villosus var. nicobaricus, Aerides emerici, Anoectochilus
nicobaricus, Dendrobium shompenii, Hornstedtia fenzlii, Phrynium paniculatum, Calamus nicobaricus,
Rhopalobalaste augustata, Aglaonema nicobaricum, Homalomena griffithii var. ovate;
AND WHEREAS, mangrove forests of the area are highly productive ecosystems and have many
ecological functions. 14 species of mangroves are recorded from the area namely Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera
gymnorrhiza, Sonneratia caseolaris, etc. Other important vegetation of the area include climbers and lianas such as
Derris trifoliata, Sarcolobus globosus, Finlaysonia obovata, ephytic fern and orchirds namely Asplenium nidus,
Dendrobium crumenatum and Trichoglottis cirrhifera. A number of potential and economically important species
including Nypa fruticans and Vanilla anadamanica grows wild in the protected area;
AND WHEREAS,a total of 330 species of fauna are recorded from the Campbell Bay National Park
including 28 species of mammals (including 3 marine mammals), 97 species of birds, 23 species of reptiles, 10
species of amphibians, 52 species of butterflies, 24 species of odonates, 20 species of spiders and 76 species of
aquatic Hemipterans;
AND WHEREAS, the Campbell Bay National park is known to harbor an exceptional variety of wildlife,
the major threatened and endemic fauna recorded from the national park are Nicobar Crab eating Macaque (Macaca
fascicularis umbrosa), Nicobar Wild Pig (Sus scrofa nicobarica), Dugong (Dugong dugon), Nicobar Tree Shrew
(Tupaia nicobarica nicobarica), Nicobar Flying Fox (Pteropus faunulus), Spiny Shrew (Crocidura nicobarica) and
Nicobar Leaf nosed Bat (Hipposideros ater nicobarulae), Rat (Rattus burrescens), (Rattus burrus), (Rattus
pulliventer), (Rattus palmarum), Nicobar Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus camortae), Andaman Water Monitor (Varanus
salvator andamanensis), Tiwari's Garden Lizard (Calotes danieli),Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodilus porosus);
AND WHEREAS, the beaches adjacent to protected area are one of the important nesting grounds for the
Giant Leather Back Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Olive Ridley Turtle(Lepidochelys olivacea), Green Sea Turtles
(Chelonia mydas);

AND WHEREAS the important endemic avi-faunal species present in the area are Nicobar tiger bittern
(Gorsachius melanolophus minor), Nicobar cuckoo dove (Macropygia rufipennis rufipennis), Nicobar emerald dove
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 21
(Chalcophaps indica augusta), Great Nicobar crested serpent eagle (Spilornis klossi), Nicobar paradise
flycatcher(Terpsiphone paradise nicobarica ), Andaman three toed kingfisher (Ceyx erithacus macrocarus),
Nicobar strokbilled kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis), Nicobar white-collared kingfisher (Halcyon chloris
occipitalis), Andaman koel (Eudynamys scolopacea dolosa), Nicobar megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis),
Nicobar hill myna (Gracula religiosa halibrecta), Nicobar back-naped oriole (Oriolus chinensis macrourus),
Nicobar scops owl (Otus scops nicobaricus), Blyth’s nicobar parakeet (Psittacula caniceps), Nicobar redcheeked
parakeet (Psittacula longicauda nicobarica), Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica nicobarica), Nicobar green
imperial pigeon (Ducula aenea nicobarica), katchal shikra (Accipiter badius obsoletus), Nicobar white eye
(Zosterops palpebros anicobarica), Andaman Glossy Stare (Aplonis panayensis tytleri), Nicobar Olive backed
sunbird (Necarinia jugularis klossi), Nicobar yellow backed sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja nicobarica), Andaman
grey rumped swiftlet (Collocalia fuciphaga inexpectata), white bellied swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta affinis),
Nicobar ground thrush (Zoothera citrine albogularis);
AND WHEREAS, the forests of the Campbell Bay National Park is abode to one of the Particularly
Vulnerable Tribal Groups, the Shompens, which is still in the hunting and gathering stage and is solely dependent on
the forest resources as the Campbell Bay National Park including the Eco-Sensitive Zone has been notified as Tribal
Reserve under section 3 of the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956, wherein,
they enjoy unfettered rights over the forest resources under the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal
Tribes) Regulation, 1956 and section 65 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972;
AND WHEREAS, the allotment of land for agricultural purposes and acquisition of any interest in any land
within the reserved area or any produce of or crops raised on such land are regulated under section 4 and section 6 of
the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956;
AND WHEREAS, entry of any person other than aboriginal tribe or any class of persons other than members
of an aboriginal tribe into the reserve area is regulated under section 7 of Regulation aforesaid. Further, transfer of
reserved land by way of sale, exchange, mortgage, lease or otherwise to any person other than the member of
aboriginal tribe shall be regulated under section 5 the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes)
Regulation, 1956 and insurance of social, cultural and economic integrity, community, facilitation of community
wellbeing as also the protection of natural habitat are guided by the Policy on Shompen Tribe of Great Nicobar
Island – 2015;
AND WHEREAS, it is necessary to conserve and protect the area, the extent and boundaries of Campbell
Bay National Park which are specified in paragraph 1 as Eco-sensitive Zone from ecological, environmental and
biodiversity point of view and to prohibit industries or class of industries and their operations and processes in the
said Eco-sensitive Zone;
NOW, THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) and clauses (v) and (xiv) of
sub-section (2) and sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) (hereafter in
this notification referred to as the Environment Act) read with sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection)
Rules, 1986, the Central Government hereby notifies an area of 65.81 square kilometers with an extent of 0 (zero)
to 1 kilometer around the boundary of Campbell Bay National Park in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands as Campbell Bay National Park Eco-sensitive Zone (here after in this notification referred to as the Eco-
sensitive Zone) details of which are as under, namely:-
(1) Extent and boundaries of Eco-SensitiveZone. –(1) The Eco-sensitive Zone shall be to an extent of0 (zero)
to 1 kilometrearound the boundary of Campbell Bay National Parkand the area of the Eco-sensitive zone
shall be65.81 square kilometres.The zeroextent is due to boundary of the Campbell Bay National
Parkcoinciding with the boundary of Bay of Bengal.
(2) Theextent and boundary description of the Eco-sensitive Zone is appended asAnnexure -I.
(3) Map of Eco-sensitive Zone of Campbell Bay National Park along with geo-coordinates, satellite image and
location maps are appended as Annexure IIA-C.
(4) List of geo-coordinates of the boundary of Campbell Bay National Park and eco-sensitive zoneis appended as
Table A and B of Annexure-III.
(5) No revenue villages are located within the Eco-sensitive Zone. However, Nicobarese have been settled at
Afra Bay in the North-Western part of Campbell Bay National Park from Kondul Island post Tsunami as
Kondul Tribal village had been severely affected due to the Tsunami of 2004.
2. Zonal Master Plan for Eco-SensitiveZone. - (1) The Union Territory Government shall, for the purposes
of the Eco-sensitiveZone preparea Zonal Master Plan within a period of two years from the date of publication of
this notification in the Official Gazette, in consultation with local people and adhering to the stipulations given in
this notification for approval of the Competent authority of Union Territory .
22 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

(2) The Zonal Master Plan for the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be prepared by the Union Territory Government in such
manner as is specified in this notification and also in consonance with the relevant Central and Union Territory laws
and the guidelines issued by the Central Government, if any.
(3) The Zonal Master Plan shall be prepared in consultation with the following Departments of the Union Territory
Government, for integrating the ecological and environmental considerations into the said plan:-
(i) Environment and Forests;
(ii) Department of Tribal Welfare;
(iii) Agriculture;
(iv) Animal Husbandry;
(v) Andaman Public Works Department;
(vi) Revenue;
(vii) Fisheries; and
(viii) Andaman and Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) and other research organisations.

(4) The Zonal Master Plan shall not impose any restriction on the approved existing land use, infrastructure and
activities, unless so specified in this notification and the Zonal Master Plan shall factor in improvement of all
infrastructure and activities to be more efficient and eco-friendly.
(5) The Zonal Master Plan shall provide for restoration of denuded areas, conservation of existing water bodies,
management of catchment areas, watershed management, groundwater management, soil and moisture conservation,
needs of local community and such other aspects of the ecology and environment that need attention.
(6) The Zonal Master Plan shall be prepared taking into consideration the Policy on Shompen Tribe of Great
Nicobar Island-2015 and the provisions made in the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes)
Regulation, 1956.
(7) The Zonal Master Planshall regulate development in Eco-sensitive Zone and adhere to prohibited, regulated
activities listed in the Table in paragraph 4,keeping the safety, security and wellbeing of Particularly Vulnerable
Tribal Group (PVTG) to the fore as enshrined in Policy on Shompen Tribe of Great Nicobar Island-2015 and the
provisions made in the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956.
(8) The Zonal Master Plan shall demarcate all the existing worshipping places, villages and urban settlements, types
and kinds of forests, agricultural areas, fertile lands, green area, such as, parks and like places, horticultural areas,
orchards, lakes and other water bodies with supporting maps giving details of existing and proposed land use
features.
(9) The Zonal Master Plan shall regulate development in Eco-sensitive Zone and adhere to prohibited and regulated
activities listed in the Table in paragraph 4 and also ensure and promote eco-friendly development for security of
local communities’ livelihood.
(10) The Zonal Master Plan shall be co-terminus with the Regional Development Plan.
(11) The Zonal Master Plan so approved shall be the reference document for the Monitoring Committee for carrying
out its functions of monitoring in accordance with the provisions of this notification.
3. Measures to be taken by the Union Territory Government.-The Union Territory Government shall take the
following measures for giving effect to the provisions of this notification, namely:-
(1) Land use.– (a) Forests, horticulture areas, agricultural areas, parks and open spaces earmarked for
recreational purposes in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall not be used or converted into areas for commercial or
residential or industrial activities:
Provided that the conversion of agricultural and other lands, for the purposes other than that specified
at part (a) above, within the Eco-sensitive Zone may be permitted on the recommendation of the
Monitoring Committee, and with the prior approval of the competent authority under Regional Town
Planning Act and other rules and regulations of Central Government or Union Territory Government as
applicable and vide provisions of this notification, to meet the residential needs of the local residents and
for activities such as-
(i) widening and strengthening of existing roads and construction of new roads;
(ii) construction and renovation of infrastructure and civic amenities;
(iii) small scale industries not causing pollution;
(iv) cottage industries including village industries; convenience stores and local amenities supporting
eco-tourism including home stay; and
(v) promoted activities given in paragraph 4:
Provided further that no use of tribal land shall be permitted for commercial and industrial development
activities without the prior approval of the competent authority under Regional Town Planning Act and
other rules and regulations of the Union Territory Government and without compliance of the provisions
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 23
of article 244 of the Constitution or the law for the time being in force, including the Scheduled Tribes and
Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (2 of 2007):
The land use shall be regulated as per the provisions made at section 4, 5 and 6 of the Andaman & Nicobar
(Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956:
Provided also that any error appearing in the land records within the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be corrected
by the Union Territory Government, after obtaining the views of Monitoring Committee, once in each case
and the correction of said error shall be intimated to the Central Government in the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change:
Provided also that the correction of error shall not include change of land use in any case except as
provided under this sub-paragraph.
(b) Efforts shall be made to reforest the unused or unproductive agricultural areas with afforestation and
habitat restoration activities
(2) Natural water bodies.-The catchment areas of all natural springs shall be identified and plans for their
conservation and rejuvenation shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan and the guidelines shall be
drawn up by the Union Territory Government in such a manner as to prohibit development activities at or
near these areas which are detrimental to such areas.
(3) Tourism or eco-tourism.- (a) All new eco-tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism activities
within the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be as per the Tourism Master Plan for the Eco-sensitive Zone.
(b) The Tourism Master Plan shall be prepared by the Union Territory Department of Tourism in
consultation with the Union Territory Departments of Environment and Forests.
(c) The Tourism Master Plan shall form a component of the Zonal Master Plan.
(d) The Tourism Master Plan shall be drawn based on the study of carrying capacity of the Eco-sensitive
Zone.
(e) The activities of eco-tourism shall be regulated as under, namely:-
(i) new construction of hotels and resorts shall not be allowed within one kilometre from the
boundary of the protected area or upto the extent of the Eco-sensitive Zone, whichever is nearer:
Provided that beyond the distance of one kilometre from the boundary of the protected area
till the extent of the Eco-sensitive Zone, the establishment of new hotels and resorts shall be
allowed only in pre-defined and designated areas for eco-tourism facilities as per Tourism Master
Plan;
(ii) all new tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism activities within the Eco-sensitive Zone
shall be in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Government in the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the eco-tourism guidelines issued by the National
Tiger Conservation Authority (as amended from time to time) with emphasis on eco-tourism, eco-
education and eco-development;
(iii) until the Zonal Master Plan is approved, development for tourism and expansion of existing
tourism activities shall be permitted by the concerned regulatory authorities based on the actual
site specific scrutiny and recommendation of the Monitoring Committee and no new hotel, resort
or commercial establishment construction shall be permitted within Eco-sensitive Zone area.
(4) Natural heritage.- All sites of valuable natural heritage in the Eco-sensitive Zone, such as the gene pool
reserve areas, rock formations, waterfalls, springs, gorges, groves, caves, points, walks, rides, cliffs, etc.
shall be identified and a heritage conservation plan shall be drawn up for their preservation and
conservation as a part of the Zonal Master Plan.
(5) Man-made heritage sites.- Buildings, structures, artifacts, areas and precincts of historical, architectural,
aesthetic, and cultural significance shall be identified in the Eco-sensitive Zone and heritage conservation
plan for their conservation shall be prepared as part of the Zonal Master Plan.
(6) Noise pollution. -Prevention and control of noise pollution in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in
accordance with the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 under the
Environment Act.
(7) Air pollution.- Prevention and control of air pollution in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in
accordance with the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (14 of 1981) and
the rules made there under.
24 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

(8) Discharge of effluents.- Discharge of treated effluent in Eco-sensitive Zone shall be in accordance with the
provisions of the General Standards for Discharge of Environmental Pollutants covered under the
Environment Act and the rules made there under or standards stipulated by the Union Territory
Government, whichever is more stringent.
(9) Solid wastes.-Disposal and Management of solid wastes shall be as under:-
(i) the solid waste disposal and management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in accordance
with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India in the Ministry
of Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number S.O. 1357 (E), dated the 8 th
April, 2016; the inorganic material may be disposed in an environmental acceptable manner at site
identified outside the Eco-sensitive Zone;
(ii) safe and Environmentally Sound Management of Solid wastes in conformity with the existing rules
and regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within Eco-sensitive Zone.
(10) Bio-Medical Waste.– Bio-Medical Waste Management shall be as under:-
(i) the Bio-Medical Waste disposal in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in accordance with the
Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India in the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number G.S.R. 343 (E), dated the 28 th
March, 2016.
(ii) safe and Environmentally Sound Management of Bio-Medical Wastes in conformity with the existing
rules and regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within the Eco-sensitive Zone.
(11) Plastic waste management.- The plastic waste management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out
as per the provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India
in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number G.S.R. 340(E), dated
the 18th March, 2016, as amended from time to time.
(12) Construction and demolition waste management.- The construction and demolition waste management
in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of the Construction and Demolition
Waste Management Rules, 2016 published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change vide notification number G.S.R. 317(E), dated the 29 th March, 2016, as
amended from time to time.
(13) E-waste.- The e - waste management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of
the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India in the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as amended from time to time.
(14) Vehicular traffic.– The vehicular movement of traffic shall be regulated in a habitat friendly manner and
specific provisions in this regard shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan and till such time as the
Zonal Master plan is prepared and approved by the competent authority in the Union Territory
Government, the Monitoring Committee shall monitor compliance of vehicular movement under the
relevant Acts and the rules and regulations made thereunder.
(15) Vehicular pollution.- Prevention and control of vehicular pollution shall be incompliance with applicable
laws and efforts shall be made for use of cleaner fuels.
(16) Industrial units.– (a) On or after the publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, no new
polluting industries shall be permitted to be set up within the Eco-sensitive Zone.
(b) Only non-polluting industries shall be allowed within Eco-sensitive Zone as per the classification
of Industries in the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February, 2016, unless
so specified in this notification, and in addition, the non-polluting cottage industries shall be promoted.
(17) Protection of hill slopes.- The protection of hill slopes shall be as under:-
(a) the Zonal Master Plan shall indicate areas on hill slopes where no construction shall be permitted;
(b) construction on existing steep hill slopes or slopes with a high degree of erosion shall not be permitted.
4. List of activities prohibited or to be regulated within Eco-sensitive Zone.- All activities in the Eco-sensitive
Zone shall be governed by the provisions of the Environment Act and the rules made there under including the
Coastal Regulation Zone, 2011 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 and other
applicable laws including the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (69 of 1980), the Indian Forest Act, 1927 (16 of
1927), the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (53 of 1972), and amendments made thereto and be regulated in the
manner specified in the Table below, namely:-
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 25
TABLE

S. No. Activity Description

A. Prohibited Activities
1. Commercial mining, stone (a) All new and existing mining (minor and major minerals), stone
quarrying and crushing units. quarrying and crushing units shall be prohibited with immediate
effect except for meeting the domestic needs of bona fide local
residents including digging of earth for construction or repair of
houses within Eco-Sensitive Zone;
(b) The mining operations shall be carried out in accordance with
the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated the 4 th August,
2006 in the matter of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad Vs. UOI
in W.P.(C) No.202 of 1995 and dated the 21 st April, 2014 in the
matter of Goa Foundation Vs. UOI in W.P.(C) No.435 of 2012.
2. Setting of industries causing New industries and expansion of existing polluting industries in the
pollution (Water, Air, Soil, Eco-sensitive Zone shall not be permitted:
Noise, etc.).
Provided that, non-polluting industries shall be allowed within Eco-
Sensitive Zone as per classification of Industries in the guidelines
issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February, 2016,
unless so specified in this notification and in addition, the non-
polluting cottage industries shall be promoted.
3. Establishment of major Prohibited.
hydroelectric project.
4. Use or production or processing Prohibited.
of any hazardous substance.
5. Discharge of untreated effluents Prohibited.
in natural water bodies or land
area.
6. Setting up of new saw mills. New or expansion of existing saw mills shall not be permitted within
the Eco-sensitive Zone.
7. Setting up of brick kilns. Prohibited.
8. Use of polythene bags. Prohibited.

9. Commercial use of firewood Prohibited.

10. Commercial establishment of Prohibited.
hotels and resorts.
11. Construction activities. Prohibited.
12. Small scale non polluting Prohibited.
industries.
13. Felling of trees. Prohibited.
14. Commercial extraction of surface Prohibited.
and ground water.
15. Introduction of Exotic species. Prohibited.

16. Practice river aquaculture and Prohibited.

fishing by the help of
mechanized boats in large scale
commercial manner.
26 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

B. Regulated Activities
17. Erection of electrical and Regulated under applicable laws of underground cabling may be
communication towers and promoted.
laying of cables and other
infrastructures.
18. Infrastructure including civic Taking measures of mitigation, as per applicable laws, rules and
amenities. regulation and available guidelines.
19. Widening and strengthening of Taking measures of mitigation, as per applicable laws, rules and
existing roads and construction regulation and available guidelines.
of new roads.
20. Undertaking other activities Regulated as per the applicable laws.
related to tourism like over flying
over the Eco-sensitive Zone area
by hot air balloon, helicopter,
drones, Microlites, etc.
21. Movement of vehicular traffic at Regulated for commercial purpose under applicable laws.
night.
22. Ongoing agriculture and Permitted as per the applicable laws for use of locals.
horticulture practices by local
communities along with dairies,
dairy farming, aquaculture and
fisheries.
23. Discharge of treated waste The discharge of treated waste water or effluents shall be avoided to
water/effluents in natural water enter into the water bodies and efforts shall be made for recycle and
bodies or land area. reuse of treated waste water. Otherwise the discharge of treated
waste water/effluent shall be regulated as per the applicable laws.
24. Establishment of large-scale Regulated (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws
commercial livestock and poultry except for meeting local needs.
farms by firms, corporate and
companies.
25. Open Well, Bore Well, etc. for Regulated and the activity should be strictly monitored by the
agriculture or other usage. appropriate authority.
26. Solid Waste Management. Regulated as per the applicable laws.

27. Eco-tourism. Regulated as per the applicable laws.

28. Commercial Sign boards and Regulated as per the applicable laws.
hoardings.
29. Traditional fishing practices. Regulated as per the applicable laws.

C. Promoted Activities
30. Collection of Forest Produce or Permitted for meeting the bonafide requirement of the PVTG
Non-Timber Forest Produce. (Shompen) & Nicobarese as provided in the Andamn and Nicobar
(Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956.
31. Protection of Hill Slopes and Should be encouraged to the extent possible without affecting the
river banks. livelihood of PVTG (Shompens).
32. Agriculture and Horticulture Promoted for meeting their subsistence requirement.
practices by PVTG and
Nicobarese.
33. Rain water harvesting. Shall be actively promoted.

34. Organic farming. Shall be actively promoted.

35. Adoption of green technology for Shall be actively promoted.
all activities.
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 27

36. Cottage industries including Shall be actively promoted.

village artisans, etc.
37. Use of renewable energy and Bio-gas, solar light etc. shall be actively promoted.
fuels.
38. Agro-Forestry. Shall be actively promoted.
39. Plantation of Horticulture and Shall be actively promoted.
Herbals.
40. Use of eco-friendly transport. Shall be actively promoted.
41. Skill Development. Shall be actively promoted.

42. Restoration of Degraded Land/ Shall be actively promoted.

Forests/ Habitat.
43. Environmental Awareness. Shall be actively promoted.
5. Monitoring Committee.- For effective monitoring of the provisions of this notification under sub-section (3) of
section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Central Government hereby constitutes a Monitoring
Committee, comprising of the following, namely: -

S. No. Constituent of the Monitoring Committee Designation

1. Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District Chairman;
2. Memeber, Zilla Parishad, Campbell Bay Member;
3. Executive Engineer, APWD, Campbell Bay Member;
4. Director, Agriculture or his representative Member;
5. Director, Fisheries or his representative, A&N Admin. Member;
6. Senior Veterinary Officer, Campbell Bay Member;
7. One representative of Non-Governmental Organization working in the Member;
field of environment (including heritage conservation) to be nominated by
the Union territory Government.
8. One expert in environment or ecology or wildlife from a reputed Institution Member;
to be nominated by Union territory Government
9. Representative of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Biodiversity Council Member;
10. Divisional Forest Officer, Nicobar Division Member Secretary;
6. Terms of Reference. – (1)The Monitoring Committee shall monitor the compliance of the provisions of this
notification.
(2) The tenure of the Monitoring committee shall be for three years or till the re-constitution of the new Committee
by the Union Territory Government and subsequently the Monitoring Committee shall be constituted by the Union
Territory Government.
(3) The activities that are covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile
Ministry of Environment and Forests number S.O. 1533 (E), dated the 14 th September, 2006, and are falling in the
Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table under paragraph 4 thereof, shall be
scrutinized by the Monitoring Committee based on the actual site-specific conditions and referred to the Central
Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for prior environmental clearances under
the provisions of the said notification.
(4) The activities that are not covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the
erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forests number S.O. 1533 (E), dated the 14 th September, 2006 and are
falling in the Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table under paragraph 4
thereof, shall be scrutinised by the Monitoring Committee based on the actual site-specific conditions and referred
to the concerned regulatory authorities.
(5) The Member-Secretary of the Monitoring Committee or the concerned Deputy Commissioner(s) shall be
competent to file complaints under section 19 of the Environment Act against any person who contravenes the
provisions of this notification.
28 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

(6) The Monitoring Committee may invite representatives or experts from concerned Departments, representatives
from industry associations or concerned stakeholders to assist in its deliberations depending on the requirements on
issue to issue basis.
(7) The Monitoring Committee shall submit the annual action taken report of its activities as on the 31 st March of
every year by the 30th June of that year to the Chief Wildlife Warden in the Union Territory as per proforma given
in Annexure IV.
(8) The Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change may give such directions,
as it deems fit, to the Monitoring Committee for effective discharge of its functions.
7.Additional Measures.- The Central Government and Union Territory Government may specify additional
measures, if any, for giving effect to provisions of this notification.
8.Supreme Court, etc. orders.- The provisions of this notification are subject to the orders, if any passed or to be
passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India or the High Court or the National Green Tribunal.
[F. No. 25/15/2020-ESZ]
DR. SATISH C GARKOTI, Scientist ‘G’

ANNEXURE-I
BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF CAMPBELL BAY NATIONAL PARK
EAST- Eco Sensitive Zone boundary of Campbell Bay National Park starts from a point 1 (7° 12' 48.477"
N&93° 51' 8.036" E) moves towards East upto a point A1 (7° 12' 59.550" N&93° 51' 39.402" E) and then
proceeds towards south upto the point A4 (7° 0' 19.620" N&93° 50' 57.591" E) passing through the points A2
(7° 9' 1.306" N&93° 51' 11.834" E)& A3 (7° 3' 49.313" N&93° 51' 52.757" E) maintaining an uniform
distance of one kilometre from the boundary on the seaward side.

SOUTH- From point A4 (7° 0' 19.620" N&93° 50' 57.591" E), the boundary then moves towards West
through the point A8 (6° 57' 56.254" N&93° 44' 35.214" E) through points A5 (7° 0' 9.652" N&93° 48'
15.215" E), A6 (7° 0' 37.585" N&93° 47' 26.796" E) & A7 (6° 59' 41.162" N&93° 45' 19.845" E) maintaining
an uniform distance of one kilometre from the boundary of the National Park.

WEST:- From the point A8 (6° 57' 56.254" N&93° 44' 35.214" E), the boundary then moves towards North
upto the point A9 (6° 58' 50.571" N&93° 44' 10.297" E) at a distance of one kilometre from the South-Western
boundary of the National Park and then to a point A10 (6° 59' 32.776" N&93° 42' 28.464" E) following the
part of the Western boundary of the Campbell Bay National Park. The boundary of ESZ then moves in the
Northward direction upto a point 14 (7° 10' 29.435" N&93° 40' 35.571" E) passing through the points A11 (6°
59' 46.491" N&93° 42' 23.926" E), A12 (7° 1' 6.885" N&93° 41' 22.885" E), A13 (7° 3' 51.309" N&93° 40'
12.472" E), A14 (7° 4' 40.520" N&93° 40' 14.158" E), A15 (7° 5' 8.013" N&93° 40' 11.421" E), A16 (7° 6'
26.617" N&93° 40' 33.098" E), A17 (7° 7' 6.016" N&93° 39' 59.120" E), A18 (7° 7' 33.058" N&93° 39'
56.081" E), A19 (7° 7' 56.593" N&93° 40' 12.999" E), A20 (7° 8' 19.265" N&93° 41' 2.227" E), A21 (7° 9'
22.362" N&93° 41' 17.342" E), A22 (7° 9' 27.083" N&93° 40' 55.655" E), A23 (7° 9' 30.224" N&93° 40'
49.687" E) & A24 (7° 9' 45.654" N&93° 40' 32.010" E) at a distance varying from 200 meter (between points
A16 & A17) to one kilometre from the boundary of the National Park on the Western side.

NORTH: The boundary of ESZ in the North follows the Northern boundary of the Campbell Bay National
Park from point 14 (7° 10' 29.435" N&93° 40' 35.571" E) upto the starting point 1 (7° 12' 48.477" N&93° 51'
8.036" E) situated on the North Eastern boundary of the National Park.
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 29
ANNEXURE-II A
MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONEOFCAMPBELL BAY NATIONAL PARKALONG WITH GEO-
COORDINATES
30 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

ANNEXURE-II B
SATELLITE IMAGE OF CAMPBELL BAY NATIONAL PARK AND ITS ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 31

ANNEXURE-II C
LOCATION MAP OF CAMPBELL BAY NATIONAL PARK AND ITS ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE

ANNEXURE-III
TABLE A: Geo-coordinates of prominent locations along the boundary of Campbell Bay National Park as
shown on map
Station Latitude Longitude
1 7° 12' 48.477" N 93° 51' 8.036" E
2 7° 8' 40.042" N 93° 50' 36.763" E
3 7° 3' 50.652" N 93° 51' 19.464" E
4 7° 0' 45.024" N 93° 50' 36.733" E
5 7° 0' 41.926" N 93° 48' 19.468" E
6 7° 1' 29.838" N 93° 47' 38.514" E
32 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII—SEC. 3(ii)]

7 7° 0' 33.696" N 93° 45' 34.557" E

8 6° 58' 27.846" N 93° 44' 23.937" E
9 6° 59' 44.897" N 93° 43' 0.268" E
10 7° 1' 31.241" N 93° 41' 44.493" E
11 7° 5' 55.213" N 93° 40' 50.986" E
12 7° 7' 23.222" N 93° 40' 26.764" E
13 7° 9' 35.985" N 93° 41' 56.282" E
14 7° 10' 29.435" N 93° 40' 35.571" E
Table B: Geo-coordinates of prominent locations along the boundary of Eco-sensitive Zone of Campbell Bay
National Parkshown on map
Station Latitude Longitude
A1 7° 12' 59.550" N 93° 51' 39.402" E
A2 7° 9' 1.306" N 93° 51' 11.834" E
A3 7° 3' 49.313" N 93° 51' 52.757" E
A4 7° 0' 19.620" N 93° 50' 57.591" E
A5 7° 0' 9.652" N 93° 48' 15.215" E
A6 7° 0' 37.585" N 93° 47' 26.796" E
A7 6° 59' 41.162" N 93° 45' 19.845" E
A8 6° 57' 56.254" N 93° 44' 35.214" E
A9 6° 58' 50.571" N 93° 44' 10.297" E
A10 6° 59' 32.776" N 93° 42' 28.464" E
A11 6° 59' 46.491" N 93° 42' 23.926" E
A12 7° 1' 6.885" N 93° 41' 22.885" E
A13 7° 3' 51.309" N 93° 40' 12.472" E
A14 7° 4' 40.520" N 93° 40' 14.158" E
A15 7° 5' 8.013" N 93° 40' 11.421" E
A16 7° 6' 26.617" N 93° 40' 33.098" E
A17 7° 7' 6.016" N 93° 39' 59.120" E
A18 7° 7' 33.058" N 93° 39' 56.081" E
A19 7° 7' 56.593" N 93° 40' 12.999" E
A20 7° 8' 19.265" N 93° 41' 2.227" E
A21 7° 9' 22.362" N 93° 41' 17.342" E
A22 7° 9' 27.083" N 93° 40' 55.655" E
A23 7° 9' 30.224" N 93° 40' 49.687" E
A24 7° 9' 45.654" N 93° 40' 32.010" E
ANNEXURE-IV
Proforma of Action Taken Report: - Eco-sensitive ZoneMonitoring Committee. -
1. Number and date of meetings.
2. Minutes of the meetings: (mention noteworthy points. Attach minutes of the meeting as separate annexure).
3. Status of preparation of Zonal Master Plan including Tourism Master Plan.
4. Summary of cases dealt with rectification of error apparent on face of land record (Eco-sensitive Zone
wise). Details may be attached as Annexure.
5. Summary of cases scrutinized for activities covered under the Environment Impact Assessment notification,
2006. (Details may be attached as separate Annexure)
6. Summary of cases scrutinized for activities not covered under the Environment Impact Assessment
notification, 2006. (Details may be attached as separate Annexure)
7. Summary of complaints lodged under section 19 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
8. Any other matter of importance.

Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.
ANNEXURE III
 रजजस्ट्री सं. डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99

xxxGIDHxxx
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-30102020-222839
xxxGIDExxx
CG-DL-E-30102020-222839

ऄसाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग II—खण्ड 3—ईप-खण्ड (ii)
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii)
प्राजधकार से प्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

सं. 3420] नइ ददल्ली, बुधवार, ऄक्तूबर 28, 2020/ कार्वतक 6, 1942

No. 3420] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020/ KARTIKA 6, 1942

पयाावरण, वन और जलवायु पररवतान मंत्रालय

ऄजधसूचना

नइ ददल्ली, 28 ऄक्तूबर, 2020

का.अ. 3874(ऄ).—ऄजधसूचना का जनम्नजलजखत प्रारुप, जजसे के न्द्रीय सरकार, पयाावरण (संरक्षण) ऄजधजनयम,
1986 (1986 का 29) की धारा 3 की ईपधारा (2) के खंड (v) और खंड (xiv) तथा ईपधारा (3) के साथ परित ईपधारा
(1) द्वारा प्रदत्त िजियों का प्रयोग करते हुए, जारी करने का प्रस्ट्ताव करती है को, पयाावरण (संरक्षण) जनयमावली 1986
के जनयम 5 के ईपजनयम (3) की ऄपेक्षानुसार, जनसाधारण की जानकारी के जलए प्रकाजित दकया जाता है जजनके ईससे
प्रभाजवत होने की संभावना है, और यह सूजचत दकया जाता है दक ईि प्रारूप ऄजधसूचना पर, ईस तारीख से, जजसको आस
ऄजधसूचना को ऄंतर्ववष्ट करने वाले भारत के राजपत्र की प्रजतयां जनसाधारण को ईपलब्ध करा दी जाती हैं, साि ददन की
ऄवजध की समाजि पर या ईसके पश्चात् जवचार दकया जाएगा;

ऐसा कोइ व्यजि, जो प्रारूप ऄजधसूचना में ऄंतर्ववष्ट प्रस्ट्तावों के संबंध में कोइ अपजत्त या सुझाव देने का आच्छु क है,
वह जवजनर्ददष्ट ऄवजध के भीतर, के न्द्रीय सरकार द्वारा जवचार दकए जाने के जलए ऄपनी अपजत्त या सुझाव सजचव, पयाावरण,
वन और जलवायु पररवतान मंत्रालय, आं ददरा पयाावरण भवन, जोर बाग रोड, ऄलीगंज, नइ ददल्ली-110003 को जलजखत
रूप में या इ-मेल esz-mef@nic.in पर भेज सकता है।

5259 GI/2020 (1)

2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

प्रारूप ऄजधसूचना

और, र उ 110 र और र
र र में ;

और, र उ . -22010/14/89- , र 13 र , 1989 र

, र से जघरा हुअ, र र का र और 2013 र
र र ;

और, र उ और और
र इ र , , , - और र ना
और / ;
और, संरजक्षत क्षेत्र र र इ उ ,
, और - और उ र- र
और र र ;
और, र उ र उ और
और र उ र र उ इ -
और इ - 422 र और 142 र र 648
र ई , 48 और र- 85
और 3 र और 3 र र 4 र
इ 77 धों और र
र ;
और, र उ र ( ), ( ), र र
( र र ), उ र ( उ ), - र र और
र उ इ र , , र , और र और
और र र उ इ र
र र और , र रई ,
र इर , इ , र और
र और ई और इ ;
और, सफाइरोप्टेररस एल्बो-
(कय एल्बो-से ) और सफाइरोप्टेररस र ( र )
प्रोनेपहररयम इ इ , बोटॉयस र , उ र र ,
र , र र, र , र र , र
इ र , र र , र , र, र ,
रइ, र इ र , र र , र , इ र
इ र , र र, र , र इ र , इ
र , , , र , र ,
र औ , र , र, ई ;
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 3

और, उ उ र र है और ई र
14 र र , इर र , र र ,
ई और र राआफोजलयाटा, र
, ,इ इ और , डेंड्रोजबयम क्रुमेनाटम
और र र र र र और
और हैं र उ ;

और, र र , र उ
र और र उ र जयांआ लैदर बैक कछु अ
( र ), र कछु अ ( ), कछु अ ( )
र ;
और, र उ 330 ई र (3
र र ) 28 , 97 , र 23 , उ र 10
, 52 , 24 , 20 और
76 ;
और, र उ ,र उ
और र ई ( र उ र ), र
र (सस स्ट्क्रोफा र ), ( ), र ( इ र र ),
र इ ( र ), इ ( र र र ) और र
( र र ), र (र र ), (र ), (र र), (र ),
र ( ), र र( र र ), र
( इ ), इ र इ मगरमच्छ ( पोरोसस), ;
और, र ( र उ
इ र), र ( र ), र इ र ( इ
औ ), र र ई ( र ), र र इ फ्लाइकै चर ( र
र इ र ), इ ककगदफिर ( इर ), र
ककगदफिर ( र ), र इ - र ककगदफिर ( र ),
(इ ), र ( रइ ), र
( र र ), र - र ( र उ ),
र ( र ), र र ( ), र
र र ( उ र), र र (कै लोजनयस जनकोबाररका जनकोबाररका),
जनकोबार ग्रीन िाही कबूतर (डु कुला एनेया जनकोबाररका), कटचेल जिकरा (एदकजपटर बैजजयस ऑब्सोलेटस), र
इ ई (जोस्ट्टरोप्स र र ), ऄंडमान ग्लॉसी स्ट्टेयर (एप्लॉजनस पैनयेजन्द्सस टाआटलरी), जनकोबार
ऑजलव सनबडा ( र र ), र (एथोपेगा जसपारा
र ), जस्ट्वफ्टलेट ( इ ), इ जस्ट्वफ्टलेट
( इ ), जनकोबार ग्राईं ड थ्रि (जोथेरा जसरीन एल्बोगुलररस), ;
और, र उ , ,
र र और र र और र र र र र उ
4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

र र( र ) , 1956
र 3 र , र ( न
र ) , 1956 और ( र ) ,1972 र 65
रउ र र ;
और, उ और र
र उ और र ( र )
, 1956 र 4 और र 6 ;
और, र
र 7 इ
र , , , , र
र र (अददकालीन र ) , 1956 र 5
और र -2015 र , और
, र , र र
;
और, राष्ट्रीय ईद्यान के चारों ओर के क्षेत्र को, जजसका जवस्ट्तार और सीमाएं आस ऄजधसूचना के पैराग्राफ 1
में जवजनर्ददष्ट हैं, पाररजस्ट्थजतकी, पयाावरणीय और जैव-जवजवधता की दृजष्ट से पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन के रूप में सुरजक्षत
और संरजक्षत करना तथा ईि पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में ईद्योगों या ईद्योगों की श्रेजणयों के प्रचालन तथा प्रसंस्ट्करण को
प्रजतजिद्ध करना अवश्यक है;

ऄतः ऄब, के न्द्रीय सरकार, पयाावरण (संरक्षण) जनयमावली, 1986 के जनयम 5 के ईपजनयम (3) के साथ परित
पयाावरण (संरक्षण) ऄजधजनयम, 1986 (1986 का 29) (जजसे आसमें आसके पश्चात् पयाावरण ऄजधजनयम कहा गया है) की
ईपधारा (1) तथा धारा 3 की ईपधारा (2) खंड (v) और खंड (xiv) एवं ईपधारा (3) के द्वारा प्रदत्त िजियों का प्रयोग
करते हुए, कें र िाजसत प्रदेि ऄंडमान और जनकोबार द्वीप समूह के राष्ट्रीय ईद्यान की सीमा के चारों ओर (0)
िून्द्य से दकलोमीटर तक जवस्ट्ताररत क्षेत्र को पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन (जजसे आसमें आसके पश्चात् पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी
जोन कहा गया है) के रूप में ऄजधसूजचत करती है, जजसका जववरण जनम्नानुसार है, ऄथाात:् -

1. पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवद
े ी जोन का जवस्ट्तार और सीमा.-(1) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन का जवस्ट्तार राष्ट्रीय
ईद्यान की सीमा के चारों ओर 0 (िून्द्य) से 1 दकलोमीटर तक जवस्ट्तृत है और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन का क्षेत्रफल
14.93 वगा दकलोमीटर है। र‘ ’ र र

और र इ र र

इ र , , र /
और र र - र - –
सजहत 750 र र
र और र उ इ र , और
र , 1927 र , 1980

र( र ) ,1956 र

(2) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन की सीमा का जववरण और जवस्ट्तार –I के रूप में संलग्न है।
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 5

(3) भू-जनदेिांकों, सैटेलाआट जचत्र और ऄवस्ट्थान मानजचत्र के साथ राष्ट्रीय ईद्यान के पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन
का मानजचत्र –II क-ग के रूप में संलग्न हैं।

(4) राष्ट्रीय ईद्यान की सीमा और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन के भू-जनदेिांकों की सूची -III की सारणी
क और ख के रूप में संलग्न हैं।

(5) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन के ऄंतगात कोइ राजस्ट्व ग्राम जस्ट्थत नहीं है

2. पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवद
े ी जोन के जलए अंचजलक महायोजना.–(1) राजय सरकार, द्वारा पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन के
प्रयोजन के जलए, राजपत्र में ऄंजतम ऄजधसूचना के प्रकािन की तारीख से दो विा की ऄवजध के भीतर, स्ट्थानीय व्यजियों के
परामिा से और आस ऄजधसूचना में ददए गए ऄनुबंधों का पालन करते हुए, कें र िाजसत र के सक्षम प्राजधकारी के
ऄनुमोदनाथा एक अंचजलक महायोजना बनाइ जायेगी।

(2) कें र िाजसत प्रदेि द्वारा पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन के जलए अचंजलक महायोजना आस ऄजधसूचना में जवजनर्ददष्ट रीजत से
तथा प्रासंजगक कें रीय और राजय जवजधयों के ऄनुरूप तथा कें र सरकार द्वारा जारी ददिा जनदेिों, यदद कोइ हों, के ऄनुसार
बनायी जाएगी।

(3) अंचजलक महायोजना में पाररजस्ट्थजतकी और पयाावरण संबंधी सरोकारों को िाजमल करने के जलए आसे कें र िाजसत
र र के जनम्नजलजखत जवभागों के परामिा से बनाया जाएगा, ऄथाात्:-

(i) पयाावरण;
(ii) वन और ;
(iii) कृ जि;
(iv) पिुपालन;
(v) ऄंडमान लोक जनमााण जवभाग;
(vi) राजस्ट्व;
(vii) मत्सस्ट्य; और
(viii) ऄंडमान एवं लक्षद्वीप बंदरगाह जनमााण (एएलएचडब्ल्यू) और ऄन्द्य ऄनुसंधान संगिन।

(4) जब तक आस ऄजधसूचना में जवजनर्ददष्ट न हो, अंचजलक महायोजना में वतामान में ऄनुमोददत भू-ईपयोग, ऄवसंरचना
और दक्रयाकलापों पर कोइ प्रजतबंध नहीं लगाया जाएगा तथा अंचजलक महायोजना में सभी ऄवसंरचनाओं और
दक्रयाकलापों में सुधार करके ईन्द्हे ऄजधक दक्ष और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी-ऄनुकूल बनाने की व्यवस्ट्था की जाएगी।

(5) अंचजलक महायोजना में वनरजहत और ऄवक्रजमत क्षेत्रों के सुधार, जवद्यमान जल जनकायों के संरक्षण, जलग्रहण क्षेत्रों के
प्रबंधन, जल-संभरों के प्रबंधन, भू-जल के प्रबंधन, मृदा और नमी के संरक्षण, स्ट्थानीय जनता की अवश्यकताओं तथा
पाररजस्ट्थजतकी एवं पयाावरण के ऐसे ऄन्द्य पहलुओं की व्यवस्ट्था की जाएगी जजन पर ध्यान ददया जाना अवश्यक है।

(6) अंचजलक महायोजना ग्रेट जनकोबार द्वीप-2015 के िोम्पेन जनजाजत नीजत और ऄंडमान एवं जनकोबार
(अददकालीन जनजाजतयों का संरक्षण) जवजनयमन, 1956 में दकए गए प्रावधानों को ध्यान में रखते हुए तैयार जाए ।
(7) अंचजलक महायोजना र पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में होने वाले जवकास का जवजनयमन दकया जाएगा और ग्रेट
जनकोबार द्वीप-2015 के िोम्पेन जनजाजत नीजत में प्रजतष्ठाजपत और ऄंडमान एवं जनकोबार (अददकालीन
जनजाजतयों का संरक्षण) जवजनयमन, 1956 में दकए गए प्रावधानों को जविेि रूप से संवेदनिील जनजाजत समूह
6 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

(पीवीटीजी) के बचाव, सुरक्षा और कल्याण को ध्यान में रखते हुए र 4 र ,

।
(8) अंचजलक महायोजना में सभी जवद्यमान पूजा स्ट्थलों, ग्रामों एवं िहरी बजस्ट्तयों, वनों की श्रेजणयों एवं दकस्ट्मों, कृ जि
क्षेत्रों, ईपजाउ भूजम, ईद्यानों एवं ईद्यानों की तरह के हररत क्षेत्रों, बागवानी क्षेत्रों, बगीचों, झीलों और ऄन्द्य जल जनकायों
की सीमा का सहायक मानजचत्र के साथ जनधाारण दकया जाएगा और मौजूदा और प्रस्ट्ताजवत भू-ईपयोग की जविेिताओं का
ब्यौरा भी ददया जाएगा।

(9) अंचजलक महायोजना में पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में होने वाले जवकास का जवजनयमन दकया जाएगा और पैराग्राफ 4
में सारणी में यथासूचीबद्ध प्रजतजिद्ध एवं जवजनयजमत दक्रयाकलापों का पालन दकया जाएगा। आसमें स्ट्थानीय जनता की
अजीजवका की सुरक्षा के जलए पाररजस्ट्थजतकी-ऄनुकूल जवकास का भी सुजनश्चय एवं संवधान दकया जाएगा।

(10) अंचजलक महायोजना, क्षेत्रीय जवकास योजना की सह-काजलक होगी ।

(11) ऄनुमोददत अंचजलक महायोजना, जनगरानी सजमजत के जलए एक संदभा दस्ट्तावेज होगी तादक वह आस ऄजधसूचना के
ईपबंधों के ऄनुसार जनगरानी के ऄपने कताव्यों का जनवाहन कर सके ।

3. कें र िाजसत प्रदेि र दकए जाने वाले ईपाय.- कें र िाजसत प्रदेि ऄजधसूचना के ईपबंधों को प्रभावी बनाने के जलए
जनम्नजलजखत ईपाय करे गी, ऄथाात्:-

(1) भू-ईपयोग.– (क) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में वनों, बागवानी क्षेत्रों, कृ जि क्षेत्रों, मनोरं जन के जलए जचजन्द्हत ईद्यानों
और खुले स्ट्थानों का वृहद वाजणजजयक या अवासीय पररसरों या औद्योजगक दक्रयाकलापों के जलए प्रयोग या संपररवतान
ऄनुमजत नहीं दकया जाएगा:

परं तु पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन के भीतर भाग (क), में जवजनर्ददष्ट प्रयोजन से जभन्न प्रयोजन के जलए कृ जि और ऄन्द्य भूजम
का संपररवतान, जनगरानी सजमजत की जसफाररि पर और सक्षम प्राजधकारी के पूवा ऄनुमोदन से क्षेत्रीय नगर योजना
ऄजधजनयम तथा यथा लागू के न्द्रीय सरकार एवं कें र िाजसत सरकार के ऄन्द्य जनयमों एवं जवजनयमों के ऄधीन तथा आस
ऄजधसूचना के ईपबंधों के ऄनुसार स्ट्थानीय जनवाजसयों की जनम्नजलजखत अवासीय जरूरतों को पूरा करने के जलए ऄनुमत
दकया जाएगा जैसे:-

(i) जवद्यमान सड़कों को चौड़ा करना, ईन्द्हें सुदढ़ृ करना और नइ सड़कों का जनमााण करना;

(ii) बुजनयादी ढांचों और नागररक सुजवधाओं का संजनमााण और नवीकरण;

(iii) प्रदूिण ईत्सपन्न न करने वाले लघु ईद्योग;
(iv) कु टीर ईद्योग एवं ग्राम ईद्योग; पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पयाटन में सहायक सुजवधा भण्डार, और स्ट्थानीय सुजवधाएं तथा गृह
वास; और
(v) पैराग्राफ-4 में ईजल्लजखत बढ़ावा ददए गए दक्रयाकलापः

परं तु यह भी दक क्षेत्रीय िहरी जनयोजन ऄजधजनयम के ऄधीन सक्षम प्राजधकारी के पूवा ऄनुमोदन के जबना तथा
राजय सरकार के ऄन्द्य जनयमों एवं जवजनयमों एवं संजवधान के ऄनुच्छे द 244 के ईपबंधों तथा तत्ससमय प्रवृत्त जवजध, जजसके
ऄंतगात ऄनुसूजचत जनजाजत और ऄन्द्य परं परागत वन जनवासी (वन ऄजधकारों की मान्द्यता) ऄजधजनयम, 2006 (2007 का
2) भी अता है, का ऄनुपालन दकए जबना वाजणजजयक या औद्योजगक जवकास दक्रयाकलापों के जलए जनजातीय भूजम का
प्रयोग ऄनुमत नहीं होगा:

ऄंडमान एवं जनकोबार (अददकालीन जनजाजतयों का संरक्षण) जवजनयमन, 1956 की धारा 4,5 और 6 में दकए
गए प्रावधानों के ऄनुसार भूजम ईपयोग को जवजनयजमत दकया जाएगा:
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 7

परं तु यह भी दक पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन के ऄंतगात अने वाली भूजम के ऄजभलेखों में हुइ दकसी त्रुरट को,
जनगरानी सजमजत के जवचार प्राि करने के पश्चात्, राजय सरकार द्वारा प्रत्सयेक मामले में एक बार सुधारा जाएगा और
ईि त्रुरट को सुधारने की सूचना कें रीय सरकार के पयाावरण, वन और जलवायु पररवतान मंत्रालय को दी जाएगी:

परं तु यह भी दक ईपयुाि त्रुरट को सुधारने में, आस ईप-पैरा में यथा ईपबंजधत के जसवाय, दकसी भी दिा में भू-
ईपयोग का पररवतान िाजमल नहीं होगा।
(ख) ऄनुप्रयुि या ऄनुत्सपादक कृ जि क्षेत्रों में पुन: वनीकरण तथा पयाावासों की बहाली के प्रयास दकए जाएंगे।

(2) प्राकृ जतक जल स्रोत.- सभी प्राकृ जतक जलमागों के जलग्रहण क्षेत्रों की पहचान की जाएगी और अंचजलक महायोजना में
ईनके संरक्षण और बहाली की योजना सजम्मजलत की जाएगी और कें र िाजसत सरकार द्वारा ददिा-जनदेि आस रीजत से तैयार
दकए जाएंगे दक ईसमें ऐसे क्षेत्रों में या ईसके पास जवकास दक्रयाकलापों को प्रजतजिद्ध और जनबंजधत दकया गया हो ।

(3) पयाटन एवं पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पयाटन.– (क) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में सभी नए पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पयाटन दक्रयाकलाप या
जवद्यमान पयाटन दक्रयाकलापों का जवस्ट्तार पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन संबंधी पयाटन महायोजना के ऄनुसार ऄनुमत होगा।
(ख) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पयाटन महायोजना कें र िाजसत सरकार के पयाावरण और वन जवभाग के परामिा से पयाटन जवभाग द्वारा
बनायी जाएगी।
(ग) पयाटन महायोजना अंचजलक महायोजना का घटक होगी।
(घ) पयाटन महायोजना पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन की वहन क्षमता के अधार पर तैयार की जायेगी।
(ङ) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पयाटन संबंधी दक्रयाकलाप जनम्नानुसार जवजनयजमत दकए जाएंग,े ऄथाात:् -

(i) संरजक्षत क्षेत्र की सीमा से एक दकलोमीटर के भीतर या पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन की सीमा तक, आनमें से जो
भी ऄजधक जनकट हो, दकसी होटल या ररजॉटा का नया सजन्नमााण ऄनुमत नहीं दकया जाएगाः
परं तु यह, पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पयाटन सुजवधाओं के जलए संरजक्षत क्षेत्र की सीमा से एक दकलोमीटर की दूरी से
परे पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन की सीमा तक पूवा पररभाजित और ऄभीजहत क्षेत्रों में पयाटन महायोजना के
ऄनुसार, नए होटलों और ररजॉटा की स्ट्थापना ऄनुमत होगी;

(ii) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन के ऄन्द्दर सभी नए पयाटन दक्रया-कलापों या जवद्यमान पयाटन दक्रयाकलापों का
जवस्ट्तार, के न्द्रीय सरकार के पयाावरण, वन और जलवायु पररवतान मंत्रालय द्वारा जारी ददिाजनदेिों तथा
पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पयाटन, पाररजस्ट्थजतकीजवकास-जिक्षा और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी- पर बल देने वाले राष्ट्रीय व्याघ्र संरक्षण
प्राजधकरण द्वारा जारी पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पयाटन संबंधी ददिाजनदेिों (समय-समय पर यथा संिोजधत) के ऄनुसार
होगा;

(iii) अंचजलक महायोजना का ऄनुमोदन होने तक, पयाटन के जवकास और जवद्यमान पयाटन दक्रयाकलापों के
जवस्ट्तार को वास्ट्तजवक स्ट्थल-जवजिष्ट संवीक्षा तथा जनगरानी सजमजत की जसफाररि के अधार पर संबंजधत
जवजनयामक प्राजधकरणों द्वारा ऄनुमत दकया जाएगा और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में दकसी नए होटल/ ररजॉटा
या वाजणजजयक प्रजतष्ठान का संजन्नमााण ऄनुमत नहीं होगा ।

(4) प्राकृ जतक जवरासत.– पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन के ऄंतगात अने वाले बहुमूल्य प्राकृ जतक जवरासत के सभी स्ट्थलों जैसे
दक जीन पूल ररजवा क्षेत्र, िैल संरचना, जल प्रपात, झरने, दरे , ईपवन, गुफाएं, स्ट्थल, वनपथ, रोहण मागा, ईत्सप्रपात अदद
की पहचान की जाएगी और ईनकी सुरक्षा एवं संरक्षण के जलए अंचजलक महायोजना के भाग के रूप में एक जवरासत
संरक्षण योजना बनायी जाएगी।
8 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

(5) मानव जनर्वमत जवरासत स्ट्थल.- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में भवनों, संरचनाओं, कलाकृ जत-क्षेत्रों तथा ऐजतहाजसक,
स्ट्थापत्सय संबधी, सौंदयाात्समक और सांस्ट्कृ जतक महत्सव के क्षेत्रों की पहचान की जाएगी और ईनके संरक्षण के जलए अंचजलक
महायोजना के भाग के रूप में एक जवरासत संरक्षण योजना बनायी जाएगी।
(6) ध्वजन प्रदूिण.- पयाावरण ऄजधजनयम के ऄधीन ध्वजन प्रदूिण (जवजनयमन और जनयंत्रण) जनयम, 2000 में जनयत
ईपबंधों के ऄनुसार पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में ध्वजन प्रदूिण की रोकथाम और जनयंत्रण दकया जाएंगा ।

(7) वायु प्रदूिण.- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में, वायु प्रदूिण का जनवारण और जनयंत्रण, वायु (प्रदूिण जनवारण और
जनयंत्रण) ऄजधजनयम, 1981 (1981 का 14) और ईसके ऄधीन बनाए गए जनयमों के ईपबंधों के ऄनुसार दकया जाएगा ।

(8) बजहस्राव का जनस्ट्सरण.- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में ईपचाररत बजहस्राव का जनस्ट्सरण, पयाावरण ऄजधजनयम और
ईसके ऄधीन बनाए गए जनयमों के ऄधीन अने वाले पयाावरणीय प्रदूि के जनस्ट्सरण के जलए साधारण मानकों या कें र
िाजसत द्वारा जनयत मानकों, जो भी ऄजधक किोर हो, के ईपबंधों के ऄनुसार होगा।

(9) िोस ऄपजिष्ट.- िोस ऄपजिष्ट का जनपटान एवं प्रबन्द्धन जनम्नानुसार दकया जाएगा:-

(i) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में िोस ऄपजिष्ट का जनपटान और प्रबंधन भारत सरकार के पयाावरण, वन और जलवायु
पररवतान मंत्रालय की समय-समय पर यथा संिोजधत ऄजधसूचना सं. का.अ. 1357(ऄ), ददनांक 8 ऄप्रैल, 2016 के तहत
प्रकाजित िोस ऄपजिष्ट प्रबंधन जनयम, 2016 के ईपबंधों के ऄनुसार दकया जाएगा; ऄकाबाजनक पदाथो का जनपटान
पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन से बाहर जचजन्द्हत दकए गए स्ट्थानों पर पयाावरण-ऄनुकूल रीजत से दकया जाएगा;

(ii) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में मान्द्य प्रौद्योजगदकयों का प्रयोग करते हुए जवद्यमान जनयमों और जवजनयमों के ऄनुरूप िोस
ऄपजिष्ट का सुरजक्षत और पयाावरण ऄनुकूल प्रबंधन ऄनुमत दकया जायेगा।

(10) जैव जचदकत्ससा ऄपजिष्ट.- जैव जचदकत्ससा ऄपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन जनम्नानुसार दकया जाएगा:-

(i) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में जैव जचदकत्ससा ऄपजिष्ट का जनपटान भारत सरकार के पयाावरण, वन और जलवायु
पररवतान मंत्रालय की समय–समय पर यथा संिोजधत ऄजधसूचना सं.सा.का.जन 343 (ऄ), तारीख 28 माचा, 2016 के तहत
प्रकाजित जैव जचदकत्ससा ऄपजिष्ट प्रबंधन जनयम, 2016 के ईपबंधों के ऄनुसार दकया जाएगा।

(ii) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में मान्द्य प्रौद्योजगदकयों का प्रयोग करते हुए जवद्यमान जनयमों और जवजनयमों के ऄनुरूप िोस
ऄपजिष्ट का सुरजक्षत और पयाावरण ऄनुकूल प्रबंधन ऄनुमत दकया जायेगा।

(11) प्लाजस्ट्टक ऄपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन.- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में प्लाजस्ट्टक ऄपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन, भारत सरकार के
पयाावरण, वन और जलवायु पररवतान मंत्रालय की समय-समय पर यथा संिोजधत ऄजधसूचना सं.सा.का.जन 340(ऄ),
तारीख 18 माचा, 2016 के तहत प्रकाजित प्लाजस्ट्टक ऄपजिष्ट प्रबंधन जनयम, 2016 के ईपबंधो के ऄनुसार दकया जाएगा।

(12) जनमााण और जवध्वंस ऄपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन.- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में जनमााण और जवध्वंस ऄपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन,
भारत सरकार के पयाावरण, वन और जलवायु पररवतान मंत्रालय की समय-समय पर यथा संिोजधत ऄजधसूचना
सं.सा.का.जन 317(ऄ), तारीख 29 माचा, 2016 के तहत प्रकाजित संजनमााण और जवध्वंस ऄपजिष्ट प्रबंधन जनयम, 2016 के
ईपबंधों के ऄनुसार दकया जाएगा।

(13) इ–ऄपजिष्ट.- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में इ–ऄपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन, भारत सरकार के पयाावरण, वन और जलवायु
पररवतान मंत्रालय द्वारा प्रकाजित तथा समय-समय पर यथा संिोजधत इ–ऄपजिष्ट प्रबंधन जनयम, 2016 के ईपबंधों के
ऄनुसार दकया जाएगा।

(14) सड़क-यातायात.- सड़क-यातायात को पयाावास-ऄनुकूल तरीके से जवजनयजमत दकया जाएगा और आस संबंध में
अंचजलक महायोजना में जविेि ईपबंध िाजमल दकए जाएंगे। अंचजलक महायोजना के तैयार होने और कें र िाजसत सरकार
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 9

के सक्षम प्राजधकारी से ऄनुमोददत होने तक, जनगरानी सजमजत प्रासंजगक ऄजधजनयमों और ईनके तहत बनाए गए जनयमों एवं
जवजनयमों के ऄनुसार सड़क-यातायात के ऄनुपालन की जनगरानी करे गी।

(15) वाहन जजनत प्रदूिण.- वाहन जजनत प्रदूिण की रोकथाम और जनयंत्रण लागू जवजधयों के ऄनुसार दकया जाएगा।
स्ट्वच्छतर ईंधन के ईपयोग के जलए प्रयास दकए जाएंगे ।

(16) औद्योजगक इकाआयां.- ( ) सरकारी राजपत्र में आस ऄजधसूचना के प्रकािन की तारीख को या ईसके बाद
पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में दकसी नए प्रदूिणकारी ईद्योग की स्ट्थापना ऄनुमजत नहीं होगी।

( ) जब तक आस ऄजधसूचना में जवजनर्ददष्ट न हो, पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में कें रीय प्रदूिण जनयंत्रण बोडा द्वारा फरवरी,
2016 में जारी ददिाजनदेिों में दकए गए ईद्योगों के वगीकरण के ऄनुसार के वल गैर-प्रदूिणकारी ईद्योगों की स्ट्थापना
ऄनुमत होगी। आसके ऄजतररि, गैर-प्रदूिणकारी कु टीर ईद्योगों को बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा।

(17) पहाड़ी ढलानों का संरक्षण.- पहाड़ी ढलानों का संरक्षण जनम्नानुसार दकया जाएगा:-

(क) अंचजलक महायोजना में पहाड़ी ढलानों के ईन क्षेत्रों को दिााया जाएगा जजनमें दकसी भी संजनमााण की ऄनुज्ञा
नहीं होगी;

(ख) जजन ढलानों या जवद्यमान खड़ी पहाड़ी ढलानों में ऄत्सयजधक भू-क्षरण होता है ईनमें दकसी भी संजनमााण की
ऄनुज्ञा नहीं होगी ।

4. पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवद
े ी जोन में प्रजतजिद्ध या जवजनयजमत दकए जाने वाले दक्रयाकलापों की सूची- पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी
जोन में सभी दक्रयाकलाप, पयाावरण ऄजधजनयम ईसके ऄधीन बने जनयमों के ईपबंधों जजसमें तटीय जवजनयमन जोन,
2011 एवं पयाावरणीय प्रभाव अकलन ऄजधसूचना, 2006 िाजमल है सजहत वन (संरक्षण) ऄजधजनयम, 1980 (1980
का 69), भारतीय वन ऄजधजनयम, 1927 (1927 का 16), वन्द्यजीव (संरक्षण) ऄजधजनयम, 1972 (1972 का 53)
ऄन्द्य लागू जनयमों तथा ईनमें दकए गए संिोधनों के ऄनुसार िाजसत होंगे और नीचे दी गइ सारणी में जवजनर्ददष्ट रीजत
से जवजनयजमत होंगे, ऄथाात:् -

सारणी

क्रम सं. दक्रयाकलाप रटप्पणी

(1) (2) (3)

क. प्रजतजिद्ध दक्रयाकलाप

1. वाजणजजयक खनन, पत्सथर ईत्सखनन (क) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन के ऄंतगात वास्ट्तजवक स्ट्थानीय
और ऄपघिाण आकाआयां । जनवाजसयों की घरे लू अवश्यकताओं जजसमें मकानों के संजनमााण या
मरम्मत के जलए धरती को खोदना सजम्मजलत है, के जसवाय सभी प्रकार
के नए और जवद्यमान खनन (लघु और वृहत खजनज), पत्सथर ईत्सखनन
और ऄपघिाण आकाआयां तत्सकाल प्रभाव से प्रजतजिद्ध होंगी;
(ख) खनन प्रचालन, 1995 की ररट याजचका (जसजवल) सं. 202 में
टी.एन. गौडाबमान जथरुमूलपाद बनाम भारत संघ के मामले में माननीय
ईच्चतम न्द्यायालय के अदेि 4 ऄगस्ट्त ,2006 और 2012 की ररट
याजचका (जसजवल) सं. 435 में गोवा फाईं डेिन बनाम भारत संघ के
मामले में तारीख 21 ऄप्रैल ,2014 के अदेि के ऄनुसरण में होगा ।
10 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

2. प्रदूिण (जल, वायु, मृदा, ध्वजन, पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में कोइ नया ईद्योग लगाने और वतामान
अदद) ईत्सपन्न करने वाले ईद्योगों की प्रदूिणकारी ईद्योगों का जवस्ट्तार करने की ऄनुमजत नहीं होगीः
स्ट्थापना । जब तक दक आस ऄजधसूचना में जवजनर्ददष्ट न हो, पाररजस्ट्थजतकी
संवेदी जोन में फरवरी, 2016, में कें रीय प्रदूिण जनयंत्रण बोडा द्वारा
जारी ददिाजनदेिों में दकए गए ईद्योगों के वगीकरण के ऄनुसार के वल
गैर- प्रदूिणकारी ईद्योगों की स्ट्थापना होगी। आसके ऄजतररि, गैर-
प्रदूिणकारी कु टीर ईद्योगों को प्रोत्ससाहन ददया जाएगा।

3. बड़ी जल जवद्युत पररयोजनाओं की प्रजतजिद्ध।

स्ट्थापना ।

4. दकसी पररसंकटमय पदाथा का प्रयोग प्रजतजिद्ध।

या ईत्सपादन या प्रस्ट्संकरण ।

5. प्राकृ जतक जल जनकायों या भूजम क्षेत्र प्रजतजिद्ध।

में ऄनुपचाररत बजहस्रावों का
जनस्ट्सरण ।

6. नइ अरा जमलों की स्ट्थापना। पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन के भीतर नइ और जवद्यमान अरा जमलों का
जवस्ट्तार ऄनुमत नहीं होगा ।

7. ईंट भट्टों की स्ट्थापना करना। प्रजतजिद्ध।

8. पोजलथीन बैगों का प्रयोग । प्रजतजिद्ध।

9. जलावन लकजड़यों का वाजणजजयक प्रजतजिद्ध।

प्रयोग।

10. होटलों और ररसोटों की वाजणजजयक प्रजतजिद्ध।

स्ट्थापना ।

11. संजनमााण दक्रयाकलाप । प्रजतजिद्ध।

12. गैर प्रदूिणकारी लघु ईद्योग। प्रजतजिद्ध।

13. वृक्षों की कटाइ । प्रजतजिद्ध।

14. सतही और भूजल का वाजणजजयक प्रजतजिद्ध।

प्रयोग एवं जनष्किाण ।

15. जवदेिी प्रजाजतयों को लाना । प्रजतजिद्ध।

16. बड़े पैमाने पर वाजणजजयक तरीके से प्रजतजिद्ध।

यंत्रीकृ त नाव द नदी
कृ जि और मत्सस्ट्य ।

ख.जवजनयजमत दक्रयाकलाप

17. जवद्युत और संचार टॉवर लगाने, लागू जवजधयों के ऄधीन जवजनयजमत होगा (भूजमगत के बल जबछाने को
तार-जबछाने तथा ऄन्द्य बुजनयादी बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा)।
ढांचे की व्यवस्ट्था ।

18. नागररक सुजवधाओं सजहत बुजनयादी लागू जवजधयों, जनयमों और जवजनयमनों और ईपलब्ध ददिाजनदेिों के
ढांचा। ऄनुसार न्द्यूनीकरण ईपाय दकए जाएंगे।
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 11

19. जवद्यमान सड़कों को चौड़ा करना, लागू जवजधयों, जनयमों और जवजनयमनों और ईपलब्ध ददिाजनदेिों के
ईन्द्हें सुदढृ बनाना और नइ सड़कों ऄनुसार न्द्यूनीकरण ईपाय दकए जाएंगे।
का जनमााण।

20. पयाटन से संबंजधत ऄन्द्य दक्रयाकलाप लागू जवजधयों के ऄधीन जवजनयजमत होगा ।
जैसे दक पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन
क्षेत्र के उपर से गमा वायु के गुब्बारे ,
हेलीकाप्टर, ड्रोन, माआक्रोलाआट्स
ईड़ाना अदद।

21. राजत्र में वाहन यातायात का लागू जवजधयों के ऄधीन वाजणजजयक प्रयोजन के जलए जवजनयजमत होगा ।
संचलन।

22. स्ट्थानीय जनता द्वारा ऄपनायी जा स्ट्थानीय जनता के प्रयोग के जलए लागू जवजधयों के ऄधीन ऄनुमत होंगे।
रही वतामान कृ जि और बागवानी
पद्धजतयों के साथ डेयररयां, दुग्ध
ईत्सपादन, जल कृ जि और मत्सस्ट्य
पालन।

23. प्राकृ जतक जल जनकायों या भू क्षेत्र में जल जनकायों में ईपचाररत ऄपजिष्ट जल/बजहस्रााव के जनस्ट्सरण से बचा
ईपचाररत ऄपजिष्ट जल/बजहस्रााव जाएगा। ईपचाररत ऄपजिष्ट जल के पुनचाक्रण और पुन:ईपयोग के
का जनस्ट्सरण । प्रयास दकए जाएंगे ऄन्द्यथा ईपचाररत ऄपजिष्ट जल/बजहस्रााव का
जनस्ट्सरण लागू जवजधयों के ऄनुसार जवजनयजमत दकया जाएगा।

24. फमों, कारपोरे ट, कं पजनयों द्वारा बड़े स्ट्थानीय अवश्यकताओं को पूरा करने के लागू जवजधयों के ऄधीन
पैमाने पर वाजणजजयक पिुधन जवजनयजमत (ऄन्द्यथा उ ) होंगे ।
संपदा और कु क्कु ट फामों की
स्ट्थापना ।

25. कृ जि और ऄन्द्य ईपयोग के जलए खुले और उ प्राजधकारी द्वारा दक्रयाकलापों की सख्ती से

कुं अ, बोर कुं अ, अदद ।
जनगरानी जाये ।

26. िोस ऄपजिष्ट का प्रबंधन। लागू जवजधयों के ऄधीन जवजनयजमत होगा ।

27. पाररजस्ट्थजतकी पयाटन। लागू जवजधयों के ऄधीन जवजनयजमत होगा ।

28. वाजणजजयक संकेत बोडा और होर्डडग लागू जवजधयों के ऄधीन जवजनयजमत होगा ।
का प्रयोग ।

29. पारम्पररक मत्सस्ट्य पालन। लागू जवजधयों के ऄधीन जवजनयजमत होगा ।

ग.संवर्वधत दक्रयाकलाप

30. वन ईत्सपादों और गैर काष्ठ वन ऄंडमान एवं जनकोबार (अददकालीन जनजाजतयों का संरक्षण)
ईत्सपादों का संग्रहण ।
जवजनयमन, 1956 में उ पीवीटीजी (िोम्पेन) एवं जनकोबाररयों
की प्रामाजणक अवश्यकता र र के जलए ऄनुमजत दी गइ।

31. पहाड़ी ढालों और नदी तटों का पीवीटीजी (िोम्पेन) की अजीजवका जबना

संरक्षण । बढ़ावा देना है।

32. पीवीटीजी एवं जनकोबाररयों द्वारा जीजवका अवश्यकता के जलए बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा।
12 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

कृ जि और बागवानी ।

33. विाा जल संचय । सदक्रय रूप से बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा ।

34. जैजवक खेती। सदक्रय रूप से बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा ।

35. सभी गजतजवजधयों के जलए हररत सदक्रय रूप से बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा ।
प्रौद्योजगकी का ऄंगीकरण ।

36. ग्रामीण कारीगरी सजहत कु टीर सदक्रय रूप से बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा ।
ईद्योग।

37. नवीकरणीय उजाा और ईंधन का बायोगैस, सौर प्रकाि आत्सयादद को सदक्रय बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा।
प्रयोग ।

38. कृ जि वाजनकी । सदक्रय रूप से बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा ।

39. बागान लगाना और जड़ी बूरटयों का सदक्रय रूप से बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा ।
रोपण ।

40. पाररजस्ट्थजतकी ऄनुकूल यातायात सदक्रय रूप से बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा ।

का प्रयोग ।

41. कौिल जवकास । सदक्रय रूप से बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा ।

42. ऄवक्रजमत भूजम/वनों/ पयाावासों की सदक्रय रूप से बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा ।

बहाली ।

43. पयाावरण के प्रजत जागरुकता। सदक्रय रूप से बढ़ावा ददया जाएगा ।

5. जनगरानी सजमजत.- पयाावरण (संरक्षण) ऄजधजनयम, 1986 की धारा 3 की ईपधारा (3) के तहत आस ऄजधसूचना के
ईपबंधों की प्रभावी जनगरानी के जलए के न्द्रीय सरकार एतद्वारा एक जनगरानी सजमजत का गिन करे गी जो जनम्नजलजखत से
जमलकर बनेगी, नामत:

क्र.स. जनगरानी सजमजत का गिन पद

1. ईपायुि, जनकोबार जजला ऄध्यक्ष;
2. सदस्ट्य, जजला पररिद, कै म्पबेल खाड़ी सदस्ट्य;

3. कायाकारी ऄजभयंता, ऄंडमान लोक जनमााण जवभाग, कै म्पबेल खाड़ी सदस्ट्य;

4. जनदेिक, कृ जि जवभाग या प्रजतजनजध, सदस्ट्य;

5. जनदेिक, मत्सस्ट्य या प्रजतजनजध सदस्ट्य;

6. वररष्ठ पिु जचदकत्ससा ऄजधकारी, कै म्पबेल खाड़ी सदस्ट्य;

7. कें र िाजसत सरकार द्वारा तीन साल के जलए पयाावरण (जवरासत संरक्षण सजहत) के सदस्ट्य;
क्षेत्र में काम करने वाले गैर-सरकारी संगिन का एक प्रजतजनजध
8. कें र िाजसत सरकार द्वारा नाजमत एक प्रजतजष्ठत संस्ट्थान से पयाावरण या सदस्ट्य;
पाररजस्ट्थजतकी या वन्द्यजीव में एक जविेिज्ञ
9. ऄंडमान और जनकोबार द्वीप समूह जैव जवजवधता पररिद के प्रजतजनजध सदस्ट्य;

10. प्रभागीय वन ऄजधकारी, जनकोबार प्रभाग सदस्ट्य- सजचव

[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 13

6.जवचाराथा जविय:- (1) जनगरानी सजमजत आस ऄजधसूचना के ईपबंधों के ऄनुपालन की जनगरानी करे गी।

(2) जनगरानी सजमजत का कायाकाल तीन विा तक या कें र िाजसत सरकार द्वारा नइ सजमजत का पुनगािन दकए जाने तक
होगा और आसके बाद जनगरानी सजमजत कें र िाजसत सरकार द्वारा गरित की जाएगी।

(3) पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में भारत सरकार के तत्सकालीन पयाावरण और वन मंत्रालय की ऄजधसूचना सं. का.अ.

1533(ऄ), तारीख 14 जसतंबर, 2006 की ऄनुसूची में सजम्मजलत और पाररजस्ट्थजतकीय संवेदी जोन में अने वाले
दक्रयाकलापों और आस ऄजधसूचना के पैराग्राफ 4 के ऄधीन सारणी में यथा जवजनर्ददष्ट प्रजतजिद्ध गजतजवजधयों के जसवाय अने
वाले ऐसे दक्रयाकलापों की वास्ट्तजवक जवजनर्ददष्ट स्ट्थलीय दिाओं के अधार पर जनगरानी सजमजत द्वारा संवीक्षा की जाएगी
और ईि ऄजधसूचना के ईपबंधों के ऄधीन पूवा पयाावरण ऄनापजत्त लेने के जलए के न्द्रीय सरकार के पयाावरण, वन और
जलवायु पररवतान मंत्रालय को जनर्ददष्ट की जाएगी।

(4) आस ऄजधसूचना के पैरा 4 के ऄधीन सारणी में यथा जवजनर्ददष्ट प्रजतजिद्ध दक्रयाकलापों के जसवाय, भारत सरकार के

तत्सकालीन पयाावरण और वन मंत्रालय की ऄजधसूचना संख्या का.अ. 1533(ऄ), तारीख 14 जसतंबर, 2006 की ऄजधसूचना
के ऄनुसूची के ऄधीन ऐसे दक्रयाकलापों, जजन्द्हें सजम्मजलत नहीं दकया गया है, परं तु जो पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेदी जोन में अते हैं,
ऐसे दक्रयाकलापों की वास्ट्तजवक जवजनर्ददष्ट स्ट्थलीय दिाओं के अधार पर जनगरानी सजमजत द्वारा संवीक्षा की जाएगी और
ईसे संबद्ध जवजनयामक प्राजधकरणों को जनर्ददष्ट दकया जाएगा ।

(5) जनगरानी सजमजत का सदस्ट्य-सजचव या संबंजधत ईपायुि ऐसे व्यजि के जवरूद्ध, जो आस ऄजधसूचना के दकसी ईपबंध का
ईल्लंघन करता है, पयाावरण ऄजधजनयम की धारा 19 के ऄधीन पररवाद दायर करने के जलए सक्षम होगा।

(6) जनगरानी सजमजत संबंजधत जवभागों के प्रजतजनजधयों या जविेिज्ञों, औद्योजगक संघों के प्रजतजनजधयों या संबंजधत पक्षों को,
प्रत्सयेक मामले में अवश्यकता के ऄनुसार, ऄपने जवचार-जवमिा में सहायता के जलए अमंजत्रत कर सके गी ।

(7) जनगरानी सजमजत प्रत्सयेक विा 31 माचा की जस्ट्थजत के ऄनुसार ऄपनी वार्विक कारा वाइ ररपोटा राजय के मुख्य
वन्द्यजीव वाडान को, IV में ददए गए प्रपत्र के ऄनुसार, ईस विा की 30 जून तक प्रस्ट्तुत करे गी ।

(8) के न्द्रीय सरकार का पयाावरण, वन और जलवायु पररवतान मंत्रालय जनगरानी सजमजत को ईसके कृ त्सयों के प्रभावी
जनवाहन के जलए ऐसे जनदेि दे सके गा जो वह ईजचत समझे ।

7. आस ऄजधसूचना के ईपबंधों को प्रभावी बनाने के जलए कें रीय सरकार और कें र िाजसत सरकार, ऄजतररक्त ईपाय, यदद
कोइ हों, जवजनर्ददष्ट कर सकें गी।

8. आस ऄजधसूचना के ईपबंध भारत के माननीय ईच्चतम न्द्यायालय या ईच्च न्द्यायालय या राष्रीय हररत ऄजधकरण द्वारा

पाररत दकए गए या पाररत दकए जाने वाले अदेि, यदद कोइ हो, के ऄध्यधीन होंगे ।

[फा. सं. 25/16/2020-इएसजेड]

डॉ. सतीि चन्द्र गढ़कोटी, वैज्ञाजनक ‘जी’

14 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

–I

क. र उ और र र

- र र उ 1 (6° 59' 33.429" ई एवं 93° 52'

8.570" पू) र , र उ 0.5 र र 2 (6° 59'

40.690" ई एवं 93° 52' 23.157" पू) र इ र उ 0.5

र र र 3 (6° 58' 52.401" ई एवं 93° 52' 36.066" पू) एवं 4 (6° 57' 24.953" ई एवं

93° 51' 43.686" पू) 5 (6° 55' 53.257" ई एवं 93° 52' 13.565" पू)
र इ - र और 3 (6° 55' 36.340" ई
एवं 93° 52' 4.623" पू) र उ और 5 (6° 50' 16.834" ई एवं 93°

52' 22.608" पू) र उ

- 5 (6° 50' 16.834" ई एवं 93° 52' 22.608" पू), , र उ

6 (6° 50' 52.594" ई एवं 93° 49' 18.952" पू) - र

:- 6 (6° 50' 52.594" ई एवं 93° 49' 18.952" पू) , र उ

7 (6° 53' 42.182" ई एवं 93° 48' 37.418" पू), 8 (6° 54' 4.291" ई एवं 93° 49' 11.580" पू),
9 (6° 55' 2.576" ई एवं 93° 48' 14.121" पू) एवं 10 (6° 56' 45.865" ई एवं 93° 47' 52.416" पू)

11 (6° 58' 15.837" ई एवं 93° 47' 30.378" पू) उ र र

उ र: 11 (6° 58' 15.837" ई एवं 93° 47' 30.378" पू) , इ र उ

1.00 र र 6(6° 58' 27.217" ई एवं 93° 46' 58.873" पू) उ र- र

इ र उ र र र 7(6° 59' 2.745" ई एवं
93° 49' 40.976" पू) और 8 (7° 0' 19.532" ई एवं 93° 51' 42.870" पू) 1 (6° 59'
47.949" ई एवं 93° 52' 37.740" पू) र इ र

और 2 (6° 59' 40.690" ई एवं 93° 52' 23.157" पू)

[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 15

– II

- र उ र
16 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

– II

र उ और आसके र इ
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 17

– II

र उ और आसके र
18 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

-III
सारणी क: र र उ भू-जनदेिांक

. र

1. 1 6° 59' 33.429" ई 93° 52' 8.570" पू

2. 2 6° 58' 54.027" ई 93° 52' 19.857" पू

3. 3 6° 55' 36.340" ई 93° 52' 4.623" पू

4. 4 6° 54' 31.706" ई 93° 52' 21.859" पू

5. 5 6° 50' 16.834" ई 93° 52' 22.608" पू

6. 6 6° 50' 52.594" ई 93° 49' 18.952" पू

7. 7 6° 53' 42.182" ई 93° 48' 37.418" पू

8. 8 6° 54' 4.291" ई 93° 49' 11.580" पू

9. 9 6° 55' 2.576" ई 93° 48' 14.121" पू

10. 10 6° 56' 45.865" ई 93° 47' 52.416" पू

11. 11 6° 58' 15.837" ई 93° 47' 30.378" पू

12. 12 6° 58' 30.158" ई 93° 49' 51.839" पू

सारणी : र र उ र
-

. र

1. ए1 6° 59' 47.949" ई 93° 52' 37.740" पू

2. ए2 6° 59' 40.690" ई 93° 52' 23.157" पू
3. ए3 6° 58' 52.401" ई 93° 52' 36.066" पू
4. ए4 6° 57' 24.953" ई 93° 51' 43.686" पू
5. ए5 6° 55' 53.257" ई 93° 52' 13.565" पू
6. ए6 6° 58' 27.217" ई 93° 46' 59.873" पू
7. ए7 6° 59' 2.745" ई 93° 49' 40.976" पू
8. ए8 7° 0' 19.532" ई 93° 51' 42.870" पू
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 19

-IV

की गइ कारा वाइ - ररपोटा का प्रपत्र पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवद

े ी जोन जनगरानी सजमजत

1. बैिकों की संख्या और तारीख ।

2. बैिकों का कायावृत : (कृ पया मुख्य ईल्लेखनीय ंबदुओं का वणान करें । बैिक के कायावृत को एक पृथक
में प्रस्ट्तुत करें ) ।

3. पयाटन महायोजना सजहत अंचजलक महायोजना की तैयारी की जस्ट्थजत ।

4. भू-ऄजभलेखों की स्ट्पष्ट त्रुरटयों के सुधार के जलए जनबटाए गए मामलों का सार (पाररजस्ट्थजतकी-संवेदी जोन
वार) । जववरण के रूप में संलग्न करें ।

5. पयाावरण प्रभाव ऄजधसूचना, 2006 के ऄधीन अने वाली गजतजवजधयों से संबंजधत संवीक्षा दकए
गए मामलों का सार। (जववरण एक पृथक के रूप में संलग्न करें )।

6. पयाावरण प्रभाव ऄजधसूचना, 2006 के ऄधीन न अने वाली गजतजवजधयों से संबंजधत संवीक्षा दकए
गए मामलों का सार । (जववरण एक पृथक के रूप में संलग्न करें )।

7. पयाावरण (संरक्षण) ऄजधजनयम, 1986 की धारा 19 के ऄधीन दजा की गइ जिकायतों का सार ।

8. कोइ ऄन्द्य महत्सवपूणा मामला ।

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 28th October, 2020
S.O. 3874(E).—the following draft of the notification, which the Central Government proposes to issue in
exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1), read with clause (v) and clause (xiv) of sub-section (2) and sub-
section (3) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) is hereby published, as required under
sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, for the information of the public likely to be
affected thereby; and notice is hereby given that the said draft notification shall be taken into consideration on or after
the expiry of a period of sixty days from the date on which copies of the Gazette containing this notification are made
available to the public;
Any person interested in making any objections or suggestions on the proposals contained in the draft
notification may forward the same in writing, for consideration of the Central Government within the period so
specified to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor bagh
Road, Aliganj, New Delhi-110 003, or send it to the e-mail address of the Ministry at esz-mef@nic.in

DRAFT NOTIFICATION

AND WHEREAS, the Galathea National Park is spread over an area of 110 square kilometers and is located
in the South Central Great Nicobar Island in Nicobar District of Andaman & Nicobar Islands;

AND WHEREAS, the Galathea National Park is the core area of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve with
surrounding protected forest as the buffer zone with effect from 13 January 1989, vide notification No.J-22010/14/89-
CSC and was also declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2013;
20 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

AND WHEREAS, the Galathea National park is home to a variety of endemic flora and fauna including the
coastal and mangrove ecosystem. The area also has several important values from ecological, faunal, floral,
geomorphologic and recreational and research/educational perspective;

AND WHEREAS, the vegetation of the protected area is unique due to its tropical humid climate being
closer to the equator, insular nature of the territory, physical isolation of the islands and the impact of both South-West
and North-East monsoons which has given rise to dense and diverse vegetation cover;

AND WHEREAS, the vegetation at Galathea National park is one of the best preserved tropical rain forests
in the world and shows high degree of endemism owing to its geographic location and physical isolation. The National
Park also has elements from the Indo-Chinese and Indo-Malayan regions. About 648 species of flora have been
reported from the area belonging to 422 genera and 142 families, out of which 48 species of endemic flora and 85
species of non-endemic flora are rare and endangered. The Gymnosperms are represented by 4 species belonging to 3
genera and 3 families. The Pteridophytic group contributes to a great extent to the plant diversity and richness of the
flora comprising of 77 species of which the population of tree fern constitute a major portion of the vegetation along
the hilly slopes of the interior forests;

AND WHEREAS, the Galathea National park is consisted of Tidal Swamp Forest (Mangrove Forest),
Littoral Forest (Beach Forests), Low level Evergreen Forests (Coral Reef Forests), Tropical Evergreen Forests (True
Tropical Forests), Southern hill-top evergreen forests and fern breaks. The members of the families Euphorbiaceae,
Rubiaceae, Arecaceae, Orchidaceae and Cyperaceae and Poaceae and Annonaceae show high representation in terms
of endemism. The distinct flora of the area can be visualized by the fact that the genera Otenthera and Astronia of
Melastomataceae, Cyrtandromea of Scrophulariaceae, Cyrtandra of Gesneriaceae, Stemonurus of Icacinaceae,
Rhopaloblaste from Arecaceae and Spathoglottis of Orchidaceae and many more species are endemic to these areas;

AND WHEREAS, the endemic floral species present in the area includes tree ferns like Sphaeropterisalbo-
setacea (Cyatheaalbo-setacea) and Sphaeropteris nicobarica (Cyathea nicobarica). Other endemic floral species
found in the area are Pronephrium nakaikeuim, Artabotrys nicobarianus, Friesodielsia forniculata, Uvaria
nicobarica, Chisocheton nicobarianus, Nicobario dendronsleumeri, Connarus nicobaricus, Otanthera nicobarensis,
Ophiorrhiza infundibularis, Ophiorrhiza nicobarica, Jasminum syringifolium, Chilocarpus denudatus var.
nicobaricus, Genianthus horei, Cyrtandroemia nicobarica, Cyrtandra burttii, Cyrtandra occidentalis, Nothophoebe
nicobaricus, Cleistanthus balakrishnani, Trogonostemon villosus var. nicobaricus, Aerides emerici, Anoectochilus
nicobaricus, Dendrobium shompenii, Hornstedtia fenzlii, Phrynium paniculatum, Calamus nicobaricus,
Rhopalobalaste augustata, Aglaonema nicobaricum, Homalomena griffithii var. ovate;

AND WHEREAS, mangrove forests of the Galathea National park are highly productive ecosystems and
have many ecological functions. 14 species of mangroves are recorded from the area namely Rhizophora apiculata,
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Sonneratia caseolaris, Other important vegetation of the area includes climbers and lianas
such as Derris trifoliata, Sarcolobus globosus, Finlaysonia obovata, ephytic fern and orchirds namely Asplenium
nidus, Dendrobium crumenatum and Trichoglottis cirrhifera. A number of potential and economically important
species including Nypa fruticans and Vanilla anadamanica grows wild in the protected area;

AND WHEREAS, the protected area has only one perennial river namely Galathea, which originates in
Campbell Bay National Park flowing all the way towards south through Galathea National Park and its estuaries form
important nesting grounds for Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Olive Ridley Turtle
(Lepidochelys olivacea), Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas);

AND WHEREAS, a total of 330 species of fauna are recorded from the Galathea National Park including 28
species of mammals (including 3 marine mammals), 97 species of birds, 23 species of reptiles, 10 species of
amphibians, 52 species of butterflies, 24 species of odonates, 20 species of spiders and 76 species of aquatic
Hemipterans;

AND WHEREAS, the Galathea National park is known to harbor an exceptional variety of wildlife, the
major threatened and endemic fauna recorded from the national park are Nicobar Crab eating Macaque (Macaca
fascicularis umbrosa), Nicobar Wild Pig (Sus scrofa nicobarica), Dugong (Dugong dugon), Nicobar Tree Shrew
(Tupaia nicobarica nicobarica), Nicobar Flying Fox (Pteropus faunulus), Spiny Shrew (Crocidura nicobarica) and
Nicobar Leaf nosed Bat (Hipposideros ater nicobarulae), Rat (Rattus burrescens), (Rattus burrus), (Rattus
pulliventer), (Rattus palmarum), Nicobar Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus camortae), Andaman Water Monitor (Varanus
salvator andamanensis), Tiwari's Garden Lizard (Calotes danieli), Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodilus porosus);
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 21

AND WHEREAS, the important endemic avi-faunal species present in the area are Nicobar tiger bittern
(Gorsachius melanolophus minor), Nicobar cuckoo dove (Macropygia rufipennis rufipennis), Nicobar emerald dove
(Chalcophaps indica augusta), Great Nicobar crested serpent eagle (Spilornis klossi), Nicobar paradise flycatcher
(Terpsiphone paradise nicobarica ), Andaman three toed kingfisher (Ceyx erithacus macrocarus), Nicobar strokbilled
kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis), Nicobar white-collared kingfisher (Halcyon chloris occipitalis), Andaman koel
(Eudynamys scolopacea dolosa), Nicobar megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis), Nicobar hill myna (Gracula
religiosa halibrecta), Nicobar back-naped oriole (Oriolus chinensis macrourus), Nicobar scops owl (Otus scops
nicobaricus), Blyth’s nicobar parakeet (Psittacula caniceps), Nicobar redcheeked parakeet (Psittacula longicauda
nicobarica), Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica nicobarica), Nicobar green imperial pigeon (Ducula aenea
nicobarica), katchal shikra (Accipiter badius obsoletus), Nicobar white eye (Zosterops palpebros anicobarica),
Andaman Glossy Stare (Aplonis panayensis tytleri), Nicobar Olive backed sunbird (Necarinia jugularis klossi),
Nicobar yellow backed sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja nicobarica), Andaman grey rumped swiftlet (Collocalia
fuciphaga inexpectata), white bellied swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta affinis), Nicobar ground thrush (Zoothera citrine
albogularis);

AND WHEREAS, the forests of Galthea National Park are abode to one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
Groups, the Shompens, which is still in the hunting and gathering stage and is solely dependent on the forest resources
as the Galathea National Park including the Eco- Sensitive Zone has been notified as Tribal Reserve under section 3 of
the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956, wherein, they enjoy unfettered rights
over the forest resources under the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956 and
section 65 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972;

AND WHEREAS, the allotment of land for agricultural purposes and acquisition of any interest in any land
within the reserved area or any produce of or crops raised on such land are regulated under section 4 and section 6 of
the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956;

AND WHEREAS, entry of any person other than aboriginal tribe or any class of persons other than members
of an aboriginal tribe into the reserve area is regulated under section 7 of Regulation aforesaid. Further, transfer of
reserved land by way of sale, exchange, mortgage, lease or otherwise to any person other than the member of
aboriginal tribe shall be regulated under section 5 the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes)
Regulation, 1956 and insurance of social, cultural and economic integrity, community, facilitation of community
wellbeing as also the protection of natural habitat is guided by the Policy on Shompen Tribe of Great Nicobar Island –
2015;

AND WHEREAS, it is necessary to conserve and protect the area, the extent and boundaries of Galathea
National Park which are specified in paragraph 1 as Eco-sensitive Zone from ecological, environmental and
biodiversity point of view and to prohibit industries or class of industries and their operations and processes in the said
Eco-sensitive Zone;
NOW, THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) and clauses (v) and (xiv) of
sub-section (2) and sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) (hereafter in
this notification referred to as the Environment Act)read with sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection)
Rules, 1986, the Central Government hereby notifies an area to an extent of (0)zero to one kilometer around the
boundary of Galathea National Park in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Eco-sensitive Zone
(hereafter in this notification referred to as the Eco-sensitive Zone) details of which are as under, namely:-
(1) Extent and boundaries of Eco-Sensitive Zone. –(1) The Eco-sensitive Zone shall be to an extent of zero to
one kilometre around the boundary of Galathea National Park and the area of the Eco-sensitive zone shall be
14.93 square kilometres. The minimum extent is ‘zero’ because the major geographical area of Great Nicobar
Island is covered under Protected Area Network and Tribal Reserve in such a way that there is little area left
for holistic development around the area. Further, to protect the development and inhabitation from the
unforeseen natural disaster/ adverse effect like Tsunami, rising water level, a 750 metres buffer is proposed
with guidelines all along the coastline for development. This requires the developable area to be located away
from the coast and near to National Park boundary. Furthermore, all activities of development and human
intervention are already regulated by either Indian Forest Act, 1927 or Forest Conservation Act, 1980 or the
Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956.
(2) The extent and boundary description of the Eco-Sensitive Zone is appended as Annexure –I.
(3) Map of Eco-Sensitive Zone of Galathea National Park along with geo-coordinates, satellite image and location
maps are appended as Annexure-IIA-C.
22 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

(4) List of geo-coordinates of the boundary of Galathea National Park and eco-sensitive zone is appended as Table
A and B of Annexure-III.
(5) No revenue villages are located within the Eco-Sensitive Zone.

2. Zonal Master Plan for Eco-Sensitive Zone. - (1) The Union Territory Government shall, for the purposes
of the Eco-sensitive Zone prepare a Zonal Master Plan within a period of two years from the date of publication of this
notification in the Official Gazette, in consultation with local people and adhering to the stipulations given in this
notification for approval of the Competent authority of Union Territory.
(2) The Zonal Master Plan for the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be prepared by the Union Territory Government in such
manner as is specified in this notification and also in consonance with the relevant Central and Union Territory laws
and the guidelines issued by the Central Government, if any
(3) The Zonal Master Plan shall be prepared in consultation with the following Departments of the Union Territory
Government, for integrating the ecological and environmental considerations into the said plan:-
(i) Environment;
(ii) Forest and Wildlife;
(iii) Agriculture;
(iv) Animal Husbandry;
(v) Andaman Public Works Department;
(vi) Revenue;
(vii) Fisheries; and
(viii) Andaman and Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW) and other research organisations.
(4) The Zonal Master Plan shall not impose any restriction on the approved existing land use, infrastructure and
activities, unless so specified in this notification and the Zonal Master Plan shall factor in improvement of all
infrastructure and activities to be more efficient and eco-friendly.
(5) The Zonal Master Plan shall provide for restoration of denuded areas, conservation of existing water bodies,
management of catchment areas, watershed management, groundwater management, soil and moisture conservation,
needs of local community and such other aspects of the ecology and environment that need attention.
(6) The Zonal Master Plan shall be prepared taking into consideration the Policy on Shompen Tribe of Great Nicobar
Island-2015 and the provisions made in the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956.
(7) The Zonal Master Plan shall regulate development in Eco-Sensitive Zone and adhere to prohibited, regulated
activities listed in the Table in paragraph 4, keeping the safety, security and wellbeing of Particularly Vulnerable
Tribal Group (PVTG) to the fore as enshrined in Policy on Shompen Tribe of Great Nicobar Island-2015 and the
provisions made in the Andaman & Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956.
(8) The Zonal Master Plan shall demarcate all the existing worshipping places, villages and urban settlements, types
and kinds of forests, agricultural areas, fertile lands, green area, such as, parks and like places, horticultural areas,
orchards, lakes and other water bodies and also with supporting maps giving details of existing and proposed land use
features.
(9) The Zonal Master Plan shall regulate development in Eco-sensitive Zone and adhere to prohibited, regulated
activities listed in the Table in paragraph 4 and also ensure and promote eco-friendly development for Security of
local communities livelihood.
(10) The Zonal Master Plan shall be co-terminus with the Regional Development Plan.
(11) The Zonal Master Plan so approved shall be the reference document for the Monitoring Committee for carrying
out its functions of monitoring in accordance with the provisions of this notification.
3. Measures to be taken by the Union Territory Government. -The Union Territory Government shall take the
following measures for giving effect to the provisions of this notification, namely: -
(1) Land use. – (a) Forests, horticulture areas, agricultural areas, parks and open spaces earmarked for
recreational purposes in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall not be used or converted into areas for major
commercial or residential or industrial activities:
Provided that the conversion of agricultural and other lands, for the purpose other than that specified at
part (a), within the Eco-sensitive Zone may be permitted on the recommendation of the Monitoring
Committee, and with the prior approval of the competent authority under Regional Town Planning Act and
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 23

other rules and regulations of Central Government or Union Territory Government as applicable and vide
provisions of this Notification, to meet the residential needs of the local residents and for activities such as:-
(i) widening and strengthening of existing roads and construction of new roads;
(ii) construction and renovation of infrastructure and civic amenities;
(iii) small scale industries not causing pollution;
(iv) cottage industries including village industries; convenience stores and local amenities supporting
eco-tourism including home stay; and
(v) promoted activities given under paragraph 4:
Provided further that no use of tribal land shall be permitted for commercial and industrial
development activities without the prior approval of the competent authority under Regional Town Planning
Act and other rules and regulations of the Union Territory Government and without compliance of the
provisions of article 244 of the Constitution or the law for the time being in force, including the Scheduled
Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (2 of 2007):
The land use shall be regulated as per the provisions made at section 4, 5 and 6 of the Andaman &
Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956:
Provided also that any error appearing in the land records within the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be
corrected by the Union Territory Government, after obtaining the views of Monitoring Committee, once in
each case and the correction of said error shall be intimated to the Central Government in the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change:
Provided also that the correction of error shall not include change of land use in any case except as
provided under this sub-paragraph.

(b) Efforts shall be made to reforest the unused or unproductive agricultural areas with afforestation and habitat
restoration activities.

(2) Natural water bodies.-The catchment areas of all natural springs shall be identified and plans for their
conservation and rejuvenation shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan and the guidelines shall be
drawn up by the Union Territory Government in such a manner as to prohibit development activities at or
near these areas which are detrimental to such areas.
(3) Tourism or Eco-tourism.-(a) All new eco-tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism activities
within the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be as per the Tourism Master Plan for the Eco-sensitive Zone.
(b) The Eco-Tourism Master Plan shall be prepared by the Department of Tourism in consultation with
Union Territory Departments of Environment and Forest.
(c) The Tourism Master Plan shall form a component of the Zonal Master Plan.
(d) The Tourism Master Plan shall be drawn based on the study of carrying capacity of the Eco-sensitive
Zone.
(e) The activities of eco-tourism shall be regulated as under, namely:-
(i) New construction of hotels and resorts shall not be allowed within 1 kilometre from the boundary of
the Wildlife Sanctuary or upto the extent of the Eco-sensitive Zone whichever is nearer:
Provided that, beyond the distance of one kilometre from the boundary of the Wildlife
Sanctuary till the extent of the Eco-sensitive Zone, the establishment of new hotels and resorts shall
be allowed only in pre-defined and designated areas for eco-tourism facilities as per Tourism Master
Plan;
(ii) all new tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism activities within the Eco-sensitive Zone
shall be in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Government in the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the eco-tourism guidelines issued by National Tiger
Conservation Authority (as amended from time to time) with emphasis on eco-tourism, eco-
education and eco development;
(iii) until the Zonal Master Plan is approved, development for tourism and expansion of existing tourism
activities shall be permitted by the concerned regulatory authorities based on the actual site specific
24 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

scrutiny and recommendation of the Monitoring Committee and no new hotel, resort or commercial
establishment construction shall be permitted within Eco-sensitive Zone area.
(4) Natural heritage.- All sites of valuable natural heritage in the Eco-sensitive Zone, such as the gene pool
reserve areas, rock formations, waterfalls, springs, gorges, groves, caves, points, walks, rides, cliffs, etc. shall
be identified and a heritage conservation plan shall be drawn up for their preservation and conservation as a
part of the Zonal Master Plan.
(5) Man-made heritage sites.-Buildings, structures, artefacts, areas and precincts of historical, architectural,
aesthetic, and cultural significance shall be identified in the Eco-sensitive Zone and heritage conservation
plan for their conservation shall be prepared as part of the Zonal Master Plan.
(6) Noise pollution. -Prevention and control of noise pollution in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in
accordance with the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 under the
Environment Act.
(7) Air pollution.-Prevention and control of air pollution in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in
accordance with the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (14 of 1981) and
the rules made thereunder.
(8) Discharge of effluents.-Discharge of treated effluent in Eco-sensitive Zone shall be in accordance with the
provisions of the General Standards for Discharge of Environmental Pollutants covered under the
Environment Act and the rules made thereunder or standards stipulated by the Union Territory Government,
whichever is more stringent.
(9) Solid wastes.-Disposal and Management of solid wastes shall be as under:-
(i) the solid waste disposal and management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in accordance
with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India in the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number S.O. 1357 (E), dated the 8 th April,
2016; the inorganic material may be disposed in an environmental acceptable manner at site identified
outside the Eco-sensitive Zone;
(ii) safe and Environmentally Sound Management of Solid wastes in conformity with the existing rules and
regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within Eco-sensitive Zone.
(10) Bio-Medical Waste.–Bio-Medical Waste Management shall be as under:-
(i) the Bio-Medical Waste disposal in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in accordance with the
Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India in the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number G.S.R. 343 (E), dated the 28 th March,
2016.
(ii) safe and Environmentally Sound Management of Bio-Medical Wastes in conformity with the existing
rules and regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within the Eco-sensitive Zone.
(11) Plastic waste management.- The plastic waste management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out
as per the provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India in
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number G.S.R. 340(E), dated the
18th March, 2016, as amended from time to time.
(12) Construction and demolition waste management.-The construction and demolition waste management in
the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of the Construction and Demolition Waste
Management Rules, 2016 published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change vide notification number G.S.R. 317(E), dated the 29 th March, 2016, as amended from time
to time.
(13) E-waste.-The e - waste management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of
the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India in the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as amended from time to time.
(14) Vehicular traffic.– The vehicular movement of traffic shall be regulated in a habitat friendly manner and
specific provisions in this regard shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan and till such time as the
Zonal Master plan is prepared and approved by the competent authority in the Union Territory Government,
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 25

the Monitoring Committee shall monitor compliance of vehicular movement under the relevant Acts and the
rules and regulations made thereunder.
(15) Vehicular pollution.-Prevention and control of vehicular pollution shall be incompliance with applicable
laws and efforts shall be made for use of cleaner fuels.
(16) Industrial units.– (a) On or after the publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, no new polluting
industries shall be permitted to be set up within the Eco-sensitive Zone.
(b) Only non-polluting industries shall be allowed within Eco-sensitive Zone as per the classification of
Industries in the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February, 2016, unless
so specified in this notification, and in addition, the non-polluting cottage industries shall be
promoted.
(17) Protection of hill slopes.- The protection of hill slopes shall be as under:-
(a) the Zonal Master Plan shall indicate areas on hill slopes where no construction shall be permitted;
(b) construction on existing steep hill slopes or slopes with a high degree of erosion shall not be permitted.
4. List of activities prohibited or to be regulated within Eco-sensitive Zone.- All activities in the Eco-sensitive
Zone shall be governed by the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the rules made there
under including the Coastal Regulation Zone, 2011 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006
and other applicable laws including the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (69 of 1980), the Indian Forest Act, 1927
(16 of 1927), the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (53 of 1972) and amendments made thereto and be regulated in
the manner specified in the Table below, namely:-

TABLE

S. No. Activity Description

A. Prohibited Activities
1. Commercial mining, stone (a) All new and existing mining (minor and major minerals), stone
quarrying and crushing units. quarrying and crushing units shall be prohibited with immediate
effect except for meeting the domestic needs of bona fide local
residents including digging of earth for construction or repair of
houses within Eco-Sensitive Zone;
(b) The mining operations shall be carried out in accordance with the
order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated the 4 th August, 2006
in the matter of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad Vs. UOI in
W.P.(C) No.202 of 1995 and dated the 21 st April, 2014 in the
matter of Goa Foundation Vs. UOI in W.P.(C) No.435 of 2012.
2. Setting of industries causing New industries and expansion of existing polluting industries in the
pollution (Water, Air, Soil, Noise, Eco-sensitive Zone shall not be permitted:
etc.). Provided that, non-polluting industries shall be allowed within Eco-
Sensitive Zone as per classification of Industries in the guidelines
issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February, 2016,
unless so specified in this notification and in addition, the non-
polluting cottage industries shall be promoted.
3. Establishment of major Prohibited.
hydroelectric project.
4. Use or production or processing Prohibited.
of any hazardous substance.
5. Discharge of untreated effluents Prohibited.
in natural water bodies or land
area.
26 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

6. Setting up of new saw mills. New or expansion of existing saw mills shall not be permitted within
the Eco-sensitive Zone.
7. Setting up of brick kilns. Prohibited.
8. Use of polythene bags. Prohibited.

9. Commercial use of firewood Prohibited.

10. Commercial establishment of Prohibited.
hotels and resorts.
11. Construction activities. Prohibited.
12. Small scale no-polluting Prohibited.
industries.
13. Felling of trees. Prohibited.
14. Commercial extraction of surface Prohibited.
and ground water.
15. Introduction of Exotic species. Prohibited.
16. Practice river aquaculture and Prohibited.
fishing by the help of mechanized
boats in large scale commercial
manner.

B. Regulated Activities

17. Erection of electrical and Regulated under applicable laws of underground cabling may be
communication towers and laying promoted.
of cables and other
infrastructures.
18. Infrastructure including civic Taking measures of mitigation, as per applicable laws, rules and
amenities. regulation and available guidelines.
19. Widening and strengthening of Taking measures of mitigation, as per applicable laws, rules and
existing roads and construction of regulation and available guidelines.
new roads.
20. Undertaking other activities Regulated as per the applicable laws.
related to tourism like over flying
over the Eco-sensitive Zone area
by hot air balloon, helicopter,
drones, Microlites, etc.
21. Movement of vehicular traffic at Regulated for commercial purpose under applicable laws.
night.
22. Ongoing agriculture and Permitted as per the applicable laws for use of locals.
horticulture practices by local
communities along with dairies,
dairy farming, aquaculture and
fisheries.
23. Discharge of treated waste The discharge of treated waste water or effluents shall be avoided to
water/effluents in natural water enter into the water bodies and efforts shall be made for recycle and
bodies or land area. reuse of treated waste water. Otherwise the discharge of treated waste
water/effluent shall be regulated as per the applicable laws.
24. Establishment of large-scale Regulated (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws
commercial livestock and poultry except for meeting local needs.
farms by firms, corporate and
companies.
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 27

25. Open Well, Bore Well, etc. for Regulated and the activity should be strictly monitored by the
agriculture or other usage. appropriate authority.
26. Solid Waste Management. Regulated as per the applicable laws.
27. Eco-tourism. Regulated as per the applicable laws.

28. Commercial Sign boards and Regulated as per the applicable laws.
hoardings.
29. Traditional fishing practices Regulated as per the applicable laws.

C. Promoted Activities

30. Collection of Forest Produce or Permitted for meeting the bonafide requirement of the PVTG
Non-Timber Forest Produce. (Shompen) & Nicobarese as provided in the Andaman and Nicobar
(Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956.
31. Protection of Hill Slopes and Should be encouraged to the extent possible without affecting the
river banks. livelihood of PVTG (Shompens).
32. Agriculture and Horticulture Promoted for meeting their subsistence requirement.
practices by PVTG and
Nicobarese.
33. Rain water harvesting. Shall be actively promoted.
34. Organic farming. Shall be actively promoted.
35. Adoption of green technology for Shall be actively promoted.
all activities.
36. Cottage industries including Shall be actively promoted.
village artisans, etc.
37. Use of renewable energy and Bio-gas, solar light etc. shall be actively promoted.
fuels.
38. Agro-Forestry. Shall be actively promoted.
39. Plantation of Horticulture and Shall be actively promoted.
Herbals.
40. Use of eco-friendly transport. Shall be actively promoted.
41. Skill Development. Shall be actively promoted.
42. Restoration of Degraded Land/ Shall be actively promoted.
Forests/ Habitat.
43. Environmental Awareness. Shall be actively promoted.

5. Monitoring Committee.- For effective monitoring of the provisions of this notification under sub-section (3) of
section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Central Government hereby constitutes a Monitoring
Committee, comprising of the following, namely: -

S. No. Constituent of the Monitoring Committee Designation

1. Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District Chairman;

2. Member, Zilla Parishad, Campbell Bay Member;

3. Executive Engineer, Andaman Public Works Department, Campbell Bay Member;

4. Director, Department of Agriculture or representative, Member;

5. Director, Fisheries or representative Member;

6. Senior Veterinary Officer, Campbell Bay Member;

28 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

7. One representative of Non-governmental Organization working in Member;

the field of Environment (including heritage conservation) to be
nominated by the Union Territory Government for three years
8. One expert in environment/ecology/wildlife from a reputed Member;
Institution to be nominated by Union Territory Government
9. Representative of A&N Islands Biodiversity Council Member;

10. Divisional Forest Officer, Nicobar Division Member – Secretary

6. Terms of Reference. – (1) The Monitoring Committee shall monitor the compliance of the provisions of this
notification.
(2) The tenure of the Monitoring committee shall be for three years or till the re-constitution of the new Committee by
the Union Territory Government and subsequently the Monitoring Committee shall be constituted by the Union
Territory Government.
(3) The activities that are covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile
Ministry of Environment and Forests number S.O. 1533 (E), dated the 14 th September, 2006, and are falling in the
Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table under paragraph 4 thereof, shall be
scrutinized by the Monitoring Committee based on the actual site-specific conditions and referred to the Central
Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for prior environmental clearances under the
provisions of the said notification.
(4) The activities that are not covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile
Ministry of Environment and Forests number S.O. 1533 (E), dated the 14th September, 2006 and are falling in the
Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table under paragraph 4 thereof, shall be
scrutinised by the Monitoring Committee based on the actual site-specific conditions and referred to the concerned
regulatory authorities.
(5) The Member-Secretary of the Monitoring Committee or the concerned Deputy Commissioner(s) shall be
competent to file complaints under section 19 of the Environment Act against any person who contravenes the
provisions of this notification.
(6) The Monitoring Committee may invite representatives or experts from concerned Departments, representatives
from industry associations or concerned stakeholders to assist in its deliberations depending on the requirements on
issue to issue basis.
(7) The Monitoring Committee shall submit the annual action taken report of its activities as on the 31 st March of
every year by the 30th June of that year to the Chief Wildlife Warden in the Union Territory as per proforma given in
Annexure IV.
(8) The Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change may give such directions, as
it deems fit, to the Monitoring Committee for effective discharge of its functions.
7. The Central Government and Union Territory Government may specify additional measures, if any, for giving
effect to provisions of this notification.
8. The provisions of this notification are subject to the orders, if any passed or to be passed by the Hon’ble Supreme
Court of India or the High Court or the National Green Tribunal.

[F.No. 25/16/2020-ESZ]
Dr. SATISH C. GARKOTI, Scientist ‘G’
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 29

ANNEXURE I

A. BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION OF GALATHEA NATIONAL PARK AND ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE

EAST- The Eco Sensitive Zone boundary of Galathea National Park starts from a point 1 (6° 59' 33.429" N &

93° 52' 8.570" E) moves towards East direction upto the point A2 (6° 59' 40.690" N & 93° 52' 23.157" E) near Magar

nallah 0.5 km away from the boundary of the National Park. Then proceeds towards south direction upto point A5

(6° 55' 53.257" N & 93° 52' 13.565" E) near Dhillon nallah through the point A3 (6° 58' 52.401" N & 93° 52' 36.066"

E) & A4 (6° 57' 24.953" N & 93° 51' 43.686" E) maintaining a distance of 0.5 kilometre from the Eastern boundary of

the National Park. Then the boundary moves towards South-West direction and meets the boundary of Galathea

National Park at point 3 (6° 55' 36.340" N & 93° 52' 4.623" E) and follows the boundary of Galathea National Park

upto point 5 (6° 50' 16.834" N & 93° 52' 22.608" E).

SOUTH- From point 5 (6° 50' 16.834" N & 93° 52' 22.608" E), the boundary moves towards South-West direction

upto a point 6 (6° 50' 52.594" N & 93° 49' 18.952" E) following the boundary of Galathea National Park.

WEST:-From the point 6 (6° 50' 52.594" N & 93° 49' 18.952" E)), the boundary moves towards North direction upto

the point 11 (6° 58' 15.837" N & 93° 47' 30.378" E) through the point 7 (6° 53' 42.182" N & 93° 48' 37.418" E),

point 8 (6° 54' 4.291" N & 93° 49' 11.580" E), point 9 (6° 55' 2.576" N & 93° 48' 14.121" E) & point 10 (6° 56'

45.865" N & 93° 47' 52.416" E) following the boundary of Galathea National Park.

NORTH: From the point 11 (6° 58' 15.837" N & 93° 47' 30.378" E) the boundary then moves towards North-West

direction upto the point A6 (6° 58' 27.217" N & 93° 46' 58.873" E) at a distance of 1.00 km from the boundary of

Galathea National Park then moves towards East direction upto the point A1 (6° 59' 47.949" N&93° 52' 37.740" E)

passing through the point A7 (6° 59' 2.745" N & 93° 49' 40.976" E) and point A8 (7° 0' 19.532" N & 93° 51' 42.870"

E) maintaining an uniform distance of one kilometre from the boundary of the National Park. The boundary then

moves towards West direction and meets at point A2 (6° 59' 40.690" N & 93° 52' 23.157" E).
30 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

ANNEXURE II A
MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF GALAETHEA NATIONAL PARK ALONG WITH
GEO-COORDINATES
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 31

ANNEXURE II B
SATELLITE IMAGE OF GALAETHEA NATIONAL PARK AND ITS ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE
32 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]

ANNEXURE II C
LOCATION MAP OF GALAETHEA NATIONAL PARK AND ITS ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE

ANNEXURE - III
TABLE A: Geo-coordinates of prominent locations along the boundary of Galathea National Park shown on
map

S. No Station Latitude Longitude

1. 1 6° 59' 33.429" N 93° 52' 8.570" E
2. 2 6° 58' 54.027" N 93° 52' 19.857" E
3. 3 6° 55' 36.340" N 93° 52' 4.623" E
4. 4 6° 54' 31.706" N 93° 52' 21.859" E
5. 5 6° 50' 16.834" N 93° 52' 22.608" E
6. 6 6° 50' 52.594" N 93° 49' 18.952" E
7. 7 6° 53' 42.182" N 93° 48' 37.418" E
8. 8 6° 54' 4.291" N 93° 49' 11.580" E
9. 9 6° 55' 2.576" N 93° 48' 14.121" E
10. 10 6° 56' 45.865" N 93° 47' 52.416" E
11. 11 6° 58' 15.837" N 93° 47' 30.378" E
12. 12 6° 58' 30.158" N 93° 49' 51.839" E
[भाग II—खण्ड 3(ii)] भारत का राजपत्र : ऄसाधारण 33

Table B: Geo-coordinates of prominent locations along the boundary of Eco-sensitive Zone of Galathea
National Park shown on map

S.No Station Latitude Longitude

1. A1 6° 59' 47.949" N 93° 52' 37.740" E
2. A2 6° 59' 40.690" N 93° 52' 23.157" E
3. A3 6° 58' 52.401" N 93° 52' 36.066" E
4. A4 6° 57' 24.953" N 93° 51' 43.686" E
5. A5 6° 55' 53.257" N 93° 52' 13.565" E
6. A6 6° 58' 27.217" N 93° 46' 59.873" E
7. A7 6° 59' 2.745" N 93° 49' 40.976" E
8. A8 7° 0' 19.532" N 93° 51' 42.870" E

ANNEXURE - IV
Proforma of Action Taken Report: - Eco-sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee. -
1. Number and date of meetings.
2. Minutes of the meetings: (mention noteworthy points. Attach minutes of the meeting as separate annexure).
3. Status of preparation of Zonal Master Plan including Tourism Master Plan.
4. Summary of cases dealt with rectification of error apparent on face of land record (Eco-sensitive Zone wise).
Details may be attached as Annexure.
5. Summary of cases scrutinized for activities covered under the Environment Impact Assessment notification,
2006. (Details may be attached as separate Annexure)
6. Summary of cases scrutinized for activities not covered under the Environment Impact Assessment
notification, 2006. (Details may be attached as separate Annexure)
7. Summary of complaints lodged under section 19 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:
8. Any other matter of importance:

Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.
ANNEXURE IV
Scanned by CamScanner
ANNEXURE V
 METHODOLOGY ADOPTED FOR SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

1.0 Meteorology

The methodology adopted for monitoring surface observations is as per the

standard norms laid down by Bureau of Indian Standards (IS:8829) and India
Meteorological Department (IMD).

1.1 Methodology of Data Generation

The Central Monitoring Station (CMS) equipped with continuous monitoring

equipment was installed at site at a height of about 10 m above ground level to
record wind speed, direction, relative humidity and temperature. The
meteorological monitoring station was located in such a way that it is free from
any obstructions and as per the guidelines specified under IS:8829. Cloud cover
was recorded by visual observation. Rainfall was monitored by rain gauge.

The continuous recording meteorological instrument of Dynalab, Pune (Model

No.WDL1002) has been used for recording the met data. The sensitivity of the
equipment is as given in Table-1.

TABLE-1
SENSITIVITY OF METEOROLOGY MONITORING STATION

Sr. No. Sensor Sensitivity

1 Wind speed Sensor ± 0.02 m/s
2 Wind direction Sensor ± 3 degrees
3 Temperature Sensor ± 0.2oC

Hourly maximum, minimum and average values of wind speed, direction and
temperature were recorded continuously with continuous monitoring equipment. All
the sensors were connected to filter and then logged on to datalogger. The readings
were recorded in a memory module, which was attached to datalogger. The
memory module was downloaded in computer through Dynalab software. The
storage capacity of memory module was 256 KB. Data was downloaded every
fortnight into the computer. The data was recorded continuously. The recovery of
data was about 98%. The rest of 2 % data gaps were filled by referring to IMD data
and daily weather reports in the local newspapers. However, Relative Humidity and
Rainfall were recorded manually.

1.2 Ambient Air Quality

The air samples were analyzed as per standard methods specified by Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB), IS: 5184 and American Public Health Association
(APHA).

The techniques used for ambient air quality monitoring and minimum detectable
level are given in Table-3.
 METHODOLOGY ADOPTED FOR SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

TABLE-3
TECHNIQUES USED FOR AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Parameters Test Method Minimum Detectable

[as per GSR 826(E), Sch-VII] Limit (µg/m3)
Particulate Matter, PM10 Gravimetric Method 5.0
Particulate Matter, PM2.5 Gravimetric Method 5.0
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) Improved West and Gaeke Method 4.0
Nitrogen dioxide (NOx) Modified Jacob and Hochheiser 9.0
Method
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Gas Monitor 12.5
(3 x 8 hr)
Ozone (O3) (3 x 8 hr) Spectroscopic analysis 0.01 ppm /20 µg/m3
Ammonia, NH3 Indophenol Blue method 4.0
Benzene, C6H6 Solvent extraction followed by GC 0.001
analysis
Benzo(a)pyrene in Particulate Solvent extraction followed by GC 0.0001
phase analysis
Heavy metals in particulate AAS/ICP method 0.0001
phase for Arsenic (As), Nickel
(Ni), Lead (Pb)

1.3 Water Analysis

Samples for chemical analysis were collected in polyethylene carboys. Samples

collected for metal content were acidified with 1 ml HNO3. Samples for
bacteriological analysis were collected in sterilized glass bottles. Selected physico-
chemical and bacteriological parameters have been analyzed for projecting the
existing water quality status in the study area. Parameters like temperature,
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and pH were analyzed at the time of sample collection.

The methodology for sample collection and preservation techniques was followed as
per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) mentioned in Table-4.

TABLE-4
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP)
FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER SAMPLING

Parameter Sample Collection Sample Storage/ Preservation

Size
pH Grab sampling 50 ml On site analysis
Plastic /glass container
Electrical Grab sampling 50 ml On site parameter
Conductivity Plastic /glass container
Total suspended Grab sampling 100 ml Refrigeration,
solids Plastic /glass container can be stored for 7 days
Total Dissolved Grab sampling 100 ml Refrigeration,
Solids Plastic /glass container can be stored for 7 days
BOD Grab sampling 500 ml Refrigeration, 48 hrs
Plastic /glass container
Hardness Grab sampling 100 ml Add HNO3 to pH<2,
Plastic /glass container refrigeration; 6 months
Chlorides Grab sampling 50 ml Not required; 28 days
Plastic /glass container
Sulphates Grab sampling 100 ml Refrigeration; 28 days
Plastic /glass container
Sodium, Potassium Plastic container 100 ml Not required; 6 months
 METHODOLOGY ADOPTED FOR SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

Parameter Sample Collection Sample Storage/ Preservation

Size
Nitrates Plastic containers 100 ml Refrigeration; 48 hrs
Fluorides Plastic containers only 100 ml Not required; 28 days
Alkalinity Plastic/ glass containers 100 ml Refrigeration; 14 days
Ammonia Plastic/ glass containers 100 ml Add H2SO4 to pH>2,
refrigeration, 28 days
Hexavalent Plastic/ Glass rinse with 100 ml Grab sample;
Chromium, Cr+6 1+1 HNO3 refrigeration; 24 hrs
Heavy Metals (Hg, Plastic/ Glass rinse with 500 ml Filter, add HNO3 to
Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Zn, 1+1 HNO3 pH>2; Grab sample; 6
Pb etc.) months
Source: Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,
Published By APHA, AWWA, WEF 19th Edition, 1995

1.3.1 Analytical Techniques

The analytical techniques used for water and wastewater analysis is given in the
Table-5.
TABLE-5
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES
FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER ANALYSIS

Parameter Method
pH APHA-4500-H+
Colour APHA-2120 C
Odour IS: 3025, Part-4
Temperature APHA-2550 B
Dissolved Oxygen APHA-4500 O
BOD APHA-5210 B
Electrical conductivity APHA-2510 B
Turbidity APHA-2130 B
Chlorides APHA-4500 Cl-
Fluorides APHA-4500 F-
Total dissolved solids APHA-2540 C
Total suspended solids APHA-2540 D
Total hardness APHA-2340 C
Sulphates APHA-4500 SO4-2
Arsenic APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3114 B/ APHA-3500 As
Calcium APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Ca
Magnesium APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Mg
Sodium APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Na
Potassium APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 K
Manganese APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Mn
Mercury APHA-3112 B/ APHA-3500 Hg
Selenium APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3114 B/ APHA-3500 Se
Lead APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Pb
Copper APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Cu
Cadmium APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Cd
Iron APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Fe
Zinc APHA-3120 B/ APHA-3500 Zn
Boron APHA-4500 B
Coliform organisms APHA-9215 D
Alkalinity APHA-2320 B
1.4 Soil Quality

At each location, soil samples were collected from three different depths viz. 30
cm, 60 cm and 90 cm below the surface and are homogenized. This is in line with
 METHODOLOGY ADOPTED FOR SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

IS: 2720 & Methods of Soil Analysis, Part-1, 2nd edition, 1986 of (American
Society for Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America). The homogenized
samples were analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics. The soil samples
were collected and analyzed once in each season.

The samples have been analyzed as per the established scientific methods for
physico-chemical parameters. The heavy metals have been analyzed by using
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and Inductive Coupled Plasma Analyzer.

The methodology adopted for each parameter is described in Table-6.

TABLE-6
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR SOIL ANALYSIS

Parameter Method (ASTM number)

Grain size distribution Sieve analysis (D 422 – 63)
Textural classification Chart developed by Public Roads Administration
Infiltration capacity Infiltrometer
Bulk density Sand replacement, core cutter
Porosity Void ratio
Sodium absorption ratio Flame colourimetric (D 1428-82)
PH pH meter (D 1293-84)
Electrical conductivity Conductivity meter (D 1125-82)
Nitrogen Kjeldahl distillation (D 3590-84)
Phosphorus Molybdenum blue, colourimetric (D 515-82)
Potassium Flame photometric (D 1428-82)
Copper AAS (D 1688-84)
Iron AAS (D 1068-84)
Zinc AAS (D 1691-84)
Boron Surcumin, colourimetric (D 3082-79)
Chlorides Argentometric (D 512-81 Rev 85)
Fluorides Fusion followed by distillation and estimation by
Ion selective electrod.

1.5 Noise Levels

1.5.1 Method of Monitoring

Noise level monitoring was carried out continuously for 24-hours with one hour
interval starting at 0030 hrs to 0030 hrs next day. The noise levels were monitored
on working days only and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays were not
monitored. During each hour Leq were directly computed by the instrument based
on the sound pressure levels. Lday (Ld), Lnight (Ln) and Ldn values were computed
using corresponding hourly Leq of day and night respectively. Monitoring was
carried out at ‘A’ response and fast mode.

Parameters Measured During Monitoring

For noise levels measured over a given period of time interval, it is possible to
describe important features of noise using statistical quantities. This is calculated
using the percent of the time certain noise levels exceeds the time interval. The
notation for the statistical quantities of noise levels is described below:

• Hourly Leq values have been computed by integrating sound level meter.
 METHODOLOGY ADOPTED FOR SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

• Lday: As per the CPCB guidelines the day time limit is between 07:00 hours to
22.00 hours as outlined in Ministry of Environment and Forest Notification S.O.
123 (E) dated 14/02/2000.

• Lnight: As per the CPCB guidelines the night time limit is between 22:00 hours to
07.00 hours as outlined in Ministry of Environment and Forest Notification S.O.
123 (E) dated 14/02/2000.

A rating developed by Environmental Protection Agency, (US-EPA) for specification

of community noise from all the sources is the Day-Night Sound Level, (Ldn).

Ldn: It is similar to a 24 hr equivalent sound level except that during night time
period (10 PM to 07 AM) a 10 dB (A) weighting penalty is added to the
instantaneous sound level before computing the 24 hr average. This nighttime
penalty is added to account for the fact that noise during night when people usually
sleep is judged as more annoying than the same noise during the daytime.

The Ldn for a given location in a community may be calculated from the hourly Leq’s,
by the following equation.

15 9
[∑10 + ∑10
( Leq i / 10 ) ( Leq i +10 / 10 )
]
Ldn = 10 Log i =1 i =1

24
ANNEXURE VI
 ANNEXURE-I
APPLICABLE ENVIRONMENT STANDARDS

AI-1
 ANNEXURE-I
APPLICABLE ENVIRONMENT STANDARDS

AI-2
 ANNEXURE-I
APPLICABLE ENVIRONMENT STANDARDS

AI-3
 ANNEXURE-I
APPLICABLE ENVIRONMENT STANDARDS

AI-4
ANNEXURE VII
 AAQ-1 Campbell Bay
Sr.No PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NO2 CO O3 Hg Bap NH3 Pb Ni As Benzene HC VOC
Date
Units µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 µg/m3 ppm ppm
I II III I II III
1 04.12.2020 17.4 11.4 8.1 9.7 194 221 168 46.4 48.9 45.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
2 05.12.2020 18.2 12.4 7.2 7.7 204 231 178 47.2 49.7 46.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
3 11.12.2020 18.7 11.1 8.0 10.1 208 235 182 47.7 50.2 47.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
4 12.12.2020 18.4 11.2 7.8 8.3 215 242 189 47.4 49.9 46.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
5 17.12.2020 18.2 12.3 8.3 8.8 196 223 170 47.2 49.7 46.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
6 18.12.2020 19.3 13.6 6.1 8.2 202 229 176 48.3 50.8 47.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
7 26.12.2020 19.1 12.7 5.8 8.4 207 234 181 48.1 50.6 47.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
8 27.12.2020 17.8 11.3 7.4 7.9 210 237 184 46.8 49.3 46.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
9 01.01.2021 18.6 13.6 7.0 7.5 199 226 173 47.6 50.1 47.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
10 02.01.2021 17.4 14.1 8.0 8.5 218 245 192 46.4 48.9 45.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
11 08.01.2021 18.9 11.8 7.2 9.2 206 233 180 47.9 50.4 47.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
12 09.01.2021 18.1 13.7 7.5 8.0 188 215 162 47.1 49.6 46.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
13 16.01.2021 19.4 11.5 6.8 7.3 192 219 166 48.4 50.9 47.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
14 17.01.2021 18.3 13.5 7.9 8.4 191 218 165 47.3 49.8 46.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
15 22.01.2021 21.4 12.3 8.0 8.5 198 225 172 50.4 52.9 49.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
16 23.01.2021 20.5 12.4 7.1 7.6 205 232 179 49.5 52.0 48.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
17 30.01.2021 17.6 12.8 7.9 8.4 217 244 191 46.6 49.1 46.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
18 31.01.2021 17.8 12.3 5.9 9.2 211 238 185 46.8 49.3 46.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
19 05.02.2021 18.2 13.2 7.1 7.6 211 238 185 47.2 49.7 46.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
20 06.02.2021 19.7 11.9 7.0 8.9 200 227 174 48.7 51.2 48.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
21 12.02.2021 19.2 14.1 6.1 8.3 197 224 171 48.2 50.7 47.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
22 13.02.2021 21.6 14.3 6.2 8.4 202 229 176 50.6 53.1 50.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
23 19.02.2021 18.4 13.3 6.0 8.4 191 218 165 47.4 49.9 46.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
24 20.02.2021 22.6 12.5 7.4 7.9 209 236 183 51.6 54.1 51.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
25 26.02.2021 20.3 12.2 6.9 8.9 199 226 173 49.3 51.8 48.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
26 27.02.2021 21.4 11.8 6.3 9.3 214 241 188 50.4 52.9 49.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Min 17.4 11.1 5.8 7.3 162 45.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Max 22.6 14.3 8.3 10.1 245 54.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Avg 19.1 12.6 7.1 8.4 204 48.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
98th 22.1 14.2 8.2 9.9 243 53.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
 AAQ-2 Govind Nagar
Sr.No PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NO2 CO O3 Hg Bap NH3 Pb Ni As Benzene HC VOC
Date
Units µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 µg/m3 ppm ppm
I II III I II III
1 04.12.2020 13.6 8.9 6.3 8.8 145 172 119 35.2 38.3 34.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
2 05.12.2020 14.4 9.9 5.4 8.1 155 182 129 36.0 39.1 35.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
3 11.12.2020 14.9 8.6 6.2 8.5 159 186 133 36.5 39.6 36.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
4 12.12.2020 14.6 8.7 6.0 8.7 166 193 140 36.2 39.3 35.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
5 17.12.2020 14.4 9.8 6.5 9.2 147 174 121 36.0 39.1 35.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
6 18.12.2020 15.5 11.1 5.1 7.3 153 180 127 37.1 40.2 36.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
7 26.12.2020 15.3 10.2 6.0 7.5 158 185 132 36.9 40.0 36.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
8 27.12.2020 14.0 8.8 5.6 8.3 161 188 135 35.6 38.7 35.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
9 01.01.2021 14.8 11.1 5.2 7.9 150 177 124 36.4 39.5 36.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
10 02.01.2021 13.6 11.6 6.2 8.9 169 196 143 35.2 38.3 34.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
11 08.01.2021 15.1 9.3 5.4 8.3 157 184 131 36.7 39.8 36.4 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
12 09.01.2021 14.3 11.2 5.7 8.4 139 166 113 35.9 39.0 35.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
13 16.01.2021 15.6 9.0 6.4 7.7 143 170 117 37.2 40.3 36.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
14 17.01.2021 14.5 11.0 6.1 8.8 142 169 116 36.1 39.2 35.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
15 22.01.2021 17.6 9.8 6.2 8.9 149 176 123 39.2 42.3 38.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
16 23.01.2021 16.7 9.9 5.3 8.0 156 183 130 38.3 41.4 38.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
17 30.01.2021 13.8 10.3 6.1 8.8 168 195 142 35.4 38.5 35.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
18 31.01.2021 14.0 9.8 5.4 8.3 162 189 136 35.6 38.7 35.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
19 05.02.2021 14.4 10.7 5.3 8.0 162 189 136 36.0 39.1 35.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
20 06.02.2021 15.9 9.4 5.2 8.0 151 178 125 37.5 40.6 37.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
21 12.02.2021 15.4 11.6 5.9 7.4 148 175 122 37.0 40.1 36.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
22 13.02.2021 17.8 11.8 6.0 7.5 153 180 127 39.4 42.5 39.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
23 19.02.2021 14.6 10.8 5.8 7.5 142 169 116 36.2 39.3 35.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
24 20.02.2021 18.8 10.0 5.6 8.3 160 187 134 40.4 43.5 40.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
25 26.02.2021 16.5 9.7 5.1 8.0 150 177 124 38.1 41.2 37.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
26 27.02.2021 17.6 9.3 5.8 8.4 165 192 139 39.2 42.3 38.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Min 13.6 8.6 5.1 7.3 113 34.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Max 18.8 11.8 6.5 9.2 196 43.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Avg 15.3 10.1 5.8 8.2 155 37.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
98th 18.3 11.7 6.5 9.1 194 42.4 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
 AAQ-3 Joginder Nagar
Sr.No PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NO2 CO O3 Hg Bap NH3 Pb Ni As Benzene HC VOC
Date
Units µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 µg/m3 ppm ppm
I II III I II III
1 04.12.2020 12.4 8.2 5.7 7.4 103 130 77 30.4 32.2 29.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
2 05.12.2020 12.2 7.7 5.3 6.7 113 140 87 30.2 32.0 29.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
3 11.12.2020 12.7 7.1 5.6 7.1 117 144 91 30.7 32.5 30.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
4 12.12.2020 12.4 7.5 5.9 7.3 124 151 98 30.4 32.2 29.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
5 17.12.2020 12.2 7.6 5.1 7.8 105 132 79 30.2 32.0 29.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
6 18.12.2020 13.3 8.9 4.2 6.6 111 138 85 31.3 33.1 30.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
7 26.12.2020 13.1 8.0 4.2 6.1 116 143 90 31.1 32.9 30.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
8 27.12.2020 14.1 8.4 5.5 6.9 119 146 93 32.1 33.9 31.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
9 01.01.2021 12.6 8.9 5.1 6.5 108 135 82 30.6 32.4 30.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
10 02.01.2021 14.7 9.4 5.4 7.5 127 154 101 32.7 34.5 32.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
11 08.01.2021 12.9 7.1 5.3 6.9 115 142 89 30.9 32.7 30.4 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
12 09.01.2021 12.1 9.0 5.6 7.0 97 124 71 30.1 31.9 29.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
13 16.01.2021 13.4 8.3 4.9 6.3 101 128 75 31.4 33.2 30.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
14 17.01.2021 12.3 8.8 6.0 7.4 100 127 74 30.3 32.1 29.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
15 22.01.2021 15.4 7.6 5.3 7.5 107 134 81 33.4 35.2 32.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
16 23.01.2021 14.5 7.7 5.2 6.6 114 141 88 32.5 34.3 32.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
17 30.01.2021 13.5 8.1 6.0 7.4 126 153 100 31.5 33.3 31.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
18 31.01.2021 13.8 7.6 4.5 6.9 120 147 94 31.8 33.6 31.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
19 05.02.2021 12.2 8.5 5.2 6.6 120 147 94 30.2 32.0 29.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
20 06.02.2021 13.7 7.2 5.1 6.6 109 136 83 31.7 33.5 31.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
21 12.02.2021 13.2 9.4 4.2 6.7 106 133 80 31.2 33.0 30.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
22 13.02.2021 15.6 9.6 4.3 6.1 111 138 85 33.6 35.4 33.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
23 19.02.2021 12.4 8.6 4.1 6.1 100 127 74 30.4 32.2 29.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
24 20.02.2021 16.6 7.8 5.5 6.9 118 145 92 34.6 36.4 34.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
25 26.02.2021 14.3 7.5 5.0 6.6 108 135 82 32.3 34.1 31.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
26 27.02.2021 15.4 7.1 4.4 7.0 123 150 97 33.4 35.2 32.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Min 12.1 7.1 4.1 6.1 71 29.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Max 16.6 9.6 6.0 7.8 154 36.4 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Avg 13.5 8.1 5.1 6.9 113 31.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
98th 16.1 9.5 6.0 7.7 152 35.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
 AAQ-4 Vijay Nagar
Sr.No PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NO2 CO O3 Hg Bap NH3 Pb Ni As Benzene HC VOC
Date
Units µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 µg/m3 ppm ppm
I II III I II III
1 01.12.2020 13.6 7.4 BDL 6.2 82 92 71 25.8 27.2 24.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
2 02.12.2020 12.4 7.2 BDL 6.3 92 102 81 24.6 26.0 23.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
3 07.12.2020 13.1 7.5 BDL 5.9 96 106 85 25.3 26.7 24.4 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
4 08.12.2020 12.8 8.1 BDL 6.1 103 113 92 25.0 26.4 24.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
5 14.12.2020 11.6 8.3 BDL 7.2 84 94 73 23.8 25.2 22.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
6 15.12.2020 13.6 8.1 BDL 6.6 90 100 79 25.8 27.2 24.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
7 21.12.2020 13.1 7.2 BDL 7.1 95 105 84 25.3 26.7 24.4 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
8 22.12.2020 11.7 7.6 BDL 7.2 98 108 87 23.9 25.3 23.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
9 28.12.2020 13.4 8.1 BDL 6.5 87 97 76 25.6 27.0 24.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
10 29.12.2020 12.3 8.6 BDL 6.3 106 116 95 24.5 25.9 23.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
11 04.01.2021 13.5 7.8 BDL 6.1 94 104 83 25.7 27.1 24.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
12 05.01.2021 11.8 8.2 BDL 5.8 76 86 65 24.0 25.4 23.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
13 11.01.2021 12.4 7.5 BDL 5.9 80 90 69 24.6 26.0 23.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
14 12.01.2021 12.2 8.0 BDL 6.2 79 89 68 24.4 25.8 23.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
15 18.01.2021 13.0 7.6 BDL 6.3 86 96 75 25.2 26.6 24.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
16 19.01.2021 12.1 7.9 BDL 6.7 93 103 82 24.3 25.7 23.4 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
17 27.01.2021 12.6 7.3 BDL 6.2 105 115 94 24.8 26.2 23.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
18 28.02.2021 11.4 6.8 BDL 5.7 99 109 88 23.6 25.0 22.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
19 01.02.2021 12.2 7.7 BDL 6.1 99 109 88 24.4 25.8 23.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
20 02.02.2021 12.8 7.0 BDL 6.6 88 98 77 25.0 26.4 24.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
21 08.02.2021 12.5 8.6 BDL 6.7 85 95 74 24.7 26.1 23.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
22 09.02.2021 13.2 8.8 BDL 6.2 90 100 79 25.4 26.8 24.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
23 15.02.2021 14.1 7.8 BDL 6.8 79 89 68 26.3 27.7 25.4 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
24 16.02.2021 14.2 7.0 BDL 5.7 97 107 86 26.4 27.8 25.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
25 22.02.2021 11.9 7.6 BDL 6.9 87 97 76 24.1 25.5 23.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
26 23.02.2021 13.0 8.2 BDL 5.8 102 112 91 25.2 26.6 24.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Min 11.4 6.8 BDL 5.7 65 22.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Max 14.2 8.8 BDL 7.2 116 27.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Avg 12.7 7.8 BDL 6.4 91 25.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
98th 14.2 8.7 BDL 7.2 114 27.4 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
 AAQ-5 Lakshmi Nagar
Sr.No PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NO2 CO O3 Hg Bap NH3 Pb Ni As Benzene HC VOC
Date
Units µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 µg/m3 ppm ppm
I II III I II III
1 01.12.2020 12.2 7.2 BDL 6.0 66 71 62 19.0 20.7 18.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
2 02.12.2020 11.0 7.6 BDL 5.7 76 81 72 17.8 19.5 16.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
3 07.12.2020 11.7 7.3 BDL 5.8 80 85 76 18.5 20.2 17.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
4 08.12.2020 11.4 6.7 BDL 6.1 87 92 83 18.2 19.9 17.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
5 14.12.2020 12.1 6.9 BDL 6.2 68 73 64 18.9 20.6 18.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
6 15.12.2020 12.2 6.7 BDL 6.6 74 79 70 19.0 20.7 18.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
7 21.12.2020 11.7 7.3 BDL 6.1 79 84 75 18.5 20.2 17.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
8 22.12.2020 11.4 8.1 BDL 5.6 82 87 78 18.2 19.9 17.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
9 28.12.2020 12.0 6.7 BDL 6.0 71 76 67 18.8 20.5 17.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
10 29.12.2020 10.9 7.2 BDL 6.5 90 95 86 17.7 19.4 16.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
11 04.01.2021 12.1 7.7 BDL 6.6 78 83 74 18.9 20.6 18.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
12 05.01.2021 11.6 6.8 BDL 6.1 60 65 62 18.4 20.1 17.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
13 11.01.2021 11.0 7.8 BDL 6.7 64 69 60 17.8 19.5 16.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
14 12.01.2021 10.8 6.6 BDL 5.6 63 68 65 17.6 19.3 16.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
15 18.01.2021 11.6 7.9 BDL 6.8 70 75 66 18.4 20.1 17.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
16 19.01.2021 12.7 6.5 BDL 5.7 77 82 73 19.5 21.2 18.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
17 27.01.2021 11.2 7.1 BDL 6.1 89 94 85 18.0 19.7 17.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
18 28.02.2021 11.3 6.7 BDL 6.2 83 88 79 18.1 19.8 17.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
19 01.02.2021 10.8 7.5 BDL 5.8 83 88 79 17.6 19.3 16.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
20 02.02.2021 11.4 6.9 BDL 6.0 72 77 68 18.2 19.9 17.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
21 08.02.2021 11.1 7.2 BDL 6.8 69 74 65 17.9 19.6 17.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
22 09.02.2021 11.8 8.3 BDL 6.5 74 79 70 18.6 20.3 17.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
23 15.02.2021 12.7 6.9 BDL 7.0 63 68 59 19.5 21.2 18.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
24 16.02.2021 13.1 6.8 BDL 7.1 81 86 77 19.9 21.6 19.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
25 22.02.2021 12.3 7.4 BDL 6.4 71 76 67 19.1 20.8 18.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
26 23.02.2021 11.6 6.8 BDL 6.2 86 91 82 18.4 20.1 17.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Min 10.8 6.5 BDL 5.6 59 16.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Max 13.1 8.3 BDL 7.1 95 21.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Avg 11.7 7.2 BDL 6.2 76 18.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
98th 12.9 8.2 BDL 7.1 93 21.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
 AAQ-6 Shastri Nagar
Sr.No PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NO2 CO O3 Hg Bap NH3 Pb Ni As Benzene HC VOC
Date
Units µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 µg/m3 ppm ppm
I II III I II III
1 01.12.2020 11.3 6.5 BDL 6.1 55 60 57 14.8 16.4 12.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
2 02.12.2020 10.7 7.5 BDL 6.2 59 64 55 14.2 15.8 12.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
3 07.12.2020 10.5 6.3 BDL 5.7 58 63 60 14.0 15.6 12.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
4 08.12.2020 11.3 7.6 BDL 6.3 65 70 61 14.8 16.4 12.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
5 14.12.2020 12.4 6.2 BDL 5.2 72 77 68 15.9 17.5 14.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
6 15.12.2020 10.9 6.8 BDL 6.4 84 89 80 14.4 16.0 12.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
7 21.12.2020 11.0 6.4 BDL 5.3 78 83 74 14.5 16.1 12.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
8 22.12.2020 10.5 7.2 BDL 5.7 78 83 74 14.0 15.6 12.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
9 28.12.2020 11.1 6.6 BDL 5.8 67 72 63 14.6 16.2 12.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
10 29.12.2020 10.8 6.9 BDL 5.4 64 69 60 14.3 15.9 12.4 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
11 04.01.2021 11.5 7.8 BDL 5.6 69 74 65 15.0 16.6 13.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
12 05.01.2021 12.4 6.6 BDL 6.4 58 63 54 15.9 17.5 14.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
13 11.01.2021 12.6 6.5 BDL 6.1 76 81 72 16.1 17.7 14.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
14 12.01.2021 12.0 7.1 BDL 6.6 66 71 62 15.5 17.1 13.6 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
15 18.01.2021 11.3 6.5 BDL 6.9 81 86 77 14.8 16.4 12.9 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
16 19.01.2021 11.9 6.9 BDL 6.0 61 66 57 15.4 17.0 13.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
17 27.01.2021 10.7 7.3 BDL 5.8 71 76 67 14.2 15.8 12.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
18 28.02.2021 11.4 7.0 BDL 5.6 75 80 71 14.9 16.5 13.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
19 01.02.2021 11.1 6.4 BDL 5.3 82 87 78 14.6 16.2 12.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
20 02.02.2021 11.8 6.6 BDL 5.4 63 68 59 15.3 16.9 13.4 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
21 08.02.2021 11.9 6.4 BDL 5.7 69 74 65 15.4 17.0 13.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
22 09.02.2021 11.4 7.0 BDL 5.8 74 79 70 14.9 16.5 13.0 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
23 15.02.2021 11.1 7.8 BDL 6.2 77 82 73 14.6 16.2 12.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
24 16.02.2021 11.7 6.4 BDL 5.7 66 71 62 15.2 16.8 13.3 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
25 22.02.2021 10.6 6.9 BDL 5.2 85 90 81 14.1 15.7 12.2 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
26 23.02.2021 11.8 7.4 BDL 5.6 73 78 69 15.3 16.9 13.4 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Min 10.5 6.2 BDL 5.2 54 12.1 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Max 12.6 7.8 BDL 6.9 90 17.7 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
Avg 11.4 6.9 BDL 5.8 71 14.8 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
98th 12.5 7.8 BDL 6.8 88 17.5 <1 <0.1 <20.0 <0.001 <1 <1 <0.001 <0.1 <0.1
ANNEXURE VIII
 Populati
Male Female
No.of Total on SC ST Male Female Total Margina Non Non
Total Total Below 6 Below 6 Total Main Non
Sl.No. Name of Village House Populati Below 6 Populati Populati Literate Literate Literate l Workers Workers
Male Female Agegrou Agegrou Workers Workers Workers
Holds on Age on on s s s Workers Male Female
p p
group
1 Pulomilo 5 15 5 20 2 1 3 0 20 11 3 14 0 0 0 20 15 5
2 Anul/Anula 1 3 5 8 0 1 1 0 8 2 1 3 6 6 0 2 0 2
3 Makhahu/Makachua 17 32 15 47 2 3 5 0 43 17 2 19 3 3 0 44 29 15
4 Bewai/Kuwak 1 3 1 4 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 2 4 4 0 0 0 0
5 Pulloullo/Puloulo 16 41 40 81 6 9 15 0 81 19 7 26 0 0 0 81 41 40
6 Pulobha/Pulobahan 6 21 31 52 7 7 14 0 52 9 8 17 0 0 0 52 21 31
7 Pattia (Pulopattia) 2 8 3 11 0 1 1 0 11 1 0 1 0 0 0 11 8 3
8 Pulopanja 16 42 33 75 8 8 16 0 74 19 6 25 0 0 0 75 42 33
9 Katahu 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0
10 Afra Bay 29 72 66 138 8 11 19 0 135 45 23 68 12 6 6 126 61 65
11 Alexandera River 13 28 19 47 0 0 0 0 47 0 0 0 0 0 0 47 28 19
12 Shompen Village‐A 2 8 2 10 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 8 2
13 Shompen Village‐B 11 33 11 44 0 0 0 0 44 0 0 0 0 0 0 44 33 11
14 Kokeon 6 13 7 20 1 1 2 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 13 7
15 Indira Point 4 27 0 27 0 0 0 0 1 23 0 23 27 27 0 0 0 0
16 Chingen (incl.FC at Magar Nalla 3 6 6 12 2 2 4 0 12 2 0 2 0 0 0 12 6 6
17 Sastri Nagar 6 9 6 15 1 0 1 0 0 7 6 13 10 6 4 5 2 3
18 Gandhi Nagar 13 62 7 69 1 0 1 0 0 43 4 47 64 56 8 5 2 3
19 Laxmi Nagar 13 226 4 230 2 0 2 0 0 142 3 145 222 219 3 8 8 0
20 Vijoy Nagar 12 95 5 100 0 2 2 0 0 63 2 65 95 95 0 5 0 5
21 Joginder Nagar 208 401 292 693 28 27 55 0 0 297 192 489 334 279 55 359 117 242
22 7 km Farm 37 72 69 141 12 15 27 0 87 52 43 95 49 18 31 92 32 60
23 Shompen hut 14 35 28 63 0 0 0 0 63 0 0 0 1 1 0 62 35 27
24 Govinda Nagar 194 385 291 676 34 35 69 0 1 296 201 497 305 211 94 371 136 235
25 Campbell Bay 1608 3362 2374 5736 369 323 692 0 453 2708 1644 4352 2707 2417 290 3029 1138 1891
26 Lawful 5 12 8 20 2 1 3 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 12 8
27 Trinket Bay 1 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 1
28 Patisang 2 5 8 13 1 1 2 0 13 2 0 2 0 0 0 13 5 8
29 Lanaya 1 2 2 4 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 2 0 0 0 4 2 2
30 Pitayo 1 4 2 6 1 1 2 0 6 2 0 2 0 0 0 6 4 2
Grand Total 2248 5025 3342 8367 487 449 936 0 1214 3764 2145 5909 3841 3350 491 4526 1800 2726
Source: Census of India 2011.
 Educational Facilities
Sr. No Village Name Govt Private Govt Private Govt Private Govt Private Govt Arts Private Govt Private Govt Private Govt Private Govt Private Govt Private Governme Private Governme Private Governme Private
Primary Primary Middle Middle Secondary Secondary Senior Senior and Arts and Engineerin Engineerin Medicine Medicine Manageme Manageme Polytechni Polytechni Vocational Vocational nt Non Non nt School School For nt Others Others
School School School School School School Secondary Secondary Science Science g College g College College College nt Institute nt Institute c c Training Training Formal Formal For Disabled (Numbers) (Numbers)
(Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers) School School Degree Degree (Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers) School/ITI School/ITI Training Training Disabled (Numbers)
(Numbers) (Numbers) College College (Numbers) (Numbers) Centre Centre (Numbers)
(Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers)

1 Pulomilo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Anul/Anula 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Makhahu/Makachua 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Bewai/Kuwak 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Pulloullo/Puloulo 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Pulobha/Pulobahan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Pattia (Pulopattia) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Pulopanja 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9 Katahu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 Afra Bay 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11 Alexandera River 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 Shompen Village-A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
13 Shompen Village-B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
14 Kokeon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
15 Indira Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 Chingen (incl.FC at Magar Nalla 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
17 Sastri Nagar 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
18 Gandhi Nagar 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
19 Laxmi Nagar 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 Vijoy Nagar 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
21 Joginder Nagar 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
22 7 km Farm 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
23 Shompen hut 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24 Govinda Nagar 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25 Campbell Bay 2 3 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
26 Lawful 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
27 Trinket Bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
28 Patisang 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
29 Lanaya 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
30 Pitayo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Grand Total 12 3 5 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Source: Census of India 2011.
 Health Facilities
Sr. No Village Name Primary Primary Primary Primary Maternity Maternity TB Clinic TB Clinic Hospital Hospital Hospiltal Hospiltal Dispensary Dispensary Veterinary Veterinary Mobile Mobile Family Family
Health Health Heallth Heallth And Child And Child (Numbers) Doctors Allopathic Allopathic Alternativ Alternativ (Numbers) Doctors Hospital Hospital Health Health Welfare Welfare
Centre Centre Sub Sub Welfare Welfare Total (Numbers) Doctors e Medicine e Medicine Total (Numbers) Doctors Clinic Clinic Centre Centre
(Numbers) Doctors Centre Centre Centre Centre Strength Total (Numbers) Doctors Strength Total (Numbers) Doctors (Numbers) Doctors
Total (Numbers) Doctors (Numbers) Doctors (Numbers) Strength Total (Numbers) Strength Total Total
Strength Total Total (Numbers) Strength (Numbers) Strength Strength
(Numbers) Strength Strength (Numbers) (Numbers) (Numbers)
1 Pulomilo 0 0 0 (N 0b ) 0 (N 0b ) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Anul/Anula 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Makhahu/Makachua 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Bewai/Kuwak 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Pulloullo/Puloulo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Pulobha/Pulobahan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Pattia (Pulopattia) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Pulopanja 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9 Katahu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 Afra Bay 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11 Alexandera River 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 Shompen Village-A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
13 Shompen Village-B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
14 Kokeon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
15 Indira Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 Chingen (incl.FC at Magar Nalla 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
17 Sastri Nagar 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
18 Gandhi Nagar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
19 Laxmi Nagar 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 Vijoy Nagar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
21 Joginder Nagar 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
22 7 km Farm 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
23 Shompen hut 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24 Govinda Nagar 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25 Campbell Bay 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0
26 Lawful 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
27 Trinket Bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
28 Patisang 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
29 Lanaya 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
30 Pitayo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Grand Total 1 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0
Source: Census of India 2011.
 Drinking Water Facilites
Sr. No Village Name Tap Water-Tap Water Covered Uncovered Hand Tube Spring River/Can Tank/Pon Others
Treated Untreated Well Well Pump Wells/Bor (Status al (Status d/Lake (Status
(Status (Status (Status (Status (Status ehole A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 (Status A(1)/NA(0
A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 (Status ) ) A(1)/NA(0 )
) ) ) ) ) A(1)/NA(0 )
)

1 Pulomilo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Anul/Anula 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Makhahu/Makachua 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
4 Bewai/Kuwak 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Pulloullo/Puloulo 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
6 Pulobha/Pulobahan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Pattia (Pulopattia) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Pulopanja 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
9 Katahu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 Afra Bay 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11 Alexandera River 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 Shompen Village-A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
13 Shompen Village-B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
14 Kokeon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
15 Indira Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 Chingen (incl.FC at Magar Nalla 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
17 Sastri Nagar 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
18 Gandhi Nagar 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
19 Laxmi Nagar 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
20 Vijoy Nagar 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
21 Joginder Nagar 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
22 7 km Farm 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
23 Shompen hut 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24 Govinda Nagar 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
25 Campbell Bay 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
26 Lawful 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
27 Trinket Bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
28 Patisang 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
29 Lanaya 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
30 Pitayo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 3 4 1 12 0 0 1 0 3 5
Source: Census of India 2011.
* Note: 1= Available; 0= Not Available.
 Communication Facilities
Sr. No Village Name Post Sub Post Post And Telephone Public Mobile Internet Private Public Bus Private Railway Auto/Modi Taxi Vans Tractors Sea/River/
Office Office Telegraph (landlines) Call Office Phone Cafes / Courier Service Bus Station fied Autos (Status (Status (Status Ferry
(Status (Status Office (Status /Mobile Coverage Common Facility (Status Service (Status (Status A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 Service
A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 (Status A(1)/NA(0 (PCO) (Status Service (Status A(1)/NA(0 (Status A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 ) ) ) (Status
) ) A(1)/NA(0 ) (Status A(1)/NA(0 Centre A(1)/NA(0 ) A(1)/NA(0 ) ) A(1)/NA(0
) A(1)/NA(0 ) (CSC) ) ) )
) (Status
A(1)/NA(0
1 Pulomilo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Anul/Anula 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Makhahu/Makachua 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
4 Bewai/Kuwak 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Pulloullo/Puloulo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
6 Pulobha/Pulobahan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Pattia (Pulopattia) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Pulopanja 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9 Katahu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 Afra Bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
11 Alexandera River 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 Shompen Village-A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
13 Shompen Village-B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
14 Kokeon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
15 Indira Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 Chingen (incl.FC at Magar Nalla 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
17 Sastri Nagar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
18 Gandhi Nagar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
19 Laxmi Nagar 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
20 Vijoy Nagar 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
21 Joginder Nagar 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
22 7 km Farm 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
23 Shompen hut 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24 Govinda Nagar 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25 Campbell Bay 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1
26 Lawful 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
27 Trinket Bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
28 Patisang 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
29 Lanaya 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
30 Pitayo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Grand Total 1 2 1 4 1 3 0 0 7 0 0 2 0 1 1 9
Source: Census of India 2011.
* Note: 1= Available; 0= Not Available.
 Electrical Facilities
Sr. No Village Name Power Power Power Power
Supply Supply Supply Supply
For For For For All
Domestic Agricultur Commerci Users
Use e Use al Use (Status
(Status (Status (Status A(1)/NA(0
A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 )
) ) )
1 Pulomilo 0 0 0 0
2 Anul/Anula 0 0 0 0
3 Makhahu/Makachua 0 0 0 0
4 Bewai/Kuwak 0 0 0 0
5 Pulloullo/Puloulo 1 0 0 0
6 Pulobha/Pulobahan 0 0 0 0
7 Pattia (Pulopattia) 0 0 0 0
8 Pulopanja 1 0 0 0
9 Katahu 0 0 0 0
10 Afra Bay 1 0 0 0
11 Alexandera River 0 0 0 0
12 Shompen Village-A 0 0 0 0
13 Shompen Village-B 0 0 0 0
14 Kokeon 0 0 0 0
15 Indira Point 0 0 0 0
16 Chingen (incl.FC at Magar Nalla 0 0 0 0
17 Sastri Nagar 1 0 0 0
18 Gandhi Nagar 1 0 0 0
19 Laxmi Nagar 1 0 0 0
20 Vijoy Nagar 1 0 0 0
21 Joginder Nagar 1 0 0 0
22 7 km Farm 1 0 0 0
23 Shompen hut 0 0 0 0
24 Govinda Nagar 1 1 1 1
25 Campbell Bay 1 0 1 0
26 Lawful 0 0 0 0
27 Trinket Bay 0 0 0 0
28 Patisang 0 0 0 0
29 Lanaya 0 0 0 0
30 Pitayo 0 0 0 0
Grand Total 11 1 2 1
Source: Census of India 2011.
* Note: 1= Available; 0= Not Available.
 Road Network Facilities
Sr. No Village Name Major Other Black Gravel All Navigable Foothpath
District District Topped (kuchha) Weather Waterway (Status
Road Road (pucca) Roads Road s A(1)/NA(0)
(Status (Status Road (Status (Status (River/Can
A(1)/NA(0) A(1)/NA(0) (Status A(1)/NA(0) A(1)/NA(0) al) (Status
A(1)/NA(0) A(1)/NA(0)

1 Pulomilo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Anul/Anula 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Makhahu/Makachua 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Bewai/Kuwak 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Pulloullo/Puloulo 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
6 Pulobha/Pulobahan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Pattia (Pulopattia) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Pulopanja 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
9 Katahu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 Afra Bay 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
11 Alexandera River 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 Shompen Village-A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
13 Shompen Village-B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
14 Kokeon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
15 Indira Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 Chingen (incl.FC at Magar Nalla 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
17 Sastri Nagar 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
18 Gandhi Nagar 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
19 Laxmi Nagar 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
20 Vijoy Nagar 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
21 Joginder Nagar 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
22 7 km Farm 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
23 Shompen hut 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24 Govinda Nagar 0 0 1 1 1 0 1
25 Campbell Bay 0 0 1 1 0 0 1
26 Lawful 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
27 Trinket Bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
28 Patisang 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
29 Lanaya 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
30 Pitayo 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Grand Total 0 0 3 2 2 3 9
Source: Census of India 2011.
* Note: 1= Available; 0= Not Available.
 Drainage Facilities
Sr. No Village Name Closed Open No Open Open Open Whether Is the
Drainage Drainage Drainage Pucca Pucca Kuccha Drain Area
(Status (Status (Status Drainage Drainage Drainage water is Covered
A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 Covered Uncovered (Status discharged under
) ) ) with Tiles (Status A(1)/NA(0 directly Total
Slabs A(1)/NA(0 ) into water Sanitation
(Status ) bodies or Campaign
A(1)/NA(0 to sewar (TSC)?
1 Pulomilo 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
2 Anul/Anula 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
3 Makhahu/Makachua 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
4 Bewai/Kuwak 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
5 Pulloullo/Puloulo 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
6 Pulobha/Pulobahan 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
7 Pattia (Pulopattia) 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
8 Pulopanja 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
9 Katahu 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
10 Afra Bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11 Alexandera River 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
12 Shompen Village-A 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
13 Shompen Village-B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
14 Kokeon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
15 Indira Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 Chingen (incl.FC at Magar Nalla 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
17 Sastri Nagar 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
18 Gandhi Nagar 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
19 Laxmi Nagar 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
20 Vijoy Nagar 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
21 Joginder Nagar 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
22 7 km Farm 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
23 Shompen hut 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
24 Govinda Nagar 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1
25 Campbell Bay 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1
26 Lawful 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
27 Trinket Bay 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
28 Patisang 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
29 Lanaya 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
30 Pitayo 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Grand Total 0 2 24 0 2 3 6 2
Source: Census of India 2011.
* Note: 1= Available; 0= Not Available.
 Banking Facilities
Sr. No Village Name ATM Commerci Cooperati Agricultur Self - Help Agricultur
(Status al Bank ve Bank al Credit Group al
A(1)/NA(0 (Status (Status Societies (SHG) Marketing
) A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 (Status (Status Society
) ) A(1)/NA(0 A(1)/NA(0 (Status
) ) A(1)/NA(0
)
1 Pulomilo 0 0 0 0 1 1
2 Anul/Anula 0 0 0 0 1 1
3 Makhahu/Makachua 0 0 0 0 1 1
4 Bewai/Kuwak 0 0 0 0 1 1
5 Pulloullo/Puloulo 0 0 0 0 0 1
6 Pulobha/Pulobahan 0 0 0 0 1 1
7 Pattia (Pulopattia) 0 0 0 0 1 1
8 Pulopanja 0 0 0 0 1 1
9 Katahu 0 0 0 0 1 1
10 Afra Bay 0 0 1 0 0 0
11 Alexandera River 0 0 0 0 1 1
12 Shompen Village-A 0 0 0 0 1 1
13 Shompen Village-B 0 0 0 0 1 1
14 Kokeon 0 0 0 0 1 1
15 Indira Point 0 0 0 0 1 1
16 Chingen (incl.FC at Magar Nalla 0 0 0 0 1 1
17 Sastri Nagar 0 0 0 0 0 0
18 Gandhi Nagar 0 0 0 0 1 1
19 Laxmi Nagar 0 1 1 1 1 1
20 Vijoy Nagar 0 1 1 1 1 1
21 Joginder Nagar 0 0 0 0 0 1
22 7 km Farm 0 0 0 0 0 1
23 Shompen hut 0 0 0 0 1 1
24 Govinda Nagar 0 0 0 0 1 1
25 Campbell Bay 0 1 1 1 1 1
26 Lawful 0 0 0 0 1 1
27 Trinket Bay 0 0 0 0 1 1
28 Patisang 0 0 0 0 0 1
29 Lanaya 0 0 0 0 1 1
30 Pitayo 0 0 0 0 1 1
Grand Total 0 3 4 3 24 28
Source: Census of India 2011.
* Note: 1= Available; 0= Not Available.
ANNEXURE IX
ANNEXURE X
 UNDERTAKING/CERTIFICATE

Por he project "Integwrated development of International Container

Tranauhlpment Terminnl (ICr) along with Oreenlield International Airport,
Townahlp & Aren development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based plant in 16610
Ha. Grent Nicobur Inlande", In complinnce with the Terms of reference issued by
MoRPCC for seeking CRZ and Environment Clenrance, this fs to certify that the
development plan proposes bare minlmal acquiaition of land from private land
ownern for critical Infrastructure including rouds and international airport projects.
The npproximate details of land to be acquired for project are as below

EorInternatlonalAtrnor
1. Total approximate lund requirement 812.36 Ha.
I. Approximate Government land- 430.02 Ha.
1. Approximate Government land (Encroached)-17.96 Ha.
IV. Approximate Land to be acquired (Private land) 382.34 Ha.
Forest land to be diverted)
(Proposed 55.46 Ha.
-

V. Approximate
VI. Any other category
VII. Approximate Project affected fanilies 230 household
VIL. Approximate Project affected population-1032 person

ForCritieal Road Infrastructure

Total approximatc revenue land requirement- 209.8283 Ha
. Approximate Government land- 170.5895 Ha.
11. Approximate Government land (Encroached.
IV. Approximate Land to be acquired (Private land)- 39.2388 Ha
V. Approximate Forest land (prop0sed to be diverted)
VI. Any other category-
VII. Approximate Project asfected familice- 149 houscholds
VII. Approximate Project alfected population- 729

The above mentioned figures are approximate and subject to change.

The land acquisition for the project shall be in accordance to the "Right to
Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLAR&R Act, 2013.

atwar

U M U

AC/CB
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ANNEXURE XI
 File No. 10/17/2021-IA.III
[Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021]
Government of India
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(Impact Assessment Division)

Indira Paryavaran Bhawan,

Jor Bagh Road, Aliganj
New Delhi - 110 003

Dated: 25th May, 2021

To
The General Manager
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corpoartion
ANIIDCO Ltd., Vikas Bhawan, Port Blair – 744 101.

Subject: Integrated development of International Container Transhipment Terminal

(ICTT)-14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers-PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA
Gas and Solar based power plant in 16610 ha. Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar
District by M/s Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development
Corporation Ltd - Terms of Reference

Sir,

This has reference to your online proposal submitted to this Ministry on 15th March 2021,
seeking Terms of Reference (TOR) for the aforementioned project as per the provisions of the
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 and subsequent amendments under
the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. The above mentioned proposal was considered by the Expert Appraisal Committee
(EAC) for Infrastructure, CRZ and other miscellaneous projects in its 260th meeting during 5th
-6th April, 2021, in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi.
3. The project proponent alongwith the DPR consultant M/s AECOM India Pvt Ltd.
engaged for the project has made a presentation through Video Conferencing and provided the
following information.
i. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited
(ANIIDCO) propose Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island in Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. Integrated development of International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) - 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport
(4000 Peak Hour Passengers-PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA
Gas, Diesel and Solar based power plant in Eastern and Southern parts of Great
Nicobar Islands.
ii. As a part of Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Islands, Deep Berth Port (with
ancillary areas for International Trans-shipment terminal) as primary component is
planned along with International airport (with ancillary area), power generation and
distribution network and township are planned which are interlinked projects to ICTT.

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 1 of 18

iii. The total area required for the proposed project is 16610 ha (Port (ICTT) - 766 ha +
Airport - 845 ha + Township & Area Development- 14960 ha + Power Plant – 39 ha).
This area excludes the reclamation areas for port and airport which are 227 ha and 194
ha of reclamation area, respectively. The proposed Project site is in not connected
through any road. Currently, the access is through sea and air route only. Approach
roads shall be developed within the Islands.
iv. It has been mentioned that total township area is 149.60 Sq.km. Revenue land is 28.27
Sq.km, Revenue land (deemed forest) is 8.37 Sq.km, and forest land is 112.96 Sq.km.
Regarding Site grading, all details related to port and airport are included in the PEFR.
For township related site grading, same shall be conducted during the detailed
engineering studies.

LANDUSE AREA CHART- GNI

Percentage
Land Use Category Area (sq.km.)
(%)
RESIDENTIAL 36.66 22.07
Residential Mixed-Use (Medium density) 29.1
Residential (Medium Density) 2.98
Residential Low Density 4.58
COMMERCIAL 6.44 3.88
Commercial Mixed-Use 4.33
Commercial Office 0.41
Tourism and Hospitality 1.70
INSTITUTIONAL 15.14 9.11
Institutional Campus 15.14
INDUSTRIAL 0.31 0.19
Industrial 0.31
TRANSPORT 24.01 14.46
Ports and Marine 7.66
Aviation 8.45
Logistics 7.90
UTILITIES 1.2025 0.72
Power Plant 0.39
Other Utilities (includes Solid Waste disposal) 0.81
OPEN SPACE 73.0575 43.98
Greens 9.61
Eco-Tourism 40.81
Coastal tourism 22.64
DEFENCE AREA 9.28 5.59
TOTAL PROJECT AREA 166.10 100.00
TOWNSHIP AREA 149.60 90.01

v. The proposed project fall under 7 (e) Ports, harbours; 7 (a) Airport Project; 1 (d) Power
Plant; and 8 (b) Township & Area Development project, Category A, Scheduled to
the EIA Notification, 2006. The ICTT can be developed at a cost of Rs. 35,95,900

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 2 of 18

 lakhs. The international airport can be developed over a 5-year period, including one
year for procurement. The cost of the Airport is estimated at Rs. 10,35,900 lakhs.
vi. Land use has been worked out to get the most out of the planned Transshipment
terminal. As per the estimated traffic of 14.2 Million TEU’s during Final Phase, the
total reclaimed land (227 Ha) has been redistributed between berths (13%), container
storage (70%), building & utilities (1%), road & pavements (9%) & Green areas (6%).
Green zone has been assigned keeping in view of the diverse flora & fauna of the
Nicobar region.
vii. There will be change in Terrain/topography due to the proposed project development,
which will be covered with the integrated project and road network in the site. There
will be optimum use of the undulating topography in landscaping and site planning
for enhancing the image ability of the place.
viii. Water bodies & impact on drainage: Adjacent to Andaman Sea some water bodies
exist such as Matait Anla Near Gandhi Nagar, South Bay (Galathea), Mata Taruwa
Bay, Pemayya Bay near Pulobaha, Nanjappa Bay near Pulo Bekka, Galathea River or
Dak Kea, Dak Aleh, Dak Ubho, Dak Tolai Near Pulabaha, Dak Air, and Dak Thena.
Impact on drainage is being studied.
ix. Total Water Demand during Operational Phase shall be 160 MLD. 90 MLD shall be
Potable/Fresh Water Demand. Source of Fresh/Potable Water will be River Water/
Sea Water. NOC shall be worked in during EIA study. No water ground water
extraction/usage proposed.
x. In order to have minimal dependency on surface water from Galathea River, it is being
proposed to create rainwater harvesting reservoirs within the project area.
Approximate 2.5 Sq.km of area is being identified for creation of water reservoirs
which will store rainwater from surface runoff. Detail watershed studies and
mathematical modelling will be carried out at the detail design stage and will be
included in the EIA report. A LIDAR survey for the island was conducted for detailed
terrain mapping. The data is classified as restricted by Ministry of Defence. Necessary
approvals are being obtained for doing detail analysis on the LIDAR data collected.
Final water sourcing will be included in the EIA report to be submitted. In case of
inadequacy of water from these sources, alternate sources will be explored and
presented at the time of EIA submission.
xi. Regarding impact on Leatherback Turtle and other geo-seismological view it has been
mentioned that the most technically and financially feasible location is Galathea Bay.
All emphasis will be given to avoid any impact on the turtle nesting sites and detail
mitigation strategies shall be covered in the EIA report including but not limiting to
offshore break water provision to have unhindered turtle movement to nesting
grounds. Further, comparative analysis of all location viz Galathea Bay, Casuarina
Bay, Anderson Bay, Pemayya Bay, Campbell Bay shall be prepared.
xii. Regarding Geographical Meteorological study and Seismology status, it has been
mentioned that there is no IMD station in Great Nicobar Island. The data from INS
Baaz station in Great Nicobar Island (Navy facility) has been procured and shall be
used for all modelling studies. All relevant reports available with National Centre for
Seismology will also be procured and analyzed during the EIA study.

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 3 of 18

xiii. Regarding conformity of proposed integrated development in relation to latest CZMP
at 1: 4000 scale and Island Development plan for Great Nicobar it has been mentioned
that approvals as per ICRZ notification 2019 shall be obtained for undertaking
proposed development. The CRZ maps at 1:4000 scale as mandated in the notification
shall be submitted along with application for CRZ clearance. However, PP has to
submit all documents at the time EC+CRZ (combined clearance) as mentioned in the
procedure for CRZ clearance for permissible and regulated activities at item 8 of CRZ
Notification 2019 alongwith recommendation of the A&N CZMA for all activities
proposed under aforesaid integrated development project.
Following break-up for Area statement is provided.
S. No. Description Area in Sqkm
1 Total Area of Great Nicobar Island 910.04
2 Forest Area 865.84
3 Campbell National Park* 391.75
4 Campbell National Park Eco sensitive Zone 65.81
5 Galatea National Park* 107.10
6 Galatea National Park Eco sensitive Zone 14.93
7 Tribal Reserve Area 751.41
8 Revenue Area 44.20
9 Developable area (Project area) 166.10
* (The notified areas of Galathea National Park, Campbell Bay National Park and
Biosphere Reserve are 110 sq. km, 426.23 sq. km and 885 sq. km respectively.
However, on account of reconciliation of area of Great Nicobar Island by Survey of
India vide letter dated 01.09.2020, there is revision in the area of Galathea National
Park, Campbell Bay National Park and Biosphere Reserve).

Of the total 166.1 sq.km project area,

i. Revenue land 44.2 sq.km,
a. Revenue land (allotted) = 23.53 sq.km.
b. Revenue land (vacant)= 6.62 sq.km
c. Revenue land (encroached) = 2.0 sq.km.
d. Others (roads and water bodies) = 3.16 sq.km.
e. Revenue land (Deemed Forest) = 8.88 sq.km.
ii. Forest area - 121.87 sq.km
xiv. Tree cutting: No information, to be worked out at later stage.
xv. Diversion of about 13,075 ha of forest land is involved in the proposed project.
xvi. The proposed project includes some protected area such as Galathea National Park
(107.103 sq. km), Campbell Bay National Park (391.751 sq. km) and Biosphere
reserve (732.798 sq. km) within 10 km of the project sites. The proposed integrated
developments are planned away from ESA/ESZ area. The proposed project sites fall
under CRZ area. The CRZ studies and mapping is being carried out by National Centre
for Sustainable Coastal Management, MoEF&CC, Chennai.
xvii. STP/CETP: The ETP, CETP design is being carried out. The combined STP capacity
shall be 110 MLD and design is being carried out. The Treated Wastewater/Sewage
shall be used for Non-potable purpose such as flushing, irrigation, washing etc.

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 4 of 18

xviii. Owning to the naturally available water depths, relatively lower quantity of dredging
is required. Backup area will be mainly created by way of reclamation. Part of
material for reclamation shall be obtained from the dredged material and the balance
requirement shall be met through the borrowed fill, either through back up land
grading site or brought from distant locations through the barges/ships. Unsuitable
dredged material shall be disposed at an identified offshore location in about 40 m
contour. The location shall be duly selected after mathematical model studies of
dredged plume dispersion.
xix. Terminal yards for storage of cargo/containers and during construction temporary
facilities will be provided to store construction materials. Open Storage Yard will be
provided for container stacking, temporary storage for construction materials. Storage
of HSD from DG sets and other equipment / Machinery.
xx. Emissions from ships, vehicles during transportation and operational phase shall be
controlled basis MARPOL convention protocol. Adequate pollution control measures
will be taken during storage and handling of material. There shall be regular
inspection, barriers at the perimeter of storage materials, proper maintenance of
vehicles etc. The details of the emissions and control measures will be provided in
EIA report.
xxi. Fugitive emissions are envisaged from material handling and transportation areas
during the construction stage. These will be controlled by good housekeeping,
sprinkling water in the dust prone areas, providing paved roads and proper fencing.
xxii. Spills are unlikely to occur during normal operations, as the primary in ICTT would
be containers which would be handled using specialised equipment. In the event of
accidental spills of cargo during transfer from / to the ships, Soil and groundwater
remediation activity will be undertaken as per the requirement. Emission control
norms and spill contingency shall be adhered to in all the cases.
xxiii. The coastal stretches on the western coast are used both by Shompens and Nicobarese
for fishing purposes. In terms of fisheries, the site has huge potential for oceanic tuna,
which is virtually unexploited, and offers ample scope for deep sea fishing.
xxiv. The area is inhibited by settlers from the mainland and aboriginal tribes Shompen and
Nicobarese. No project activities are envisages in the areas where the aboriginal tribes
reside and therefore no impacts on the social and economic conditions are expected.
However, due to the proposed development the likely change in the livelihood
patterns, socio economic conditions, social behaviours, disease patterns, dependency
on natural resource etc., for the settler community will be improved. The proposed
development will generate significant number of jobs over the next two decades and
catalyse the socio-economic growth of the local population in addition to improving
connectivity and developing eco-tourism of the region.
xxv. Land acquisition and R&R issues are involved in 2 out of 7 revenue villages.
xxvi. Benefits of the project: The proposed ICTT will allow India to participate in the
regional and global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo
transhipment. The proposed airport will support both the maritime sector and the
tourism sector, which will attract international and national tourists to Great Nicobar
to experience the outstanding natural environment and participate in sustainable
tourism activities. A Mixed-use urban development in the vicinity of these major

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 5 of 18

 infrastructure works will also be necessary to support quality of life for the residents
that will generate and enable growth in the various economic sectors over time. This
will require the development of simultaneous primary and secondary urban
infrastructure networks such as roads, public transport, energy and electrical power,
as well as water, wastewater, and storm water facilities and services, which will form
the skeleton of the proposed township master plan. It is estimated that after the project
is fully implemented, it has the potential to generate around 2.6 Lakh jobs opportunity.
xxvii. Details of Court cases: No Court case is pending against the proposed project. Land
related cases are being dealt separately.
4. The Committee notes that the site selection for the port component has been done keeping
primarily the technical and financial viability in place. The environmental aspects were
not given much weightage while selecting the site. The Island has large number of
endangered species including Leatherback Turtle at the Galathea Bay. It would be ideal
to involve an independent organisation/institution with specialized skills such as IIT,
NIOT, NCCR, NIO etc for technical aspect while research institutes such as Zoological
Survey of India (ZSI), SACON and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for ecological
assessment with expertise on Island ecosystems, its terrestrial and marine flora and fauna.
An independent study/evaluation for the suitability of the proposed port site with specific
focus on Leatherback Turtle, Nicobar Magapod and Dugong should be carried out and
submitted along with its recommendations. The report shall become the part of EIA/EMP
report and the recommended selection of the site could be further considered in the EAC
for the merits of site in in terms of environmental sensitivity.
5. Committee also of the view that the consultant agency for conducting the EIA study shall
be independent of the agency involved in preparation of DPR and should involve the
experts from the organisations which were involved in assessing the impact of Tsunami
on and its mitigation in the A&N islands. Consultant agency should also involve senior
scientists from WII or ZSI or IISc or SACON in ecological and biodiversity studies.
6. Committee further opined that since the project is appraised by single Committee (Infra-
1) with involvement of Member Secretaries of concerned sector, it is advisable to take
comments from all sectors so that specific ToRs for each sector can be provided for EIA
studies.
7. The EAC based on the information submitted and clarifications provided by the project
proponent and detailed discussions held on all the issues during its 260th meeting on 5th -
6th April, 2021, recommended the project for grant of Terms of Reference (ToR) with
stipulated specific conditions along with other Standard ToR Conditions.
8. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has considered the proposal
based on the recommendations of the Expert Appraisal Committee (Infrastructure, CRZ
and other Miscellaneous projects) and hereby decided to grant Terms of Reference for
the “Integrated development of International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT)-
14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour
Passengers-PHP), Township & Area development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based
power plant in 16610 ha. Great Nicobar Islands, Nicobar District” and for preparation of
EIA/EMP report with public consultations under the EIA Notification, 2006 as amended

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 6 of 18

 and CRZ Notification 2011, subject to strict compliance of the following specific ToRs,
in addition to all standard ToR conditions applicable for such projects.

A. International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT)

i. The Island has large number of endangered species such as Leatherback Turtle at the
Galathea Bay. The area also has a presence of Nicobar Megapod, an endemic species and
possibility of other endangered species such as Dugong and Saltwater Crocodiles. An
independent evaluation of impact of proposed port site at Galathea Bay including its
backend support infrastructure on the ecology and biodiversity shall be carried out by
engaging a nationally recognized institutes such as Zoological Survey of India or
SACON or Wildlife Institute of India or consortium of these three institutes and submit
detailed study including findings, recommendations and comprehensive mitigation plan
to the Ministry. The report shall specifically include key components such as impact of
dredging and reclamation, port operations, ship movement, illumination, habitat
alteration, breakwater, underwater noise, oil pollution etc on the movement and nesting
beaches of Leatherback as well as shore morphology and sand grain profile at the nesting
sites. The report shall become the part of EIA/EMP report and the selection of the site
shall be based on the recommendations and environment management plan prescribed in
the report. The study also should examine other alternate sites suggested in the
presentation such as Casuarina Bay, Anderson Bay, Pemayya Bay and Campbell Bay
based on environmental, ecological and economic considerations, and choose one
appropriate site having minimum impacts on ecology and environment with specific
focus on Leatherback Turtle and other endangered species (both terrestrial and marine).
A detailed comparison of the sites in this regard shall be submitted. The study should
emphasize impact on Leatherback Turtles and Nicobar Magapod and its past and present
distribution including nesting of these species.
ii. An independent study for assessment of biodiversity and Wildlife value of all the
alternative sites for ICTT port shall be conducted by engaging a nationally recognized
institutes such as WII or ZSI or IISc or SACON or consortium of these institutes.
Diversity and wildlife value so assessed by these organisations or a team of these
organisations shall form one of the criteria for cost benefit analysis of all the alternative
sites. The report along with Cost Benefit Analysis shall be incorporated in EIA/EMP
report
iii. The alternate sites than proposed Galathea Bay for International Container Transhipment
Terminal should be explored through detailed studies with more focus on environmental
and ecological impact of ICTT during construction and its operation, specially
movements of vessels on turtles.
iv. The ecologically fragile area including CRZ 1A area etc shall be demarcated in
conformity with latest approved CZMP as per notification of 2019 and superimposed on
the layout plan at 1: 4000 scale and submitted. Submit a copy of layout superimposed on
the HTL/LTL map demarcated by an authorized agency on 1:4000 scale.

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 7 of 18

 v. Risk analysis for handling different types of cargos shall be conducted and submitted.
Focus also should be given on how such a cargo will affect Leatherback nesting areas.
vi. Detailed study well supported by strong historical data through simulation studies,
whether the selected site can withstand the cyclone/storm surge and Tsunami.
vii. Erosion and accretion study at the mouth of the Galathea Bay and entire island with
reputed national institute to be submitted through predictive modelling for port area
reclamation, construction and breakwaters. The study should highlight impact of these
on Leatherback nesting sites.
viii. Recommendation of the A&N CZMA shall be obtained and submitted. Submit
superimposing of latest CZMP as per CRZ (2011) on the CRZ map. Submit a complete
set of documents required as per para 4.2 (i) of CRZ Notification, 2011.
ix. Comprehensive study of the impact of dredging and reclamation and port operations
including oil spills on marine ecology and marine biodiversity with specific focus on
corals, mangroves, sandy shores and mud flat should be done by engaging a nationally
recognized institutes such as Zoological Survey of India or SACON or Wildlife Institute
of India or consortium of these three institutes and draw up a management and mitigation
plan. Being sensitive area, proposed plan of online monitoring of water quality drilling
dredging and disposal should be submitted.
x. A specific study to be undertaken to ascertain the impact of proposed development on
the migratory birds by engaging a nationally recognized institutes such as Zoological
Survey of India or SACON or Wildlife Institute of India covering both inward and return
migration period. The studies should specially focus on migratory bird species
composition, impact due to habitat destruction, impact due to oil spillage and risk of all
the hazards that has potential to damage the fragile environment. A comprehensive
mitigation plan also to be developed.
xi. A detailed and comprehensive study for assessment of requirement of water, power, with
source of supply, status of approval, water balance diagram, man-power requirement
(regular and contract) shall be conducted and submitted.
xii. A detailed study for assessing the carrying capacity of the areas proposed for
development shall be conducted and incorporated in EIA/EMP Report
xiii. An assessment of the cumulative impact of all development and increased inhabitation
being carried out or proposed to be carried out by the project or other agencies in the core
area, shall be made for traffic densities and parking capabilities in a 05 kms radius from
the site.
xiv. A detailed traffic management and a traffic decongestion plan drawn up through an
organization of repute and specializing in Transport Planning shall be submitted with the
EIA.
xv. Disaster Management Plan for the project shall be prepared and submitted.
xvi. Oil spill management plan should be drawn as per NOS DCP and submitted

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 8 of 18

 xvii. The details about number of labourers, number of labour camps and its construction, their
basic requirements such as transport, fuel for cooking, freshwater, sanitation, health and
emergency evacuation etc to be provided in detail.
xviii. Public hearing to be conducted and issues raised and commitments made by the project
proponent on the same should be included in EIA/EMP Report in the form of tabular
chart with financial budget for complying with the commitments made. It should be
ensured that tribes such as Shompen and Nicobarese and anthropological organisations
well versed in communication with and involved in welfare of Shompen and Nicobarese
are adequately represented in the Public Hearing.
B. Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers-PHP)

i. The E.I.A. will give a justification for land requirements along with a comparison to the
guidelines established by the Airport Authority of India/Ministry of Civil Aviation in this
regard.
ii. An assessment of the cumulative impact of all development and increased inhabitation
being carried out or proposed to be carried out by the project or other agencies in the core
area, on the flora and fauna of the region shall be made.
iii. Detailed studies on Bird Hazzard to the proposed airport and flight operations and its
mitigation measures should be carried out (both migratory and resident birds) by
engaging a nationally recognized institutes such as SACON or Wildlife Institute of India.
iv. Impact of proposed Port on the Flight Safety and operations and Airport security should
be examined in detailed
v. Layout maps of proposed project indicating runway, Aerodrome building, parking,
greenbelt area, utilities etc.
vi. The ecologically fragile area including CRZ 1A area etc shall be demarcated and
superimposed on the layout plan and submitted.
vii. An independent study for assessment of biodiversity and Wildlife value of all the
alternative sites for airport shall be conducted by the organisations in this field like WII,
ZSI, IIS and SACON. Diversity and wildlife value so assessed by these organisations or
a team of these organisations shall form one of the criteria for cost benefit analysis of all
the alternative sites. The report along with Cost Benefit Analysis shall be incorporated in
EIA/EMP report
viii. An assessment of the cumulative impact of all development and increased inhabitation
being carried out or proposed to be carried out by the project or other agencies in the core
area, shall be made for traffic densities and parking capabilities in a 05 kms radius from
the site. A detailed traffic management and a traffic decongestion plan drawn up through
an organization of repute and specializing in Transport Planning shall be submitted with
the EIA. The Plan to be implemented to the satisfaction of the State Urban Development
and Transport Departments shall also include the consent of all the concerned
implementing agencies.
ix. The E.I.A. should specifically address to vehicular traffic management as well as
estimation of vehicular parking area inside the Airport premises.
x. An onsite disaster management plan shall be drawn up to account for risks and accidents.
This onsite plan shall be dovetailed with the onsite management plan for the district.

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 9 of 18

 xi. A note on appropriate process and materials to be used to encourage reduction in carbon
foot print. Optimize use of energy systems in buildings that should maintain a specified
indoor environment conducive to the functional requirements of the building by
following mandatory compliance measures (for all applicable buildings) as
recommended in the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017 of the Bureau of
Energy Efficiency, Government of India. The energy system includes air conditioning
systems, indoor lighting systems, water heaters, air heaters and air circulation devices.
xii. Details of emission, effluents, solid waste and hazardous waste generation and their
management. Air quality modelling and noise modelling shall be carried out for the
emissions from various types of aircraft. Detail plan for impact of noise on the sensitive
environment specially the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
xiii. The impact of aircraft emissions in different scenarios of idling, taxiing, take off and
touchdown shall be examined and a management plan suggested.
xiv. The impact of air emissions from speed controlled and other vehicles plying within the
Airport shall be examined and management plan drawn up.
xv. A detailed management plan, drawn up in consultation with the competent District
Authorities, shall be submitted for the regulation of unauthorized development and
encroachments within a 05 Km radians of the Aerodrome.
xvi. The details about number of labourers, number of labour camps and its construction, their
basic requirements such as transport, fuel for cooking, freshwater, sanitation, health and
emergency evacuation etc to be provided in detail.
xvii. Noise monitoring and impact assessment shall be done for each representative area (as
per the Noise Rules of MoEF&CC). A noise management plan shall be submitted to
conform to the guidelines of the MoEF&CC and the DGCA. Noise monitoring shall also
be carried out in the funnel area of flight path.
xviii. A detailed and comprehensive study for assessment of requirement of water, power, with
source of supply, status of approval, water balance diagram, man-power requirement
(regular and contract) shall be conducted and submitted.
xix. A detailed study for assessing the carrying capacity of the areas proposed for
development shall be conducted and incorporated in EIA/EMP Report
xx. Public hearing to be conducted and issues raised and commitments made by the project
proponent on the same should be included in EIA/EMP Report in the form of tabular
chart with financial budget for complying with the commitments made. It should be
ensured that tribes such as Shompen and Nicobarese and anthropological organisations
well versed in communication with and involved in welfare of Shompen and Nicobarese
are adequately represented in the Public Hearing.
xxi. Recommendation of the A&N CZMA shall be obtained and submitted.
xxii. Details of fuel tank farm and its risk assessment.
xxiii. The report should give a detailed impact analysis and management plan for handling of
the following wastes for the existing and proposed scenarios. The management plan will
include compliance to the provisions of the MSW Rules, 2016.
(a) Trash collected in flight and disposed at the Aerodrome including the segregation
mechanism.
(b) Toilet wastes and sewage collected from aircrafts and disposed at the Aerodrome.
(c) Maintenance and workshop wastes.

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 10 of 18

 (d) Wastes arising out of eateries and shops situated within the Aerodrome.
C. Township & Area development
i. The ecologically fragile area including CRZ 1A area etc shall be demarcated and
superimposed on the layout plan and submitted.
ii. Seismic and Tsunami hazard map on entire island and its relation to each component of
the integrated project should be detailed. All the facilities should be analysed for these
hazards, with emphasis on future possible events
iii. An assessment of the cumulative impact of all development and increased inhabitation
being carried out or proposed to be carried out by the project or other agencies in the core
area, shall be made for traffic densities and parking capabilities in a 05 kms radius from
the site. A detailed traffic management and a traffic decongestion plan drawn up through
an organization of repute and specializing in Transport Planning shall be submitted with
the EIA. The Plan to be implemented to the satisfaction of the State Urban Development
and Transport Departments shall also include the consent of all the concerned
implementing agencies.
iv. The details about number of labourers, number of labour camps and its construction, their
basic requirements such as transport, fuel for cooking, freshwater, sanitation, health and
emergency evacuation etc to be provided in detail.
v. A note on appropriate process and materials to be used to encourage reduction in carbon
foot print. Optimize use of energy systems in buildings that should maintain a specified
indoor environment conducive to the functional requirements of the building by
following mandatory compliance measures (for all applicable buildings) as
recommended in the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC-R) 2018 of the Bureau
of Energy Efficiency, Government of India. The energy system includes air conditioning
systems, indoor lighting systems, water heaters, air heaters and air circulation devices.
vi. A detailed and comprehensive study for assessment of requirement of water, power, with
source of supply, status of approval, water balance diagram, man-power requirement
(regular and contract) shall be conducted and submitted.
vii. A specific study should be conducted to enumerate the anticipated impact and mitigation
of increased illumination and noise on nocturnal bird and mammal fauna.
viii. A detailed study for assessing the carrying capacity of the areas proposed for
development shall be conducted and incorporated in EIA/EMP Report.
ix. Details of emission, effluents, solid waste and hazardous waste generation and their
management.
x. Specify plan of Administration of A & N to prevent further encroachment on the forest
land with the proposed increased population considering that already 2 sq km revenue
land has been encroached by existing population as envisaged in the ToR presentation
xi. Public hearing to be conducted and issues raised and commitments made by the project
proponent on the same should be included in EIA/EMP Report in the form of tabular
chart with financial budget for complying with the commitments made. It should be
ensured that tribes such as Shompen and Nicobarese and anthropological organisations
well versed in communication with and involved in welfare of Shompen and Nicobarese
are adequately represented in the Public Hearing.
xii. Recommendation of the A&N CZMA shall be obtained and submitted.
D. 450 MVA Gas and Solar based power plant

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 11 of 18

i) The proposed project shall be given a unique name in consonance with the name
submitted to other Government Departments etc. for its better identification and
reference.
ii) Vision document specifying prospective long term plan of the project shall be
formulated and submitted.
iii) The project proponent needs to identify minimum three potential sites based on
environmental, ecological and economic considerations, and choose one appropriate
site having minimum impacts on ecology and environment. A detailed comparison of
the sites in this regard shall be submitted.
iv) Executive summary of the project indicating relevant details along with recent
photographs of the proposed site (s) shall be provided. Response to the issues raised
during Public Hearing and the written representations (if any), along with a time bound
Action Plan and budgetary allocations to address the same, shall be provided in a
tabular form, against each action proposed.
v) Harnessing solar power within the premises of the plant particularly at available roof
tops and other available areas shall be formulated and for expansion projects, status
of implementation shall also be submitted.
vi) The geographical coordinates (WGS 84) of the proposed site (plant boundary),
including location of ash pond along with topo sheet (1:50,000 scale) and IRS satellite
map of the area, shall be submitted. Elevation of plant site and ash pond with respect
to HFL of water body/nallah/River and high tide level from the sea shall be specified,
if the site is located in proximity to them.
vii) Layout plan indicating break-up of plant area, ash pond, green belt, infrastructure,
roads etc. shall be provided.
viii) Land requirement for the project shall be optimized and in any case not more than
what has been specified by CEA from time to time. Item wise break up of land
requirement shall be provided.
ix) Present land use (including land class/kism) as per the revenue records and State Govt.
records of the proposed site shall be furnished. Information on land to be acquired
including coal transportation system, laying of pipeline, ROW, transmission lines etc.
shall be specifically submitted. Status of land acquisition and litigation, if any, should
be provided.
x) Impact of transmission lines on migratory birds and large raptors by engaging a
nationally recognized institutes such as Zoological Survey of India or SACON or
Wildlife Institute of India.
xi) If the project involves forest land, details of application, including date of application,
area applied for, and application registration number, for diversion under FCA and its
status should be provided along with copies of relevant documents.
xii) The land acquisition and R&R scheme with a time bound Action Plan should be
formulated and addressed in the EIA report.
xiii) Satellite imagery and authenticated topo sheet indicating drainage, cropping pattern,
water bodies (wetland, river system, stream, nallahs, ponds etc.), location of nearest
habitations (villages), creeks, mangroves, rivers, reservoirs etc. in the study area shall
be provided.
xiv) Location of any National Park, Sanctuary, Elephant/Tiger Reserve (existing as well
as proposed), migratory routes / wildlife corridor, if any, within 10 km of the project

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 12 of 18

 site shall be specified and marked on the map duly authenticated by the Chief Wildlife
Warden of the State or an officer authorized by him.
xv) Topography of the study area supported by toposheet on 1:50,000 scale of Survey of
India, along with a large scale map preferably of 1:25,000 scale and the specific
information whether the site requires any filling shall be provided. In that case, details
of filling, quantity of required fill material; its source, transportation etc. shall be
submitted.
xvi) A detailed study on land use pattern in the study area shall be carried out including
identification of common property resources (such as grazing and community land,
water resources etc.) available and Action Plan for its protection and management
shall be formulated. If acquisition of grazing land is involved, it shall be ensured that
an equal area of grazing land be acquired and developed and detailed plan submitted.
xvii) A mineralogical map of the proposed site (including soil type) and information (if
available) that the site is not located on potentially mineable mineral deposit shall be
submitted.
xviii) Details of fly ash utilization plan as per the latest fly ash Utilization Notification of
GOI along with firm agreements / MoU with contracting parties including other
usages etc. shall be submitted. The plan shall also include disposal method /
mechanism of bottom ash.
xix) The water requirement shall be optimized (by adopting measures such as dry fly ash
and dry bottom ash disposal system, air cooled condenser, concept of zero discharge)
and in any case not more than that stipulated by CEA from time to time, to be
submitted along with details of source of water and water balance diagram. Details of
water balance calculated shall take into account reuse and re-circulation of effluents.
xx) Water body/Nallah (if any) passing across the site should not be disturbed as far as
possible. In case any Nallah / drain is proposed to be diverted, it shall be ensured that
the diversion does not disturb the natural drainage pattern of the area. Details of
proposed diversion shall be furnished duly approved by the concerned Department of
the State.
xxi) It shall also be ensured that a minimum of 500 m distance of plant boundary is kept
from the HFL of river system / streams etc. and the boundary of site should also be
located 500 m away from railway track and National Highways.
xxii) Hydro-geological study of the area shall be carried out through an institute/
organization of repute to assess the impact on ground and surface water regimes.
Specific mitigation measures shall be spelt out and time bound Action Plan for its
implementation shall be submitted.
xxiii) Detailed Studies on the impacts of the ecology including fisheries of the
River/Estuary/Sea due to the proposed withdrawal of water / discharge of treated
wastewater into the River/Sea etc shall be carried out and submitted along with the
EIA Report. In case of requirement of marine impact assessment study, the location
of intake and outfall shall be clearly specified along with depth of water drawl and
discharge into open sea.
xxiv) Source of water and its sustainability even in lean season shall be provided along with
details of ecological impacts arising out of withdrawal of water and taking into
account inter-state shares (if any). Information on other competing sources
downstream of the proposed project and commitment regarding availability of

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 13 of 18

 requisite quantity of water from the Competent Authority shall be provided along with
letter / document stating firm allocation of water.
xxv) Detailed plan for rainwater harvesting and its proposed utilization in the plant shall be
furnished.
xxvi) Feasibility of near zero discharge concept shall be critically examined and its details
submitted.
xxvii) Optimization of Cycles of Concentration (COC) along with other water conservation
measures in the project shall be specified.
xxviii) Plan for recirculation of ash pond water and its implementation shall be submitted.
xxix) Detailed plan for conducting monitoring of water quality regularly with proper
maintenance of records shall be formulated. Detail of methodology and identification
of monitoring points (between the plant and drainage in the direction of flow of surface
/ ground water) shall be submitted. It shall be ensured that parameter to be monitored
also include heavy metals. A provision for long-term monitoring of ground water table
using Piezometer shall be incorporated in EIA, particularly from the study area.
xxx) Socio-economic study of the study area comprising of 10 km from the plant site shall
be carried out through a reputed institute / agency which shall consist of detail
assessment of the impact on livelihood of the local communities.
xxxi) Action Plan for identification of local employable youth for training in skills, relevant
to the project, for eventual employment in the project itself shall be formulated and
numbers specified during construction & operation phases of the Project.
xxxii) If the area has tribal population it shall be ensured that the rights of tribals are well
protected. The project proponent shall accordingly identify tribal issues under various
provisions of the law of the land.
xxxiii) Public hearing to be conducted and issues raised and commitments made by the
project proponent on the same should be included in EIA/EMP Report in the form of
tabular chart with financial budget for complying with the commitments made. It
should be ensured that tribes such as Shompen and Nicobarese and anthropological
organisations well versed in communication with and involved in welfare of Shompen
and Nicobarese are adequately represented in the Public Hearing.
xxxiv) R&R plan, as applicable, shall be formulated wherein mechanism for protecting the
rights and livelihood of the people in the region who are likely to be impacted, is taken
into consideration. R&R plan shall be formulated after a detailed census of population
based on socio economic surveys who were dependant on land falling in the project,
as well as, population who were dependant on land not owned by them.
xxxv) Assessment of occupational health and endemic diseases of environmental origin in
the study area shall be carried out and Action Plan to mitigate the same shall be
prepared.
xxxvi) Occupational health and safety measures for the workers including identification of
work related health hazards shall be formulated. The company shall engage full time
qualified doctors who are trained in occupational health. Health monitoring of the
workers shall be conducted at periodic intervals and health records maintained.
Awareness programme for workers due to likely adverse impact on their health due to
working in non-conducive environment shall be carried out and precautionary
measures like use of personal equipment etc. shall be provided. Review of impact of

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 14 of 18

 various health measures undertaken at intervals of two to three years shall be
conducted with an excellent follow up plan of action wherever required.
xxxvii) One complete season site specific meteorological and AAQ data (except monsoon
season) as per latest MoEFCC Notification shall be collected and the dates of
monitoring shall be recorded. The parameters to be covered for AAQ shall include
PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, CO and Hg. The location of the monitoring stations should
be so decided so as to take into consideration of the upwind direction, pre-dominant
downwind direction, other dominant directions, habitation and sensitive receptors.
There should be at least one monitoring station each in the upwind and in the pre-
dominant downwind direction at a location where maximum ground level
concentration is likely to occur.
xxxviii) Cumulative impacts of all sources of emissions including handling and transportation
of existing and proposed projects on the environment of the area shall be assessed in
detail. Details of the Model used and the input data used for modelling shall also be
provided. The air quality contours should be plotted on a location map showing the
location of project site, habitation nearby, sensitive receptors, if any. The windrose
and isopleths should also be shown on the location map. The cumulative study should
also include impacts on water, soil and socio-economics.
xxxix) Radio activity and heavy metal contents of coal to be sourced shall be examined and
submitted along with laboratory reports.
xl) Fuel analysis shall be provided. Details of auxiliary fuel, if any, including its quantity,
quality, storage etc should also be furnished.
xli) Quantity of fuel required, its source and characteristics and documentary evidence to
substantiate confirmed fuel linkage shall be furnished. The Ministry’s Notification
dated 02.01.2014 regarding ash content in coal shall be complied. For the expansion
projects, the compliance of the existing units to the said Notification shall also be
submitted
xlii) Details of transportation of fuel from the source (including port handling) to the
proposed plant and its impact on ambient AAQ shall be suitably assessed and
submitted. If transportation entails a long distance it shall be ensured that rail
transportation to the site shall be first assessed. Wagon loading at source shall
preferably be through silo/conveyor belt.
xliii) For proposals based on imported coal, inland transportation and port handling and rail
movement shall be examined and details furnished. The approval of the Port and Rail
Authorities shall be submitted.
xliv) Details regarding infrastructure facilities such as sanitation, fuel, restrooms, medical
facilities, safety during construction phase etc. to be provided to the labour force
during construction as well as to the casual workers including truck drivers during
operation phase should be adequately catered for and details furnished.
xlv) EMP to mitigate the adverse impacts due to the project along with item - wise cost of
its implementation in a time bound manner shall be specified.
xlvi) A Disaster Management Plan (DMP) along with risk assessment study including fire
and explosion issues due to storage and use of fuel should be carried out. It should
take into account the maximum inventory of storage at site at any point of time. The
risk contours should be plotted on the plant layout map clearly showing which of the
proposed activities would be affected in case of an accident taking place. Based on the
same, proposed safeguard measures should be provided. Measures to guard against

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 15 of 18

 fire hazards should also be invariably provided. Mock drills shall be suitably carried
out from time to time to check the efficiency of the plans drawn.
xlvii) The DMP so formulated shall include measures against likely
Fires/Tsunami/Cyclones/Storm Surges/Earthquakes etc, as applicable. It shall be
ensured that DMP consists of both On-site and Off-site plans, complete with details
of containing likely disaster and shall specifically mention personnel identified for the
task. Smaller version of the plan for different possible disasters shall be prepared both
in English and local languages and circulated widely.
xlviii) Detailed scheme for raising green belt of native species of appropriate width (50 to
100 m) and consisting of at least 3 tiers around plant boundary with tree density of
2000 to 2500 trees per ha with a good survival rate of around 80% shall be submitted.
Photographic evidence must be created and submitted periodically including NRSA
reports in case of expansion projects. A shrub layer beneath tree layer would serve as
an effective sieve for dust and sink for CO2 and other gaseous pollutants and hence a
stratified green belt should be developed.
xlix) Over and above the green belt, as carbon sink, plan for additional plantation shall be
drawn by identifying blocks of degraded forests, in close consultation with the District
Forests Department. In pursuance to this the project proponent shall formulate time
bound Action Plans along with financial allocation and shall submit status of
implementation to the Ministry every six months.
l) The details about number of labourers, number of labour camps and its construction,
their basic requirements such as transport, fuel for cooking, freshwater, sanitation,
health and emergency evacuation etc to be provided in detail.
li) Corporate Environment Policy
a. Does the company has a well laid down Environment Policy approved by its Board
of Directors? If so, it may be detailed in the EIA report.
b. Does the Environment Policy prescribe for standard operating process / procedures
to bring into focus any infringement / deviation / violation of the environmental or
forest norms / conditions? If so, it may be detailed in the EIA.
c. What is the hierarchical system or Administrative order of the company to deal with
the environmental issues and for ensuring compliance with the environmental
clearance conditions. Details of this system may be given.
d. Does the company has compliance management system in place wherein
compliance status along with compliances / violations of environmental norms are
reported to the CMD and the Board of Directors of the company and / or
shareholders or stakeholders at large? This reporting mechanism should be detailed
in the EIA report.
All the above details should be adequately brought out in the EIA report and in the
presentation to the Committee.
lii) Details of litigation pending or otherwise with respect to project in any Court,
Tribunal etc. shall invariably be furnished.

E. Special Conditions

1) Cumulative Impact Assessment of all above proposed four sectors (ICTT, Greenfield
International Airport, Township and Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 16 of 18

 based power plant) to be undertaken keeping in focus ecological and environmental
impacts on Great Nicobar Island
2) Detailed freshwater requirement and augmentation plan, its impact and mitigation plan
on native, endangered and endemic freshwater flora and fauna to be developed for all
above four sectors.
3) Public hearing: It should be ensured that tribes such as Shompen and Nicobarese and
anthropological organisations well versed in communication with and involved in
welfare of Shompen and Nicobarese are adequately represented in the Public Hearing.
Details of the same to be provided in EIA-EMP of all above four sectors.
F. GENERAL GUIDELINES
i. The EIA document shall be printed on both sides, as for as possible.
ii. All documents should be properly indexed, page numbered.
iii. Period/date of data collection should be clearly indicated.
iv. Authenticated English translation of all material provided in Regional languages.
v. The letter/application for EC should quote the MoEF&CC File No. and also attach a
copy of the letter prescribing the TOR.
vi. The copy of the letter received from the Ministry on the TOR prescribed for the project
should be attached as an annexure to the final EIA-EMP Report.
vii. The final EIA-EMP report submitted to the Ministry must incorporate the issues in TOR
and that raised in Public Hearing. The index of the final EIAEMP report, must indicate
the specific chapter and page no. of the EIA-EMP Report where the specific TOR
prescribed by Ministry and the issue raised in the P.H. have been incorporated.
Questionnaire related to the project (posted on MoEF&CC website) with all sections
duly filled in shall also be submitted at the time of applying for EC.
viii. Grant of TOR does not mean grant of EC.
ix. Grant of TOR/EC to the present project does not mean grant of approvals in other
regulations such as the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 or the Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972.
x. Grant of EC is also subject to Circulars and Office Memorandum issued under the EIA
Notification 2006 and subsequent amendments, which are available on the MoEF&CC
website: www.envfor.nic.in.
xi. The status of accreditation of the EIA consultant with NABET/QCI shall be specifically
mentioned. The consultant shall certify that his accreditation is for the sector for which
this EIA is prepared.
xii. On the front page of EIA/EMP reports, the name of the consultant/consultancy firm
along with their complete details including their accreditation, if any shall be indicated.
The consultant while submitting the EIA/EMP report shall give an undertaking to the
effect that the prescribed TOR (TOR proposed by the project proponent and additional
TOR given by the MoEF) have been complied with and the data submitted is factually
correct (Refer MoEF office memorandum dated 4th August, 2009).

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 17 of 18

xiii. While submitting the EIA/EMP reports, the name of the experts associated
with/involved in the preparation of these reports and the laboratories through which the
samples have been got analysed should be stated in the report. It shall clearly be
indicated whether these laboratories are approved under the Environment (Protection)
Act, 1986 and the rules made there under (Please refer MoEF office memorandum dated
4th August, 2009). The project Coordinator of the EIA study shall also be mentioned.
xiv. All the TOR points as presented before EAC shall be covered.

9. A detailed draft EIA/EMP report shall be prepared in terms of the above additional
TOR and should be submitted to the State Pollution Control Board for Public Hearing. Public
Hearing to be conducted for the project in accordance with the provisions of Environmental
Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 and the issues raised by the public should be addressed
in the Environmental Management Plan. The Public Hearing shall be conducted based on the
TOR letter issued by the Ministry and not on the basis of Minutes of the Meeting available on
the website.
10. The project proponent shall submit the detailed final EIA/EMP report prepared as per
TOR including issues raised during Public Hearing to the Ministry for considering the proposal
for environmental clearance before expiry of validity of ToR.
11. The consultants involved in preparation of EIA/EMP report after accreditation with
Quality Council of India/National Accreditation Board of Education and Training
(QCI/NABET) would need to include a certificate in this regard in the EIA/EMP reports
prepared by them and data provided by other Organization(s)/Laboratories including their
status of approvals etc. vide notification of the MoEF dated 19th July, 2013.
12. The prescribed TOR would be valid for a period of four years for submission of the
EIA/EMP Reports.
This issues with the approval of Competent Authority.

(Amardeep Raju)
Scientist ‘E’
Copy to:

1. Member secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Pollution Control Committee (ANIPCC),
Department of Science and Technology, Dollygunj, Port Blair - 744103, South Andaman, A
& N Islands.

2. Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (C), Ministry of Env., Forest and Climate Change,
Regional Office (SEZ), Ist and IInd Floor, Handloom Export Promotion Council, 34,
Cathedral Garden Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 34.

(Amardeep Raju)
Scientist ‘E’

Proposal No. IA/AN/NCP/201159/2021 Page 18 of 18

ATTACHEMENT I
 Report on
THE HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT IN GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND AND
CONSERVATION OF ISLAND FUANAL DIVERSITY

Submitted by
ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Government of India

28th July 2021

 CONTENTS

Page

Executive Summary 1
1. General Introduction 5
2. Rationale 9
3. Objectives of the Study 13
4. Significance of the Study 14
5. Study Area 15
6. Description of Project 18
7. Preliminary Assessment on Likelihood Impacts 42
8. Baseline Study 49
Hydrographical Parameters 51
Corals 71
Endemic Flora and Fauna 92
Status of Endangered Fauna 96
Saltwater Crocodile 96
Leatherback Turtle 98
Nicobar Megapode 104
Long-tailed Macaque 106
Robber Crab 108
Site Specific Assessments 109
9. Summary of Baseline Study 127
10. Significant Observations 132
11. Prediction of Environmental Impacts 134
12. Envisaged Benefits of the Project 136
Evaluation for Alternate Sites 138
13. Environmental Management Plan 142
14. Mitigation Strategies in Marine Environment at Proposed Project Sites 144
15. Recommendations 152
References 154
Annexures 157
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise an accurate chain of 836 islands, islets and rocky outcrops (including
649 islands and 187 rocks and rocky islands), spreading in a linear distance of around 900 km in the Bay of Bengal
and the Andaman Sea between latitudes 06º and 14ºN and longitudes 92º and 94º E.

2. The archipelago has a total land area of 8249 sq km and a coastline of 1962 km. The Andaman Islands and Nicobar
Islands are distinctly separated by the wide Ten Degree Channel which is about 150 km wide and 400 fathoms
deep. The Andaman group consists of more than 324 major islands with an area of 6408 sq km and the Nicobar
group comprises 24 major islands with the landmass of 1841 sq km.

3. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a Continental Shelf of 35,000 sq km with an EEZ of 0.6 million sq. km,
includes the ecologically enriched faunal and floral diversities.

4. The Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost landmass in Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago. The total area of this
island is 910.074 km². It is a tropical and sub-tropical moist broadleaf forest biome and located in the Indo-Malayan
bio-geographic zone. The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (GNBR) of this island is one of the 11 Biosphere
Reserves declared under the Man and Biosphere Programme of Ministry of Environment, and Forests, Government
of India and UNESCO.

5. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (GNBR) was declared on 6th January 1989 by the Government of India Order No.
J-22010/14/89-CSC. The GNBR is comprised of Campbell Bay National Park in the north and Galathea National
Park in the south. GNBR spread 885 km2 in two zones. A total area of 705 km2 has been designated as Core Zone,
and 180 km2 is Buffer Zone.

6. The President of India is acting through the NlTl Aayog, Government of India for holistic development of Great
Nicobar Island.

7. As per the NITI Aayog, a contiguous stretch of land is required in the south-eastern and south-western part of the
island, which has a narrow strip ranging from 1.83 km to 3.8 km in the eastern side and 1.3 km to 5.4 km in the
western side from the Galathea National Park which also happens to be the Protected Forest and Tribal Reserve.

8. In the eastern side, the NITI Aayog has proposed to construct an Airport, requiring 7.95 sq. km of land at the south
eastern part and construction of Rapid Mass Transit System originating from Campbell Bay and terminating
somewhere in the western part and running parallel to the coastline. In the southern part, besides the development
of a major Transshipment Port, the area is also earmarked for future strategic Defence use in view of the developing
geo-political scenario in the area. The south-western and western part of Great Nicobar Island outside the Galathea
National Park are narrow and proposed to be used as Free Trade Zone as ancillary to the trans-shipment port
leaving little area for declaration of ESZ and thereby the Committee recommended finalization of the ESZ notification
of Galathea National Park. The proposed holistic development includes 1) Tourism and Hospitality; 2) Jetty and
Marina; 3) Mixed use area; 4) Airport; 5) Port & 6) A Marina for Eco-Tourism.

9. AECOM is currently undertaking environmental monitoring for the Great Nicobar Island which is one of the largest
islands in Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. In consultation with the concerned UT Administration and the
concerned central ministries, it has been decided to undertake the holistic development of the Great Nicobar Island.

10. In view of this, AECOM, 9th Floor, Infinity Tower-‘C’, DLF Cyber City, DLF Phase-2, Gurgaon-122 002 has
approached the Zoological Survey of India, Headquarters, Kolkata by electronic communication through an e-mail
with the subject ‘Andaman Project’ dated 14th December 2020 to undertake ‘Rapid Environmental Impact
Assessment studies on Marine Ecology for the Master Plan of Development of Great Nicobar Island’ to fulfill the
requirement of Environmental and CRZ clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,
Government of India. Hence the present study has been executed.

11. Along the intertidal stations of the coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island, Station GB 1 (Galathea beach) witnessed
the highest concentration of silicate (3.567 µg/ml) while station RB 1 (Rajiv Nagar Beach) had the least silicate
concentration (2.131µg/ml).

1|P a g e
12. The average phytoplankton abundance in the marine waters of sampling stations of Great Nicobar Island is about
24400 no./L (no. of organisms per litre). The phytoplankton abundance ranges from a maximum of 34200 no./L in
the station GB3 M to a minimum of 15200 no./L at station LB2 IT.

13. The two major groups of phytoplankton observed are diatoms and mixotrophic (photosynthetic) dinoflagellates. The
abundance of diatoms is much higher than the dinoflagellates across all stations, both in the intertidal and marine
coastal study sites. This data is supported by the overall high silicate concentrations in the study area.

14. In terms of phytoplankton diversity, station LB M is the most diverse. Mixotrophic dinoflagellate diversity is high in
Lakshman Beach stations, while diatom diversity is high in Galathea Bay stations.

15. The average microzooplankton abundance in the marine waters of sampling stations of Great Nicobar Island is
about 19033 no./L (no. of organisms per litre). The microzooplankton abundance ranges from a maximum of 20800
no./L in the station GB3 M to a minimum of 16900 no./L at station LB3 IT.

16. The major microzooplankton groups recorded from the study area are Ciliophora, heterotrophic Dinoflagellata,
Foraminifera, Radiolaria and larval forms of Copepoda, Decapoda, Bivalva to name a few. In the intertidal stations
the larval forms, especially copepod nauplii and bivalve larvae dominate the numbers, followed by foraminiferans
(except in Galathea beach stations, where ciliates are the dominant group.

17. A total of 17 groups of organisms or taxa were obtained in zooplankton collection namely, Copepoda, Ostracoda,
Amphipoda, Decapoda, Siphonophora, Decapoda larvae, Polychaete, Polychaete larvae, Mollusca, Mollusca
larvae, Appendularia, Thaliacea, Cumacea, Cladocera, Chaetognatha, fish/invertebrate eggs and fish larvae.
Copepods comprised the major portion of the mesozooplankton biomass.

18. A total of 92 species of mesozooplanktons were recorded from the study among which Copepoda showed the
maximum species diversity. Copepoda comprised of 34 species, Ostracoda comprised of 9 species, Euphausiacea
comprised of 12 species, Decapoda constituted of 5 species, Chaetognatha constituted of 9 species, Anthoathecata
constituted of 2 species, Siphonophorae constituted of 4 species, Amphipoda and Pteropoda comprised of 2 species
each, Appendicularia comprised of 4 species and Thaliacea comprised of 9 species.

19. A total of 309 species of scleractinian corals under 66 genera, 19 families (including two genera under Scleractinia
Incertae Sedis) are recorded from Great Nicobar Island. The present database of scleractinian species is prepared
based on the available literature and studies made by the present author during period of last 12 years.

20. Among the recorded 309 species, 66 species are under threatened category (2 species are under Endangered and
64 species are under Vulnerable categories) as per the category and criteria of IUCN (2021), while 90 species are
recorded under Near Threatened, 135 species are under Least Concern and 9 species are under Data Deficient
categories, whereas 9 species are under not evaluated category.

21. A total of 245 species of scleractinian corals under 53 genera, 15 families (including 2 genera under Scleractinia
Incertae Sedis) are recorded from seven sites including the proposed project site of Great Nicobar Island during the
present study. A maximum of 117 species have been documented from Galathea Bay followed by 111 species from
Sastri Nagar, 107 species from Campbell Bay, 102 species from Laxman Beach, 76 species from Gandhi Nagar,
25 species from Anderson Bay, and only 15 species Laxmi Nagar.

22. Thorough studies were carried out at the seven study locations of Great Nicobar Island to estimate the benthic
cover. Maximum 39.27% of live coral cover was recorded from Campbell Bay region followed by 30.81% from
Gandhi Nagar, 25.59% from Sastri Nagar, 24.10% from Laxman Beach, 19.92% from Anderson Bar, 17.46 from
Galathea Bay, and the minimum of 13.45% from Laxmi Nager. Among the other algae, a maximum of 51.75% was
recorded from Galathea Bay while the minimum of 5.52% from Anderson Bay.

23. The present study indicates a total of 491.7975 hect. reef areas across the seven study areas including 116.4173
hect. of reef areas at the Galathea Bay which is distributed up to the maximum extent of 1200m (perpendicular) from
the coastline while most of the reefs are scattered in distribution within the limit of a mean distance of 500m, whereas
the reef areas of Sastri Nagar are recorded with a total distributional cover of around 103.8703 hect. along with the
mean distributional range from the coast is 250m (perpendicular) along with the maximum of 500m, while Laxman
Beach represents the minimum of 34.4921 hect. of reef areas within the mean proximity of 150m from the coast
while the maximum distributional ranges are within 350m.

2|P a g e
24. Great Nicobar Island is the land of two indigenous tribal population viz. Shompen and Nicobarese.

25. Shompens live in small groups in dense interior forests of the island and are entirely dependent on forest resources
and sea products for their sustenance. They probably migrated into this area, several hundred years ago from
nearby Malaysian regions. The Mongoloid Shompen Tribe, about 237 in number, is living within the Biosphere
Reserve. They are shy in nature and avoid contact with outsiders. They live around and along the perennial
freshwater rivers and constructs huts using palm and pandanus leaves. The Shompens are hunters and food
gatherers leading a semi-nomadic life with stone-age civilization. They cultivate yams, pandanus, coconuts,
arecanuts, bananas etc. They maintain small herds of pigs and also hunt wild pigs with spears and fish with
harpoons.

26. The Nicobarese are horticulturists, are the second indigenous tribe, situated in mostly coastal areas of Great Nicobar
Biosphere Reserve. Coconut, pandanus, banana, papaya, yam and other starchy roots and tubers are their principal
items of crop. They also depend for food on hunting and fishing. Pig rearing is an important traditional practice of
Nicobarese.

27. The Nicobarese live in villages located along the coast. The huts are made of wooden logs, stems of areca palm,
coconut palm etc. while the roof is thatched with grass, canes, bamboo and coconut leaves. At present, their
traditional beliefs and customs are changing and modern education and Government jobs are readily accepted if
they are in their own place.

28. According to the data of Botanical Survey of India, approximately 600 species of flora reported from Great Nicobar
Island. Among them, 86 species of plants found endemic to Great Nicobar Island. Of which 28 species are
exclusively reported from Great Nicobar Island, while 18 species identified from entire Nicobar group of Islands and
40 species recorded from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Considerable number of plant species reported from Great
Nicobar Island has ethno-botanical significance

29. A total of 695 species of fauna with the endemism of 158 species, which is equivalent to 22.73% have been reported
from Great Nicobar Island.

30. A total of 48 vertebrates, recorded as endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, were found in Great Nicobar Island
during the study period. Among them 3 species are mammals, 36 species are birds, 7 species are reptiles and 2
species are amphibians.

31. This reserve is home for several endemic and endangered species including Nicobar Megapode Megapodius
nicobariensis, Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus, NicobarTree Shrew Tupaia nicobarica, Long-tailed
Macaque Macaca fascicularis, Saltwater Crocodile Crocodylus porosus, Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys
coriacea, Reticulated python Pythonreticulatus and Coconut Crab Birgus latro.

32. The Saltwater Crocodile is a common species throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Population estimates
of saltwater crocodiles in Great Nicobar Island are about 6 adults and 3 sub-adults-based on questionnaire. It was
sighted at Indira Point, Mahar Nallah, Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, and Galathea Bay.

33. Out of the five species of turtles recorded from mainland coast of India, the leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea
(Vandelli, 1764) is well known for its nesting in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Leatherback turtles nesting have
been recorded mainly on the long and wide beaches at the mouth of the Dagmar and Alexandira rivers on the west
coast and at the mouth of the Galathea River along its south eastern coast.

34. Globally, leatherback turtle status according to IUCN is listed as Vulnerable. The Northeast Indian leatherback
subpopulation nests primarily in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India, in some parts of Sri Lanka and to a
lesser extent in Thailand. The first documentation of leatherback turtle nesting in the Great Nicobar Island was by
Dr. Satish Bhaskar in 1978-79 and subsequently by other researchers including A&NB Forest Department and
NGOs and institutions in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The leatherback nesting population in the Nicobar is one
of the four colonies that exceeds 1000 individuals in the Indo-Pacific, and hence of global significance.

35. The southern bay of Great Nicobar is Southeast Asia’s largest leatherback turtle nesting site. In Galathea bay,
nesting, egg laying and hatchling are more for Leatherback turtle compared to the other regions of Great Nicobar
Island. In current year, estimation of the number of hatchlings is not completed; hence the number is not mentioned.

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36. The number of nestings, eggs laid and number of hatchlings has been increasing over past four years. The number
of hatchlings increases at a rate of 21 % from 2018 to 2019 while it increases at a rate of 147 % from 2019 to 2020.
The nesting leatherback populations of this species have also shown an increase in the trend in Galathea Bay. It is
estimated that the succession rate of hatchlings of leatherback turtle are 59% in 2018; 60% in 2019 and 63.5% in
2020. The hatchling process has not completed for this year and hence not enumerated and presented.

37. The Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) is an endemic bird species in the
Nicobar group of Islands. According to the IUCN, this species was listed as Vulnerable (Birdlife International, 2000)
and as per Govt. of India, Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). As per the survey by ZSI, there are ~ 100
active mounds were recorded and ~ 202 megapodes were detected during the point‐transect and playback surveys
Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti occurs in all of the southern group of islands, it was estimated that 7 active
mounds and 14 breeding pairs in Galathea.

38. The Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus (Miller, 1902) is the only non-human primates found on
Nicobar group of Islands. In 2000, a total of 88 groups, having a mean size of 36 monkeys, were recorded in Great
Nicobar, Little Nicobar and Katchal Islands. However, in 2006 a total of 40 groups, including 814 monkeys were
recorded in Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar and Katchal Islands while assessing the impact of the Tsunami on the
Long-Tailed Macaque of Nicobar Islands. This is the only primate in the Nicobar Islands, and is listed in Schedule I
of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

39. The coconut crab or Robber crab or Palm thief (Birgus latro (Linnaeus, 1767)) is the largest terrestrial arthropod in
the World (which is related to hermit crabs and lobsters). The crab is named because it is associated with coconut
tree. It is listed as Schedule – I, Part - I under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The coconut crab populations are
threatened with extinction in the Nicobar group of Islands, except for Menchal Island due to human predatory
practices.

40. Prediction of Environmental Impacts, Environmental Management Plan and Recommendations are given in detail
in the report for the proposed 14.2 Million TEU (Twenty Feet Equivalent Unit) ICTT Port, (main project), Airport
(4,000 Peak hour passenger, Category 4F), Township and Area Development for 14,960 Ha and Power Plant
(405MVA Gas +Diesel) (Additional 45 MVA from solar power will be included in total power generation).

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 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Avant Propos
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise an accurate chain of 836 islands, islets and rocky outcrops
(including 649 islands and 187 rocks and rocky islands), spreading in a linear distance of around 900km
in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea between latitudes 06º and 14ºN and longitudes 92º and 94º
E. These islands are the submarine range of hills connecting Arakkan Yoma of lower Burma with Achin
Head in Sumatra of upper Indonesia. The archipelago has a total land area of 8249 sq km and a coastline
of 1962 km. The Andaman Islands and Nicobar Islands are distinctly separated by the wide Ten Degree
Channel which is about 150km wide and 400 fathoms deep. The Andaman group consists of more than
324 major islands with an area of 6408 sq km and the Nicobar group comprises 24 major islands with the
landmass of 1841 sq, km. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a Continental Shelf of 35,000 sq km
with an EEZ of 0.6 million sq, km, includes the ecologically enriched faunal and floral diversities. The
entire coastline of these islands is wavy with many long, narrow creeks, lagoons and bays supporting
sandy, rocky, muddy beaches and mangroves. On the north-eastern side of the Andaman, close to
Barren and Narcondam Islands, there are extinct volcanoes where some underground geothermal activity
can still be perceived occasionally.
GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND
The Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost landmass in Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago. The total
area of this island is 910.074 km². It is a tropical and sub-tropical moist broadleaf forest biome and located
in the Indo-Malayan bio-geographic zone. The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (GNBR) of this island
is one of the 11 Biosphere Reserves created under the Man and Biosphere Programme of Ministry of
Environment and Forests, Government of India and UNESCO. It is situated in Great Nicobar Island which
is about 60ºN of the equator and is only about 145 km from Sumatra Island of Indonesia. The GNBR with
an total area of 885 km2 encompasses two National Parks, the Galathea National Park (185 km2 area)
which represents Galathea river basin composed of low-lying hills not exceeding 250m and the Campbell
Bay National Park (520 km2 area) with the high mountain ranges reaching to a height of 670m. The
extremely high endemism and extraordinary diversity at the species and community levels make the
Campbell Bay National Park one of the hottest hotspots in the world.
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (GNBR) was declared on 6th January 1989 by the Government of India
Order No. J-22010/14/89-CSC. The GNBR is comprised of Campbell Bay National Park in the north and
Galathea National Park in the south (Fig. 1). GNBR spread 885 km2 in two zones. A total area of 705 km2
has been designated as Core Zone, and 180 km2 is Buffer Zone. The entire northern part of the island
and the area between Alexandra River and Chengappa Bay is Zone-I with 520 km2 of Core Zone and 90
km2 of Buffer Zone. The Buffer Zone consists of 180 km2 spread over 90 km2 in each of the two zones.
The southern part between the Sahini and Mahi hill ranges including the Galathea River is Zone-II with
185 km2 of Core Zone. The Core Zone represents the least disturbed region existing more or less in its
natural state. An outer area of 159 km2 is designated as Transition Zone for management requirements
of the area such as providing sustainable livelihood to the indigenous people. This include providing safe
drinking water to local people, compensation for damages to life and crop, setting up of biogas plants to
ensure the involvement of local people in conservation efforts. Eco-tourism activities are also in practice
in other fringe areas and eco-development works like compatible agriculture, recreation and other
relevant sectors are in progress with the participation of local people. Apart from that 55.63 km2 are
included in the Marine area of Biosphere Reserve. It has provided a space for construction of jetties and
infrastructure facilities for fisher-folk, and development of ecotourism especially scuba diving, snorkeling
etc.

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 Fig. 1. Map of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve with ESZ boundary

As per the Gazette Notification of Government of India, MoEFCC, dated 28th October, 2020 notified an
area to an extent of (0) zero to one kilometer around the boundary of Galathea National Park as Eco-sensitive
Zone. The Eco-sensitive Zone shall be to an extent of zero to one kilometre around the boundary of Galathea
National Park and the area of the Eco-sensitive zone shall be 14.93 square kilometres. The minimum extent is

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‘zero’ because the major geographical area of Great Nicobar Island is covered under Protected Area Network and
Tribal Reserve in such a way that there is little area left for holistic development around the area. Further, to protect
the development and inhabitation from the unforeseen natural disaster/ adverse effect like Tsunami, rising water
level, a 750 metres buffer is proposed with guidelines all along the coastline for development.

Similarly, the The ESZ of Campbell National Park notified an area of 65.81 sq.km with an extent of 0
(zero) to 1 kilometer around the boundary of Campbell Bay National Park and the zero extent is due to boundary
of the Campbell Bay National Park coinciding with the boundary of Bay of Bengal, vide notification of 20th October
2020.

The GNBR represents the tropical forest biome, and is located in the tropical Indo-Malayan bio-
geographic zone of the world. Five perennial rivers namely Alexandra, Dagmar, Galathea, Jubilee and
Amrit Kaur originates/passes on the Great Nicobar Island. Biogeographically, Great Nicobar Island is the
most important region and one of the noted areas for speciation in the tropics. The biosphere reserve is
represented by unique and threatened tropical evergreen forest ecosystems including a host of forest
systems, ranging from seasonal rain forests in the low hills, tropical mountain forests and moist deciduous
to shrub through dry-deciduous. Barring the North Andaman there is no region in these islands where
such large contiguous forest area still exists. The region is noted for its rich biodiversity. It houses 650
species of angiosperms, ferns and gymnosperms. The tree fern, Cyathea albosetacea is dominant in
many parts of the Reserve. Other important plant species are Scaevola sercea, Heritiera littoralis,
Pandanus spp., Terminalia bialata, Barringtonia andamanicos, Rhizophora spp, Gnetum gnemon,
Sterculia macrophylla, Elaeocarpus aristatus etc. The knowledge of the lower plants is however limited.
The fauna consists of over 1800 species. In addition, 200 species of meiofauna have also been recorded
from the coastal habitat. The vertebrate fauna includes 14 species of mammals, 71 species of birds, 26
species of reptiles 10 species of amphibians, and 113 species of fishes. Invertebrates are represented
by 7 species of annelids, 417 species of insects including 73 species of butterflies and 132 species of
moths, a large number of other invertebrates such as molluscs etc. and many more species that await
discovery. The important faunal elements of the Biosphere Reserve include the Nicobar Tree Shrew,
Nicobar Wild Boar, Nicobar Civet, Nicobar Pigeon, Nicobar Megapode, Great Niocbar Serpent Eagle,
Marine Turtles, and Reticulated Python etc. Among the birds Nicobar Megapode, Nicobar Sparrow hawk,
Nicobar Serpent Eagle, Blyth’s Parakeet and Nicobar Bulbul are endemic to Nicobars. The richness of
flora and fauna of this region reflects the diversity of habitats associated with a wide range. The Great
Nicobar Island has been identified as an Endemic Bird Area by the Royal Society for Protection of Birds.
This reserve is home for several endemic and endangered species namely Nicobar Megapode
Megapodius nicobariensis, Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus, Nicobar Tree Shrew Tupaia
nicobarica, Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis, Saltwater Crocodile Crocodylus porosus, Giant
Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys coriacea, Reticulated Python Python reticulates and Coconut Crab
Birgus latro.

GNBR in UNESCO-MAB Network

The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is one of the 18 Biosphere Reserves designated by Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The GNBR with a total area of 885 km2
encompasses two National Parks, the Galathea National Park (185 km2 area) which represents Galathea
river basin composed of low-lying hills not exceeding 250m and the Campbell Bay National Park (520
km2 area) with the high mountain ranges reaching to a height of 670m in Mount Thullier. The extremely
high endemism and extraordinary diversity at the species and community levels make the Campbell Bay
National Park one of the hottest hotspots in the world. The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve was

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included in UNESCO-MAB Network during May 2013. Currently world network of Biosphere Reserves
counts 701 biosphere reserves in 124 countries, including 21 transboundary sites.

The total geographical area of the island is 910.074 km2 with a length of 55 km from Murray Point
in the North to Indira Point in the South. The greatest width of about 30 km is in the north which narrows
down to about 3 km in the southern tip. Land use was forest since time immemorial. Immigration of
mainlanders began in 1969, when 337 families were settled on the southeastern coast of Great Nicobar
Island. The total population of Great Nicobar Island was 3000 in 2011 of which 1200 resided in Campbell
Bay. Current population of Great Nicobar Island is about 8900. The economy of the settlers is based on
agricultural production and fishing. Paddy, coconut, arecanut and spices constitute the major agricultural
produce. Rice is grown on a subsistence basis. Income generating horticulture crops include coconut
plantations and arecanut plantations. Fishing is done mainly by the fisher-folk who migrated from Andhra
Pradesh and settled in Campbell Bay and Shastri Nagar. Fishing in the creeks and bays is carried out
using gill nets and hook and line. Fishing by tribes is on a subsistence basis employing spears and hook
and line. Much of the development resulted from the establishment of Government and Administrative
facilities in Campbell Bay area.

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 2. RATIONALE

The President of India is acting through the NlTl Aayog, Government of India for holistic development of
Great Nicobar Island. As per the NITI Aayog, a contiguous stretch of land is required in the south-eastern
and south-western part of the island, which has a narrow strip ranging from 1.83 km to 3.8 km in the
eastern side and 1.3 km to 5.4 km in the western side from the Galathea National Park which also
happens to be Protected Forest and Tribal Reserve. In the eastern side, the NITI Aayog has proposed to
construct an Airport, requiring 7.95 sq. km of land at the south eastern part and construction of Rapid
Mass Transit System originating from Campbell Bay and terminating somewhere in the western part and
running parallel to the coast line. In the southern part, besides the development of a major Transshipment
Port, the area is also earmarked for future strategic Defence use in view of the developing geo-political
scenario in the area. The south-western and western part of Great Nicobar Island outside the Galathea
National Park are narrow and proposed to be used as Free Trade Zone as ancillary to the transshipment
port leaving little area for declaration of ESZ and thereby the Committee recommended finalization of the
ESZ notification of Galathea National Park. The proposed holistic development includes 1) Township
(Including Residential, Commerical, institution, Mixed use, Tourism and Hospitality, eco tourism, coastal
tourism areas; 2) Jetty and Marina; 3)Power Plant; 4) Airport; and 5) Port (ICTT).

Expert Committee

The Expert Committee for the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around protected areas (wildlife
sanctuaries/national parks/tiger reserves) during its 44th Meeting held on 18th January, 2021 deliberated
upon the zero ESZ extent on the Western side and the Northern side of the boundary of the Galathea
National Park is due to the fact the National Park directly ends and merges with the Bay of Bengal, and
whereas, on the Eastern side, it is already a tribal area protected under the Forest Act and also because
the area beyond zero extent on the coastal sides are already protected under CRZ regulations. The
Committee also considered detailed justification regarding the fact that the Great Nicobar Island with an
area of 910.074 sq. km (as per Survey of India) is strategically located in the South, very close to the
major international shipping route of Malacca Strait and out of total geographic area of 910.074 sq. km,
the area under revenue is 44.20 sq. km which constitutes only 4.8% of the total geographic area, whereas
the remaining 95.2% is either National Parks, Protected Forests and Tribal Reserve leaving little area for
development.

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 The EIA Notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 lays down the regulatory
process for EIA in India. The EIA Notification stipulates that prior environmental clearance from regulatory
authority is mandatory for construction of new projects or activities or the expansion or modernization of
existing projects or activities to be taken in any part of the country.

Proposed developmental Projects in Great Nicobar

Integrated development of International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT)-14.2 Million TEU

along with Greenfield International Airport (4000 Peak Hour Passengers - PHP), Township & Area
development and 450 MVA Gas and Solar based power plant in 16610 ha. The total township area is
149.60 Sq.km. Revenue land is 28.27 Sq.km, Revenue land (deemed forest) is 8.37 Sq.km, and forest
land is 112.96 Sq.km.

Main project

1. 14.2 Million TEU (Twenty Feet Equivalent Unit) ICTT Port

Interlinked projects

1. Airport (4,000 Peak hour passenger, Code C with future capability of Code E/F)
2. Township and Area Development for 14,960 Ha.
3. Power Plant. (405MVA Gas +Diesel) (additional 45 MVA from solar power will be included in total
power generation)

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 GOALS of Great Nicobar Island development

• To strengthen India’s participation in the regional maritime economy by establishing a new port
city at GN Island
• To develop a diverse economy that combines transshipment, trade, and tourism
• To leverage the Island’s world-class ecological resources to attract international and Indian
tourists
•

GOALS of the master plan assignment

• To provide an inspiring and agile framework for the physical development of the new city
• To ascertain the best location and most appropriate size for major infrastructure facilities (port,
airport, urban infrastructure)
• To chart a balanced path forward that can achieve economic development goals, conserve the
natural environment, and improve the quality of life of local residents
• To establish an eco-community and environmental friendly development integrating best
practices of sustainability with balanced, healthy mix of uses offering diverse physical and social
experiences

The objectives for the development of Great Nicobar Island

• Building a Greenfield Project City for India

• Having the City to be developed as a free trade zone
• Having the city to compete with Global cities like Hong
• Leveraging the strategic location and natural features of the island to present a unique
experience to visitors

Origin of the study

The President of India is acting through the NITI Aayog, Government of India and represented by the
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is engaged in the holistic development of Great Nicobar Island. AECOM
is currently undertaking environmental monitoring for the Great Nicobar Island which is one of the largest
islands in Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. In consultation with the concerned UT Administration and
the concerned central ministries, it has been decided to undertake the holistic development of the Great
Nicobar Island (hereby referred to as “Project”. AECOM is currently undertaking the Environmental
Monitoring for the project. In view of this, AECOM, 9th Floor, Infinity Tower- ‘C’, DLF Cyber City, DLF
Phase-2, Gurgaon-122 002 has approached the Zoological Survey of India, Headquarters, Kolkata by
electronic communication through an e-mail with the subject ‘Andaman Project’ dated 14th December
2020 to undertake ‘Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment studies on Marine Ecology for the Master
Plan of Development of Great Nicobar Island’ to fulfill the requirement of Environmental and CRZ
clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
Based on the 260th Meeting of the Expert Appraisal Committee of MoEFCC held on 5th and 6th
April 2021, it has been decided that organization like ZSI should carry out detailed independent study on
the ecological aspects related to the proposed project. Hence the present study was carried out and
report prepared accordingly.

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 3. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The prime objective of the study is to determine the ecological and environmental feasibility of the
proposed facilities and holistic developmental activities by estimating the following biotic and abiotic
factors.
1. To study the existing environmental and ecological status on the proposed site for holistic
development in Great Nicobar Island.

2. To assess the distribution, diversity and density of fauna in the marine and its coastal regions in
the proposed site.

3. To assess the intertidal benthic organisms as well as corals and its associated macro
invertebrates in subtidal region wherever the alignment passes adjacent to the coastal regulation
zone.

4. Estimation of the ecological sensitivity of various patches in the study area like turtle nesting
grounds, coral mats, areas with special ecological significance like the presence of rare,
endangered, threatened, and endemic species of Great Nicobar Island

5. To study the water quality, primary and secondary productivities of seawater wherever the
alignment passes adjacent to the coastal regulation zone.

6. To predict the ecological and social impact of the projects.

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 4. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

1. The study will provide baseline information on the faunal components of the study area

2. Data obtained from the present study will be useful to assess the impact of the proposed project.

3. The proposed survey will be a useful tool to form a strategy for effective conservation and
management of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.

4. The data obtained from the study may provide the possible ecological and environmental impact
due to the proposed developmental projects and draw a solution for alternative site if required,
or to mitigate the impact by viable manner.

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 5. STUDY AREA
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve falls within the Indo-Malayan (9B) Bio-geographical region. Mt.
Thullier is the highest peak of the Island and of 642 m above the mean sea level. Five perennial rivers
namely Alexandra, Dagmar, Galathea, Jubilee and Amrit Kaur originates/passes on the Great Nicobar
Island.

Landscape features and Land use history

The Great Nicobar Island is located about 482 km south of Port Blair, the capital of the Union Territory. It
lies between 6o 45’ and 7o 20’ N Latitudes and 93o 37’ and 93o 56’ E Longitudes. The total geographical
area of the island is 910.074 km2 with a length of about 55 km from Murray Point in the North to Indira
Point in the South. The greatest width of about 30 km is in the north which narrows down to about 3 km
in the southern tip. Land use was forest since time immemorial. Historically, the Great Nicobar Island is
the land of Shompen and Nicobarese Tribes. The Shompen inhabit the interior forest. They are shy in
nature and avoid contact with outsiders. They live around and along the perennial freshwater rivers and
constructs huts using palm and pandanus leaves. The Shompens are hunters and food gatherers leading
a semi-nomadic life. They cultivate yams, pandanus, coconuts, arecanuts, bananas etc. They maintain
small herds of pigs and also hunt wild pigs with spears and fish with harpoons. The Nicobarese are
horticulturists. Coconut, pandanus, banana, papaya, yam and other starchy roots and tubers are their
principal items of crop. They also depend for food on hunting and fishing. Pig rearing is an important
traditional job of Nicobarese. The Nicobarese live in villages located along the coast. The huts are made
of wooden logs, stems of areca palm, coconut palm etc. while the roof is thatched with grass, canes,
bamboo and coconut leaves. At present their traditional beliefs and customs are changing and modern
education and Government jobs are readily accepted if they are in their own place.

Immigration of mainlanders began in 1969, when 337 families were settled on the southeastern
coast of Great Nicobar Island. The total population of Great Nicobar Island was 6831 in 1991 of which
3745 resided in Campbell Bay. Presently, the population of island is about 8900, as per UT administration
census. The economy of the settlers is based on agricultural production and fishing. Paddy, coconut,
arecanut and spices constitute the major agricultural produce. Rice is grown on a subsistence basis.
Income generating horticulture crops include coconut plantations and arecanut plantations. Fishing is
done mainly by the fisher-folk who migrated from Andhra Pradesh and settled in Campbell Bay and
Shastri Nagar. Fishing in the creeks and bays carried out using gill nets and hook and line. Fishing by
tribes is on a subsistence basis employing spears and hook and line. Much of the development resulted
from the establishment of Government and Administrative facilities in Campbell Bay area.
Arial view of GNBR Evergreen Forest of GNBR

Global and National Significance

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The Great Nicobar Island has been in focus for its high biodiversity and priority for leading conservation
agencies of the world. The richness of flora and fauna of this region reflects the diversity of habitats
associated with a wide range. The Great Nicobar Island has been identified as an Endemic Bird Area by
the Royal Society for Protection of Birds. This reserve is home for several endemic species namely
Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis, Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus, Nicobar
Tree Shrew Tupaia nicobarica, Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis, Saltwater Crocodile
Crocodylus porosus, Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys coriacea, Reticulated Python Python
reticulates and Coconut Crab Birgus latro.

There is recently pressure on the resources from sources, with respect to resource usage by the
native tribes, other human settlements and developmental activities. Prior to Tsunami, about 39 villages
are inhabited in the island, of which 26 villages belong to mainlanders and 13 villages to the native
Nicobari tribes. According to 2001 census, the total population inhabited in and around the Great Nicobar
Biosphere Reserve is about 6000 settlers. Apart from that the Nicobarese and Shompen are the two
native tribes of the island. The Nicobarese numbering about 1100, live in villages along the west coast.
The shompens numbering about 237 live in huts located within the core and buffer zones of the biosphere
reserve. Population growth and over-exploitation of forest resources by man have adversely affected the
wildlife habitat. Existence of animal species is threatened due to reduction in habitat as a result of
deforestation. Deforestation has also affected the climatic conditions and a downward trend in annual
rainfall has been noticed. The December 2004 Tsunami has affected the littoral forests and also the
population along the coast the Great Nicobar Island. There is now pressure on the administration for the
allotment of land to the displaced people and laying of roads in proximity to the Biosphere area. In this
context and to effectively down size effects of the population and development, an active management
policy need to be developed based on the information on usage of faunal resources by the human
component in the reserve.

Climate

The Great Nicobar Island falls under the tropical rainforest zone of the world and the annual rain fall in
the island is about 2700 mm. Monsoon extends from April to December with January to March is fairly a
dry period. Temperature ranges from 22°C - 32°C and relative Humidity varied from 70 - 82%. Rough
weather prevails at the beginning of southwest monsoon. Mean wind speed ranges from 5-15 km/h,
however, June to September experiences high wind speed (25km/h). Maximum sunshine observed
between 8 and 10 hrs during January to March while in monsoon season sunshine will be 2-3 hrs.

Geomorphology

The soil of the Great Nicobar is mostly with the combination of entisols (fluvents), entisols (psaments)
and inceptisols (ochrepts). The soil nearer to the surface of the coastal areas, were formed from the
marine deposits during the tidal floods. The coastal flats have an admixture of sand, silty clay and diluvial
material with fine fragments of coral lime. Soil cover is rather thin, varying from 2m to 5m and mostly
alluvial on hill tops. In general the soil is mild to moderately acidic with high humus top (NIOT, 2006).

Socio-economic status

Agriculture and fishing is the major livelihood for the settlers and native tribes of the Great Nicobar Islands.
However after Tsunami, the fishing activities are reduced in a greater extent. Most of the fishing craft i.e.
dinghies are being operated at Campbell Bay and used for the transportation of construction material
such as cement, concrete blocks, sands, iron rods etc. for making permanent shelters at Gandhi Nagar,

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Shastri Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Afra Bay and Little Nicobar. Presently the fish landing centre exits only at
Campbell Bay. The fishes being landed at Campbell Bay during the study period are belongs to the family
Serrranidae (Groupers), Labridae, Lutjanidae, Nemipteridae, Mullidae and Gobidae under the order
Perciformes. Apart from that shrimps (tiger prawn Penaeus monodon), rock lobsters (Panulirus
interruptus) also being landed in considerable quantity.

Protected Area

Considering the high endemism of floral and faunal components, the Great Nicobar Island has been
designated as a Biosphere Reserve by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India
(Order No.J.22010/14/89-CSC dated 6th January 1989) under Man and Biosphere Programme.

INDIGENOUS TRIBES

Great Nicobar Island is the land of two indigenous tribal population viz. Shompen and Nicobarese.
Shompens live in small groups in dense interior forests of the island and are entirely dependent on forest
resources and sea products for their sustenance. They probably migrated into this area, several hundred
years ago from nearby Malaysian regions. The Mongoloid Shompen Tribe, about 237 in number, is living
within the Biosphere Reserve. They are shy in nature and avoid contact with outsiders. They live around
and along the perennial freshwater rivers and constructs huts using palm and pandanus leaves. The
Shompens are hunters and food gatherers leading a semi-nomadic life with stone-age civilization. They
cultivate yams, pandanus, coconuts, arecanuts, bananas etc. They maintain small herds of pigs and also
hunt wild pigs with spears and fish with harpoons. These primitive aboriginals use a host of edible plants;
make use of various plants and their parts for construction, cover, brush, dugout canoes, utensils, fishing
harpoons, mat and baskets. Shompens inhabiting Jhaunala, Laful, Shompenhut and Kopenheat areas
have revealed some interesting plants for medicinal uses. Six wild relatives of betel vine have been
recorded from the northern part of Great Nicobar Island. Four of them are most likely to belong to the
species P. betel L. while the other two nearer to P. clypeatum Wall. And P. flavimarginatum DC if not
conspecific with them. It is interesting to note that all these six forms are chewed by the local tribes
Shompens. They also hunt wild pigs with spears and fish with harpoons.

The Nicobarese are horticulturists, are the second indigenous tribe, situated in mostly coastal
areas of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. Coconut, pandanus, banana, papaya, yam and other starchy
roots and tubers are their principal items of crop. They also depend for food on hunting and fishing. Pig
rearing is an important traditional job of Nicobarese. The Nicobarese live in villages located along the
coast. The huts are made of wooden logs, stems of areca palm, coconut palm etc. while the roof is
thatched with grass, canes, bamboo and coconut leaves. At present their traditional beliefs and customs
are changing and modern education and Government jobs are readily accepted if they are in their own
place.

6. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

The Great Nicobar subdivision is the southernmost last mass of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a cluster of about 836 offshore islands of India located to the east of the
Bay of Bengal and west of the Andaman Sea. The clusters comprise of two island groups, the Andaman
Islands and the Nicobar Islands, separated by the 150 km wide Ten Degree Channel, with the Andaman
Islands to the north and the Nicobar Islands to the south. The Union Territory’s capital city is Port Blair

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which is the current focal point of all development and connectivity in the Islands. The Great Nicobar
Island is located in the Nicobar district to the south of the Andaman Islands. It is the largest of the cluster
of islands with an area of about 910.074 sq. km and the southernmost of the group of Nicobar Islands
located at a distance of approximately 520 km from Port Blair. Indira Point, earlier known as Pygmalion
Point, lies at the tip of the Great Nicobar Island and is he southernmost point of the country. It is at an
approximate distance of 144 km from the Sumatra Island of Indonesia. The proposed development lies
in the eastern coast of this Great Nicobar Island with a project area of total 166.1 sq. km. It extends from
the north of Campbell Bay (the headquarter of the Great Nicobar Island, where most of the government
offices are situated) to Indira Point and further up to the Pemayya Bay area in the south. While the east
and South of the site are edged by the Indian Ocean, the west and north are flanked by mountainous
terrain and forests of the Galathea National Park.
For several reasons, the successful development of Great Nicobar Island requires a sensitive,
olistic approach. First, the island is home to a dwindling number of indigenous people’s whose traditional
culture is considered an international resource. Development plans must not only consider the impact of
growth on these people, but also be formulated in order to generate socio-economic benefits for them as
well as for future in-migrants and investors. Second, the world-class ecological resources must be
conserved and enhanced during the proposed integrated development at Great Nicobar Island. While it
is clear that integrated development here will have environmental impacts on this pristine island, the
proposed holistic master plan will ensure environmentally and socio-culturally sustainable development
modalities as well as effective mitigating measures, where negative impacts are anticipated. The
cornerstones of the holistic approach are to address issues in an inter-related and synergistic manner.
Thus the overall nature of this project would be to have an environmentally sound and sensitive integrated
development, respecting the natural features and rich ecology the island has to offer and at the same
time to advance in the direction of growth not only for the local people on the island, but also for the
country as a whole. This would be achieved through a sustainable design approach and quality planning
mechanisms.
Holistic development
Great Nicobar Island is a veritable jewel for India whose development will solve several pressing concerns
related to maritime security of the country, usher in a new era of socio-economic growth for the local
populace and add a significant contribution to the country’s GDP. The development of Great Nicobar
Island is significant from the point of view of national security. This is in light of the increase in
consolidation in the Indian Ocean region and the military and economic impact of this consideration. The
Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in general and the Indian Ocean in particular has turned into a strategic
hotspot in recent years. For this, a critical mass of development is essential of that of the scale to have a
strong presence in the region. Thus, our agenda is that the integrated development here needs to be
undertaken in a sensitive manner, conscious of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Island which
is unique yet fragile. The ultimate need for the project is to strengthen India’s participation in the maritime
economy of the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean by establishing:

• International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) – A new Port

• International Airport
• Township and Area development project and
• Power plant at Great Nicobar Island
The development of a new cargo Transshipment terminal and associated industrial facilities will
allow India to leverage its excellent access to major shipping routes between East Asia and South Asia
in order to capture a significant share of the regional maritime economy. At the same time, the planning
framework prepared under this project will allow Great Nicobar to develop a diverse economy that

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combines Transshipment, free trade zone along with tourism The island and the archipelago feature
world class ecological resources that, with the right level of infrastructure development, can attract
international and Indian tourists, giving a boost to the economic development of the place. Thus, the
holistic development is of utmost importance for this huge, strategically located landmass, whose
economic potential is yet to be tapped. To summarize, this integrated development will cater to the
following and is essential from the point of view of Strategic importance, Security, Connectivity, Eco-
tourism and Socio-economic growth of local populace.

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Proposed concept plan of Great Nicobar Island

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 As a part of integrated development, an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT)
under Category 7 (e), i.e. Port, Harbours category is proposed which is the primary project. The other
interlinked projects will be the Green field International Airport under Category 7(a), Township and Area
Development under category 8(b) and Power Plant under category 1(d) as per the EIA Notification of 14th
September 2006.
The Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost last mass and largest of the Andaman & Nicobar
Islands cluster and approximately 520km from Port Blair in Andaman. It lies adjacent to Malacca Strait
(Approx. 35% annual global sea trade is through Malacca Strait) and southernmost tip of the Island is
about 40 kms from the major international sea route in the Indian Ocean. This strategic location of the
island to International Shipping route, ferry terminals, airports, major ports and tourist destinations
presents immerse opportunities to further strengthen India’s trading position in the world. The Island
offers immense potential through a natural depth of 20-30m available for Deep Berth Port.

Map showing strategic location of Great Nicobar Island

Location of Great Nicobar Island with respect to Malacca Strait

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 Location setting of Great Nicobar Island with respect to major Indian ports

The Great Nicobar Island lies adjacent to Malacca Strait and southernmost tip of the Island is
about 40 kms from the major international sea route. This strategic location presents immerse
opportunities to further strengthen India’s trading position in the world. The project will essentially be the
development of ICTT, International Airport, Township and a Power Plant in 166.1 sq. km. of area in the
east coast and south coast edges of Great Nicobar Island. The proposed township will have all the
necessary components required to drive the city including residential, commercial, institutional, mixed
use and entertainment zones. But the key anchors for development would be the International Container
Transshipment Port on the Southern end of the Island and the Greenfield International Airport, Township
comprising residential, commercial, tourism and hospitality, etc. and a Power Plant. This would bring in
various economic activities and boost the tourism potential of the place, along with being a magnet of
growth in the region. The Island has extreme shortage of non-forest land; therefore, the proposed
integrated development on majority of the area as forest land cannot be avoided and would be required
to be included in the development area. But all the activities proposed here have been done after carefully
analysing the existence of National Parks and conserving the ecology of the island. In view of the above,
the development is site specific in nature.

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 Existing Land Use, Land Cover Map of Great Nicobar Island

Economics is the driver behind Great Nicobar City. The demand for transshipment services will
influence the size of the port, the number of employees, and ultimately the size of the city. First, locate
and size the major infrastructure facilities, and then plan the township around them. Major facilities such
as the port, airport and urban infrastructure are appropriately sited and scaled to enable development in
key economic sectors, including tourism, trade and manufacturing. The master plan will achieve ‘triple
bottom line’ development that balances environmental, social, and economic costs and benefits. Location
decisions will be made with a view to avoiding major costs to the natural environment or to local residents.

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A. 14.2 Million TEU (Twenty Feet Equivalent Unit) ICTT Port

In the Indian sub-continent, due to geographical and logistic constraints, deep water berths in the ports
existing on its East & West Coast could not be developed for berthing large intercontinental essels of
drafts over 15 m. This situation has resulted in depending on Transshipment orts which are available in
other countries such as Sri Lanka, Singapore, Hong Kong etc. Due to these limitations on available
facilities, Transshipment is done in other countries with the result hat India is losing substantial revenue
in terms of facilities and higher rate of landings. The uantum of such losses is enormous considering the
cargo being presently handled on the Indian ports. With the passing years, the situation is expected to
be more severe. In addition, from the logistics point of view, it is preferred that Transshipment port
facilities exist within Indian waters so that sustained maritime trade can be brought to Indian ports. It has
also been observed that there are some indications that other countries like Myanmar, China and Sri
Lanka are gearing up their resources to develop deep water facilities for taking major share of trade by
developing suitable harbour facilities. From the foregoing, it is quite evident that it is high time India also
moved towards setting up dedicated deep water berths for primarily Transshipment activities in its waters
thereby generating revenue.

The present major Transshipment hubs in South Asia at Colombo and Singapore provide deep
water ports for main line vessels carrying cargoes for smaller ports in the region. Feeder vessels presently
call Singapore and Colombo for loading cargoes bound for smaller ports in the Bay of Bengal, Andaman
and the Arabian Sea. It is this Transshipment cargo traffic that may be attracted by a Transshipment hub
at Great Nicobar.

The project can provide direct and indirect employment to over 1250 people in the phase 1 of
development increasing to about 4200 personnel in master plan phase. During construction an estimate
2000 people are expected to be employed. It would increase the employability of the local population on
the island.

Land availability

The total project area for port is 965 ha (out of which 738 ha is on land and 227 ha shall be created
through reclamation). The port land will be used for developing port infrastructure, Port Utility buildings
and facilities, Workshops, Container stacking yards, Reefer Areas, Vehicles and ITV parking and
movement areas, Port roads, Pavements and green areas.

Type of Project

The proposed Project is development of International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) Port
facilities for establishing the container Transshipment port at Great Nicobar Island.

Site Conditions
General

The proposed Project land does not have permanent habitation by people, show cultivation, pasture
grazing or water reservoirs (ponds). The proposed site comprises an intertidal zone and forest.

Site Specific Surveys & Studies

Following site specific surveys & investigations have been conducted forming base for this Pre-Feasibility
Study for the proposed container Transshipment port at Great Nicobar Island.

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Topography

Most of Great Nicobar Island is hilly and undulating, with average of +15m to +20m height is observed
on land, and somewhere +100 heights are also observed. +2m, +3m, +4m contours are very near to
seashore. +19m, +17m, +15m, +13m, +11m, +9m, and +7m contours are at a distance 0.82 km, 0.78
km, 0.75 km, 0.69 km, 0.59 km, 0.56 km and 0.50 km respectively from the high water line.

Bathymetry

The shortest distance of -20m, -10m and -5m contour are at a distance about 700 m, 400m and 250m
respectively from the high water line. It is observed that 10m and 20m contour come closest to coast at
this site near Indira Point and thereafter they become parallel to the coast.

Planning Criteria

Land Use

Land use has been worked out to get the most out of the planned Transshipment terminal. As per the
estimated traffic of 3 Million TEU’s during Phase-1, the total eclaimed land (102 Ha) has been
redistributed between berths (12%), container storage (42%), building & utilities (1%), road & pavements
(10%) & Green areas (35%). The significant portion of land has been assigned to green zone keeping in
view of the diverse flora & fauna of the Nicobar region.

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Harbour Planning Criteria

Ship Sizes

Based on the market assessment, the target cargo volumes and ship size adopted for planning of the
container Transshipment port is resented in this section. Economy of scale effects in container shipping
have led to a rapid increase in size for all types of vessels, from feeders to the large inter-continental
carriers. The trend towards larger ships has accelerated in recent years. The facilities planning shall be
based on the maximum size of the container ship that would be visiting the port. For coal will be governing
the harbour / channel depth for the proposed Project. Container ships are classified into six broad
categories viz. Feeder, Feeder Max, Handy, Sub-Panamax, Panamax and Post-Panamax.

Positioning of Facilities

This section examines the layout of facilities for the proposed Project. Since the Coastline is exposed to
open sea, breakwater(s) will be required to shelter the manoeuvring area and the berths. The orientation
of the breakwater shall be such as to provide tranquillity at the berths (wave heights limited to 0.5 m) for
round the year operations. The harbour should be sized adequately so as to provide adequate stopping
distance and manoeuvring space for the largest ship to be handled at the port. The berths have to be

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planned and designed so that they can handle the largest and smallest ships visiting the port. Also, the
berths should be located where the significant wave heights under operational conditions do not exceed
0.5 m.

Dredged Depths

The dredged depths required in various parts of the harbour area are based on the design vessel sizes
and calculated as Approach Channel: – 19.8m CD, Turning Basin: -19.0m CD and Berth Pockets: -18.2m
CD, as per the Preliminary Engineering Design Plan.

Reclamation

In view of the container handling practices the backup area should ideally be located immediately behind
the berths for operational efficiency. Based on the project annual throughput of the terminal the
requirement of the backup area has been arrived at. Based on the layout of the harbour and arrangement
of the berths, the backup space shall be created either through site grading or through reclamation. The
limit for land reclamation shall be determined through an initial economic assessment of the cut and fills
balance of material, ease of dredging and environmental considerations rather than a requirement to
provide additional site area.

Facilities Requirements for the Purpose of Layout Development

The following facilities are envisaged for the proposed container Transshipment port in the master plan
stage:

• Breakwaters of suitable length and orientation would be required to provide round the year
tranquillity in the harbour with significant wave heights not exceeding 0.5 m under normal wave
conditions.
• The entire length of breakwater would be constructed at Phase 1.
• Capital dredging approximately 17.7 million cum in total & 6.4 million cum in Phase 1.
• A navigational channel in natural water depths and a turning circle of 800 m diameter.
• Reclamation of about 32.2 million cum (227 hectare) in total & 13.7 million cum (102 hectare) in
Phase 1 respectively to develop the backup area.
• Total berth length of about 6.07 km in total & 2.42 km in Phase 1 for handling container vessels
• One Material offloading Berth with provision for fuel handling
• One harbour crafts jetty though in the initial stages they would be handled at container berths.
• RMQCs on berths, RTGs in container yard and another container handling Equipment.

Back up area development consisting of container yard and other allied infrastructure facilities like
administration building, operations building, workshops, substation, fuel depot, ancillary buildings will be
developed. Water supply including Desalination plant, firefighting system, drainage, sewerage system
including STP, Power Supply and distribution system including diesel generators shall also be developed.

Approach Channel

The approach channel is proposed to be 300 m wide to cater to the design ship size with beam of 61.5
m. As the 20 m contour is very close to the shoreline, the channel length is in natural water depths to
cater for vessels proposed. The channel is oriented NNE.

Breakwaters

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The breakwaters are printed so as to prevent the direct attack of the waves to the harbour area. The
breakwaters are shore connected with a length of 3.90 km. The east & west breakwater extends till the
20 m & 25 m contour respectively. Both the breakwaters are envisaged to be rubble mound and shall be
constructed using marine mode.

Berths

For operational reasons it is preferable to have the berth contiguous to the backup area. Depending upon
the construction methodology of the reclamation, time frame and costs, the berths shall be built using
piles or sheet pile walls or block work. The berths shall be provided with the fixtures like fenders, bollards,
crane rails, storm anchors, safety ladders, mooring hooks, utility ducts etc. The number of berths to be
provided depends upon the Berth capacity (measured in twenty-foot equivalent units or TEU) which is
dependent upon many factors as given below:

• Design Vessel Sizes – Mainline vessels as well as Feeder vessels

• TEUs exchange per Vessel Call – Higher TEUs exchange per vessel increases the berth capacity
• Dock Cranes Assigned per Vessel – 5 to 6 in case of mainline vessels Vs 3 to 4 in case of feeder
vessels per Dock Crane - Depends on the crane capacity of moving Boxes per hour. It also
increases in case more 40’ units are to be handled and ability of twin lifting (moving two
containers at a time)
• Maximum Practical Berth Utilization – Ideally 50% for up to 3 berths but can go up to for 60% to
65% in case of higher number of berths
• Operational Time - Modern terminals operate 24 hours per day
• Unproductive Time at Berth – Shall be limited to 2 hours per day

In view of the above, the berth capacity to handle the mainline vessels would be different than
that in the case of feeder vessels. In case of the proposed container Transshipment terminal envisaged
the share of containers to be handled by mainline and feeder vessels will be 50% each. Accordingly, it is
calculated that total berth length of about 2.42 km in phase 1 and 6.07 km in master plan The berths are
proposed in such a manner so as to enable getting higher berthing length within the limited area. The
ships shall be berthed in respective basins. The area created between the respective basins shall be
used for transit storage of containers.

Capital Dredging

The total quantity of capital dredging for the development of port is about 6.4 million cum in Phase 1 and
17.7 million cum in Master Plan Phase. Based on assessment of the site investigation information, the
material to be dredged will be mainly silty sand and silty sandy clay. From the available boreholes data,
soft rock is observed in the deeper layers and therefore the involvement of rock dredging would be
minimal in the chosen layout. It is estimated that only part of the dredged material shall be suitable for
reclamation (only 50%). The unsuitable material shall be disposed at an identified offshore location in
about 40 m contour as per dredging guidelines.

Back Area Development

It is estimated that about 13.7 Mcum & 32.2 Mcum of material would be required to develop the backup
area for storage of containers and other onshore infrastructure in Phase 1 & Master Plan Phase
development respectively. Part of it shall be obtained from the dredged material and the balance
requirement shall be met through the borrowed fill, either through hill cutting nearby or brought from

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distant locations through the barges/ships. The ground improvement would be carried out by suitable
means to enable the back area to take the loads of containers and yard equipment.

Reclamation and Site Grading

To develop the backup area container parking yard, port buildings, workshops, utility buildings etc.,
reclamation as well as site grading would be needed.

Aids to Navigation

For Phase -1, the port shall be equipped with navigational aids as below:
• 5 Tugs of 50 T bollard pull capacity, including1 standby
• 2 Pilot cum Survey Launches
• 2 Mooring Launches
• Channel marking buoys
• Manoeuvring area buoys
• Leading & transit lights
• Breakwater Beacon Lights
• Berth lights
• Racon
• VTMS

Power Requirement and Source

The estimated power requirements for the port in phase -1 stage and Master plan stage is about 13 MW
& 45 MW respectively. The same would be sourced from either single or combination of gas/solar/hydro
power plant. For the initial phase it is proposed to source the power through diesel gensets and
subsequently a gas based captive power plant shall be built as part of the overall development plan of
the Nicobar Island.

Water Requirement and Source

A water demand of 0.4 MLD & 1.7 MLD is estimated in phase -1 stage and Master plan stage respectively.
The same will be sourced from the surface water and sea water. A desalination plant will be provided in
case water is sourced from sea.

Waste Management

Wastewater from WC, urinals, etc will be collected separately through soil pipes, and discharged directly
into the sewerage pipeline system, while wastes from wash basins, showers, kitchens will be collected
separately to the nearest manhole, through gully trap / grease trap. Sewage will flow by gravity through
external sewer lines up to the last manhole and sump, from where it will be pumped to the Sewage
Treatment Plant (STP) of capacity 70 KLD during Phase-1, for treatment and recycling. The treated water
from STP will be used for green belt. ETP is envisaged for treatment of solid waste generated during the
washing of equipment. The capacity & detailed assessment of the ETP shall be studied in detail at the
later stage of project study.

Fire Safety

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A zonal fire detection and alarm system for all buildings covering substations, control rooms, workshops,
etc, are planned to be installed. The type of fire detectors planned would include smoke detectors, UV
detectors, rate of heat rise detectors, etc. The system shall be complete with manual call points, break
glass stations, sirens and zonal and central fire alarm panels. Fire extinguishers appropriate to the
location are also planned.

Container Yard

The size of the container yard dependent on following factors:

• Mean Dwell Time: The number of days a container sits inside the container terminal (dwell),
which significantly varies for Transshipment (usually 2 to 3 days) vs. the gateway traffic (varies
from 3 to 7 days). In the present case a value of 3 have been considered on conservative side.
• TGS Capacity: Represents the static storage capacity in terms of total number of twenty feet
ground slots (TGS) or net acres available to store those containers inside the container yard per
hectare.
• Mean Storage Height: A mean storage height is calculated which considers the peak stacking
height of the machine and various utilization factors than can be applied. It is proposed to stack
containers 5 high for planning purposes.
• Seasonal Peaking Factor: It is assumed that a peak demand of container yard will be 25% higher
than the average demand.
• Capacity of the Handling Equipment (RTGs): Depends on the crane capacity of moving Boxes
per hour.

Basis above it is estimated that container yard area of 42.8 Ha in phase 1 and 160 Ha in master plan
would be required.

Equipment

• The following equipment are envisaged in the proposed container terminal:

• Rail Mounted Quay Cranes (RMQCs) on berths
• Rubber Tyres Gantry Cranes (RTGs) in container yard
• Internal Transfer Vehicles (ITVs)
• Other container handling equipment like Reach stackers, Forklifts

Details of Alternative Sites

Following four alternative sites were examined as proposed by AECOM for the development of the port
facility for selection of the most suitable site based on the multicriteria analysis.

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• Alternative Site 1 – Galathea Bay
• Alternative Site 2 – Casuarina Bay
• Alternative Site 3 – Anderson Bay
• Alternative Site 4 – Pemayya Bay

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B. Airport (4,000 Peak hour passenger, Code C with future capability of Code E/F))

Great Nicobar Island International Airport (GNIIA) has been decided to be developed as an International
Airport in Great Nicobar, Nicobar Islands of India. In the initial stage (Phase-I), the airstrip will be
developed to cater for operation of Airbus A-380 type of aircraft in all weather conditions having peak
hour passenger’s capacity of 2000 PHP for Phase I & 4000 PHP for Phase II. This will involve construction
of new runway with all allied facilities like terminal building, Apron, Taxi Track, Shoulder boundary wall,
perimeter roads, parking facilities, ATC, Fire Station, Technical block, electric substation etc.

The proposed project is development of International Airport spread over an area of 7.95 Sqkm
(for air side, Land Side, approach road & a defence apron). The proposed project falls in Category 7(a)
of the Schedule vide EIA notification 2006 amended to date involving preparation of Environment Impact
Assessment study and Environmen Management Plan.

Description of the Proposed Project

Development of Great Nicobar Island airport shall be taken broadly in 2 Phases. Airport will be developed
for IFR operation of Airbus A-380 in Phase-1 all weather conditions and will involve the following activities.

Civil Works: The airside civil works are

• Runway having 3000x75 m length (extendable to 4000 m for future development), Basic Strip
280m, RESA 2x240x150, Runway Overrun 2x60x60.
• Taxiway having 4800x45m, (including shoulders)
• An apron to accommodate 4 no. wide body aircrafts (like Airbus A-380/ Boeing 747) and 28
narrow body aircrafts (like Airbus-320 etc.) having an area 2,52,800 sqm has been proposed to
be constructed in first phase.
• Category 9 level of protection, minimum 3 No. of Crash Fire Tender is required to be provided.
• RCC framed with filler bricks, boundary wall of height 3m (with 0.60m concertina wire on top) is
proposed.
• Chain link fencing is proposed to be erected to segregate operational area with non-operational
area and the length of the fencing shall be approximately 4,800 m.

Terminal Building

The peak hour traffic for first phase construction i.e. medium horizon period of 16 years (Year 2037) is
2000 Peak Hour Passengers (arrival + departure) considering 24 sqm/passenger a terminal building of
48,000 Sqm is planned to be constructed in first phase. The building shall be extended later on to handle
4000 Peak Hour Passengers (arrival + departure) in year 2047 for long term horizon period of 25 years.
Car parking for adequate peak hour traffic shall also be developed.

Miscellaneous Facilities

Information and mandatory signage, canopies on city as well as on air side, new sub-station and AC plant
room, landscaping and horticulture work, provision of hooter system for access points, provision of
explosive detection system.

Electrical Works & Other Equipment/ Services

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Electric substation building of 6,300 Sqm is proposed to be constructed on city side to house HT and LT
panels, DG set, Transformers, APFC Panel, Bus duct cabling etc. with control office in phase-1. Pump
house and UG sump shall also be developed in phase-1 alongside of the substation for water supplies
to the airport.

Communication, Navigation & Surveillance (CNS) Planning Works

Provision of security system surveillance CCTV, Baggage Scanner, DFMDs, HHMDs, ILS, DVOR-DME,
Flight Information Display, Intelligent building management, energy efficient internal / external lighting,
LED TVs etc.

Miscellaneous Works

• DVOR building, CCR room, Security Watch Tower, Provision of landing 'T'. Signal square area
(9m x 9m) dumbbell, windsock, Establishment of ARP, Water Storage Tank, Pump House,
Sliding doors, fire alarm etc.
• Aeronautical Ground Lighting:
• Sub Station equipment’s along with HT & LT distribution network.
• Area Lighting.
• Building Electrification.
• X-Ray Baggage Scanner.
• Baggage Conveyor.
• Non-illuminated Retro Reflective Sign Boards inside the building.
• X-ray machines, Door Fitted Metal Detectors and Hand-Held Metal Detectors.
• Sliding doors.
• Water Coolers, Hand Driers.
• Flight Information Display System (FID)
• Intelligent building management system
• Close Circuit Surveillance System (CCTV) (IP based)
• Public Address System (IP based)
• Fire Alarm Type (Addressable Type)

Project Magnitude

In the Phase-I (2021-2037), i.e. including the construction period of 5 years, the airstrip will be developed
to cater for operation of Airbus A-380, type of aircraft.

Selection of Site

The primary major factors deciding the site selection for an airport are as under: -
• Open, Longitudinal, fairly level and well drained site.
• Prevailing wind to be facilitating operations.
• Obstructions to Air Navigation.
• Environmental concerns, National Parks, Tribal areas etc
• Earthwork Economics

Based on above parameters three sites were identified which partially met the requirements of
establishing an Airport site.

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 • North Site – Ranganatha Bay
• Central Site – Existing Runway of INS Baaz
• Southern Site- Shastri Nagar

Township and Area Development for 14,960 Ha. The area development and township project will cater
to the needs of integrated development projects and will boost Eco tourism resulting in Socio-economic
growth of local populace. The broad category of land uses proposed in the concept master plan are
Residential, Commentrcial Mixed use, Institutional, eco tourism, coastal tourism, logistics and major part
is reserve for city greens which will preserve the existing green at city level.

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 LANDUSE AREA CHART- GNI

Area Percentage
Land Use Category
(sq.km.) (%)

RESIDENTIAL 16.55 9.97

Residential Mixed-Use 5.76

Residential (Medium Density) 9.81

Residential Low Density 0.99
COMMERCIAL 9.71 5.85
Commercial Mixed-Use 4.52
Commercial Office 0.19
Tourism and Hospitality 5.01
INSTITUTIONAL 6.10 3.67
Institutional Campus 6.10
INDUSTRIAL 0.13 0.08
Industrial 0.13
TRANSPORT 24.01 13.91
Ports and Marine 7.39
Aviation 8.45
Logistics 7.78
UTILITIES 0.57 0.35
Power Plant 0.39
OPEN SPACE 73.0575 46.56
Greens 26.57
Eco-Tourism 41.06
Coastal tourism 9.71
DEFENCE AREA 12.60 7.59
Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) 18.98 11.79
TOTAL 166.10 100.00
ONLY TOWNSHIP AREA 149.60
RECLAMATION AREA 4.21
Reclamation for Airport 1.94
Reclamation for Port 2.27

Power Plant. (405MVA Gas +Diesel) (additional 45 MVA from solar power will be included in total
power generation)

Power or electricity is the most convenient and versatile form of energy. All forms of economic activity,
whether it be agriculture, industry or services rely upon the uninterrupted power supply, as well as it is
the most crucial source of supplying domestic energy requirement. Diesel Generating (DG) sets are the
major source of energy in this Union Territory of A&NI. The primary objective of the power infrastructure
design is to provide good quality, reliable electrical energy without interruptions. System design ensures
the continuity of power supply in the event of outage of any one primary component of the system. Design
of network is in tune with the phasing strategies of the overall master plan. Smart grid connected with
distributed power generation that significantly generates reliable security of supply (SOS) and quality of

35 | P a g e
electric energy shall be presented. This concept is practical and reliable as numerous types of energy
sources become available, such as diesel, solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower as a hybrid case.
For the proposed development at GNI such as industrial, residential and commercial buildings,
mobility, public built spaces and other urban arrangements, the network of energy provision is basic
requirement of these development. Thus, higher level electricity is pre-requisite for better quality of living,
and it is better to plan additional eneration from renewable sources for GNI. An uninterrupted energy
supply will be a key component in increasing the GDP of any cities or island. Handling this urban evolution
is a challenge and we need to address he energy and climate implications it will entail. With power
infrastructure being vastly complex and intense as the channelling of supply goes through various cities,
island, towns and villages it now has become paramount to have technology interference to conventional
system. Usiness and the economy in digital era depend upon reliable and quality power supply. So far,
the focus of the sector was limited to providing uninterrupted power supply to consumers. This was
understandable at the time of deficit when the limited supply of power was available to meet peak demand
and the expectation of end consumers was availability of power supply.
The proposed land use of proposed Project contains development of different sizes. The target
segment proposed will be mainly food and export processing, industrial units. In addition to industries,
there is also provision for residential, commercial, Institutions, airport, port & utility areas as per concept
master plan. Further zones are divided in different blocks. In addition to these blocks, some of the
common services area are also provided such as commercial, Community, Governance, Utility service
Area etc. The Electrical load demand is the basic requirement for Design and Planning of an Electrical
Network. As it has direct bearing on the system. Under assessed load demand results into an inadequate
Electrical System, leading to poor Voltages to the consumers and more losses of energy in the Electrical
Network. Over assessed load demand will require more Capital – returns, as the network will be large for
load demand considerations. More-over under - load running of Electrical equipment has bearing on
losses / efficiency / capital. On the other hand, it is also difficult to have exact load demand for mixed type
of development at planning stage.
Load Norms
For Power demand calculation and selection of voltage level for proposed development, following
references are considered.

• Utility norms / standards / Guidelines

• Past Project Reference
• ECBC (Light Power Method) etc.
• CEA guideline for Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria
Broad Power Demand
Power demand has been assumed for all types of industries, non-industrial buildings (residential,
commercial & Institutional building), industrial amenities and common utilities (water supply, STP, CETP,
street lighting, ICT). Diversity factor (demand factor) has been applied by considering the type of industry,
commercial & residential uildings, operating hours and group of end users. The broad design basis for
the demand factors considered, KVA/Acre value for each type of land use. Since, the total loads shall not
be occurring at the same time, a diversity factor is to be considered for different voltage levels. Based on
upon load norms and as per our past projects’ references, the proposed broad level power demand is
approx. 450 MVA.

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Selection of Voltage Level
In order to handle this huge power, different types of voltage will be the required which s also in line with
the “CEA guideline for Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria” recommendations. Also establishing
the infrastructure with different voltage level can facilitate in integrating with the future upcoming and
planned substations.
Identification of Power Source
Because the entire load is not concentrated in one sector and is distributed over a large area, it is prudent
to identify multiple source points. Existing Generation and ower houses are also considered. Due to the
geographical and topographical peculiarities of these islands, including separation by sea over great
distances, there is no single power grid for all the electrified islands and instead, separate power houses
cater independently to the power requirements of separate Islands. Electricity Department of Andaman
and Nicobar (EDA&N) Islands is responsible for managing the generation sector. Since the islands are
isolated from the mainland of India and are not connected with each other, the generation in the individual
island is managed by standalone generating systems with associated distribution system. Due to the
large distances from mainland, the islands are expected to depend on these isolated systems. The
Electricity Department is operating power generation, transmission and distribution systems & networks
in these islands for providing electric power supply to the general public and various categories of
consumers in different part of these islands. The Electricity Department also functions as a Nodal Agency
for implementing Renewable Energy Programmes and schemes and Integrated Rural Energy
Programmes of the inistry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources in these islands. The power generation
in A&N Islands is through 53 Power Plants in 25 PHs in Nicobar District. Great Nicobar Island has an
installed capacity of approx. 3 MW from 11 DG sets of capacity ranging from 12 kW to 800 kW. Most of
the generation is from Diesel Generation units owned by the EDA&N. Petronet LNG has proposed to
install a 30 MW (expandable to 50 MW) LNG based generation plant in south Andaman Island in recent
future to reduce the consumption of diesel in the island. Some DG sets installed in the islands have either
aged beyond rated life or have high specific fuel consumption. The units at Campbell bay have aged
beyond 30 years.
Power Generation Resources

The power generation plan for the project envisages the solar plants, Gas based plant and some Diesel
generating stations in initial days. For generation capacity addition and power procurement plans is
proposed for energy requirement and power demand. To meet the power demand requirement of Great
Nicobar Island, some broad level sourcing points have been identified for and stated below:

• Diesel Generating power plant.

• Gas Power Plant
• Solar Power plant.
‘Clean and Green Energy Initiatives’ have been taken up in both Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In
addition, LNG-based power plant for 50 MW is being established by NTPC. To reduce the dependency
on diesel for power generation, priority shall be accorded to improvement in energy efficiency. It is
proposed to use of solar power and other non-conventional energy sources (de-dieselization) for
maintaining a clean, green and healthy environment in the islands.
Diesel Gensets shall be used in initial phase of development and shall be about 15% of the total
Demand of 450 MVA. About 10% is planned through solar panels. Balance shall be gas based. Liquefied
natural gas (LNG) has an increasingly role in the global natural gas market. Natural gas is a relatively
clean energy source, which produces much less pollution than coal or oil. During liquefaction process the

37 | P a g e
natural gas volume is reduced by the ratio of 1/600. Through this volume reduction liquefied natural gas
can be transported by ships and stored in storage tanks. In the next step the LNG is pumped to required
pressure and transformed into vapor phase. Vaporized natural gas is transferred into pipeline system. A
high efficiency, natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant might consume about 7000 BTUS of gas to
produce one kilowatt-hour of electricity. Therefore, it would therefore take about 7000 cubic feet of gas
to produce one megawatt-hour. An area of 95 acre is earmarked including space for Diesel Generating
units to be at ingle location. The space allocation also shall have space for Switching station, to a Step
up the voltage level. The plant shall be set-up two parallel trains in a phase manner. To start with the
power plant in its first phase of implementation would be further augmented, integrated and optimized in
the second phase of the project with the installation of the second train.
The stock for dispersion of gas emission shall be installed with a height of about 70 to 80 mtrs.
The common facilities such as the important utilities and auxiliary services for plant operation would
include the following:

• Adequate quality of raw matter, it’s treatment & distribution system.

• Cooling water for removing the excessive heat from the gases.
• De-mineralized (DM) water for steam generation.
• Effluent treatment plant.
• Centralized control room and sub-station.
• Storage tanks for liquid fuel.
• LNG receiving and metering station etc.
The two / three level steam turbine shall be accompanied with suitable control system on the inlet
pressure of steam to take care of the variation in load and frequency of the power generator. The gas
turbine will be equipped with a suitable gas burner system with low emission of the oxides of nitrogen
and carbon monoxide to conform to permissible norms. The air for combustion shall be supplied by a
suitable intake fan and turbine exhaust gas. The plant shall be operated from centralized control room
through suitable DCS / PCS system under a professional supervision on data acquisition, energy
management and monitoring system to ensure high efficiency and reliable operation of the power plant.
Three alternative sites were examined for the proposed LNG power plant. The alternative sites are
Option 1-Near Campbell bay, Option 2-Near Shastry Nagar and Option 3-Near port.

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Three alternative locations for Power Plant

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Tentative Layout Plan of Power Plant

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 7. PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ON LIKELIHOOD IMPACTS

Based on the description of the proposed holistic developmental activities such as Port, Airport, Township
and Power Plant and area of forest cover to be utilized, the preliminary assessment has been made as
per the criteria given in the EIA manual of Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.

Evaluation of environmental characteristics of the project location

The preliminary evaluation of the environmental characteristics within the 10 km radius of the proposed
project site has been made and given in the table 1.

Table 1: Evaluation of the environmental characteristics in the proposed project site

(as per MoEFCC criteria)

Sl. No. Environmental characters within 10 Evaluation Remark

km radius of the project site Criteria
1. Is there a national park, sanctuary, Yes Buffer Zone and Core Zone-II of
biosphere reserve or reserved forest in the Great Nicobar Biosphere
the area? Reserve is located about 1.0 km
and 2.0.km respectively away
from the proposed project site.
Apart from that Galathea wildlife
sanctuary is situated just within a
km away from the site.

2. Are any coral reefs in the area? Yes Coral reef exists in the proposed
site for Transshipment / Port

3. Are there mangroves/seagrass beds in Yes Mangrove patches are existing in

the area? the Galathea riverine region.

4. Are there significant areas of Yes Turtle nesting ground is existing

breeding/spawning grounds in the in the Galathea beach.
vicinity?
5. Does the area form a part of migratory Nil No migratory birds could be
route or nesting grounds for aquatic and noticed in the project area during
avifauna? the surveys.

6. Are there endangered species in the Yes The reticulated Python, Wild Pig,
area? Crab eating Macaque, Nicobar
Megapode, Salt Water Crocodile
and Nicobar Tree Shrew are
inhabiting in the adjoining areas.

7. Does the area have religious, historic No

places, archaeological monument sites
etc.

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 8. Does the project require land acquisition Yes For the proposed Airport and
and resettlement? Township, land acquisition and
resettlement envisaged
9. Is there any defence installation in the Yes There is defence installation
area?

10. Are there rivers/ streams/ seas/ Yes The proposed alignment is
estuary? nearer to Andaman Sea and
Galathea river

11. Does the project satisfy CRZ criteria No The proposed site is falling under
CRZ

12. Is there a lake, reservoir or dam? No

13. Are the project situated in a seismically Yes The project site falls under the
active zone? seismic zone category–V
according to IS: 1893-1998

Other significant environmental factors

Other significant environmental factors pertaining to the proposed project site is given below.

Sl. Description Distance (km)

No.
1. Wetlands : Nil

2. Lagoons : Nil

3. Fisheries : Limited fishing activity near the proposed project sites

4. Agriculture Crops/Commercial : Coconut and arcanut plantations have been practiced

Crops/Plantation near Shastri Nagar area. There are seasonal paddy
cultivation also.

5. Natural vegetation/Forest type : The proposed project stie is fall under the Tropical
Rainforest Zone and located in the Andaman evergreen
forest.

6. Grasslands : Nil

7. Endangered species of flora and : Available (Details given in the baseline study data of the
fauna report)

8. Endemic species of flora and : Available (Details given in the baseline study data of the
fauna report)

9. Habitat for migratory birds : Nil

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 10. National Park/wildlife sanctuary : Galathea Wildlife Sanctuary covering an area of 11.44
sq.km has been denotified vide Gazette Notification of
A&N, dated 25th January 2021 and Galathea National
Park and the Campbell Bay National Park are located
within 2 km radius from the proposed project site.

11. Tiger/Elephant reserve : Nil

12. Core zone of the Biosphere Core Zone-II of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve is
Reserve 2.0 km away from the proposed project site

Socio-economic environment

The socio-economic environment of the proposed project site and its adjoining areas has been evaluated
and given in table 2.

Table 2: Assessment of socio-economic environment in the project site

Sl. Parameter Aerial distance from the periphery of project site

No. Upto 0.5km Upto 5.0km Surrounding
villages
1. Population Nil Gandhi Nagar – ~ Vijaynagar – ~ 10
500 Laxmi Nagar ~ 25
Sastrinagar – ~ 300
2. No. of Houses Nil Old houses- ~ Permanent
170(GN)/ ~ 70(SN) Shelters - ~ 70
3. Occupation Nil Agriculture Agriculture

Assessment of the project environment

The environment in the proposed project has been assessed based on the preliminary surveys on the
project sites and its adjoining areas and the details are given in table 3.

Table 3: Assessment of the environment in the proposed project site

Sl. Parameters Assessment

No.
1. Air pollutant sources Presently no source of air-pollution is noticed.
However, very limited vehicular traffic up to
Shastri Nagar is the only source of pollutant in
the present scenario.

2. Air quality Pristine as the area is the tropical rain forest and
totally devoid of industries.

3. Receptors of impact (if any) Vehicular traffic and construction activities in

the proposed site subjected to impact on the
habitats of birds, mammals of forests and
leatherback turtles and crocodiles in the aquatic
habitat.

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 4. Water bodies and sources of water supply Four perennial water bodies existing apart from
several seasonal streams.

5. General water quality Quality of water is good in the streams.

6. Wastewater/effluent discharge sources, There is no effluent disposal system existed at

disposal methods/location of disposal present.

7. General aesthetics Pristine

8. Land use at the proposed project site Coconut and arcanut plantations are practiced
in the plain area of Shastri Nagar.

9. Landscape and terrain The proposed projects located in the hilly and
foothill plains

10. Critical habitats Critical habitat for turtle nesting

11. Noise sources Presently the source for noise is because of
vehicular movement upto Galathea Bay

Likelihood impacts

Considering the environment, the likelihood impact of the proposed project is elucidated by assessing
various factors based on the project activities in construction phase and operational phase (Tables 4 &
5).
Table 4: Overview of likelihood impact due to the proposed project

Activities Environmental Parameters

Air Nois Land Water Sediment Ecology Socio-economy
e
Construction Phase
Construction of airport, √ √ √ √ √ √ √ (Beneficial)
township and power
plant by clearing forest

Construction of √ √ √ √ √ √ √ (Beneficial)
bridges, culverts,
retaining walls and
drainage canals

Operational Phase
On completion of the √ √ √ √ √ √ √
project the facilities will (Beneficial)
be opened for public
utility and
transshipment

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As per the preliminary evaluation of the project activities, it is inferred that during construction phase the
quality of air, land, noise level, water and ecology are likely to get affected due to the operation of vehicles,
pull dozers, laying roads and tarmac, buildings and power plant. Whereas in operational phase air and
noise qualities are likely to have an impact due to movement of the vehicles, flight operation and port
activities, while, the positive impact is expected for socio-economy by easy accessing the nearby villages
and scope for basic amenities like health, education, communication and other community facilities
including employment opportunities.

Table 5: Preliminary evaluation of impact characteristics

Activity Parameter Component Cause Nature and Level of

duration of Significance
Impact
Constructio Air SPM, SOx, Emission caused by Short-term,
Material
n Phase NOx vehicles, construction Negative
may be
equipment, generation andproperly
Deforestatio of dust particle while Reversible
covered in
n, transporting sand, on order to
transportatio cement, coarse gravel completion
prevent
n of in trucks of dust the
construction project
generation
material, while
laying transportati
tarmac, on and
construction water spray
of port, may be
buildings and applied for
power plant the
suppression
of dust.
(Low level
significance
)
Noise Noise Level Generated through the Short-term, It may
vehicles, and Negative, disturb the
operation of Reversible birds,
equipment monkeys as
they are
sensitive for
noise
pollution.
(Low level
of
significance
)
Land Ecology Land use and Land used pattern will Long-term, Alternative
forest cover be altered by removal Negative, site may be
of forest cover Irreversible considered
for
aforestation

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 . (Medium
level of
significance
)
Hydrodynamic Flow pattern Construction of Positive Regulates
s bridges and culverts impact for the water
Long-term flow and
prevent the
landslide
Operational Air SPM, SOx, Emission through Long-term Emission
Phase NOx transient vehicles and Irreversible may be
shiips regulated
On as per
completion of permissible
road level of
CPCB (Low
level of
significance
)
Noise Noise level Generated through Long-term Emission
transient vehicle, ships Irreversible may be
and aircrafts regulated
as per
permissible
level of
CPCB
norms (Low
level of
significance
)
Socio- National Easy approach to the Long-term, Positive
economics Security, villages, making Irreversible impact for
Transportatio defence the people,
n, establishments, and defence
Management effective conservation personnel,
of Biosphere of biosphere reserve and
Reserve, by forest department patrolling of
Employment national
opportunity, park and
and Tourism biosphere
reserve
Ecology Removal of May affect the Long-term, Aforestation
Forest Area biodiversity in the area Irreversible shall
maintain the
forest
ecology

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Evaluation of alternatives

Based on the reconnaissance survey and the project requirement evaluation, it is observed that the
negative impact of the proposed project is negligible except the deforestation and dredging for port
activities. However, no alternatives could be achieved in view of the following reasons.

1. The project area is located in Great Nicobar Island and about 85% of the Island designated as
Biosphere reserve which composed by Campbell Bay and Galathea National Parks. Few patches
of revenue lands are located only in the coastal areas which are not suitable for laying road as
they prone for tidal waves and located in low lying areas.

2. The holistic developmental activities are pre-requisite for the overall development of Andaman
and Nicobar Islands and to provide an employment opportunity and revenue generation. .

3. Being the close proximity with neighbouring countries, the proposed facilities is very essential for
defence purpose as well as strategic significance.

Outcome of the project

1. The proposed projects will enhance the socio economy status of the native people by providing
basis services, world class social infrastructure including health, education, community and
support services, employment opportunities and enhancing the GDP by transshipment and
tourism.
2. locational advantage of the islands are their close proximity to international tourist island
destinations
3. The development is also significant from the point of view of national security.
4. Geopolitical importance due to its role as a transit zone for the important world’s trade routes and
its narrow points of access are easy to control and India’s presence in the Great Nicobar Island
will demonstrated its strong position

5. The proposed project is away from Core and Buffer Zones of the Great Nicobar Biosphere
Reserve

6. There are no issues for the acquisition of private land for the project purpose

7. No impact from the construction workers on the forest area due to their temporary shelters. Their
shelters may be made at either Gandhi Nagar or Shastri Nagar.

8. There shall be short-term impacts on the air-quality during the construction phase.

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 8. BASELINE STUDY

The baseline data such as physio-chemical and biological characteristics were collected by conducting
surveys in the proposed project area and its adjoining areas in Great Nicobar Island. The literature survey
on the faunal and floral components of Great Nicobar Island has also been made. The intertidal and
marine surveys were conducted along the proposed project areas from Campbell Bay to Indira Point in
order to get the comparative analysis. The baseline study was conducted during March 2021. The data
collected through several surveys conducted in Great Nicobar Island for past five years by Zoological
Survey of India also utilized for this study.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Literatures pertaining to the fauna of Nicobar Island alone are very few. The following gives an account
of what could be gathered. The first report available on fauna of Andaman Nicobar Islands is of Blyth, as
early as 1846, on the collections by Mr. Barbe and Capt. Lewis; he reported on the Crab eating Macaque
(Macaca fascicularis umbrosa) from Nicobar Islands. Great Nicobar is one of the three islands in the
Nicobar group this macaque is found. In 1858, Novara Expedition team reported the Nicobar Tree Shrew
(Tupaia nicobarica) for the first time from Nicobar Islands and In Great Nicobar it was found to be very
abundant (Tikader & Das, 1985). Later a subspecies of Tree Shrew was recognized by Miller in 1902
from Great Nicobar (Tupaia nicobarica nicobarica). Blyth, (1893) described Nicobar wild pig Sus scrufa
nicobaricus. Miller 1902 noted from Dr.Abbot (his letter dated April 23, 1901 to Miller) that Nicobar wild
pig S. scrufa nicobaricus endemic to Nicobars was originally Sus cristatus of the mainland. Smith (1930)
wrote about Andaman and Nicobar fauna that Andaman contains an impoverished Burmese fauna; that
of Nicobar approximates to the Sumatran type. However, his views did not support the data developed
later. Abdulali, 1964, observed that Avifaunal affinities seem closer to India than to Burma and Malay.
Chaturvedi (1980) noted that the exotic species of mammals of these islands had maximum faunal affinity
towards India. Abdulali (1967) described the birds of Nicobar group of Islands, and in 1981 described
birds of Great and Car Nicobar islands. Daniel and Premkumar (1968) reported a hermit crab Birgus latro,
popularly known as the Robber Crab from Great Nicobar Island. The coloration is deep blue in these
islands which are different from the predominantly yellowish color in other regions of the Pacific and
Indian oceans.

Menon and Talwar (1972) recorded fishes from the rivers of Great Nicobar Island: 3 species were
recorded from Galathea river, 2 from Alexandra, 15 species from Dogamar and 4 species from Jubilee
River. The same authors also recorded the Gobid fish Ophiocara aporas from the fresh water pools of
Great Nicobar. In 1973 Tiwari and Biswas, described Tiwari’s Garden Lizard, Calotes danieli, from Great
Nicobar Island. Biswas & Sanyal (1977a) described their reptilia collection from Great Nicobar Island,
based on an expedition in 1966. Avifaunal reports for these islands are made by Hume in a series of
articles published in `Stray Feathers, in 1874a, b, and 1876. Saha and Dasgupta (1980) reported the
Malayan Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela malayensis (Swann), in the Great Nicobar Island, and also
described the occurrence of other Indian avifauna in this Island (occur in the Great Nicobar Island). The
avifauna has also been described by Sankaran (1995a). The author described about the Nicobar
Megapode and other endiemic avifauna of the Nicobar Islands. Khatri & Chandra (1995) described the
butterflies of the Great Nicobar Island. Daniels and David, 1996 and Daniels et al., 1997 studied the
hepetofauna of this island. Das (1999) observed that herpetofauna diversity is the largest in Great Nicobar
Island among the Andaman Nicobar group of Islands.

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 Andrews et. al. (2001) observes Great Nicobar Islands having one of the World’s largest nesting
population of leatherback turtles on the island’s beaches. Chandra (2001) provided a list of fauna of the
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve as per the existing records. There are also listings, survey records,
review accounts available, but presented in a combined format covering the entire Andaman and Nicobar
group of Islands. Some of which are mentioned below. Record of the entomology in these islands was
made by several workers. Roonwal and Bose (1970), and Bose (1980) recorded 40 species of Termites,
Sen (1980), Ghosh (1980) Chhotani et al (1983) reported the occurrence of 29 species of Thrips
(Thysanoptera), 11 species of Neuroptera and 34 species of odonata. Chandra (1993, 1994, 1996, 1997),
reported on the moth fauna Andaman Nicobar Islands, and Khatri (1988a, 1988b, 1989; 1991a, 1991b;
1992 reported on the butterflies of these islands. Tikader (1977) reported 58 species of spiders from
these islands of which 26 are endemic. Tikader & Das (1985) wrote about the diversity, distribution &
endemism of fauna in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. An individual account of Mammals, Birds, Reptiles
(Turtles, Crocodile, Snakes, Lizards), Amphibia, Fishes, Snails, Slugs, Mussels, Insects, Spiders and
Scorpions, Centipedes and Millipedes, Earthworms, leeches, and brief account of Sea-shore and coral
reef fauna are presented in the book by these authors. Tikader (1984) gives a comprehensive account,
form diverse sources of scattered information, of avifauna of Andaman and Nicobar islands, which
describes 242 species and subspecies, with a historical review of the works of Avifauna known until then.
The latest study available on birds of Andaman Nicobar Islands is of Sankaran (1993, 1995a, b, 1996,
1998). Herpetofauna has been studied to some extent in these islands: The reports available are those
of Biswas & Sanyal, 1977a; 1977b; Das (1994, 1997a, b, c; 1998; 1999; 2000); Andrews, 1999, 2001;
Andrews et al., 2001, 2002; Andrews and Krishnan, 2001; Andrews and Sanker, 2002; Vijayakumar
(2003a, b).

METHODOLOGY

Marine Ecosystem

Physico-chemical and Biological Parameters

Environmental parameter data such as temperature, salinity, pH etc. has been obtained by measuring
collected water using Multiparameter. Sample water for DO (dissolved oxygen), salinity, nutrients and
chlorophyll has been collected using Niskin sampler. Water samples collected have been analyzed for
nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate with a spectrophotometer. Water samples will be collected from
various depths as well as from intertidal site. For chlorophyll a, two liters of water from each depth has
been filtered through GF/F filter papers (pore size 0.7 µm), with the addition of one or two drops of
magnesium carbonate solution. The filter paper has been extracted with 10 ml of 90% acetone and been
analysed spectrophotometrically (Perkin–Elmer UV/Vis) at wavelengths of 664, 647 & 630 nm. Total
column chlorophyll a (mg m-2) has been calculated by integrating the values across all depths. Water
samples (10 L) for phytoplankton and microzooplankton was collected by Niskin sampler, from discrete
depths. For marine collection of phytoplankton and microzooplankton, 10L of water sample was pre-
filtered through a 200 μm bolting silk. For intertidal collection of phytoplankton and microzooplankton, 30L
of water sample was pre-filtered through a 200 μm bolting silk. The filtrate was collected carefully into
polythene bottles. Mesozooplankton were collected with a Bongo net of 60cm mouth area and mesh size
200 μm. On return to shore, zooplankton abundances were estimated by counting all the individuals
present in the sample or in aliquots. Species identification was done using available literature.

Intertidal and subtidal macro and meio benthos

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The intertidal and subtidal macrobenthos in the study area are estimated during low tide by quadrate
method. In order to study the meio-benthos, sediment samples were collected by plastic core and sieved
through 63µ mesh. The results were expressed for no. of organisms/m2 area.

Corals
Assessment of coral reef cover, species distribution, diversity and status

The coral reef diversity and status survey were carried out in 100m × 100m Permanent Monitoring Plots
using Manta Tow Survey in shallow reef areas and deeper parts were surveyed by SCUBA diving. The
corals were videographed /photographed for species level identification and their distribution fixed by
handheld Global Positioning System.

Assessment of coral reef health

The species-wise assessment of live corals within the Monitoring Plots has been done by randomly laying
out 20m long Line Intercept Transects (LITs) covering various zones in shallow- upto 6 m, medium- 6-
15m and deeper reef-16-30m (English et al., 1994). In total, 5 LITs were laid in each Monitoring Plot (n =
50 covering 1000m length of coral reefs).

Monitoring of coral reefs for recruitment and growth

Permanent quadrants of 1m × 1m size were laid to monitor the biology, growth, mortality and recruitment
of corals in randomly selected locations in shallow parts of the reef within the Monitoring Plots. Two
localities were selected on the reef flat area of each station where the representative of different growth
forms such as massive, branching, foliose, encrusting and sub-massive corals are available. The
permanent quadrants will be deployed at a depth of 3-5 meter following the methodology of English et.
al. (1994). Monitoring of these quadrants (n=20, 20 sq. m) is being done at regular interval during the
project period.

(1) HYDROGRAPHICAL PARAMETERS

a) Nutrients: Along the intertidal stations of the coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island, Station GB
1 (Galathea beach) witnessed the highest concentration of silicate (3.567 µg/ml) while station
RB 1 (Rajiv Nagar Beach) had the least silicate concentration (2.131µg/ml). Ammonia
concentration was maximum (1.736 µg/ml) at CB1 (Campbell Bay) and minimum at GB 2 (0.485
µg/ml). Phosphate concentration was almost constant in all the stations, ranging between 0.363
µg/ml at CB 3 to 0.726 µg/ml at CB 2. Nitrite concentration also showed a similar trend like
phosphate, with highest concentration recorded at RB 1 (0.392 µg/ml) and least at JB 2 (Joginder
Nagar Beach) (0.115 µg/ml) (Fig. 2).

50 | P a g e
 4
3.5
Nutrient concentration (µg/ml)

3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
CB1 CB2 CB3 JB1 JB2 LB1 RB1 RB2 GB1 GB2
Stations

Nitrite (µg/ml) Silicate (µg/ml) Phosphate (µg/ml) Ammonia (µg/ml)

Fig. 2: Nutrient concentration in the intertidal stations along the coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island

Along the marine stations of the coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island, silicate concentration
was maximum at GB 3 (3.25 µg/ml) and least at LB 2 (Lakshman Beach) (1.938 µg/ml). Ammonia
concentration was opposite to silicate, with maximum at LB 2 (0.903 µg/ml) and minimum at GB 3 (0.51
µg/ml). Nitrite and phosphate concentration in the marine stations were almost constant. The nitrite
concentration ranged from 0.217-0.25 µg/ml and phosphate ranged from 0.361-0.474 µg/ml (Fig. 3).
3.5
3
2.5
Nutrients (µg/ml)

2
1.5
1
0.5
0
LB2 LB3 GB3
Stations

Nitrite (µg/ml) Silicate (µg/ml) Phosphate (µg/ml) Ammonia (µg/ml)

Fig. 3: Nutrient concentration in the marine stations along the coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island

Among the intertidal stations, highest sea surface temperature (SST) (°C) was recorded at RB 1
and GB 1 stations (33.2 °C) and minimum at JB 1 and LB 1 stations (28.6 °C). Sea surface salinity (SSS)
was lowest at GB 1 (29 psu) and highest at JB 2 (35 psu) (Fig. 4).

51 | P a g e
 34 40

Sea Surface Temperature (°C) 33 35

32 30
31 25

Salinity (psu)
30 20
29 15
28 10
27 5
26 0
CB1 CB2 CB3 JB1 JB2 LB1 RB1 RB2 GB1 GB2
Stations

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) (°C) Salinity (psu)

Fig. 4: Sea surface temperature and salinity along the intertidal stations of the coastal waters of Great
Nicobar Island

Along the marine waters of the coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island, SST was maximum at LB
2 (29.2 °C) and minimum at GB 3 (28.7 °C). Salinity was maximum at GB3 (30.5 psu) and showed equal
value at LB 2 and LB 3 (30 psu) (Fig. 5).

29.3 30.6
Sea Surface Temperature (°C)

29.2 30.5
29.1 30.4
29 30.3

Salinity (psu)
28.9 30.2
28.8 30.1
28.7 30
28.6 29.9
28.5 29.8
28.4 29.7
LB2 LB3 GB3

Stations
Sea Surface Temperature (°C) Salinity (psu)
Fig.5: Sea surface temperature and salinity along the marine stations of the coastal waters of Great
Nicobar Island

Dissolved oxygen concentration among the intertidal stations was highest at RB 1 (9.48 ml/l) and
minimum at GB 2 (1.8 ml/l). Chlorophyll a ranged from a minimum value of 0.268mg/m³ at CB 2 to a
maximum value of 4.82 mg/m³ at GB 2 (Fig. 6).

52 | P a g e
 10 6

8 5
Dissolved Oxygen (ml/l)
4

Chl a (mg/m³)
6
3
4
2
2 1

0 0
CB1 CB2 CB3 JB1 JB2 LB1 RB1 RB2 GB1 GB2
Stations
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (ml/l) Chl a (mg/m³)
Fig.6: Dissolved oxygen and Chlorophyll a concentration along the intertidal stations of the coastal
waters of Great Nicobar Island

Along the marine waters, dissolved oxygen concentration was highest at LB 2 (9.94 ml/l) and
minimum at LB 3 (5.87 ml/l). Chlorophyll a concentration was lowest at LB 2 (0.275 mg/m³) and highest
at GB 3 (1.95 mg/m³) (Fig. 7).
12 2.5

10
Dissolved Oxygen (ml/l)

2
8

Chl a (mg/m³)
1.5
6
1
4

2 0.5

0 0
LB2 LB3 GB3
Stations

Dissolved Oxygen (ml/l) Chl a (mg/m³)

Fig.7: Dissolved oxygen and Chlorophyll a concentration along the marine stations of the coastal
waters of Great Nicobar Island

Abundance and Diversity of Phytoplankton Samples

The average phytoplankton abundance in the intertidal waters of sampling stations of Great Nicobar
Island is about 16585 no./L (no. of organisms per litre). The maximum phytoplankton abundance of 22800
no./L was observed in the station GB1 IT and minimum at station LB1 IT accounting about 11000 no./L.
The phytoplankton abundance reflects the chlorophyll a concentration in most stations, especially in
regions with high chlorophyll a concentration values (Fig.8).

53 | P a g e
 6 25000

5 20000

No. of Organism/L
4
Chl a mg/m3 15000
3
10000
2

1 5000

0 0
CB1 ITCB2 ITCB3 IT JB1 IT JB2 IT LB1 IT RB1 ITRB2 ITGB1 ITGB2 IT
Stations
Total Abundance Chl a (mg/m³)

Fig.8: Chlorophyll a concentration (mg/m3) and phytoplankton abundance (no. of organisms/m3) along
the intertidal stations of the coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island

The average phytoplankton abundance in the marine waters of sampling stations of Great Nicobar Island
is about 24400 no./L (no. of organisms per litre). The phytoplankton abundance ranges from a maximum
of 34200 no./L in the station GB3 M to a minimum of 15200 no./L at station LB2 IT (Fig.9).

40000 2.5
35000
No. of organism/L

2
30000
Chl a mg/m3

25000 1.5
20000
15000 1
10000
0.5
5000
0 0
LB2 M LB3 M GB3 M
Stations
Total Abundance Chl a (mg/m³)

Fig.9: Chlorophyll a concentration (mg/m3) and phytoplankton abundance (no. of organisms/m3) along
the marine stations of the coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island

The major two groups of phytoplankton observed are diatoms and mixotrophic (photosynthetic)
dinoflagellates. The abundance of diatoms is much higher than the dinoflagellates across all stations,
both intertidal and marine coastal study sites (Fig.10 and Fig.11). This data is supported by the overall
high silicate concentrations in the study area (Fig.2 and Fig.3).

54 | P a g e
 20000
No. of Organism/L

15000

10000

5000

0
CB1 IT CB2 IT CB3 IT JB1 IT JB2 IT LB1 IT RB1 IT RB2 IT GB1 IT GB2 IT
Stations
Diatom Abundance Mixotrophic Dinoflagellata Abundance
Fig. 10: The abundance (no. of organisms/L) of the two phytoplankton groups along the intertidal
stations of the coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island

25000
No. of organisms/L

20000
15000
10000
5000
0
LB2 M LB3 M GB3 M
Stations

Diatom Abundance Mixotrophic Dinoflagellata Abundance

Fig. 11: The abundance (no. of organisms/L) of the two phytoplankton groups along the marine stations
of the coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island

In terms of phytoplankton diversity, station LB M is the most diverse. Mixotrophic dinoflagellate

diversity is high in Lakshman Beach stations, while diatom diversity is high in Galathea Bay stations.
Representative species of phytoplankton have been enlisted in Table 6.

Table 6. Major species of phytoplankton taxa observed in various stations of Great Nicobar Island.

Phytoplankton Species CB JB LB RB GB
Phylum OCHROPHYTA Cavalier-
Smith, 1995
Class BACILLARIOPHYCEAE
Haeckel, 1878
Order ASTEROLAMPRALES
Asterolampra marylandica Ehrenberg, 1844 - + - - -
Round and Crawford
Order BIDDULPHIALES
Biddulphia biddulphiana (J.E.Smith) Boyer, 1900 + + - - +
Krieger, 1954
Biddulphia sinensis Greville, 1866 - - - - +

55 | P a g e
 Trigonium formosum (Brightwell) Cleve, 1867 + - - - -
Order CHAETOCEROTALES
Chaetoceros aequatorialis Cleve, 1873 - - + - -
Round and Crawford
Chaetoceros coarctatus Lauder, 1864 - + + - +
Chaetoceros decipiens Cleve, 1873 - + + + +
Chaetoceros lorenzianus Grunow, 1863 - - + - +
Bacteriastrum delicatulum Cleve, 1897 + - + + -
Order COSCINODISCALES
Coscinodiscus asteromphalus Ehrenberg, 1844 + - + - +
Round & Crawford, 1990
Coscinodiscus granii Gough, 1905 + + + - +
Order FRAGILARIALES Silva,
Asterionella glacialis Castracane, 1886 - - + - +
1962
Asterionella bleakeleyi var. notata Grunow, 1867 - + + - +
Order HEMIAULALES Round &
Hemiaulus sinensis Greville, 1865 - + - - +
Crawford, 1990
Hemiaulus membranaceus Cleve - - + - -
Eucampia striata Stolterfoth, 1879 - + - - -
Order LICMOPHORALES Round,
Licmophora ehrenbergii (Kützing) Grunow, 1867 - - + - +
1990
Licmophora partita Giffen, 1973 - + - - +
Order NAVICULALES Bessey,
Pleurosigma angulatum (Queckett) W.Smith, 1852 - - + - +
1907
Gyrosigma acuminatum (Kützing) Rabenhorst,
+ - + - -
1853
Order RHIZOSOLENIALES Silva,
Proboscia alata (Brightwell) Sundström, 1986 - + - - +
1962
Pseudosolenia calcar-avis (Schultze)
- + + - -
B.G.Sundström, 1986
Rhizosolenia indica H.Peragallo, 1892 - - - - +
Order THALASSIONEMATALES Thalassionema frauenfeldii (Grunow) Tempère &
- - - + +
Round, 1990 Peragallo, 1910
Thalassionema nitzschioides (Grunow)
- - - + +
Mereschkowsky, 1902
Order THALASSIOSIRALES Planktoniella blanda (A.Schmidt) E.E.Syvertsen &
+ - + - -
Glezer & Makarova, 1986 G.R.Hasle, 1993
Planktoniella sol (C.G.Wallich) Schütt, 1892 - - + + +
Thalassiosira eccentrica (Ehrenberg) Cleve, 1904 - + + - +
Order TRICERATIALES Round &
Odontella aurita (Lyngbye) C.Agardh, 1832 + - + - +
Crawford, 1990
Trieres mobiliensis (Bailey) Ashworth &
+ - - + +
E.C.Theriot 2013
Triceratium favus Ehrenberg, 1839 + - - - +
Phylum MYZOZOA Cavalier-
Smith & Chao
Infraphylum DINOFLAGELLATA
Bütschli, 1885
Class DINOPHYCEAE Fritsch,
1927
Order GONYAULACALES Taylor, Ceratium gibberum var. dispar (Pouchet) Sournia
- - - - +
1980 1966
Tripos brevis (Ostenfeld & Johannes Schmidt)
+ + + - -
F.Gómez, 2013

56 | P a g e
 Tripos candelabrus (Pouchet) F.Gómez, 2013 - - + - -
Tripos carriensis (Gourret) F.Gómez, 2013 - - + - -
Tripos contrarius (Gourret) F.Gómez, 2013 - - - - +
Tripos contortus (Gourret) F.Gómez, 2013 - - + - -
Tripos dens (Ostenfeld & Johannes Schmidt)
- - + - +
F.Gómez, 2013
Tripos extensus (Gourret) F.Gómez, 2013 - - + - -
Tripos furca (Ehrenberg) F.Gómez, 2013 - - + + -
Tripos fusus (Ehrenberg) F.Gómez, 2013 - + + - -
Tripos horridus (Cleve) F.Gómez, 2013 - - + - +
Tripos inclinatus (Kofoid) F.Gómez + - - - -
Tripos lineatus (Ehrenberg) F.Gómez, 2013 - - + + -
Tripos massiliensis (Gourret) F.Gómez, 2013 - + + - +
Tripos macroceros (Ehrenberg) F.Gómez, 2013 - - + - +
Tripos muelleri Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1827 - + - - -
Tripos pentagonus (Gourret) F.Gómez, 2013 - - + - -
Tripos saltans (Schröder) F.Gómez, 2013 - - + - -
Tripos schmidtii (Jørgesen) F.Gómez , 2013 - - + - -
Tripos sumatranus (Karsten) F.Gómez, 2013 - - + - +
Tripos trichoceros (Ehrenberg) Gómez, 2013 - - + + +
Tripos vultur (Cleve) F.Gómez, 2013 - - + - +
Gonyaulax polygramma Stein, 1883 - - + - -
Triadinium polyedricum (Pouchet) Dodge, 1981 - + + - +
Pyrophacus horologium Stein, 1883 - - + - -
Order PROROCENTRALES
Prorocentrum lima (Ehrenberg) F.Stein, 1878 - - + - -
Lemmermann, 1910
Order PYROCYSTALES Apstein,
Pyrocystis fusiformis C.W.Thomson, 1876 - - + - +
1909
Pyrocystis hamulus Cleve, 1900 - + + - -
Pyrocystis lunula (Schütt) Schütt, 1896 - - + - -
Pyrocystis pseudonoctiluca Wyville-Thompson,
- - + + +
1876

CB: Campbell Bay, JB: Joginder Nagar, LB: Laxman Beach, RB: Rajiv Nagar Beach, GB: Galathea Bay

“+” Presence
“-” Absence

57 | P a g e
Map of sampling locations

58 | P a g e
Abundance and Diversity of Microzooplankton Samples

The average microzooplankton abundance in the intertidal waters of sampling stations of Great Nicobar
Island is about 27575 no./L (no. of organisms per litre). The maximum microzooplankton abundance of
38200 no./L was observed in the station RB1 IT and minimum at station LB1 IT accounting about 13600
no./L. (Fig.12).

40000
35000
30000
no. of organisms/L

25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
CB1 IT CB2 IT CB3 IT JB1 IT JB2 IT LB1 IT RB1 IT RB2 IT GB1 IT GB2 IT

Stations

Fig.12: The abundance (no. of organisms/L) of microzooplankton along the intertidal stations of the
coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island

The average microzooplankton abundance in the marine waters of sampling stations of Great
Nicobar Island is about 19033 no./L (no. of organisms per litre). The microzooplankton abundance ranges
from a maximum of 20800 no./L in the station GB3 M to a minimum of 16900 no./L at station LB3 IT
(Fig.13).
25000

20000

15000
No. of organisms/L

10000

5000

0
LB2 LB3 GB3 M
Stations

Fig.13: The abundance (no. of organisms/L) of microzooplankton along the marine stations of the
coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island

59 | P a g e
 The major microzooplankton groups recorded from the study area are Ciliophora, heterotrophic
Dinoflagellata, Foraminifera, Radiolaria and larval forms of Copepoda, Decapoda, Bivalva to name a few
(Table 2). In the intertidal stations the larval forms, especially copepod nauplii and bivalve larvae
dominate the numbers, followed by foraminiferans (except in Galathea beach stations, where ciliates are
the dominant group) (Fig. 14).

25000

20000

15000
No. of organisms/L

10000

5000

0
CB1 IT CB2 IT CB3 IT JB1 IT JB2 IT LB1 IT RB1 IT RB2 IT GB1 IT GB2 IT
Stations

Ciliophora Abundance Heterotrophic Dinoflagellata Abundance

Foraminifera Abundance Radiolaria Abundance
Other Microzooplankton Groups Abundance

Fig.14: The abundance (no. of organisms/L) of each microzooplankton group along the intertidal stations of the
coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island

In the marine stations of LB2 and LB3, larval forms are the most abundant group whereas the
ciliates dominate the numbers in station GB3 (Fig. 15)

14000

12000

10000

8000

6000

4000

2000

0
LB2 LB3 GB3 M
Ciliophora Abundance Heterotrophic Dinoflagellata Abundance
Foraminifera Abundance Radiolaria Abundance
Other Microzooplankton Groups Abundance

Fig. 15: The abundance (no. of organisms/L) of each microzooplankton group along the marine stations of the
coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island

60 | P a g e
 In terms of microzooplankton diversity, station LB M is the most diverse, while the least species diversity
has been recorded from station JB IT. Foraminifera and heterotrophic dinoflagellate diversity is high in
Campbell Bay (CB) stations, while ciliate diversity is high in all Lakshman beach (LB) stations.
Representative species of have been enlisted in Table 7.

Table 7. The major species of microzooplankton taxa observed in various stations of Great Nicobar Island

Zooplankton Species CB JB LB RB GB
Phylum CILIOPHORA Doflein, 1901
Subphylum INTRAMACRONUCLEATA
Lynn, 1996
Class OLIGOTRICHEA Bütschli, 1887 Tintinnopsis gracilis (Kofoid & Campbell, 1929) + - - - -
Tintinnopsis radix (Imhof, 1886) - - + - +
Tintinnopsis cylindrica Daday, 1887 - - + - +
Tintinnopsis uruguayensis Balech, 1948 - - - - +
Codonellopsis ostenfeldi (Kofoid & Campbell, 1929) - - + - -
Stenosemella nivalis Meunier, 1910 - - + + -
Wangiella dicollaria Nie, 1934 + - + - +
Epiplocyloides ralumensis (Brandt,1906) + + + - -
Protorhabdonella simplex (Jörgensen, 1924) - - - - +
Rhabdonella sp. - - + - +
Favella ehrenbergii (Jörgensen, 1924) - - + - +
Eutintinnus tenuis Kofoid and Campbell, 1929 - - + - -
Eutintinnus lusus-undae (Entz, 1885) - - - - +
Leprotintinnus nordqvisti (Kofoid & Campbell, 1929) + - + + +
Leprotintinnus simplex (Schmidt, 1902) - - + - +
Tintinnidium primitivum (Busch, 1923) - - - + -
Class OLIGOHYMENOPHOREA de
Vorticella oceanica Zacharias, 1926 - - + - +
Puytorac et al,1974
Phylum MYZOZOA Cavalier-Smith &
Chao
Infraphylum DINOFLAGELLATA
Bütschli, 1885
Class DINOPHYCEAE Fritsch, 1927 Preperidinium meunieri (Pavillard) Elbrächter, 1993 + + + + +
Protoperidinium asymmetricum (Abé, 1927) Balech,
- - - - +
1974
Protoperidinium conicum (Balech, 1974) + - - - -
Protoperidinium crassipes (Balech, 1974) - - + - -
Protoperidinium depressum (Balech, 1974) + - - - -
Protoperidinium divergens (Balech, 1974) - - + - -
Protoperidinium latispinum (Mangin, 1926) Balech,
- + + - -
1974
Protoperidinium leonis (Pavillard, 1916) Balech,
+ - - - -
1974
Protoperidinium oviforme (Dangeard) Balech 1974 - - + - +
Protoperidinium pellucidum (Bergh, 1881) - - - - +
Protoperidinium quarnerense (B.Schröder, 1900)
- + + - -
Balech, 1974
Podolampas bipes (Stein, 1883) + - - - -

61 | P a g e
 Ornithocercus magnificus (Stein, 1883) - - - - +
Phalacroma mitra (Schutt,1895 ) + - - - -
Scrippsiella trochoidea (Stein) Loeblich III, 1976 - - + - -
Oblea rotunda (Lebour) Balech ex Sournia, 1973 - - + - +
Phylum FORAMINIFERA d'Orbigny,
1826
Class GLOBOTHALAMEA Pawlowski,
Beella digitata (Brady, 1879) - - + + -
Holzmann & Tyszka, 2013
Bolivina pseudoplicata Heron-Allen & Earland, 1930 - - - - +
Cymbaloporetta bradyi (Cushman, 1915) - + - - -
Cymbaloporetta plana (Cushman, 1924) + - + + -
Elphidium clavatum Cushman, 1930 - - - + -
Elphidium macellum (Fichtel & Moll, 1798) - - + - -
Globigerina bulloides d'Orbigny, 1826 + - + + +
Globoconella inflata (d'Orbigny, 1839) - - + + -
Globorotalia menardii (d'Orbigny in Parker, Jones &
+ - + - -
Brady, 1865)
Hastigerina pelagica (d'Orbigny, 1839) - - + + -
Heterolepa broeckhiana (Karrer, 1878) + - - - +
Neorotalia calcar d'Orbigny in Deshayes, 1930 + + - + +
Pseudobrizalina lobata (Brady, 1881) - - - - +
Rosalina bradyi (Cushman, 1915) + - - - -
Trilobatus sacculifer (Brady, 1877) - - + - -
Class NODOSARIATA Mikhalevich,
Lagena arquata Buchner, 1940 - - - + -
1992 emend. Rigaud et al., 2015
Seguenzaella lacunata (Burrows & Holland, 1895) + - - - -
Fissurina marginata (Montagu, 1803) + - - - -
Class TUBOTHALAMEA
Miliammina fusca (Brady, 1870) - + - + -
Pawlowski, Holzman & Tyszka, 2013
Miliolinella circularis (Bornemann, 1855) - - - + -
Spiriloculina henbesti Petri, 1955 + - - - -
Triloculina oblonga (Montagu, 1803) - - - - +
Spirillina denticulata Brady, 1884 - - + - -
Spirillina vivipara Ehrenberg, 1843 + + + + +
CB: Campbell Bay, JB: Joginder Nagar, LB: Laxman Beach, RB: Rajiv Nagar Beach, GB: Galathea Bay

“+” Presence
“-” Absence

Biomass, Abundance and Diversity of Mesozooplankton Samples

The average mesozooplankton biomass in the intertidal waters of sampling stations of Great Nicobar
Island is about 183.44 mg/m3.The maximum zooplankton biomass of 488.12 mg/m3 was observed in the
station GB1 IT and minimum at station JB2 IT accounting about 44.49mg/m3. The average abundance of
zooplankton in the intertidal waters of sampling stations of Great Nicobar Island is about 206.99
no./m3.The maximum abundance of zooplankton was observed in the station GB1 IT and minimum at
station JB2 IT, accounting about 480.88 no./m3 and 50.88 no./m3 respectively (Fig.16).

62 | P a g e
 600 600
BIOMASS (mg/m3)
ABUNDANCE (no./m3)
500 500

400 400

Abundance (no./m3)
Biomass (mg/m3)

300 300

200 200

100 100

0 0
CB1 IT CB2 IT CB3 IT JB1 IT JB2 IT LB1 IT RB1 IT RB2 IT GB1 IT GB2 IT
Stations

Fig.16: Biomass (mg/m3) and abundance (no. of organisms/m3) along the intertidal stations of the coastal waters
of Great Nicobar Island

The average zooplankton biomass in the marine waters of sampling stations of Great Nicobar
Island is about 879.23 mg/m3.The maximum zooplankton biomass of 1288.65 mg/m3 was observed in
the station LB2 M and minimum at station GB3 M, accounting about 96.71 mg/m3. The average
abundance of zooplankton in the marine waters of sampling stations of Great Nicobar Island is about
2465.45 no./m3. LB3 M has maximum abundance of zooplankton and minimum abundance was observed
at station GB3 M, accounting about 3804.65 no./m3 and 47.22 no./m3 respectively (Fig.17).

BIOMASS (mg/m3)
1400 4000
ABUNDANCE (no./m3)

1200 3500

3000
1000
Abundance (no./m3)

2500
Biomass (mg/m3)

800
2000
600
1500

400
1000

200 500

0 0
LB2 M LB3 M GB3 M
Stations

Fig. 17: Biomass (mg/m3) and abundance (no. of organisms/m3) along the marine stations of the coastal waters
of Great Nicobar Island

63 | P a g e
 A total of 17 groups of organisms or taxa were obtained in zooplankton collection namely,
Copepoda, Ostracoda, Amphipoda, Decapoda, Siphonophora, Decapoda larvae, Polychaete,
Polychaete larvae, Mollusca, Mollusca larvae, Appendularia, Thaliacea, Cumacea, Cladocera,
Chaetognatha, fish/invertebrate eggs and fish larvae. Copepods comprised the major portion of the
mesozooplankton biomass (Table 8). A total of 92 species of mesozooplankton was recorded from the
study among which Copepoda showed the maximum species diversity. Copepoda comprised of 34
species, Ostracoda comprised of 9 species, Euphausiacea comprised of 12 species, Decapoda
constituted of 5 species, Chaetognatha constituted of 9 species, Anthoathecata constituted of 2 species,
Siphonophorae constituted of 4 species, Amphipoda and Pteropoda comprised of 2 species each,
Appendicularia comprised of 4 species and Thaliacea comprised of 9 species.

Table 8. The major species of zooplankton taxa observed in various stations of Great Nicobar Island.

ZOOPLANKTON SPECIES CB JB LB RB GB
Class HEXANAUPLIA
Oakley, Wolfe, Lindgren &
Zaharof, 2013 Acartia (Odontacartia) erythraea
erythraea Giesbrecht, 1889 + + + + +
Subclass COPEPODA
Milne Edwards, 1840

Aetideus giesbrechti Cleve, 1904

+ + + - +
Canthocalanus pauper (Giesbrecht, 1888)
+ + + + +
Cosmocalanus darwinii (Lubbock, 1860)
+ + + + +
Undinula vulgaris (Dana, 1849)
+ + + + +
Candacia discaudata Scott A., 1909
- + + + +
Candacia pachydactyla (Dana, 1849)
- + - - +
Centropages calaninus (Dana, 1849)
- + + - +
Centropages furcatus (Dana, 1849)
- + + - +
Centropages gracilis (Dana, 1849)
- + + - -
Centropages tenuiremis Thompson I.C. &
Scott A., 1903 + - + + +

Eucalanus elongatus elongatus (Dana,

1848) + - - - -

Pareucalanus attenuatus (Dana, 1849)

+ - + - -
Euchaeta concinna Dana, 1849
+ + + - +

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 Euchaeta indica Wolfenden, 1905
+ - + - +
Euchaeta marina (Prestandrea, 1833)
+ + + - +
Pleuromamma indica Wolfenden, 1905
+ + + + -
Calocalanus pavo (Dana, 1852)
+ - + + +
Calanopia sp.
+ - + - +
Labidocera acuta (Dana, 1849)
+ - + - +
Rhincalanus cornutus (Dana, 1849)
+ - + - +
Rhincalanus nasutus Giesbrecht, 1888
+ - + - +
Subeucalanus crassus (Giesbrecht, 1888)
- + + - +
Subeucalanus monachus (Giesbrecht,
- + + - +
1888)
Subeucalanus mucronatus (Giesbrecht,
- + + - -
1888)
Temora discaudata Giesbrecht, 1889
- + + + -
Temora stylifera (Dana, 1849)
- + + + -
Temora turbinata (Dana, 1849)
- - + + -
Tortanus (Tortanus)
forcipatus (Giesbrecht, 1889) - - + + +

Corycaeus sp. - + - + +
Oncaea sp. - + - - +
Copilia sp. + + - - +
Sapphirina sp. + + + - +
Oithona sp. + + + + -
Class OSTRACODA
Conchoecetta acuminata Claus, 1890
Latreille, 1802 - - + - +

Conchoecetta giesbrechti (G.W. Müller,

1906) - + + - +

Metaconchoecia rotundata (G.W. Müller,

1890) + + - + +

Orthoconchoecia atlantica (Lubbock,

1856) + + + + +

Orthoconchoecia bispinosa (Claus, 1890) + - + - +

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 Orthoconchoecia striola (Müller, G.W.,
1906) + + + - -

Porroecia porrecta (Claus, 1890)

- + + - -
Euconchoecia aculeata (Scott, 1894)
- - + - -
Cypridina dentata (Mueller, 1906)
- + + + -
Order EUPHAUSIACEA
Euphausia diomedeae Ortmann, 1894 - - + - +
Dana, 1852
Euphausia sibogae Hansen, 1908 - + - + +
Nematoscelis gracilis Hansen, 1910 + + + - +
Nematoscelis microps G.O. Sars, 1883 + + + + +
Pseudeuphausia latifrons (Sars G.O.,
+ + + - -
1883)
Stylocheiron affine Hansen, 1910
+ + + + -
Stylocheiron carinatum G.O. Sars, 1883
+ + + - +
Stylocheiron elongatum G.O. Sars, 1883
+ + + - +
Stylocheiron indicum Silas & Mathew,
1967 - - + - +

Stylocheiron longicorne G.O. Sars, 1883

- - + + +
Thysanopoda aequalis Hansen, 1905
+ + + + +
Thysanopoda monacantha Ortmann, 1893 - - - - +
Order DECAPODA Latreille,
Belzebub penicillifer (Hansen, 1919)
1802 - + + - +

Lucifer typus H. Milne Edwards, 1837 [in

H. Milne Edwards, 1834-1840] - + + - +

Cornutosergestes cornutus (Krøyer, 1855)

+ + + + +
Neosergestes orientalis (Hansen, 1919)
+ - + - -
Sergestes atlanticus H. Milne Edwards,
+ + + + -
1830
Phylum CHAETOGNATHA
Ferosagitta hispida (Conant, 1895) + + + + +
Ferosagitta robusta (Doncaster, 1902)
+ + + + +
Flaccisagitta enflata (Grassi, 1881)
- - + - -

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 Flaccisagitta hexaptera (d'Orbigny, 1836)
+ + + - +
Pseudosagitta lyra (Krohn, 1853)
- + + + +
Pseudosagitta maxima (Conant, 1896)
- + + - +
Serratosagitta serratodentata (Krohn,
1853) + + + - -

Zonosagitta nagae (Alvariño, 1967)

+ + - + -
Pterosagitta draco (Krohn, 1853) + - + + +
Phylum CNIDARIA
Hatschek, 1888
Porpita porpita (Linnaeus, 1758) - - + + +
Order ANTHOATHECATA
Cornelius, 1992
Proboscidactyla stellata (Forbes, 1846) + + + - +
Order SIPHONOPHORAE Chelophyes appendiculata (Eschscholtz,
+ + + + +
Eschscholtz, 1829 1829)
Diphyes dispar Chamisso & Eysenhardt,
+ - + + +
1821
Sulculeolaria biloba (Sars, 1846) - + - - +
Praya dubia (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) - - - - +
Order AMPHIPODA
Hyperia medusarum (Müller, 1776) - + + - +
Latreille, 1816
Themisto sp. - + - - +
Phylum MOLLUSCA
Class GASTROPODA Creseis acicula (Rang, 1828) + + + + +
Cuvier, 1795
Creseis virgula (Rang, 1828) + + + + +
Phylum CHORDATA
Haeckel, 1874 Appendicularia sicula Fol, 1874 + - + - +
Class APPENDICULARIA
Oikopleura (Coecaria) fusiformis Fol, 1872 + + + - +
Oikopleura (Vexillaria) dioica Fol, 1872 + - + + +
Oikopleura (Vexillaria) parva Lohmann,
+ + - + -
1896
Class THALIACEA Van der
Dolioletta gegenbauri (Uljanin, 1884) - - + - +
Haeven, 1850
Dolioletta mirabilis (Korotneff, 1891) - - - - +
Doliolina (Doliolina) muelleri (Krohn, 1852) - - - - +
Doliolum denticulatum Quoy & Gaimard,
- - - + +
1834
Cyclosalpa pinnata (Forskål, 1775) - - - + +
Pegea confoederata (Forskål, 1775) - - + - +
Salpa fusiformis Cuvier, 1804 - - + - +
Salpa maxima Forskål, 1775 - - - + +
Thalia democratica (Forskål, 1775) - - + - +

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 CB: Campbell Bay, JB: Joginder Nagar, LB: Laxman Beach, RB: Rajiv Nagar Beach, GB: Galathea Bay
“+” Presence
“-” Absence

Representative species of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton obtained from Great Nicobar islands are
shown in Fig. 18, 19 and 20 respectively.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

Fig. 18: Phytoplankton species obtained from Great Nicobar Survey. (a) Hemiaulus membranaceus
Cleve; (b) Hemiaulus sinensis Greville, 1865; (c) Triceratium favus Ehrenberg, 1839; (d) Tripos dens
(Ostenfeld & Johannes Schmidt) F.Gómez, 2013; (e) Tripos brevis (Ostenfeld & Johannes Schmidt)
F.Gómez, 2013 (f) Planktoniella sol (C.G.Wallich) Schütt, 1892. Scale Bar: 200 µm.

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 (a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

Fig. 19: Microzooplankton species obtained from Great Nicobar Survey. (a) Leprotintinnus nordqvisti (Kofoid &
Campbell, 1929); (b) Favella ehrenbergii (Jörgensen, 1924); (c) Ornithocercus magnificus (Stein, 1883); (d)
Podolampas bipes (Stein, 1883); (e) Neorotalia calcar d'Orbigny in Deshayes, 1930; (f) Spirillina vivipara
Ehrenberg, 1843. Scale Bar: 200 µm.

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 (a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e)

Fig. 20: Mesozooplankton species obtained from Great Nicobar Survey (a) Acartia (Odontacartia) erythraea
Giesbrecht, 1889 (b) Canthocalanus pauper (Giesbrecht, 1888) (c) Centropages furcatus (Dana, 1849) (d)
Tortanus (Tortanus) forcipatus (Giesbrecht, 1889) (e) Flaccisagitta enflata (Grassi, 1881).

(2) CORALS

A total of 309 species of scleractinian corals under 66 genera, 19 families (including two genera under
Scleractinia Incertae Sedis) are recorded from Great Nicobar Island (Table 1). The present database of
scleractinian species is prepared based on the available literature and studies made by the present author
during period of last 12 years. Among the recorded 309 species, 66 species are under threatened
category (2 species are under Endangered and 64 species are under Vulnerable categories) as per the
category and criteria of IUCN (2021) while 90 species are recorded under Near Threatened, 135 species

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are under Least Concern and 9 species are under Data Deficient categories whereas 9 species are under
not evaluated category (Table 1). All the species of scleractinian corals are protected under the Schedule-
I of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Annexure 1).

Fig. 21. Areas surveyed for coral reefs in Great Nicobar Island

Distribution of Scleratinian Corals at proposed sites

A total of 245 species of scleractinian corals under 53 genera, 15 families (including 2 genera
under Scleractinia Incertae Sedis) are recorded from seven sites including the proposed project site of
Great Nicobar Island during the present study (Table 2). A maximum of 117 species is documented from
Galathea Bay followed by 111 species Sastri Nagar, 107 species from Campbell Bay, 102 species from
Laxman Beach, 76 species from Gandhi Nagar, 25 species from Anderson Bay, and only 15 species

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Laxmi Nagar. The detailed checklist of recorded species along with their occurrence (A= Abundance, C=
Common, and R= Rare) are represented in Annexure 2.

Benthic cover

Thorough studies were carried out at the seven study areas of Great Nicobar Island to estimate the
benthic cover. Maximum 39.27% of live coral cover was recorded from Campbell Bay region followed by
30.81% from Gandhi Nagar, 25.59% from Sastri Nagar, 24.10% from Laxman Beach, 19.92% from
Anderson Bar, 17.46 from Galathea Bay, and the minimum of 13.45% from Laxmi Nager. Among the
other algae, a maximum of 51.75% was recorded from Galathea Bay while the minimum of 5.52% from
Anderson Bay (Tables 9 & 10).

Plate 1. Benthic cover and LIT studies at Laxman Beach, Great Nicobar Island

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Plate 2. Benthic cover and LIT studies at Sastri Nagar, Great Nicobar Island

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Plate 3. Benthic cover and LIT studies at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island

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 Plate 4. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Merulina ampliata (Ellis and Solander, 1786) Acropora clathrata (Brook, 1891)

Acropora millepora (Ehrenberg, 1834) Acropora florida (Dana, 1846)

Echinopora gemmacea Lamarck, 1816 Pocillopora grandis Dana, 1846

Lobactis scutaria (Lamarck, 1801) Dipsastraea maxima (Veron, Pichon & Wijsman-Best,
1977)

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 Plate 5. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Acropora stoddarti Pillai and Scheer, 1976 Acropora digitifera (Dana, 1846)

Acropora divaricata (Dana, 1846) Acropora gemmifera (Brook, 1892)

Acropora spicifera (Dana, 1846) Acropora abrotanoides (Lamarck, 1816)

Acropora austera (Dana, 1846) Acropora cerealis (Dana, 1846)

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 Plate 6. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Acropora microphthalma (Verrill, 1859) Acropora palmerae Wells, 1954

Acropora globiceps (Dana, 1846)

Acropora grandis (Brook, 1892) Acropora willisae Veron and Wallace, 1984

Acropora verweyi Veron and Wallace, 1984 Acropora microclados (Ehrenberg, 1834)

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 Plate 7. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Acropora rudis (Rehberg, 1892) Acropora secale (Studer, 1878)

Acropora solitaryensis Veron and Wallace, 1984 Acropora latistella (Brook, 1891)

Acropora robusta (Dana, 1846) Acropora muricata (Linneaus, 1758)

Acropora subulata (Dana, 1846) Acropora tenuis (Dana, 1846)

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 Plate 8. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Astreopora myriophthalma (Lamarck, 1816) Coeloseris mayeri Vaughan, 1918

Coscinaraea crassa Veron and Pichon, 1980 Diploastrea heliopora (Lamarck, 1816)

Echinophyllia patula (Hodgon and Ross, 1981) Pleuractis paumotensis (Stutchbury, 1833)

Dipsastraea lizardensis (Veron, Pichon & Wijsman-Best, Echinopora pacifica Veron, 1990
1977)

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 Plate 9. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Favites acuticollis (Ortmann, 1889) Favites pentagona (Esper, 1795)

Lithophyllon scabra (Döderlein, 1901) Dipsastraea speciosa (Dana, 1846)

Dipsastraea veroni (Moll & Best, 1984 Pleuractis granulosa (Klunzinger, 1879)

Galaxea fascicularis (Linnaeus, 1767) Hydnophora microconos (Lamarck, 1816)

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 Plate 10. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Hydnophora pilosa Veron, 1985 Herpolitha limax (Esper, 1797)

Leptoseris explanata Yabe and Sugiyama, 1941 Montipora caliculata (Dana, 1846)

Oulophyllia crispa (Lamarck, 1816) Pavona duerdeni Vaughan, 1907

Pocillopora meandrina Dana, 1846 Platygyra ryukyuensis Yabe and Sugiyama, 1935

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 Plate 11. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Platygyra sinensis (MED&H, 1849) Polyphyllia talpina (Lamarck, 1801)

Plesiastrea versipora (Lamarck, 1816) Pachyseris gemmae Nemenzo, 1955

Favites magnistellata (MED&H, 1849) Platygyra pini Chevalier, 1975

Platygyra verweyi Wijsman-Best, 1976 Pocillopora ligulata Dana, 1846

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 Plate 12. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Lobophyllia radians (MED&H, 1849) Lobophyllia valenciennesii (MED&H, 1849)

Turbinaria mesenterina (Lamarck, 1816) Turbinaria peltata (Esper, 1794)

Cycloseris costulata (Ortmann, 1889) Cycloseris cyclolites (Lamarck, 1815)

Cyphastrea japonica Yabe and Sugiyama, 1932 Euphyllia glabrescens (Chamisso and Eys., 1821)

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 Plate 13. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Echinophyllia echinoporoides Veron and Pic., 1979 Paragoniastrea russelli (Wells, 1954)

Favites rotundata Veron, Pic. & Wijs.-Best, 1977 Lithophyllon repanda (Dana, 1846)

Gardineroseris planulata (Dana, 1846) Goniastrea edwardsi Chevalier, 1971

Mycedium elephantotus (Pallas, 1766) Montipora crassituberculata Bernard, 1897

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 Plate 14. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Platygyra lamellina (Ehrenberg, 1834) Pavona venosa (Ehrenberg, 1834)

Pocillopora damicornis (Linnaeus, 1758) Lobophyllia erythraea (Klunzinger, 1879)

Porites lutea Milne Edwards and Haime, 1860 Seriatopora caliendrum Ehrenberg, 1834

Seriatopora hystrix Dana, 1846 Stylocoeniella armata (Ehrenberg, 1834)

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 Plate 15. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Acanthastrea brevis MED&H, 1849 Micromussa regularis (Veron, 2000)

Acanthastrea rotundoflora Chevalier, 1975 Ctenactis crassa (Dana, 1846)

Dipsastraea truncata (Veron, 2000) Favites vasta (Klunzinger, 1879)

Dipsastraea favus (Forskål, 1775) Favites halicora (Ehrenberg, 1834)

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 Plate 16. Scleractinian corals, Great Nicobar Island

Montipora undata Bernard, 1897 Echinophyllia glabra (Nemenzo, 1959)

Porites attenuata Nemenzo 1955 Porites cylindrica Dana, 1846

Porites lobata Dana, 1846 Porites monticulosa Dana, 1846

Porites rus (Forskal, 1775) Pectinia lactuca (Pallas, 1766)

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 Table 9. Details of Benthic cover of reef ecosystem of Great Nicobar Island
Major Categories Sub-
Division Categories Laxman Beach Campbell Bay Anderson Bay Laxmi Nagar Gandhi Nagar Sastri Nagar Galathea Bay
Coordinates Lat.: Lat.: Lat.: Lat.: Lat.: Lat.: Lat.:
7°2′35.8809′′N 7°00′11.5206′′N 6°56′23.051′′N 6°52′19.993′′N 6°50′28.782′′N 6°48′18.1402′′N 6°47′49.68′′N
Long.: Long.: Long.: Long.: Long.: Long.: Long.:
93°55′5.291′′E 93°56′57.62′′E 93°55′02.091′′E 93°54′05.4721′′E 93°54′01.053′′E 93°53′57.4025′′E 93°52′39.2366′′E
Hard
Coral
DEAD
CORALS
Dead Coral 0 1.48 0.547 0 0.588 0.275 0.2625
Dead coral 4.25 0.125 1.4625
7.54 2.8556 5.54 3.214
with Algae
LIVE Acropora Branching 1.2 0.4625 0.2625
2.57 0 0 1.258
CORALS
Encrusting 0 3.25 0 0 0.12 0 0
Submassive 0 0.89 0 0 0 0 0
Digitate 0.75 1.15 0 0 0.265 2.1375 1.1375
Tubular 0 0 0 0 3.54 5.65 4.9125
Non- Branching 0.45 0.45 0.525
2.65 2.14 0.65 1.333
Acropora
Encrusting 3.95 3.33 2.54 2.579 1.258 4.2375 1.05
Foliose 0 1.23 0.37 0 0.98 1.9875 0.35
Massive 15.85 18.85 12.257 9.872 15.25 7.5625 7.85
Submassive 1.7 2.36 2.1404 0.35 1.57 2.1625 1.1
Mushroom 0 2.58 0.47 0 5.24 0.35 0.1
Heliopora 0.2 0.16 0 0 0 0 0
Millepora 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tubipora 0 0.252 0 0 0 0.5875 0.175
OTHER
FAUNA

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 Soft Corals 0 0.648 1.4 0.248 1.723 0.825 0.7
Sponges 5.45 1.16 0.885 1.369 2.35 1.575 0.7875
Zooxanthids 0 0.158 0 0.28 0.272 0.2125 0.125
Others 1 2.59 5.3 7.586 3.65 1.275 0.875
ALGAE
Algae Algal 0 4.3 6.25
0.25 1.223 0.44 1.248
Assemblage
Coralline 0.75 2.75 1.8875
3.45 4.3 4.187 5.25
Algae
Halimeda 0 0 0 0 0.24 5.1875 19.4
Macroalgae 0 0 0 0 0.78 1.275 4.0125
Turf Algae 23.4 3.25 0 9.15 12.251 20.3625 20.2
ABIOTIC
Sand 5.4 17.689 12.36 8.31 19.42 5.6625 2.6
Rubble 30.25 22.235 9.89 20.258 9.51 28.5625 22.6125
Silt 0 0 0 0 0 0
Water 1.95 0 13.222 0.785 2.34 0.75 0
Rock 3.45 0.278 28.1 28.396 6.35 1.275 1.3625

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 Table 10. Summary details of Benthic cover of reef ecosystem of Great Nicobar Island
Parameters Laxman Campbell Anderson Laxmi Gandhi Sastry Galathea MEAN
Beach Bay Bay Nagar Nagar Nagar Bay VALUE

Dead Coral 4.25 9.02 3.40 5.54 3.80 0.40 1.72 4.02

Live coral 24.10 39.27 19.92 13.45 30.81 25.59 17.46 24.37

Other animal 6.45 4.56 7.59 9.48 8.00 3.89 2.48 6.06

Other algae 24.15 6.95 5.52 13.78 19.77 33.87 51.75 22.26

Abiotic 41.05 40.20 63.57 57.75 37.62 36.25 26.59 43.29

The present study indicates a total of 491.7975 hect. reef areas across the seven study areas
(Fig. 1) including 116.4173 hect. of reef areas at Galathea Bay which is distributed up to the maximum
extent of 1200m (perpendicular) from the coastline while most of the reefs are scattered in distribution
within the limit of a mean distance of 500m whereas the reef areas of Sastri Nagar are recorded with the
total distributional cover of around 103.8703 hect. along with the mean distributional range from the coast
is 250m (perpendicular) along with the maximum of 500m while Laxman Beach represents the minimum
of 34.4921 hect. of reef areas within the mean proximity of 150m from the coast while the maximum
distributional ranges are within 350m (Fig. 22).

116.4173
103.8703

86.8344

58.124
46.0468 46.0126
34.4921

Laxman Campbell Anderson Laxmi Gandhi Sastri Galathea

Beach Bay Bay Nagar Nagar Nagar Bay
Fig. 22. Reef areas Great Nicobar Island examined

Inference

During the present study, a total of 245 species of scleractinian corals are identified while the
detailed literature review on the scleractinian corals of Great Nicobar Island and study conducted by the
author suggested a total of 309 species of scleractinian corals (Mondal et al., 2011, 2016;
Raghunathan et al., 2012; Raghunathan, 2015; Mondal and Raghunathan, 2017; Mondal, 2020). A total
of 1628 species of scleractinian corals are reported across the world (Hoeksema and Cairns, 2021) while
Great Nicobar Island shares around 19% of species among them which defines the presence of healthy
species occurrence. The present study also focused on the benthic cover of the reef ecosystems in seven
study areas at the eastern coastal sides of Great Nicobar Island and reported 56.71% area cover with
different kinds of life forms with the mean live coral cover of 24.37% while the 4.02% cover of dead corals,

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6.06% cover of other animals and 22.26% cover of other algae were reported. The study also brought
out the findings of 43.29% of the area with abiotic factors. Among all the seven sites, the occurrence of
maximum species was recorded from Galathea Bay with the maximum species diversity (H=4.42)
whereas the percentage cover of live corals was moderately less in comparison with other study areas.
The size of the colonies reported from Galathea Bay is relatively smaller and most of the species are
found in scattered conditions with small growth form which may be due to the presence of an extremely
high cover of algae (51.75%). Galathea Bay is representing the high density of Halimeda sp. which are
known for their quick growth rate and deposit calcium on a higher scale. These are known as the calcified
green algae which take a proactive role in the formation of Cenozoic–recent reefs across the world
oceans especially for the formation of the tropical back-reef carbonate structures (Maxwell, 1973; Orme et
al., 1978; Freile et al., 1995). The presence of a high percentage of Halimeda sp. intensified the several
growth forms along with the assemblage of scleractinian corals species. The present outcome of the
study narrates the status of the coral reef ecosystem of Great Nicobar Island which indeed a piece of
baseline information for the scrutiny of sustainable conservational management plans. Future studies
may define more details on the coral reef ecosystems of Great Nicobar Island.

ENDEMIC FLORA AND FAUNA

Endemic flora

According to the data of Botanical Survey of India, approximately 600 species of flora reported from Great
Nicola Island. Among them 86 species of plants found endemic to Great Nicobar Island (Table 11). Of
which 28 species are exclusively reported from Great Nicobar Island, while 18 species identified from
entire Nicobar group of Islands and 40 species recorded from Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Considerable number of plant species reported from Great Nicobar Island has ethno-botanical
significance.

Table 11. Endemic plants of Great Nicobar Island

Group Species name

Pteridophytes

Cyatheaceae 1. Spaeropteris albosetosa

2. S. nicobarica
Thelipteridaceae 3. Pronephrium nakaikeuim
Dicotyledons a.

Ranunculacea 4. Clematis smilacifolia var. andamanica

Dilleniaceae 5. Dillenia andamanica
Annonaceae 6. Artabotrys nicobarianus
7. Friesodielsia forniculata
8. Orophea katschallica
9. Polyalthea parkinsonii
10. Pseuduvaria prainii
11. Uvaria nicobarica
Menispermaceae 12. Cyclea pendulina
Sterculiaceae 13. Sterculia cordata
Rutaceae 14. Glycosmis pilosa
15. Glycosmis mauritiana var. andamanensis

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 16. Paramignya andamanica
Meliaceae 17. Chisocheton nicobarianus
18. Dysoxylum alliaceum
Icacinaceae 19. Codiocarpus andamanica
20. Gomphandra comosa
Celastraceae 21. Nicobariodendron sleumeri
Vitaceae 22. Tetrastigma andamanicum
Leeaceae 23. Leea grandifolia
Anacardiaceae 24. Mangifera nicobarica
25. Semecarpus kurzii
Connaraceae 26. Connarus nicobaricus
Combretaceae 27. Terminalia procera
Melastomataceae 28. Otanthera nicobarensis
Memecylaceae 29. Memecylon andamanicum
Rubiaceae 30. Coptophyllum nicobaricum
31. Hedyotis paradoxa
32. Ixora cuneifolia var. macrocarpa
33. Ixora grandifolia var. kurziana
34. Ixora grandifolia var. rosella
35. Ixora tenuifolia
36. Ophiorrhiza infundibularis
37. Ophiorrhiza nicobarica
38. Psychotria andamanica
39. Psychotria platyneura
40. Tarenna weberifolia
Myrsinaceae 41. Embelia microcalyx
42. Maesa andamanica
Oleaceae 43. Jasminum syringifolium
Apocynaceae 44. Alstonia kurzii
45. Chilocarpus denudatus var. nicobaricus
46. Tabernaemontana crispa
Asclepiadaceae 47. Genianthus horei
Scrophulariaceae 48. Cyrtandroemia nicobarica
Gesneriaceae 49. Cyrtandra burttii
50. Cyrtandra occidentalis
Acanthaceae 51. Strobilanthes glandulosus
Myristicaceae 52. Knema andamanica
Lauraceae 53. Litsea kurzii
54. Nothophoebe nicobaricus
Euphorbiaceae 55. Claoxylon rostratum
56. Cleistanthus balakrishnani
57. Drypetes bhattacharyae
58. Glochidion calocarpum
59. Macaranga nicobarica
60. Mallotus oblongifolius var. rubriflorus
61. Sphyranthera lutescens
62. Trogonostemon villosus var. nicobaricus
Urticaceae 63. Pellionia procridifolia

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 64. Elatostema novorae
Monocotyledons a.

Orchidaceae 65. Aerides emerici

66. Anoectochilus nicobaricus
67. Eria bractescens var. kurzii
68. Dendrobium shompenii
69. Phalaenopsis speciosa var. speciosa
70. Pomatocalpa andamanicum
71. Trichoglottis quadricornuta
72. Vanilla andamanica
Zingiberaceae 73. Hornstedtia fenzlii
Marantaceae 74. Phrynium paniculatum
Dioscoreaceae 75. Dioscorea vexans
Agavaceae 76. Dracaena brachyphylla
Arecaceae 77. Calamus andamanicus
78. Calamus dilaceratus
79. Calamus nicobaricus
80. Calamus pseudorivalis
81. Calamus unifarius
82. Pinanga manii
83. Rhopaloblaste augustata
Pandanaceae 84. Pandanus leram var. andamanensium
Araceae 85. Aglaonema nicobaricum
86. Homalomena griffithii var. ovata

Endemic fauna

A total of 695 species of fauna with the endemism of 158 species which is equivalent to 22.73% was
reported from Great Nicobar Island (Table 12 & 13). A total of 48 vertebrates, recorded as endemic to
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, were found in Great Nicobar Island during the study period. Among them
3 species are mammals, 36 species are birds, 7 species are reptiles and 2 species are amphibians. The
Great Nicobar Island has been in focus for its high biodiversity and priority for leading conservation
agencies of the world. The richness of flora and fauna of this region reflects the diversity of habitats
associated with a wide range. The Great Nicobar Island has been identified as an Endemic Bird Area by
the Royal Society for Protection of Birds. This reserve is home for several endemic and endangered
species including Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis, Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus
fuciphagus, NicobarTree Shrew Tupaia nicobarica, Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis, Saltwater
Crocodile Crocodylus porosus, Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys coriacea, Reticulated python
Pythonreticulatus and Coconut Crab Birgus latro.

Table 12. Terrestrial faunal diversity of Great Nicobar Island

No. Of species/subspecies
Faunal Group Total Endemic
Total %
Phylum: CHORDATA Mammalia 25 12 48.00
Aves 97 35 36.08
Reptilia 26 7 26.90

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 Amphibia 10 4 40.000
Pisces (freshwater) 113 - -
Phylum: ANNELIDA Hiridinea 3 - -
Oligochaeta 4 - -
Phylum: ARTHROPODA Insecta 417
Order: Odonata 31 2 6.50
Order: Blattaria 3 - -
Order: Mantodea 1 1 100.0
Order: Isoptera 17 8 47.10
Order: Phiaptera 2 - -
Order: Hemiptera 47 7 14.90
Order: Diptera 22 5 22.70

Table 13. Endemic vertebrates of Great Nicobar Island

Common Name Species

MAMMALS
Nicobar Tree Shrew Tupaia nicobarica nicobarica (Zelebor)
Nicobar Crab-eating Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosa Miller
Nicobar Wild Pig Sus scrofa nicobarica Miller
BIRDS
Andaman Little Green Heron Butorides striatus spodiogaster
Nicobar Tiger Bittern Gorsachius melanolophusminor
Katchal Shikra Accipiter badius obsoletus
Nicobar Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela minimus
Great Nicobar Is Crested Serpent Eagle Spilorenis minimus klossi
South Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobarensis abbotti
Amaurornis phoenicurus.
Andaman Grey fronted Pigeon Treron pompadora chloroptera
Nicobar Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea nicobarica
Nicobar Wood Pigeon Columba palumboides nicobarica
Nicobar Cuckoo Dove Macropygia rifipennis tiwarii
Nicobar Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica augusta
Nicobar Pigeon Caloenas nicobarica nicobarica
Nicobar Parakeet Psittacula caniceps
Nicobar Red cheeked Parakeet Psittacula longicauda nicobarica
Nicobar Lesser Scops Owl Otus socps nicobaricus
Nicobar Hawk Owl Ninox affinis rexpimenta
Andaman Greyrumped Swiftlet Collocalia fuciphaga inexpectata
White bellied Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta affinis
Andaman Three-toed Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus macrocarus
Nicobar Stork billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis intermedia
Nicobar White collared Kingfisher Iodiramphus chloris occipitalis
Nicobar Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus nicobariensis
Nicobar Hill Myna Gracula religiosa halibrecta
Nicobar Black napped Monarch Hypothymis azurea nicobarica
Nicobar Olive backed Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis klossi

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 Nicobar Yellow backed Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja nicobarica
Nicobar White eye Zosterops palpebrosa nicobarica
Great Nicobar Crake Ranilla sp.
REPTILES:
Nicobar Tree Shrink Dasia nicobarensis
Small-eared Island Shrink Lipnia macrotympanum
Nicobar Worm Lizard Dibamus nicobaricum
Andaman Water Monitor Varanus salvator andamanensis
Andaman Painted Bronze back Tree snake Dendralaphis picta andamanensis
Nicobar Cat Snake Bioga wallachi
Nicobar Bent-toed Gecko Cyrtodactylus adleri
AMPHIBIANS:
Polypedates insularis
Limnonectes shompenorum

STATUS ENDANGERED FAUNA

(1) SALTWATER CROCODILE

The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801) is the largest living reptile and crocodilian
known to science which ruled during the Mesozoic era. Crocodiles are top predators, and as such,
perform an important role in maintaining the structure and function of ecosystems (Glen et al., 2007;
Leslie & Spotila, 2001; Ross, 1998). The saltwater crocodile is a crocodilian native to saltwater habitats
and brackish wetlands from India's east coast across Southeast Asia and the Sundaic region to northern
Australia and Micronesia. Males grow to a length of up to 6 m, rarely exceeding 6.3 m or a weight of
1,000–1,300 kg. Females are much smaller and rarely surpass 3 m. The diet of crocodiles varies with
age, with small crocodiles depending mainly on invertebrates and fish, and adults feeding on large
animals including livestock and humans (Ross, 1998). The saltwater crocodile is a large and opportunistic
hyper carnivorous apex predator. It ambushes most of its prey and then drowns or swallows it whole. It
is capable of prevailing over almost any animal that enters its territory, including other apex predators
such as sharks, varieties of freshwater and saltwater fish including pelagic species, invertebrates such
as crustaceans, various reptiles, birds, and mammals, including humans

Crocodiles are declining on a global scale (Whitefield Gibbons et al., 2000). Out of 23 crocodilian
species, seven are listed as endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN red list (CSG, 2008).
Habitat loss and degradation, introduced invasive species, environmental pollution, disease,
unsustainable use and global climatic change have been suggested as the most significant threats
(Whitefield Gibbons et al., 2000).

The Saltwater Crocodile Crocodilus porosus is a common species throughout the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. It is encountered in open sea, near the shore, mangrove creeks, freshwater rivers and
in swamps. The details of the population of saltwater crocodiles in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
based on personal observation, questionnaire and available literature. The highest number of crocodiles
reported was from North Andaman Islands, followed by Landfall Island (Sivaperuman, 2015). Population
estimates of saltwater crocodiles in Great Nicobar Island are about 6 adults and 3 sub-adults (Senthil
Kumar et al., 2012) based on questionnaire. It was sighted at Indira Point, Mahar Nallah, Gandhi Nagar,
Shastri Nagar, and Galathea Bay.

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 About 26 crocodile attacks were reported between 1986 and 2012 in the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. During the period, no specific time was observed in the pattern of attacks. The attacks took place
near the shore and in mangrove creeks. In some cases, there is a relationship with the dumping of waste
food on the sea shore. There are no human-animal conflicts occurred in Great Nicobar Island (Senthil
Kumar et al. 2012). Human-animal conflicts are due to crocodile habitat destruction and sharing of the
same habitat (syntopy) by humans and crocodiles. The increasing human activities such as fishing in the
mangrove areas, and crossing the creeks without adequate protection, result in crocodile attacks on
humans. One of the possible reasons for attacks on people is territorial defense. During the breeding
season from May to June, females are laying eggs and defending nests, and attacks are more common.
Dominant males are also likely to defend individual territories.

The presence of livestock and other domestic animals on the sea shore may also attract crocodiles
to inhabited areas. In addition, the dumping of waste food materials on the sea shore provides an added
attraction for the crocodiles e.g. chicken waste, fish waste, other food waste etc. The high human
population density on the sea shore contributes to the human-crocodile conflict. The best solution is to
change people’s behaviour so that they are unlikely to encounter crocodiles. The provision of enclosures
within which people can access the water’s edge in safety to use the beaches is possible on the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands. It is also possible to manipulate the size distribution of the crocodiles by removing
some of the larger and more dangerous individuals to other locations in the Islands (Ross, 1998). The
relocation problem of crocodiles has been suggested as a management strategy in Australia (Walsh &
Whitehead, 1993).

Satwater Crocodile Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801

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 Satwater Crocodile Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801

(2) LEATHERBACK TURTLE

Out of the five species of turtles recorded from mainland coast of India, the leatherback turtle
Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764) is well known for its nesting in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Leatherback turtles nesting have been recorded mainly on the long and wide beaches at the mouth of
the Dagmar and Alexandira rivers on the west coast and at the mouth of the Galathea River along its
south eastern coast. Globally, leatherback turtle status according to IUCN is listed as Vulnerable (Wallace
et al. 2013) and this status actually represents an improvement from the previous global listing as critically
endangered in 2000. The Northeast Indian leatherback subpopulation nests primarily in the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands of India, in some parts of Sri Lanka and to a lesser extent in Thailand and as wekk
as along Sumatra coast, Indonesia. As per IUCN, the Northeast Indian Ocean sub-population of the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, and Sri Lanka is listed as Data Deficient (Tiwari et al., 2013).

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 Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764)

Nesting of Leatherback turtles:

The first documentation of leatherback turtle nesting in the Great Nicobar Island was by Dr. Satish
Bhaskar in 1978-79 and subsequently by other researchers including A&NB Forest Department and
NGOs and institutions in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands ANET,1990; Tiwari, 1991, Sivasundar and Devi
Prasad, 1996; Andrews et al., 2006; Hamann et al. 2006; Chandi, 2009; Fatima et al., 2011; Shanker et
al. 2011; Swaminathan et al., 2011; Namboothri et al. 2012; Swaminathan et al. 2013 & Swaminathan et
al., 2019). However, there is no consistency in the data collections in terms of the nesting populations of
leatherback turtles in the Geat Nicobar Island. For example, a long term monitoring programme on
leatherback turtle monitoring in the Great Nicobar Island was terminated after the December 2004
tsunami (Andrews et al., 2006). Thereafter, the Dakshin Foundation, ANET-MCBT and Indian Institute of
Sciences, Bangalore initiated monitoring the population primarily in the on Little Andaman Island since
2007 (Swaminathan et al., 2013, 2016) which revealed a stable increase in the nesting population, with
over hundreds of nests laid every season, and also reformation of the nesting beaches. But no
assessment report is available for the Great Nicobar Island nesting population.

Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764)

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Nesting Population of Leatherback turtles

Overall, the only nesting population assessment for leatherback turtles of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
available as that of Dr. Satish Bhaskar from 1978 to 1994 (Table 14 & 15). Therefore, there is lack of
continuous and long term data on leatherback turtle nesting over the entire seasons as a result of which
it is difficult to determine population size and dynamics and hence surveys on a long term basis is required
for better understanding on the geographic range of the species. Moreover, there is inadequate
information to identify and quantify major threats for leatherback turtles, except natural predation of nests
by wild pigs, monitor lizards, and stray and feral dogs (Bhaskar, 1994; Choudhury, 2006; Namboothri et
al., 2012) which are eventually natural predators of the island.

Similarly, knowledge of geographic boundaries of the Northeast Indian Ocean subpopulation of

leatherback turtles need to be assessed, since the migratory route of leatherback from little Andaman
indicates two corridors for migration, one on the southeastern corridor towards Papua New Guinea and
Australia, and one along the southwestern corridor towards Madagascar and east coast of Africa
(Namboothri et al. 2012; Swaminathan et al. 2016). Nevertheless, the recent survey in 2016 revealed
that most of the beaches in this region have reformed after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and
tsunami. Regions which were severely damaged by the 2004 tsunami, still have dead trees and tree
debris along the coast, particularly on Great Nicobar Island, probably obstructing sea turtles from entering
the nesting beach and also reducing the nesting area (Phillott, 2017). Hence, monitoring of the population
of leatherback turtles is of prime importance from conservation perspective.

Nesting of leatherback turtles in Galathea Bay

The leatherback nesting population in the Nicobar is one of the four colonies that exceeds 1000
individuals in the Indo-Pacific, and hence of global significance (Andrews, 2000a; Andrews et al., 2001;
Andrews et al., 2006). The southern bay of Great Nicobar is Southeast Asia’s largest leatherback turtle
nesting site. According to available literature, in Galathea Beach, a total of 255 nests were monitored and
estimated that 114 individuals nested during the season between November 2003 and February 2004
and during November 2004, 137 leatherbacks were encountered with 84 nesting (Andrews et al., 2006).
In Galathea bay, nesting, egg laying and hatchling are more for Leatherback turtle compared to the other
regions of Great Nicobar Island. In current year, estimation of the number of hatchlings is not completed;
hence the number is not mentioned. The number of nestings, eggs laid and number of hatchlings have
been increasing over past four years. The number of hatchlings increases at a rate of 21 % from 2018 to
2019 while it increases at a rate of 147 % from 2019 to 2020 (Table 16).

During the period 2004-05, the number of nesting was very less (84 nos.) due to anthropogenic
and natural threats which caused negative impact on leatherback turtles. The last five years data shows
that, there is an increase in the number of nesting and egg laid in Great Nicobar Island. Comparative
account of estimated number of nestings of leatherback turtles with the available published information
is presented in Table 3. The nesting population believe to have recovered from disturbance resulting from
the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, as human all settlements have gone and the region is, therefore, free of
anthropogenic activities and light pollution which affect nesting turtles. The nesting leatherback
populations of this species has also shown an increase in the trend in Galathea Bay. It is estimated that
the succession rate of hatchlings of leatherback turtle are 59% in 2018; 60% in 2019 and 63.5% in 2020.
The hatchling process has not completed for this year and hence not enemurated and presented.

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 Table 14. The number of leatherback turtle nests laid per year in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Location Survey Period

Period 1978-79 1981 1983-84 1991-92 1993-94
Jahaji Beach, Rutland Island * * – 5 –
West Bay, Little Andaman Island 70 80 84 – –
Katchal Island 5 – – – –
Teressa Island 4 – – – –
South Bay, Little Andaman – 10 4 – –
Pulo Kiyang beach, Little Nicobar – – – – 115
Dahayu beach, Little Nicobar – – – – 47
Dahayu cove, Little Nicobar – – – – 3
Great Nicobar Island (all beaches) 811
Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar – – – 158** 237
Alexandria Bay, Great Nicobar 80 55 – 343**
Dagmar Bay, Great Nicobar 80 8 – 171**
Renhong beach, Great Nicobar 4 – –
*Nesting was observed but numbers of turtles were not recorded
** 811 nests were recorded for the entire Great Nicobar Island; an additional 139 nests were recorded along other beaches of the west
coast of Great Nicobar Island. – indicates that surveys were not carried out Source: Namboothri et al. (2012), IOTN

Table 15. Estimation of the nesting leatherback populations for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

No. of
Nesting Area No. of nests
turtles*
Great Nicobar 811 166
Little Nicobar 110** 22
Nicobar group of islands Katchal 5 1
Teressa 4 1
Sub-total 930 190
Rutland 5 1
Little Andaman (West Bay) 84 17
Andaman group of islands
Little Andaman (South Bay) 10 2
Sub-total 99 20
Total Nests 1029 210
*No. of turtles calculated based on the assumption that leatherback turtle lay, on average, 4.9 nests per season
**165 nests were recorded during 1993-94 surveys, however, a conservative average of 110 is considered

Table 16. Year wise details of Leatherback turtle nesting in Great Nicobar Island
Period Leatherback Turtle Hatchling succession
No. of Nesting No. of Eggs No. of Hatchling rate (%)
laid
2017-18 182 14217 8361 59
2018-19 203 16986 10142 60
2019-20 483 39350 25006 63.5
2020-21 691 50160 1364-going on Not completed

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Nesting of Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764)

Nesting of Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764)

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 Nesting of Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764)

Nesting of Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764)

Predation

The selection of a suitable nesting site by turtle is very important at many levels: not only for the female
turtle but also for a proper embryo development, and the subsequent hatchling survival (Miller et al.,
2003). Nesting site selection is governed by a number of clues, depending on both internal physiological
factors and external environmental factors. Namboothri et al. (2011) reported that approximately 70% of
the nests on Galathea subject to predated by feral pigs. According to Swaminathan et al. (2017), of the
2140 nests recorded in the Nicobar region, 57% (1223 nests) found to have been predated by either feral
dogs, water monitor lizards or in some cases feral pigs, particularly high on the Great Nicobar Island. The

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nesting of leatherback sea turtles along the Galathea beach is although highly sporadic but also subject
to high level of nest predation and therefore it is possible that forest department translocated all the nests
to the hatchery established at Galathea. The dynamics of the ~ 5 km Galathea nesting beach and
adjacent coastal stretch indicate that average beach width is < 100-150 m and the backshore with dense
mangrove and associated vegetation which provide good shelter for the predators.

(3) NICOBAR MEGAPODE

The Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) which is an endemic bird
species in the Nicobar group of Islands, occurring over l,600 km from its nearest congener (Olson, 1980;
BirdLife International, 2001). According to the IUCN, this species was listed as Vulnerable (Birdlife
International, 2000) and as per Govt. of India, Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

As per the survey by ZSI, there are ~ 100 active mounds were recorded and ~ 202 megapodes
were detected during the point‐transect and playback surveys Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti occurs
in all of the southern group of islands, it was estimated that 7 active mounds and 14 breeding pairs in
Galathea.. Sivakumar 1995) reported 195 mounts in Great Nicobar Island, however only 95 mounds
recorded during the present study (Table 17). Similarly, overall, 849 numbers of active mounds recorded
by Sankaran (1995), 296 active mounds sighted by Sivakumar (2006) and 125 mounds were recorded
during the present study in Great and Little Nicobar Islands. Sankaran (1995) reported 195 mounts in
Great Nicobar Island, however only 100 (approximately 202 estimated individuals) mounds recorded
during the present study.

Table 17. Comparison of data of mounds of Nicobar Megapode

Sl. Location Estimated No. of active Estimated No. of breeding pairs

No. mounds
1994* 2006* 2015-18 1994* 2006* 2015-18
Nicobar Megapode (Great Nicobar & Little Nicobar group of islands)
1. Great Nicobar 515 203 100 1030-1803 203- 97-194
406
2. Megapode 2 0 0 4-7 0 Submerged
during
tsunami

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 The prime hazard hanging over the megapode population of the Nicobars will be a suggestion to
make Great Nicobar a free port and to create a dry dock and refuelling base for international shipping at
the mouth of the Galathea River (Vijayan et al., 2000). Sankaran (1997) had recommended the need for
a protected area network for the Nicobar group of Islands. The tsunami of 2004 formed destruction in the
coastal areas of Nicobar along with the uprooting of Littoral forests and inundation of nest sites for these
megapodes though renaissance parallel to the refurbishment of these sites can help in recovering the
current scenario (Sivakumar, 2006). Another possible threat for the Nicobar Megapodes is ongoing road
construction from Shastri Nagar to Indira Point via Galathea, which results in the loss of micro and macro
habitat as well as the surrounding environment needed to maintain the micro climatic condition for the
mounds.

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 Hunting of these birds for meat and egg collection by local inhabitants, predation by other larger
reptiles and robber crab and the last one will be the diminishing size of their habitat, which will account
for three most important threats for Nicobar Megapode. An upsurge in the incoming mainlanders to these
islands has provoked the process of habitat loss and the effects can be seen most at the Nancowry group
of Islands. Having evolved in habitats free of large carnivores, megapodes are particularly vulnerable to
predators (Dekker, 1989). In Nicobars, introduced wild predators are absent, the water monitor lizard, the
reticulated python, Nicobar cat Snake and species of raptors like Aviceda jerdoni, Haliaeetus leucogaster,
Spilornis cheela, Spilornis klossi, Accipiter soloensis and Falco tinnunculus are potential predators of
megapodes and their eggs.

(4) LONG-TAILED MACAQUE

The Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus (Miller, 1902) is the only non-human primates
found on Nicobar Islands (Umapathy et al., 2003). Other subspecies occur in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos,
Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines (Rodman, 1991; Tikader and Das, 1982). In
2000, a total of 88 groups, having a mean size of 36 monkeys, were recorded in Great Nicobar, Little
Nicobar and Katchal Islands (Umapathy et al., 2003). However, in 2006 a total of 40 groups, including
814 monkeys were recorded in Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar and Katchal Islands while assessing the
impact of the Tsunami (December, 2004) on the Long-Tailed Macaque of Nicobar Islands (Sivakumar,
2010). The majority of monkey groups were found along the coastal areas (Umapathy et al., 2003). Since
the coastal forests of Nicobar Islands were severely damaged by the tsunami (Sankaran, 2005), number
of groups of M. f. umbrosus sighted in Nicobar Islands sharply decreased due to eradication of coastal
trees by 2004 Tsunami (Sivakumar, 2010). Species-rich forests continued to be exploited for various
purposes. Rain forest species are highly susceptible to habitat disturbance and loss due to their low rate
of production and dispersal and a high degree of specialization. Island ecosystems are even more fragile
to human disturbance due to their limited resources (Carew-Reid, 1990). Increasing human activity in the
form of agriculture, commercial development and tourism in insular rain forests causes adverse effects
to the endemic flora and fauna (Umapathy et al., 2003). Rajeshkumar et al (2017) estimated the current
population distribution and status of Long-Tailed Macaque in Great Nicobar (Table 18).

Table 18. Comparison of data on the survey of Long-Tailed Macaques in Great Nicobar Island
Year of Survey Area No. of Length of No. of LTM Groups
Conducted (km2) transects transects Groups sighted of LTM
Per Km
2000 1045.1 16 227.9 53 0.23
(Umapathy et al., 2003)
2006 1045.1 41 211.8 44 0.104
(Sivakumar, 2010)
2013 1045.1 32 128.5 29 0.23
(Rajeshkumar et al.,
2017)

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 Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus

Troop of Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus

This is the only primate in the Nicobar Islands, and is listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972. The major threats are caused by domesticated animals and a little information of
hunting and poaching of Long-Tailed Macaque by aborigines (Umapathy et al., 2003). According to
Umapathy et al. (2003) habitat loss is the major threat to Nicobar Long-Tailed Macaques apart from the
isolation of population. A small population is already divided into subpopulations on three islands.
Continuing habitat loss may result in forest fragmentation and the groups even within a single island may
become isolated. Increasing number of villages, roads, airstrips and infrastructure for defence

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establishments have all resulted in habitat loss. Further habitat destruction, especially by mainland
settlers must be curbed immediately (Umapathy et al., 2003). Habitat destruction and persecution in the
coconut crops are the major threats to the survival of Long-Tailed Macaques (Sivakumar, 2010). Hunting
pressure and habitat disturbance become more apparent in such restricted areas. Roads often constitute
an impassable barrier for many species and obstruct migration of primate groups (Nadler et al., 2003).
But the recent survey indicates that the current population is not affected by the above reasons.

(5) Robber Crab (or) Coconut Crab

The coconut crab or Robber crab or Palm thief (Birgus latro (Linnaeus, 1767)) is the largest terrestrial
arthropod in the World which is related to hermit crabs and lobsters (Lavery et al., 1996). The crab is
named because it is associated with coconut tree. It is listed as Schedule – I, Part - I under Wildlife
Protection Act, 1972. This coconut crab is merely found on a few islands of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. Earlier, the crab was reported from Great Nicobar and Cabra Island by Daniel and Premkumar
(1968). Patankar (2007) reported first post-tsunami sighting of the coconut crab in the Nicobar Islands.
During the survey by ZSI (2015-18), there was no occurrence of coconut crab from these islands. The
coastal habitats and coconut plantations were severely wrecked in these islands due to the disastrous
event tsunami which caused negative impact on coconut crabs (Ramachandran et al., 2005; Sankaran
et al., 2005). Although the coconut crab is threatened species, still no reliable biological, ecological and
management data exist for the Nicobar Islands. The coconut crab populations are threatened with
extinction in the Nicobar group of Islands, except for Menchal Island due to human predatory practices.

Coconut crab or Robber crab or Palm thief (Birgus latro (Linnaeus, 1767))

SITE SPECIFIC ASSESSMENTS

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Five sites are proposed for the above mentioned development works of ICTT. The detailed ecological
features of these five sites are presented briefly.

• Site 1 – Galathea Bay

• Site 2 – Casuarina Bay
• Site 3 – Anderson Bay
• Site 4 – Pemayya Bay
• Site 5 – Campbell Bay

Proposed project sites

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Site 1: Galathea Bay

Galathea Bay is located on the south-eastern end of Great Nicobar Island in Andaman Sea. This region
mostly represents sandy beaches at the front shore region while some portions are with scattered reef
areas. Galathea River adjoins with sea in this region and forms an estuarine habitat. This Bay is nearly
8.5 km. long stretch while the average depth ranges between 15-27m.

Map of Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island

Galathea Bay during low tide

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Faunal diversity

Based on the recent surveys conducted by ZSI, a total of 567 species of faunal communities are reported
from Galathea Bay.

Coastal and Marine Ecosystem

Altogether, 414 species of coastal and marine faunal communities including 117 species of scleractinian
corals, 14 species of octocorals, 11 species of sponges, 3 species of sea anemones, 6 species of
polyclads, 43 species of molluscs, 12 species of heterobranchs, 48 species of crabs, 10 species of
shrimps, 3 species of lobsters, 24 species of echinoderms, 10 species of ascidians, 110 species of fishes,
and 3 species of marine mammals are recorded from this region.

Terrestrial Ecosystem

A total of 153 species of terrestrial faunal communities including 13 species of odonates, 51 species of
butterflies, 13 species of spiders, 2 species of scorpions, 8 species of amphibians, 26 species of reptiles,
32 species of aves, and 8 species of mammals are recorded from this region.

Benthic cover

The detailed benthic cover was estimated and found that Dead Coral - 1.72%, Live coral-17.46%, other
animal-2.48%, Other algae-51.75%, and Abiotic-26.59%. Galathea Bay covers nearly 116.4173 hect.
area of reef habitat.

Endangered species

Galathea Bay is known as the home for wide ranges of protected species. Scleractinian corals are well-
known Schedule-I species under IW(P)A, 1972. A total of 117 species of scleractinian corals are recorded
from this region while 8 species of Scheduled-I holothurians are also recorded. Apart from these, three
species of marine mammals like Dugong (Dugong dugon Muller, 1776) under the Order Sirenia and
Family Dugongidae, False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens (Owen, 1846)), and Common Dolphin
(Delphinus delphis Linnaeus, 1758) under the Order Cetacea and Family Delphinidae are also recorded
from this region. Galathea river is connected to this region which harbors the saltwater crocodile
(Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801). The mangrove creek regions of the Galathea river, near-shore
water, and swampy areas are the major habitats for saltwater crocodiles. The vulnerable leatherback
turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764) is predominantly found at the Galathea Bay during the
breeding season and signifies the importance of this region as one of the largest breeding grounds across
the world. During the present year, a total of 691 nests are recorded while it was 483 nests in 2019-20,
103 nests in 2018-19, and 182 nests in 2017-18. The Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis
abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) is one of the significant endemic animals of the A&N Islands which are facing
tremendous threats of population depletion. In 1994, a total of 515 active mounds were recorded from
Great Nicobar Island while the present status depicts nearly 202 active mounds. However, 14 breeding

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pairs along with 7 active mounds are reported during the present study. Great Nicobar Island is the home
of only one species of non-human primates i.e. the Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis
umbrosus (Miller, 1902). The individuals under this species are mostly found along with the coastal areas
of the island.

Tribal population
No tribal population is existing in close proximity of this region.

Container Transhipment Terminal

• Master Plan caters about 6.07 km long berths.

• Estimated capacity: 14.2 Million TEU’s per annum

Master plan of Container Transhipment Terminal at Galathea Bay

Site 2: Casuarina Bay

Casuarina Bay is situated nearly in the mid-western region of Great Nicobar Island. It is surrounded by
the Bay of Bengal. This region mostly represents sandy beaches on shore front areas. Dagmar River
joins the sea in this region and forms while Alexandria River is also connected to the sea clse to this
region. Predominant mangrove forests are found in this region. This Bay is nearly 7.5 km. long stretch
while the average depth ranges between 12-21m.

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 Map of Casuarina Bay, Great Nicobar Island

Casuarina Bay, Great Nicobar Island

Faunal diversity

A total of 472 species of faunal communities are reported from this proposed site.

Coastal and Marine Ecosystem

It is reported that 361 species of coastal and marine faunal communities including 39 species of
scleractinian corals, 6 species of octocorals, 8 species of sponges, 2 species of sea anemones, 2 species

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of polyclads, 54 species of molluscs, 5 species of heterobranchs, 44 species of crabs, 7 species of
shrimps, 7 species of lobsters, 13 species of echinoderms, 4 species of ascidians, 171 species of fishes,
and 3 species of marine mammals from the waters of Casuarina Bay.

Terrestrial Ecosystem

Altogether 111 species of terrestrial faunal communities including 13 species of odonates, 24 species of
butterflies, 12 species of spiders, 2 species of scorpions, 4 species of amphibians, 17 species of reptiles,
31 species of aves, and 8 species of mammals were recorded from this region.

Benthic cover

The detailed benthic cover was estimated and found that Live coral-15.66%, Other animal-1.52%, Dead
Coral- 5.33%, Other algae-45.15%, and Abiotic-32.34%. Casuarina Bay covers nearly 21.22-hectare
area of reef habitat.

Scheduled and Endangered species

Scleractinian corals are Schedule-I species under IW(P)A, 1972 in the Casuarina Bay. A total of 39
species of scleractinian corals are recorded from this region while 7 species of Scheduled-I holothurians
are also recorded. Apart from these, three species of marine mammals like Dugong (Dugong
dugon Muller, 1776), False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens (Owen, 1846)) and Common Dolphin
(Delphinus delphis Linnaeus, 1758) are also recorded from this region. Due to the presence of the
Dagmar River, the occurrence of saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801) is noticed in
this region. The mangrove creek regions of the Dagmar river and adjoining Alexandria river provide
suitable habitats for this reptile species. The Casuarina bay is also known as one of the important
breeding grounds for vulnerable leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764). The Nicobar
Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) is known as one of the significant
endemic animals of the A&N Islands which are facing tremendous threats of population depletion. In
1994, a total of 515 active mounds were recorded from Great Nicobar Island while the present status
depicts nearly 202 active mounds. Active megapode mounds are found at Casuarina Bay and adjoining
coastal areas along Dagmar and Alexandria rivers. Great Nicobar Island is the home of only one species
of non-human primates i.e. the Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus (Miller, 1902). Two
troupes of macaque have been observed in the Casurina Bay region.

Aboriginal Tribes

The aboriginal indigenous mongoloid tribal population i.e. Shompens are inhabited in this region.
As per 2021 census made by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, the total population of the Shompen is
237. These people are living within the Biosphere Reserve area and mostly constructed their huts on the
bank of perennial rivers. They are hunters and food gatherers leading a semi-nomadic life with stone-
age civilization.

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Container Transhipment Terminal

• Master Plan caters 6.70 km approx. long berths.

• Estimated capacity: 15 Million TEUs per annum

Master plan of Container Transhipment Terminal at Casuarina Bay

Site 3: Anderson Bay

Anderson Bay is situated at the eastern side of Great Nicobar Island on Andaman Sea. The coastal
morphology of this region is mostly sandy beaches while some rocky patches are also found. The shore
is mostly a plantation area with only coconut trees. This Bay is nearly 9 km. long stretch while the average
depth ranges between 14-25m.

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 Map of Anderson Bay, Great Nicobar Island

Anderson Bay, Great Nicobar Island

Faunal diversity

A total of 490 species of faunal communities are reported from this proposed site.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystem

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332 species of coastal and marine faunal communities including 25 species of scleractinian corals, 4
species of octocorals, 7 species of sponges, 3 species of sea anemones, 3 species of polyclads, 41
species of molluscs, 4 species of heterobranchs, 34 species of crabs, 9 species of shrimps, 26 species
of lobsters, 26 species of echinoderms, 3 species of ascidians, 144 species of fishes, and 3 species of
marine mammals are recorded from this region.

Terrestrial Ecosystem

A total of 158 species of terrestrial faunal communities including 12 species of odonates, 35 species of
butterflies, 15 species of spiders, 1 species of scorpions, 8 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles,
50 species of aves and 12 species of mammals are recorded from this region

Benthic cover

Detailed benthic cover was estimated and found that Live coral-19.92%, Other animal-7.59%, Dead
Coral- 3.4%, Other algae-5.52%, and Abiotic-63.37%. Anderson Bay covers nearly 46.0468 hectare area
of reef habitat.

Scheduled and Endangered species

Scleractinian corals under Scheduled-I of IW(P)A, 1972 are recorded with 25 species from this region.
Further 8 species of Scheduled-I holothurians are also recorded. Apart from these, three species of
marine mammals like Dugong (Dugong dugon Muller, 1776), False Killer Whale (Pseudorca
crassidens (Owen, 1846)) and Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis Linnaeus, 1758) are also recorded
from this region. A meagre number of leatherback turtles use Anderson Bay as a breeding ground while
olive ridley turtles are frequent visitors of this bay. The active mounds of Nicobar Megapode Megapodius
nicobariensis abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) are found at the far interior area of Anderson bay. The Long-
Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus (Miller, 1902) are predominantly recorded in the coastal
and adjoining areas of Anderson Bay.

Population and habitat

Joginder Nagar is Anderson Bay adjoining village which is the residing place of 208 families. As per the
census 2011, a total of 693 people including 401 males while 292 females are recorded from this area.

Container Transhipment Terminal

• Master Plan caters 6.23 km approx. long berths.
• Estimated capacity: 14.2 Million TEUs per annum

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 Master plan of Container Transhipment Terminal at Anderson Bay

Site 4: Pemayya Bay

Pemayya Bay is situated on the south-western side of Great Nicobar Island and is surrounded by the Bay
of Bengal. The coastal morphology of this region is shared by mostly sandy beaches, mangrove creeks,
mudflats, and submerged wetlands. This Bay is nearly 4 km. long stretch while an average depth ranges
between 12-25m.

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 Map of Pemayya Bay, Great Nicobar Island

Pemayya Bay (outer region), Great Nicobar Island

Faunal diversity

A total of 456 species of faunal communities are reported from this proposed site.

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Coastal and Marine Ecosystem:

A total of 354 species of coastal and marine faunal communities including 45 species of scleractinian
corals, 4 species of octocorals, 3 species of sponges, 2 species of sea anemones, 4 species of polyclads,
69 species of mollusks, 6 species of heterobranchs, 29 species of crabs, 5 species of shrimps, 2 species
of lobsters, 37 species of echinoderms, 8 species of ascidians, 137 species of fishes, and 3 species of
marine mammals are recorded from this region.

Terrestrial Ecosystem:

102 species of terrestrial faunal communities including 12 species of odonates, 24 species of butterflies,
12 species of spiders, 1 species of scorpions, 4 species of amphibians, 15 species of reptiles, 27 species
of aves, and 7 species of mammals are recorded from this region.

Benthic cover

Detailed benthic cover was estimated and found that Live coral-14.9%, Dead Coral- 2.51%, Other animal-
3.28%, Other algae-22.07%, and Abiotic-57.24%. The study was made nearly the mouth of Pemayya
Bay. This bay covers nearly 35.1254-hectare area of reef habitat.

Scheduled and Endangered species

45 species of scleractinian corals are recorded from this region. A total of 10 species of Scheduled-I
holothurians are also recorded. Apart from these, three species of marine mammals like Dugong (Dugong
dugon Muller, 1776), False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens (Owen, 1846)) and Common Dolphin
(Delphinus delphis Linnaeus, 1758) are also recorded from this region. The exact Pemayya bay is not a
suitable place for turtle nesting due to mudflats, and wetlands, whereas the breeding ground for
vulnerable leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764) is reported adjoining area to this bay
region. The presence of mudflats, submerged wetlands, and mangrove creeks are the suitable habitats
for the occurrence of saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801) in Pemayya Bay. Active
megapode mounds are recorded in nearby areas of Pemayya Bay.

Container Transhipment Terminal

• Master Plan caters 6.5 km approx. long berths.

• Estimated capacity: 15 Million TEUs per annum

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 Master plan of Container Transhipment Terminal at Pemayya Bay

Site 5: Campbell Bay

Campbell Bay is situated in the eastern coastal areas of Great Nicobar Island and is surrounded by the
Bay of Bengal. The coastal structure of this region is sheared by sandy and muddy beaches, and rocky
areas. This Bay is nearly 12 km. long stretch while the average depth ranges between 10-23m.

Map of Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar Island

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Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar Island

Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar Island

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 Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar Island

Faunal diversity

Altogether species of faunal communities are reported from this proposed site.

Coastal and Marine Ecosystem:

A total of 495 species of coastal and marine faunal communities including 107 species of scleractinian
corals, 12 species of octocorals, 10 species of sponges, 7 species of sea anemones, 9 species of
polyclads, 135 species of mollusks, 8 species of heterobranchs, 62 species of crabs, 17 species of
shrimps, 4 species of lobsters, 21 species of echinoderms, 14 species of ascidians, 87 species of fishes,
and 2 species of marine mammals are recorded from this region.

Terrestrial Ecosystem:

A total of 172 species of terrestrial faunal communities including 19 species of odonates, 49 species of
butterflies, 10 species of spiders, 2 species of scorpions, 8 species of amphibians, 27 species of reptiles,
46 species of aves, and 11 species of mammals are recorded from this region

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Benthic cover

Detailed benthic cover was estimated and found that Dead Coral- 9.02%, Live coral-39.27%, Other
animal-4.56%, Other algae-6.95%, and Abiotic-40.20%. The study was made at the out end of Campbell
Bay. This bay covers nearly 86.8344 hect. area of reef habitat.

Scheduled and Endangered species

A total of 107 species of scleractinian corals are recorded from this region. Eleven species of Scheduled-
I holothurians are also recorded. Besides, two species of marine mammals like Dugong (Dugong
dugon Muller, 1776), and Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis Linnaeus, 1758) is also recorded from
this region. No turtles are usually reported to make breeding grounds in the Campbell Bay region. The
presence of mudflats, submerged wetlands, and mangrove creeks near the Magar Nallah region of
Campbell Bay harbors saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801). Predominant
population of Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus (Miller, 1902) is reported from the
Campbell Bay region.

Tribal population

The population of another mongoloid indigenous tribal population i.e. Nicobarese inhabited in Campbell
Bay. At present their traditional beliefs and customs are changing and modern education and Government
jobs are readily accepted by these tribal people.

Population and habitat

Campbell Bay is the gateway of Great Nicobar Island. Most of the establishments like a wharf, air-port,
defense base camp, government offices, residential areas, revenue lands, market, etc. are in place. This
region is overpopulated in terms of island population ratio. It is the residing place of 1608 families. As per
the census 2011, a total of 5736 people including 3362 males while 2374 females are recorded from this
area.

Container Transhipment Terminal

• Master Plan caters 6.55 km approx. long berths.

• Estimated capacity: 15 Million TEUs per annum

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Master plan of Container Transhipment Terminal at Campbell Bay

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 9. SUMMARY OF THE BASELINE STUDY

The intertidal and sub-tidal marine surveys were conducted along the proposed project areas from
Campbell Bay to Indira Point in order to get the comparative analysis. The baseline study was conducted
during February-March 2021.

Physico-chemical and Biological Parameters

1. Environmental parameter data such as temperature, salinity, pH etc. has been obtained by
measuring collected water using Multiparameter. Sample water for DO (dissolved oxygen),
salinity, nutrients and chlorophyll has been collected using Niskin sampler.

2. Water samples collected have been analyzed for nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate with a
spectrophotometer. Water samples will be collected from various depths as well as from intertidal
site.

3. For chlorophyll a, two liters of water from each depth has been filtered through GF/F filter papers
(pore size 0.7 µm), with the addition of one or two drops of magnesium carbonate solution.

4. Along the intertidal stations of the coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island, Station GB 1 (Galathea
beach) witnessed the highest concentration of silicate (3.567 µg/ml) while station RB 1 (Rajiv
Nagar Beach) had the least silicate concentration (2.131µg/ml).

5. Ammonia concentration was maximum (1.736 µg/ml) at CB1 (Campbell Bay) and minimum at
GB 2 (0.485 µg/ml).

6. Phosphate concentration was almost constant in all the stations, ranging between 0.363 µg/ml
at CB 3 to 0.726 µg/ml at CB 2.

7. Nitrite concentration also showed a similar trend like phosphate, with highest concentration
recorded at RB 1 (0.392 µg/ml) and least at JB 2 (Joginder Nagar Beach) (0.115 µg/ml).

8. Highest sea surface temperature (SST) (°C) was recorded at RB 1 and GB 1 stations (33.2 °C)
and minimum at JB 1 and LB 1 stations (28.6 °C). Sea surface salinity (SSS) was lowest at GB
1 (29 psu) and highest at JB 2 (35 psu).

9. Along the marine waters of the coastal waters of Great Nicobar Island, SST was maximum at LB
2 (29.2 °C) and minimum at GB 3 (28.7 °C). Salinity was maximum at GB3 (30.5 psu) and
showed equal value at LB 2 and LB 3 (30 psu).

10. Dissolved oxygen concentration among the intertidal stations was highest at RB 1 (9.48 ml/l) and
minimum at GB 2 (1.8 ml/l). Chlorophyll a ranged from a minimum value of 0.268mg/m³ at CB 2
to a maximum value of 4.82 mg/m³ at GB 2.

11. Along the marine waters, dissolved oxygen concentration was highest at LB 2 (9.94 ml/l) and
minimum at LB 3 (5.87 ml/l). Chlorophyll a concentration was lowest at LB 2 (0.275 mg/m³) and
highest at GB 3 (1.95 mg/m³).

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12. The average phytoplankton abundance in the intertidal waters of sampling stations of Great
Nicobar Island is about 16585 no./L (no. of organisms per litre). The maximum phytoplankton
abundance of 22800 no./L was observed in the station GB1 IT and minimum at station LB1 IT
accounting about 11000 no./L. The phytoplankton abundance reflects the chlorophyll a
concentration in most stations, especially in regions with high chlorophyll a concentration values.

13. The average phytoplankton abundance in the marine waters of sampling stations of Great
Nicobar Island is about 24400 no./L (no. of organisms per litre). The phytoplankton abundance
ranges from a maximum of 34200 no./L in the station GB3 M to a minimum of 15200 no./L at
station LB2 IT.

14. The major two groups of phytoplankton observed are diatoms and mixotrophic (photosynthetic)
dinoflagellates. The abundance of diatoms is much higher than the dinoflagellates across all
stations, both intertidal and marine coastal study sites. This data is supported by the overall high
silicate concentrations in the study area.

15. In terms of phytoplankton diversity, station LB M is the most diverse. Mixotrophic dinoflagellate
diversity is high in Lakshman Beach stations, while diatom diversity is high in Galathea Bay
stations.

16. The average microzooplankton abundance in the intertidal waters of sampling stations of Great
Nicobar Island is about 27575 no./L (no. of organisms per litre). The maximum microzooplankton
abundance of 38200 no./L was observed in the station RB1 IT and minimum at station LB1 IT
accounting about 13600 no./L.

17. The average microzooplankton abundance in the marine waters of sampling stations of Great
Nicobar Island is about 19033 no./L (no. of organisms per litre). The microzooplankton
abundance ranges from a maximum of 20800 no./L in the station GB3 M to a minimum of 16900
no./L at station LB3 IT.

18. The major microzooplankton groups recorded from the study area are Ciliophora, heterotrophic
Dinoflagellata, Foraminifera, Radiolaria and larval forms of Copepoda, Decapoda, Bivalva to
name a few. In the intertidal stations the larval forms, especially copepod nauplii and bivalve
larvae dominate the numbers, followed by foraminiferans (except in Galathea beach stations,
where ciliates are the dominant group.

19. In the marine stations of LB2 and LB3, larval forms are the most abundant group whereas the
ciliates dominate the numbers in station GB3.

20. In terms of microzooplankton diversity, station LB M is the most diverse, while the least species
diversity has been recorded from station JB IT. Foraminifera and heterotrophic dinoflagellate
diversity is high in Campbell Bay (CB) stations, while ciliate diversity is high in all Lakshman
beach (LB) stations.

21. The average mesozooplankton biomass in the intertidal waters of sampling stations of Great
Nicobar Island is about 183.44 mg/m3.The maximum zooplankton biomass of 488.12 mg/m3 was
observed in the station GB1 IT and minimum at station JB2 IT accounting about 44.49mg/m3.
The average abundance of zooplankton in the intertidal waters of sampling stations of Great
Nicobar Island is about 206.99 no./m3.The maximum abundance of zooplankton was observed

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 in the station GB1 IT and minimum at station JB2 IT, accounting about 480.88 no./m3 and 50.88
no./m3 respectively.

22. The average zooplankton biomass in the marine waters of sampling stations of Great Nicobar
Island is about 879.23 mg/m3.The maximum zooplankton biomass of 1288.65 mg/m3 was
observed in the station LB2 M and minimum at station GB3 M, accounting about 96.71 mg/m3.
The average abundance of zooplankton in the marine waters of sampling stations of Great
Nicobar Island is about 2465.45 no./m3. LB3 M has maximum abundance of zooplankton and
minimum abundance was observed at station GB3 M, accounting about 3804.65 no./m3 and
47.22 no./m3 respectively.

23. A total of 17 groups of organisms or taxa were obtained in zooplankton collection namely,
Copepoda, Ostracoda, Amphipoda, Decapoda, Siphonophora, Decapoda larvae, Polychaete,
Polychaete larvae, Mollusca, Mollusca larvae, Appendularia, Thaliacea, Cumacea, Cladocera,
Chaetognatha, fish/invertebrate eggs and fish larvae. Copepods comprised the major portion of
the mesozooplankton biomass. A total of 92 species of mesozooplankton was recorded from the
study among which Copepoda showed the maximum species diversity. Copepoda comprised of
34 species, Ostracoda comprised of 9 species, Euphausiacea comprised of 12 species,
Decapoda constituted of 5 species, Chaetognatha constituted of 9 species, Anthoathecata
constituted of 2 species, Siphonophorae constituted of 4 species, Amphipoda and Pteropoda
comprised of 2 species each, Appendicularia comprised of 4 species and Thaliacea comprised
of 9 species.

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Intertidal and subtidal macro and meio benthos

1. The coral reef diversity and status survey were carried out in 100m × 100m Permanent
Monitoring Plots using Manta Tow Survey in shallow reef areas and deeper parts were surveyed
by SCUBA diving. The corals were videographed /photographed for species level identification
and their distribution fixed by handheld Global Positioning System.

2. A total of 309 species of scleractinian corals under 66 genera, 19 families (including two genera
under Scleractinia Incertae Sedis) are recorded from Great Nicobar Island. The present database
of scleractinian species is prepared based on the available literature and studies made by the
present author during period of last 12 years.

3. Among the recorded 309 species, 66 species are under threatened category (2 species are under
Endangered and 64 species are under Vulnerable categories) as per the category and criteria of
IUCN 2021 while 90 species are recorded under Near Threatened, 135 species are under Least
Concern and 9 species are under Data Deficient categories whereas 9 species are under not
evaluated category.

4. All the species of scleractinian corals are protected under the Schedule-I of Indian Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972.

5. A total of 245 species of scleractinian corals under 53 genera, 15 families (including 2 genera
under Scleractinia Incertae Sedis) are recorded from seven sites including the proposed project
site of Great Nicobar Island during the present study. A maximum of 117 species is documented
from Galathea Bay followed by 111 species Sastri Nagar, 107 species from Campbell Bay, 102
species from Laxman Beach, 76 species from Gandhi Nagar, 25 species from Anderson Bay,
and only 15 species Laxmi Nagar.

6. Thorough studies were carried out at the seven study areas of Great Nicobar Island to estimate
the benthic cover. Maximum 39.27% of live coral cover was recorded from Campbell Bay region
followed by 30.81% from Gandhi Nagar, 25.59% from Sastri Nagar, 24.10% from Laxman Beach,
19.92% from Anderson Bar, 17.46 from Galathea Bay, and the minimum of 13.45% from Laxmi
Nager. Among the other algae, a maximum of 51.75% was recorded from Galathea Bay while
the minimum of 5.52% from Anderson Bay.

7. The present study indicates a total of 491.7975 hect. reef areas across the seven study areas
including 116.4173 hect. of reef areas at Galathea Bay which is distributed up to the maximum
extent of 1200m (perpendicular) from the coastline while most of the reefs are scattered in
distribution within the limit of a mean distance of 500m whereas the reef areas of Sastri Nagar
are recorded with the total distributional cover of around 103.8703 hect. along with the mean
distributional range from the coast is 250m (perpendicular) along with the maximum of 500m
while Laxman Beach represents the minimum of 34.4921 hect. of reef areas within the mean
proximity of 150m from the coast while the maximum distributional ranges are within 350m.

Endemic flora

1. According to the data of Botanical Survey of India, approximately 600 species of flora reported
from Great Nicola Island. Among them 86 species of plants found endemic to Great Nicobar
Island. Of which 28 species are exclusively reported from Great Nicobar Island, while 18 species

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 identified from entire Nicobar group of Islands and 40 species recorded from Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. Considerable number of plant species reported from Great Nicobar Island has
ethno-botanical significance

Endemic fauna

1. A total of 695 species of fauna with the endemism of 158 species which is equivalent to 22.73%
was reported from Great Nicobar Island.

2. A total of 48 vertebrates, recorded as endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, were found in
Great Nicobar Island during the study period. Among them 3 species are mammals, 36 species
are birds, 7 species are reptiles and 2 species are amphibians.

3. This reserve is home for several endemic and endangered species including Nicobar Megapode
Megapodius nicobariensis, Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus, NicobarTree Shrew
Tupaia nicobarica, Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis, Saltwater Crocodile Crocodylus
porosus, Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys coriacea, Reticulated python
Pythonreticulatus and Coconut Crab Birgus latro.

Endangered Fauna

1. The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801) is the largest living reptile and
crocodilian known to science which ruled during the Mesozoic era. Crocodiles are top predators,
and as such, perform an important role in maintaining the structure and function of ecosystems.
The saltwater crocodile is a crocodilian native to saltwater habitats and brackish wetlands from
India's east coast across Southeast Asia and the Sundaic region to northern Australia and
Micronesia. The Saltwater Crocodile is a common species throughout the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. Population estimates of saltwater crocodiles in Great Nicobar Island are about 6 adults
and 3 sub-adults-based on questionnaire. It was sighted at Indira Point, Mahar Nallah, Gandhi
Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Galathea Bay.

2. Out of the five species of turtles recorded from mainland coast of India, the leatherback turtle
Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764) is well known for its nesting in the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. Leatherback turtles nesting have been recorded mainly on the long and wide beaches
at the mouth of the Dagmar and Alexandira rivers on the west coast and at the mouth of the
Galathea River along its south eastern coast. Globally, leatherback turtle status according to
IUCN is listed as Vulnerable. The Northeast Indian leatherback subpopulation nests primarily in
the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India, in some parts of Sri Lanka and to a lesser extent in
Thailand. The first documentation of leatherback turtle nesting in the Great Nicobar Island was
by Dr. Satish Bhaskar in 1978-79 and subsequently by other researchers including A&NB Forest
Department and NGOs and institutions in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The leatherback
nesting population in the Nicobar is one of the four colonies that exceeds 1000 individuals in the
Indo-Pacific, and hence of global significance. The southern bay of Great Nicobar is Southeast
Asia’s largest leatherback turtle nesting site. In Galathea bay, nesting, egg laying and hatchling
are more for Leatherback turtle compared to the other regions of Great Nicobar Island. In current
year, estimation of the number of hatchlings is not completed; hence the number is not
mentioned. The number of nestings, eggs laid and number of hatchlings has been increasing
over past four years. The number of hatchlings increases at a rate of 21 % from 2018 to 2019
while it increases at a rate of 147 % from 2019 to 2020. The nesting leatherback populations of
this species have also shown an increase in the trend in Galathea Bay. It is estimated that the

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 succession rate of hatchlings of leatherback turtle are 59% in 2018; 60% in 2019 and 63.5% in
2020. The hatchling process has not completed for this year and hence not enumerated and
presented.

3. The Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) which is an

endemic bird species in the Nicobar group of Islands.. According to the IUCN, this species was
listed as Vulnerable (Birdlife International, 2000) and as per Govt. of India, Schedule-I of the
Wildlife Protection Act (1972). As per the survey by ZSI, there are ~ 100 active mounds were
recorded and ~ 202 megapodes were detected during the point‐transect and playback surveys
Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti occurs in all of the southern group of islands, it was estimated
that 7 active mounds and 14 breeding pairs in Galathea.

4. The Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus (Miller, 1902) is the only non-human
primates found on Nicobar Islands. In 2000, a total of 88 groups, having a mean size of 36
monkeys, were recorded in Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar and Katchal Islands. However, in 2006
a total of 40 groups, including 814 monkeys were recorded in Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar and
Katchal Islands while assessing the impact of the Tsunami on the Long-Tailed Macaque of
Nicobar Islands. This is the only primate in the Nicobar Islands, and is listed in Schedule I of the
Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

5. The coconut crab or Robber crab or Palm thief (Birgus latro (Linnaeus, 1767)) is the largest
terrestrial arthropod in the World which is related to hermit crabs and lobsters). The crab is named
because it is associated with coconut tree. It is listed as Schedule – I, Part - I under Wildlife
Protection Act, 1972. The coconut crab populations are threatened with extinction in the Nicobar
group of Islands, except for Menchal Island due to human predatory practices.

10. SIGNIFICANT OBSERVATIONS

The significant observations made during the survey are summarized below.

1. A total of 17 groups of organisms or taxa were obtained in zooplankton collection.

2. A total of 245 species of scleractinian corals under 53 genera, 15 families (including 2 genera
under Scleractinia Incertae Sedis) are recorded from seven sites including the proposed project
site of Great Nicobar Island during the present study against the reported a total of 309 species.

3. A maximum of 117 species is documented from Galathea Bay followed by 111 species Sastri
Nagar, 107 species from Campbell Bay, 102 species from Laxman Beach, 76 species from
Gandhi Nagar, 25 species from Anderson Bay, and only 15 species Laxmi Nagar.

4. Maximum 39.27% of live coral cover was recorded from Campbell Bay region followed by 30.81%
from Gandhi Nagar, 25.59% from Sastri Nagar, 24.10% from Laxman Beach, 19.92% from
Anderson Bar, 17.46 from Galathea Bay, and the minimum of 13.45% from Laxmi Nager. Among
the other algae, a maximum of 51.75% was recorded from Galathea Bay while the minimum of
5.52% from Anderson Bay.

5. The present study indicates a total of 491.7975 hect. reef areas across the seven study areas
including 116.4173 hect. of reef areas at Galathea Bay which is distributed up to the maximum
extent of 1200m (perpendicular) from the coastline while most of the reefs are scattered in

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 distribution within the limit of a mean distance of 500m whereas the reef areas of Sastri Nagar
are recorded with the total distributional cover of around 103.8703 hect. along with the mean
distributional range from the coast is 250m (perpendicular) along with the maximum of 500m
while Laxman Beach represents the minimum of 34.4921 hect. of reef areas within the mean
proximity of 150m from the coast while the maximum distributional ranges are within 350m.

6. The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801) is the largest living reptile. It was
sighted at Indira Point, Mahar Nallah, Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Galathea Bay.

7. The leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764) is well known for its nesting in the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Leatherback turtles nesting have been recorded mainly on the
long and wide beaches at the mouth of the Dagmar and Alexandira rivers on the west coast and
at the mouth of the Galathea River along its south eastern coast. In Galathea bay, nesting, egg
laying and hatchling are more for Leatherback turtle compared to the other regions of Great
Nicobar Island. In current year, estimation of the number of hatchlings is not completed; hence
the number is not mentioned. The number of nestings, eggs laid and number of hatchlings has
been increasing over past four years. The number of hatchlings increases at a rate of 21 %
from 2018 to 2019 while it increases at a rate of 147 % from 2019 to 2020. The nesting
leatherback populations of this species have also shown an increase in the trend in Galathea
Bay. It is estimated that the succession rate of hatchlings of leatherback turtle are 59% in 2018;
60% in 2019 and 63.5% in 2020. The hatchling process has not completed for this year and
hence not enumerated and presented.

8. The Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) which is an

endemic bird species in the Nicobar group of Islands. According to the IUCN, this species was
listed as Vulnerable (Birdlife International, 2000) and as per Govt. of India, Schedule-I of the
Wildlife Protection Act (1972). As per the survey by ZSI, there are ~ 100 active mounds were
recorded and ~ 202 megapodes were detected during the point‐transect and playback surveys
Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti occurs in all of the southern group of islands, it was estimated
that 7 active mounds and 14 breeding pairs in Galathea.

9. The Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus (Miller, 1902) is the only non-human
primates found on Nicobar Islands. In 2000, a total of 88 groups, having a mean size of 36
monkeys, were recorded in Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar and Katchal Islands. However, in 2006
a total of 40 groups, including 814 monkeys were recorded in Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar and
Katchal Islands while assessing the impact of the Tsunami on the Long-Tailed Macaque of
Nicobar Islands. This is the only primate in the Nicobar Islands, and is listed in Schedule I of the
Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

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 11. PREDICTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

The likelihood environmental impacts of the proposed holistic development in Great Nicobar Island,
faunal diversity and conservation for the island has been predicted for construction and operation phases
based on the assessment of present survey/study and are given below.

1. To execute the proposed of 14.2 Million TEU (Twenty Feet Equivalent Unit) ICTT Port, (main
project), Airport (4,000 Peak hour passenger, Category 4F), Township and Area Development
for 14,960 Ha and Power Plant. (405MVA Gas +Diesel) (Additional 45 MVA from solar power will
be included in total power generation) deforestation is required.

2. Gaseous emissions from the vehicles, flights, ferries, boats, and machineries used for the
construction will generate a considerable amount of air and noise pollution. During the
operational phase, the emission generated through transient vehicles, flight, ferries, boats, and
machineries will also be continued.

3. Apart from gaseous emissions, it is expected that there is a possibility for dust generation while
transporting construction material by trucks which may have an impact on the quality of air.
However, this can be minimized by covering the material while transportation.

4. During the process of tar topping on the roads, there is a possibility for draining of hydrocarbon
laden water may be flown in to the nearby intertidal reef area due land run-off caused by rain,
where rich biodiversity observed. However this may be prevented by laying tar-topping on the
sunny days.

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5. On construction phase of buildings, airport, air-strip, transshipment port, power plant, culverts,
bridges and retaining walls, there is a possibility of altering the flow pattern of rain water/streams
which may leads to land erosion. However, this will be of short-term impact and reversible, and
the flow pattern could be regulated on completion of the construction phase by proper
management plan and drainage system.

6. During the construction in seafront areas, the marine ecosystem will be highly effected especially
wherever there are coral reefs. The development of jetties and ports along the coastal areas
likely to have impact on the coral reefs and especially the benthic cover and associated fauna.
Rehabilitation, restoration and development of new reef areas by modern technologies will be
much required to protect the coastal and marine ecosystem of Great Nicobar Island. During the
operation phase, the movement due to sea-ways traffic may create impact on the water quality
and benthic ecosystem which is required to be restored sustainably with greater conservation
measures.

7. The population of Nicobar Megapode, Crab-eating Macaque and Giant leatherback turtles are
iconic species in the proposed project sites. The proposed project may have direct or indirect
impact on the habitats on these animals. Nevertheless, internationally accepted mitigation
measures for minimal impact on the habitats need to be ensured and practiced in a well-
organized plans.

8. It is expected that the peak requirement of about 10,000 workers during construction phases will
be employed, which may lead to some anthropogenic pollution in the forest environment.
However, since this will be temporary in nature, need to be sustainably managed through proper
strategies.

9. In the operational phase of the project, vehicular movements may cause the road kill of reptiles
(snakes and lizards), amphibians (frogs), mammals (rodents and monkeys) and insects
(butteflies, moths, beetles etc.). However, road kills may be minimized/averted by construction
of curverts across the road at appropriate locations wherever the road alignment passes through
the dense forest area or wherever there are viable population of animals inhabiting in nearby
forests.

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 12. ENVISAGED BENEFIT OF THE PROJECT

1. Strategic importance: China is expanding its footprint around India in Indian Ocean region. China-
Pakistan: China has developed and funded a deep‐water port with the cooperation of the
Pakistani government at Gwadar, where China enjoys “sovereign guarantees” to the facilities.
China is also considering an oil pipeline between as part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
This will help China oil imports to bypass transport on the Indian Ocean and specifically through
the Strait of Malacca. China-Sri Lanka: China has provided financial and technical aid in the
development of the Hambantota port and bunker facility, which is six nautical miles from a major
Indian Ocean shipping route. China and Bangladesh: China has constructed a deep‐water port
at Chittagong, Bangladesh, and is seeking increased Naval and commercial access. Chinese
Navy is allowed to use the harbors of Chittagong and have access to refueling stations for its
aircraft.
2. China-Myanmar (Burma): In Burma, China assisted in the construction of several military and
commercial facilities, most notably a naval jetty on Great Coco Island and a commercial shipping
facility at Sittwe. China and Burma have planned a pipeline from Sittwe to Kunming that will
account for a 10 percent reduction in the oil destined for China that travels through the Strait of
Malacca. China- Thailand: China and Thailand are discussing a canal at Kra that would directly
link the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea and allow the Chinese to avoid the Strait of
Malacca.

3. The proposed projects will enhance the socio economy status of the native people by providing
basis services, world class social infrastructure including health, education, community and
support services, employment opportunities and enhancing the GDP by transshipment and
tourism.

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4. Locational advantage of the islands is their close proximity to international tourist island
destinations.
5. The development is also significant from the point of view of national security.
6. Geopolitical importance due to its role as a transit zone for the important world’s trade routes and
its narrow points of access are easy to control and India’s presence in the Great Nicobar Island
will demonstrate its strong position.
7. The proposed project shall resume a direct accessibility to the Indira Point, the southernmost
part of our country from the Campbell Bay through land route and sea route.

8. Resumption of effective fishing, agricultural and other livelihood activities in the Great Nicobar
Island.

9. The proposed project will enhance the socio-economy status of local population.

10. The proposed project will be a vital source for the maritime security and defence activity of our
country as neighbouring countries located less than 100 miles away.

11. It will provide a platform for strengthening the patrolling facility of Great Nicobar Biosphere
Reserve by the Department of Environment and Forests, A&N Administration.

12. It will provide accessibility to Air Force and Navy Lands located near Indira Point.

13. It will strengthen India’s participation in the regional maritime economy by establishing a new
port city at Great Nicobar Island.

14. It will develop a diverse economy that combines transshipment, trade, and tourism.

15. It will leverage the Island’s world-class ecological resources to attract international and Indian
tourists.

16. It will provide an inspiring and agile framework for the physical development of the new city.

17. It will ascertain the best location and most appropriate size for major infrastructure facilities (port,
airport, urban infrastructure).

18. It will chart a balanced path forward that can achieve economic development goals, conserve
the natural environment, and improve the quality of life of local residents.

19. It takes 2-3 hours from nearest city airports like Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru to reach Great
Nicobar through air and the connectivity through ferries will be proficient after the completion of
the project.

20. The development will be helpful to promote the eco-tourism in the Great Nicobar Island which
generates revenue.

21. Generation of power through the use of renewable energy (like solar power plant and wind power
plant) will enhance the capacity of the country towards the involvement in CoP-21 for the
reduction of carbon foot print.

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22. It will capture the locational advantage of being on international sea route and develop Great
Nicobar as a Sustainable, Green, Global Hotspot for Business, trade and leisure.

23. During the construction phase of the project, 2.6 lakh employees (direct and indirect) shall get
an employment benefit while 3.9 lakh people will be benefited as dependent.

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 Evaluation for Alternate Sites
Based on the comprehensive studies and scrutiny on the biodiversity and ecological aspects on the proposed
project areas, some notable issues are addressed in terms of merits and demerits for the all the five sites.

Site 1 – Galathea Bay

Merits

• This is the best site in terms of distance from international sea-route (nearly 40 km away).
• The entire bay is tranquil with sandy bottom suitable for all weather port.
• The risk of rock dredging is comparatively less.
• Requires reclamation of land to develop onshore storage facilities which comparatively easier way with low
cost.
• The shape of the Bay is suitable for Port development with minimal requirement of break water structure.
• No hill cutting is required to use the land.
• No habitation is found in and around the site.
• The depth of the bay is sufficient to meet the basic requirement while minimal dredging will be required.
• No tribal population is existing in close proximity of this region.
• The location is fit to correlate with other developmental plans taken under consideration in Great Nicobar
Island.

Demerits
• Some portion of the designated area is falling under ICRZ Zone 1A.
• Represents 117 species of scleractinian corals (Schedule-I species under IW(P)A, 1972).
• Represents 8 species of Scheduled-I holothurians.
• Total benthic cover of reef habitat is 116.4173 hect. including Dead Coral - 1.72%, Live coral-
17.46%, other animal-2.48%, Other algae-51.75%, and Abiotic-26.59%, exist in the rim of the Bay.
• Three species of marine mammals are sighted.
• Presence of saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801) in adjoining Galathea River.
• Presence of some mangrove patches in adjoining Galathea River.
• Presence nests of vulnerable leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764) is
predominantly at the Galathea Bay.
• Presence of 14 breeding pairs along with 7 active mounds of endemic Nicobar
Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) in the proposed area.
• Presence of only one species of non-human primates i.e. the Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca
fascicularis umbrosus (Miller, 1902) in the coastal areas.

Site 2 – Casuarina Bay

Merits

• Moderately good site in terms of distance from international sea-route (nearly 75 km away).
• Adequate availability of natural breakwater to meet the need.
• No hill cutting is required to use the land.

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Demerits
• Requires reclamation of land to develop onshore storage facilities.
• The risk of rock dredging is comparatively high.
• The site is very close to the habitation of aboriginal indigenous mongoloid tribal population i.e. Shompens.
• The depth of the bay is not sufficient to meet the basic requirement. Dredging will be required with higher
volume which is more than Galathea Bay.
• The location is not fit to correlate due to isolation from the rest of the proposed developments in Great
Nicobar Island.
• Some portion of the designated area is falling under ICRZ Zone 1A.
• Falling under Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and Campbell Bay National Park.
• Represents 39 species of scleractinian corals (Schedule-I species under IW(P)A, 1972).
• Represents 7 species of Scheduled-I holothurians.
• Total benthic cover of reef habitat is 21.22-hect. including Live coral-15.66%, Other animal-1.52%, Dead
Coral- 5.33%, Other algae-45.15%, and Abiotic-32.34%.
• Three species of marine mammals are sighted.
• Presence of saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801) in adjoining Dagmar River.
• Presence of mangrove patches in adjoining Dagmar River.
• Presence of nests of vulnerable leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764) is
predominant.
• Presence of active mounds of endemic Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis
abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) in the proposed site adjoining areas.
• Presence of two troupes of only one species of non-human primates i.e. the Long-Tailed
Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus (Miller, 1902) in this area.

Site 3 – Anderson Bay

Merits

• Moderately good site in terms of distance from international sea-route (nearly 75 km away).
• Adequate availability of natural breakwater to meet the need in length.
• Requirement reclamation of land to develop onshore storage facilities is very less.
• No active mounds of Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) in
the proposed project site.
• A meagre number of leatherback turtles use Anderson Bay as a breeding ground.
• No saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801).
• No tribal population.
• No mangroves.
• Suitable area for township development.

Demerits
• Hill cutting is required to use the land.
• Rock dredging is required.
• The depth of the bay is not sufficient to meet the basic requirement. Dredging will be required with higher
volume.

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 • Site is very close to Joginder Nagar village.
• Rehabilitation issues are there.
• The tall cranes at this site interferes with the proposed airport navigation.
• The location is not fit to for major development due to presence of defence land in nearby places.
• Some portion of the designated area is falling under ICRZ Zone 1A.
• Represents 25 species of scleractinian corals (Schedule-I species under IW(P)A, 1972).
• Represents 8 species of Scheduled-I holothurians.
• Total benthic cover of reef habitat is 46.0468 including Live coral-19.92%, Other animal-7.59%,
Dead Coral- 3.4%, Other algae-5.52%, and Abiotic-63.37%.
• Three species of marine mammals are sighted.
• Olive ridley turtles are frequent visitors of this bay.
• Presence of several troupes of the Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus (Miller,
1902) in this area.

Site 4 – Pemayya Bay

Merits

• Moderately good site in terms of distance from international sea-route (nearly 55 km away).
• Adequate availability of natural breakwater to meet the need in length (maximum).
• No tribal population.
• No issues of Rehabilitation.

Demerits
• Hill cutting is required to use the land.
• Rock dredging is required.
• The depth of the bay is not sufficient to meet the basic requirement. Dredging will be required with higher
volume.
• Requirement reclamation of land to develop onshore storage facilities is comparatively high.
• Some portion of the designated area is falling under ICRZ Zone 1A.
• Represents 45 species of scleractinian corals (Schedule-I species under IW(P)A, 1972).
• Represents 10 species of Scheduled-I holothurians.
• Total benthic cover of reef habitat is 35.1254 including Live coral-14.9%, Dead Coral- 2.51%, Other
animal-3.28%, Other algae-22.07%, and Abiotic-57.24%.
• Three species of marine mammals are sighted.
• Presence of saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801) in mudflats, submerged
wetlands, and mangrove creeks.
• Presence of mangrove patches.
• Active mounds of Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) in the
proposed project adjoining site.
• Presence nests of vulnerable leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1764) is
predominantly.
• Close to Naval facility at Indira Point.
• The location is not fit to for major development due to presence of defence land in nearby places.

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Site 5 – Campbell Bay

Merits

• Moderately good site in terms of distance from international sea-route (nearly 70 km away).
• Requirement reclamation of land to develop onshore storage facilities is comparatively less.
• No record of Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) in the
proposed project site.
• No record of turtles in the proposed project site.

Demerits
• Hill cutting is required to use the land.
• Rock dredging is required.
• Inadequate availability of natural breakwater to meet the need in length.
• The depth of the bay is not sufficient to meet the basic requirement. Dredging will be required with higher
volume and may damange existing coral patches.
• Some portion of the designated area is falling under ICRZ Zone 1A.
• Represents 107 species of scleractinian corals (Schedule-I species under IW(P)A, 1972).
• Represents 11 species of Scheduled-I holothurians.
• Total benthic cover of reef habitat is 86.8344 including Dead Coral- 9.02%, Live coral-39.27%,
Other animal-4.56%, Other algae-6.95%, and Abiotic-40.20%.
• Two species of marine mammals are sighted.
• Presence of saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801) in Magar Nallah region.
• Presence of mangrove patches in Magar Nallah.
• Presence of several troupes of the Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus (Miller,
1902) in this area.
• Close to Naval facility, INS BAZZ.
• The location is not fit to for major development due to presence of defence land in nearby places.
• Presence of mongoloid indigenous tribal population i.e. Nicobarese inhabited in Campbell Bay.
• Area is already crowded with wharf, air-port, defense base camp, government offices, residential
areas, revenue lands, market, etc.
• Presence of predominant population of the Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis
umbrosus (Miller, 1902) in this area.

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 13. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

The following management plans are suggested to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts predicted
and identified as a result of the proposed 14.2 Million TEU (Twenty Feet Equivalent Unit) ICTT Port, (main
project), Airport (4,000 Peak hour passenger, Category 4F), Township and Area Development for 14,960
Ha and Power Plant. (405 MVA Gas +Diesel) (Additional 45 MVA from solar power will be included in
total power generation) projects during construction and operational phase.

Construction phase

1. Construction material such as sand and gravel should be brought from mainland and quarrying
the same in the island should be completely avoided.

2. Vehicles used for the transportation of construction material should be adhered with the emission
norms prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board. Tarpaulin sheets shall be used while
transportation in order to minimize the dust generation.

3. The dredged soil should be disposed off in the suitable localities at open sea having more than
200m depth as per the guidelines of Central Pollution Control Board of Ministry of Environment
Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

4. Spillage of oil or any other kind of petroleum products in the sea should be totally avoided from
the machineries, dredging vessels, supply boats etc.

5. Temporary shelters/camps for labourers should be kept away from the forest area and coastal
areas in order to avoid anthropogenic source of pollution.

6. Littering of non-degradable polythene and plastic materials shall be completely avoided in the
forest and its adjacent coastal and marine environment.

7. Solid wastes generated through the construction activities should be cleared on daily basis in
order to maintain the pristine environment.

8. Proper sanitary facilities and dustbins shall be provided for the labourers during construction
phase.

9. Construction activities may be avoided during night hours as the light and illumination in the
forest attract several insects including moths and beetles which leads to mortality of these
organisms.

10. Marine animals are mostly nocturnal, the construction activities and the operation of lights should
be minimized as the activities and presence of light will create disturbance for the marine animals
especially the giant leatherback turtles.

Operational phase

It is observed that, for the execution of the proposed projects 14.2 Million TEU (Twenty Feet Equivalent
Unit) ICTT Port, (main project), Airport (4,000 Peak hour passenger, Category 4F), Township and Area
Development for 14,960 Ha and Power Plant. (405MVA Gas+Diesel) (Additional 45 MVA from solar

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power will be included in total power generation), a huge forest areas and coral reef areas will be cleared.
In order to compensate the expected loss and augment the forest cover and benthic cover in Great
Nicobar Island, afforestation, restoration and rehabilitation of coral reefs are prerequisite in consultation
with Department of Environment and Forests, A&N Administration.

1. Suitable land in the Great Nicobar or any other suitable islands with similar biodiversity cover
may be identified to develop a compensatory aforestation in consultation with Department of
Environment and Forests. If such land is not available in the A&N islands, suitable land should
be identified in the mainland, in order to augment the forest cover and biodiversity of the country.

2. Planting indigenous and endemic plant species along with medicinal plants should be
encouraged for aforestation measures.

3. Exotic and alien species of plants should be totally forbidden for aforestation drive.

4. Suitable coastal areas in Great Nicobar Island have to be identified to develop a compensatory
coral reef habitat by means of restoration, translocation, and organization of artificial reef habitats
in consultation with Department of Environment and Forests and expert scientists.

5. Disposal of solid waste from the ships should be regulated by strict adherence of the solid waste
disposal and management norms, as prescribed internationally (MARPOL).

6. The visiting ship of other countries should strictly adhere to the norms of International Maritime
Organization (IMO) on ballast water management while entering Port area in order to restrict the
Invasive Alien Species.

7. A state-of-art research Institute should be developed in the proposed project area with the
consultation with expert scientists to monitor the fragile ecosystem of Great Nicobar Island
including both the terrestrial and marine ecosystem with greater emphasis of vulnerable, endemic
animals, and coral reef ecosystems to assess their health and population status.

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 14. MITIGATION STRATEGIES IN MARINE ENVIRONMENT AT PROPOSED POJECT SITES

The natural assets such as fertile soils, rivers, minerals and direct and indirect biodiversity resources
account for a very significant proportion of natural wealth and spurred by these the GDP, exports, food
security, nutritional status, employment and poverty reducation has significantly improved in the past
decades. At the same time, biodiversity conservation is part of the legal and policy framework of India
with commitments to global initiatives for biodiversity conservation and environmental protection reflected
in country’s legislation. Despite the tremendous importance of biodiversity and more specifically the
ecosystem services, ecosystem that generate them are progressively being lost and degreated due to
their inadequate conservation and ineffective management. Therefore, conservation and development
decision-makers and planners need to come together to develop an effective and practical tools that can
harmonize the intersts of conservation, growth and human well being.

The EIA Notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 lays down the regulatory
process for EIA in India. The EIA Notification stipulates that prior environmental clearance from regulatory
authority is mandatory for construction of new projects or activities or the expansion or modernization of
existing projects or activities to be taken in any part of the country.

Since, the proposal is for holistic development in Great Nicobar Island which comprises of above
developmental activities, for which there will be developmental components both in the aquatic and
terrestrial environment of Great Nicobar Island, the environmental impact is presumed to be different.
Although the cumulative impacts envisaged on overall ecosystem and biodiversity of the island, however,
more specifically it will have bearing on the habitats (both terrestrial, freshwater, marine and coastal),
species and as well as on the overall biotic and abiotic environment. It is anticipated that the shorelines
will be replaced by seawalls to adapt to sea-level rise and to reduce coastal erosion. Coastal development
will link to human settlements, industry, aquaculture, or infrastructure can cause severe impacts on near-
shore ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. Coastal development may impact directly such as land filling,
dredging, and coral and sand mining for construction, or indirect, such as increased runoff of sediment
and pollutants. Coastal marine ecosystems will be lost at alarming rates, and for them, passive protection
can not be enough. Hence, active conservation or restoration will be reqired in the practice of rebuilding
degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems and habitats by active human intervention.

Mitigation includes any sustained actions taken to reduce or eliminate adverse effects, whether by
controlling the sources of impacts, or the exposure of biological and ecological receptors to them. With
the growing realization of the importance of mitigation stage as a ‘problem solving’ stage in impact
assessment, increasing efforts are being made to encourage positive approaches and good practices
(Rajvanshi et al. 2007). Some of the suggestive mitigation measures on the developmental activities
during construction and operation phase of the projects are as below.

Coastal Regulation Zone in Great Nicobar

For regulating development activities, the coastal stretches on the mainland coast within 500 metres of
High Tide Line (HTL) on the landward side are classified as Category I (CRZ-I): (i) Areas that are
ecologically sensitive and important, such as national parks/marine parks, sanctuaries, reserve forests,
wildlife habitats, mangroves, corals/coral reefs, areas close to breeding and spawning grounds of fish
and other marine life, areas of outstanding natural beauty/historically/heritage areas, areas rich in genetic
diversity, areas likely to be inundated due to rise in sea level consequent upon global warming and such
other areas as may be declared by the Central Government or the concerned authorities at the
State/Union Territory level from time to time, (ii) Area between Low Tide Line (LTL) and the high Tide
Line (HTL). However, using this logic, most sandy beaches on the islands as well as east and west coasts

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of India would have to be designated as CRZ-I, simply by virtue of the low or moderate density nesting
that occurs, and this hardly seems practical given human population densities along the Indian coast
(Shanker, 2002) and will restricts the setting up and expansion of any industry, operations or processes.

As indicated in the figure 22, there are various kind of developmental activities proposed in the
Great Nicobar Island. The leatherback nesting area in the Galathea National Park may fall within the area
of proposed Port. As per the preliminary evaluation of the project activities, it is inferred that there will be
construction phase and operational phase for the said project. The construction phase would involve
operation of vehicles, transportation of construction materials and excavation, which would alter the
ecology and directly or indirectly may impact leatherback turtle nesting activities.

Undulating hilly terrain to be

conserved/ Eco Tourism
City Centre
Mass Transit connecting the
city components
Green buffers along
coastline/Coastal
Urban Sub-centres
(Mixed use Clusters)

Logistics/ Airport
Institutional Port
Campus areas

Fig. 22. The proposed developmental activites sites of Great Nicobar Island

Scenario in mainland coast

It is a fact that sea turtles are global species and they are known to nest on the sandy beaches in the
close proximity to existing and operational coastal facilities globally. Several ports and jetties exist on the
eastern and western coast of India (Haldia, Dhamra, Paradeep, Nuagarh, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada,
Ennore, Tuticorin, Cochin, Goa, Ratnagiri, Veraval, Diu, and Jafrabad) and despite of these coastal
facilities, sea turtles continue to nest in close proximity to the establishments. Here are some examples
of existence of major Ports and sea turtle nesting habitats along the east coast of India.

The Dhamra port, in Odisha coast is located about 13 km away from the famous mass nesting beaches
of olive ridley turtles, the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in a straight line. It falls along the extremely
important and fragile zone of Northern boundary of Bhitarkanika National Park. This major deepwater
port facility at Dhamra, dredged nearly 19 km-long approach channel, aside from land-raising and
construction activities on land. The port at Dhamra envisages building of 13 berths, mechanized loading
and unloading and an entry channel from North side. The port is one of the largest on the east coast of
India with the ability to handle Cape size vessels (180,000 tonnes) and dredged a 19 km long channel
through the sea with a draft of 18 m. While obtaining of the environmental clearance, one of the most
pressing concerns was on turtles (dredging, lighting, shipping, ballast water discharge, current changes
and their impacts, noise pollution, impacts from an expanding local population, ancillary development) as
well as other impacts on the ecosystem of the area, on Bhitarkanika National Park and on Gahirmatha

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Marine Sanctuary. The Dhamra port is fully operational and there is no impact known on sea turtle nesting
at Gahirmatha and adjoining areas where sporadic nesting takes place.

Paradip is one of the major ports of India in the east coast commissioned after independence
situated in the mouth of Mahanadi and there are sporadic nesting sites along both side estuary and are
not known to be impacted by port activities.

The Kakinada Sea Ports Limited (KSPL) is situated near the Hope Island and Coringa Wildlife
Sanctuary and sporadic nesting of sea turtles have been occurring in Hope Islands and Sacramento
uninterruptedly.

Similarly, the Kolkata Port Trust is a riverine port in the city of Kolkata and is the oldest operating
port in India and there is a deep water dock at Haldia Dock Complex, Haldia. There are number of Cargo
ships handled at this port and impact to marine life including sea turtles due to ship movement is not
known.

Migration and movement of sea turtles from Indian coastal waters is not adequately known.
Based on the study on olive ridley sea turtles, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has recommended that
(a) inviolate onshore nesting areas that requires special protection, restoration and management
approaches and (b) concentrated and diffused offshore breeding congregation zones in the marine
habitat that requires different protection, monitoring and management strategies. Also, considering the
fact that all the species of sea turtles including the leatherback turtle are endangered species and
included in the Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as well as species of international
conservation importance due to inclusion in CITES (Convention of International Trade in Wildlife Flora
and Fauna) Appendix and CMS (Convention on Migratory Fauna), the following measures are suggested
as recommendations.

Measures to minimize the impact on Corals, Turtles, Saltwater Crocodiles during construction
and operational phases

At the outset, there should be a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP) in place both
during the construction and operation phase for the proposed developmental activities. The following
recommendations to minimize and mitigate the impacts of port development and other coastal
developments on corals, salt water crocodile habitats and leatherback turtle habitats are proposed.

(1) Dredging of immediate offshore bottoms as well as shallow estuarine habitats

Reef restoration and coral relocation due to coastal development and/or dredging, are among the most
common reasons for transplantation. Dredging activities in the nearshore waters of the developmental
projects during the construction phase will apparently destroy the corals and coral beds, but
transplantation is a worldwide solution which could be easy executed in Great Nicobar island in alternate
suitable offshore habitats. Successful coral reef restoration has previously been accomplished by ZSI in
Gulf of Kachchh and the transplanted corals had >90% survival and effectively transformed into a
functional coral reef. Towards this, the developers should support with suitable funding.

There are few studies on the effects of dredging on saltwater crocodile that can be attributed
entirely to dredging activities in isolation. However, avoidance of breeding and nursery areas of crocodile
during dredging is beneficial, and minimizes large-scale losses of species, as will minimizing dredging-
related sedimentation around feeding and breeding as well as sensitive habitats used by this animal. The
saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) being a common resident of creeks and surrounding areas of

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Nicobar, crocodiles can be shifted to alternate suitable habitat, away from the proposed developmental
projects. Towards this, the developers should support with suitable funding.

Similarly, although the offshore congregation of leatherback turtles and other species of turtles
are not known to occur in and around Galathea, however as a precautionary measure, installation of a
deflector on the drag-head to push the turtles (any species) out of the path of the dredger along with an
observer programme to detect any such entrainments is solution to minimize casualties in the offshore
waters during dredging for navigational channel for the port. A pilot study is needed for this and towards
this, the developers should support with suitable funding. The same practice has been recommended by
the IUCN to Dharma Port Corporation Limited.

(2) Translocation of corals

Any coral cololnies which gets impacted by the proposed Airport, transshipment areas and dredging
channels will be translocated in suitable place where the similar enivironment as well as topographic
features prevails in the Great Nicobar Island.

(3) Land based construction activities

Roads are an integral part of the transport system for the proposed developmental projects. However,
before initiating project planning for wildlife habitat connectivity, the first step in avoiding impacts from
road construction on wildlife populations and their habitats is to consider alignment that can prevent
conflicts, particular for the species like Nicobar Megapode, Coconut Crab and Long-Tailed Macaque of
Nicobar Island. If the impacts cannot be avoided, then mitigation is an alternative. Appropriately designed
and suitably located culverts of varying sizes, underpasses and fences provide effective mitigation to
overcome barrier effects of roads (Rajvanshi et al. 2007).

Similarly, civil constructions near the sandy area where there is possibility of basking of saltwater
crocodiles and nesting of turtles should be avoided as much as possible during breeding/nesting season
especially November to February. The shoreline protection to be of any defensive measures used to
protect areas from inundation, the effects of waves on structures, beach erosion, salinity intrusion, and
the loss of natural resources (Witham, 1990). However, it should be ensured that these structures should
not impact for approach of turtles to the beach. Reclamation if any should be done, after the civil work is
completed, replacing with sand of similar nature (grain size, organic content) to that which was dodged
out, thereby maintaining the suitability of the beach for future use by turtles for this area for nesting.

(4) Lighting

Artificial illumination on the beach can affect the sea turtle nesting and hatchlings. Compared to any other
kinds of coastal development, light pollution is probably one of the problems that can be solved with
relative easy, if committed for conserving sea turtles. Using a smaller number or lower wattage of lights;
repositioning, shielding, redirecting, lowering, or recessing fixtures are some of the available options for
reducing illumination to the beach. Sea turtles are less affected by red, yellow, and low-pressure sodium-
vapor lights, and therefore can be substituted with these lights. Where possible, use sodium vapour lamps
or other light sources. There are sea turtle friendly lights developed and available on consultation for such
activities.

(5) Long term monitoring

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Monitoring of wildlife especially displaced due to dreging of seabed and clearing of forests should be
monitored on a long term basis. The shifting of crocodiles if required to an alternate site need regular
vigilant for maintaining the gene pool and viable populations for future. Similarly, the nonitoring of
leatherback turtle migration and movement and nesting intervals in different beaches of Great Nicobar
will ensure future survival of the species, atleast nesting in nearby beaches of Galathea. For this, periodic
monitoring of sea turtle nesting should be carried out by a scientific agency with credibility on coastal and
marine faunal study. A suitable corpus on a long term basis should be integral part of the EMP towards
research in support of wildlife species especially towards their conservation by the developers, as part of
the Corporate Social Responsibility, species specific EMP could be drafted accordingly by a recognized
national agency of repute with experience in Island ecosystem monitoring and submit to the developers.
Towards this, the developers should support with suitable funding.

(6) Ballast Water Regulation

During the construction and operational phase, all the vessels getting port of call to the terriotiral waters
of Great Nicobar Island should strictly ensure the ballast water regulation prescribed by International
Maritime Organization (IMO) and Director General Shipping, Govt. of India, since the ballast water may
lead to introduction of marine invasive species in the Indian Ocean.

(7) Pollution Control

Serenity of the evergreen forests, breeding habitats of Megapodes and breeding habitat of crocodiles as
well as nesting beaches of sea turtles to be maintained and it should be totally free from solid waste and
any other form pollutants emenating through vessel movemnt as well as onshore, offshore and landbased
operations. The Environmental Management Plan should empathetically cover this aspect while
designing for the construction and even during operation of the Port.

(8) Tracking of wildlife through Radio Telemetry and Satellite Telemetry studies

Radio telemetry and by using advanced molecular tools viz. e-DNA and phylogeny of displaced species
viz. Nicobar Megapode, Coconut Crab and Long-Tailed Macaque of Nicobar Islands may be an effective
tool, being much on their biology and behavior is unknown and these studies may be able to guide
towards developing suitable strategies for their future survival. Similarly, Satellite telemetry of appropriate
sample size of leatherback turtles, e-DNA and phylogeny of leatherback turtles from Great Nicobar Island
will reveal many facets on their biology and behaviour by which one can understand other alternate sites
for leatherback turtle conservation based on environmental, ecological and economic considerations in a
long term basis. Towards this, the developers should support with suitable funding.

(9) Disposal of dredged soil

During the construrion phase, the dredged soil to be disposed as per the international dredged soil
disposal guidelines in which the area should have minimum of 200 m depth and free from coral reefs,
sea mount etc. This will be helpfut to maintiain the water quality in the nearshore region,

(10) Temporary halting of onshore and offshore activities

Construction phase is generally considered as the destructive phase of the project. Therefore, during the
construction phase offshore ativities to be halted to the possible extent especially during November to
February the period in which the Nicobar Megapode, Coconut Crab and Long-Tailed Macaque of Nicobar
Islands as well as Leatherback turtles nesting reported. All the activites during the construction phase to

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be suspended during night hours which will pave a movement of turtles for nesting and other wildlife for
their feeding, breeding and roosting.
(11) Reduction of underwater noise pollution

The main sources of underwater noise pollution are shipping, dredging, and seismic surveying. Measures
to reduce the noise from shipping vessels include modifying propellers and/or hulls and performing
regular maintenance, vibrationally isolating machinery, implementing ship speed restrictions and
incentivizing the use of fewer, larger vessels etc. These measures should be the part of the approval
process while allowing the ship to enter GNI-ICTT.

Reasons for selecting Galathea as the suitable site for Port along the precautionary measures

Strategic reason
Presently, China is expanding its footprint around India in the Indian Ocean Region. China has
developed and funded different types of ports in our neighboring countries to enjoy sovereign guarantees
and facilities. China has developed and funded a deep‐water port at Gwadar of Pakistan and Chittagong
of Bangladesh. China is also considering an oil pipeline as part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
This will help China's oil imports to bypass transport on the Indian Ocean and specifically through the
Strait of Malacca. China has provided economic and technical aid to Sri Lanka for the expansion of the
Hambantota port and bunker facility. It is six nautical miles from a major Indian Ocean shipping route.
China is using Naval and commercial access at Chittagong Port of Bangladesh along with harboring and
refueling of aircraft. Burma is availing several military and commercial facilities from China at Great Coco
Island and a commercial shipping facility at Sittwe. They are also planning to make a pipeline from Sittwe
to Kunming to deduce expenditure of oil for China that travels through the Strait of Malacca. China and
Thailand are discussing a canal at Kra that would directly link the Bay of Bengal and the South China
Sea and allow the Chinese to avoid the Strait of Malacca.

Under the above-mentioned situation, the outer boundary is chocking and some initiatives are
required to counter these predominant activities of China in Indian Ocean Region. The Great Nicobar
Island is the southernmost landmass of India with notable strategic importance which may provide a valid
platform to counter the Indian strong activities against China. The proposed project came out with some
specific goals in terms of the development program in Great Nicobar Island like to strengthen India’s
participation in the regional maritime economy by establishing a new port city; to develop a diverse
economy that combines transshipment, trade, and tourism; to leverage the Island’s world-class ecological
resources to attract international and Indian tourists. The development plans are designed in terms of
some specific master plan assignments such as to provide an inspiring and agile framework for the
physical development of the new city; to ascertain the best location and most appropriate size for major
infrastructure facilities (port, airport, urban infrastructure); to chart a balanced path forward that can
achieve economic development goals, conserve the natural environment, and improve the quality of life
of residents.

Technical ReasonBased on the thorough scrutiny and examination Galathea Bay is selected
for the ICTT as this is the best site in terms of distance from the international sea route (only 40 km away),
risk of rock dredging is comparatively less, the requirement of reclamation of land to develop onshore
storage facilities in low cost, availability of natural breakwater as required for the project, no requirement
of hill cutting to use the land, no availability of habitation and tribal population. Some environmental
demerits are also investigated for all the proposed sites and Galathea Bay stands with some important
ecological and environmental issues like some portion of the designated area is falling under ICRZ Zone
1B; the presence of 117 species of scleractinian corals along with the live coral cover of 17.46%, 8
species of holothurians, saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801) in adjoining Galathea

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River along with mangrove patches, predominant nests of vulnerable leatherback turtle Dermochelys
coriacea (Vandelli, 1764), 3 species of marine mammals are sighted, 14 breeding pairs along with 7
active mounds of endemic Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis abbotti (Oberholser, 1919), and
the Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus (Miller, 1902). These issues are required to
address with a proper ecological restoration program and recommendations which are illustrated in this
report. Prediction of Environmental Impacts, Envisaged Benefit of the Project, Evaluation for Alternate
Sites, Environmental Management Plan, Mitigation Strategies in Marine Environment at Proposed Project
Sites, and Recommendations are given in details in the report for the proposed 14.2 Million TEU (Twenty
Feet Equivalent Unit) ICTT Port, (main project), Airport (4,000 Peak hour passenger, Category 4F),
Township and Area Development for 14,960 Ha and Power Plant (405MVA Gas +Diesel) (Additional 45
MVA from solar power will be included in total power generation).

Ecological Reason
It is a fact that sea turtles are global species and they are known to nest on the sandy beaches in the
close proximity to existing and operational coastal facilities globally. Several ports and jetties exist on the
eastern and western coast of India (Haldia, Dhamra, Paradeep, Nuagarh, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada,
Ennore, Tuticorin, Cochin, Goa, Ratnagiri, Veraval, Diu, and Jafrabad) and despite of these coastal
facilities, sea turtles continue to nest in close proximity to the establishments. Here are some examples
of existence of major Ports and sea turtle nesting habitats along the east coast of India.

The Dhamra port, in Odisha coast is located near the famous mass nesting beaches of olive ridley turtles,
the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in a straight line. It falls along the extremely important and fragile zone
of Northern boundary of Bhitarkanika National Park. While obtaining of the environmental clearance, one
of the most pressing concerns was on turtles (dredging, lighting, shipping, ballast water discharge, current
changes and their impacts, noise pollution, impacts from an expanding local population, ancillary
development) as well as other impacts on the ecosystem of the area, on Bhitarkanika National Park and
on Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. The Dhamra port is fully operational and there is no impact known on
sea turtle nesting at Gahirmatha and adjoining areas where sporadic nesting takes place.

Paradip is one of the major ports of India in the east coast commissioned after independence
situated in the mouth of Mahanadi and there are sporadic nesting sites along both side estuary and are
not known to be impacted by port activities.

The Kakinada Sea Ports Limited (KSPL) is situated near the Hope Island and Coringa Wildlife
Sanctuary and sporadic nesting of sea turtles have been occurring in Hope Island and Sacramento
uninterruptedly.

Coastal Morphological Reason

As per the report of ANET (2006), after Tsunami the Galathea beach is reforming and is expanding over
the last one decade. The AECOM has undertaken a detailed hydrodynamic study of the Galathea Bay
and have collected data on wave, current, bathymetry, sea bed profile and water quality for undertaking
MIKE model. The model reveals that, this area is basically a depositional beach and there will be marginal
deposit of sediment along the breackwater and surrounding area. Construction of the proposed port may
induce deposition of sediments in the peninsular part around Indira point which could be favourable for
sea turtle nesting. As per the design, the western side of Galathea Bay where turtle nesting is currently
prominent, no morphological alteration, construction of any structure or disturbance is envisaged.

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 Siltation at Galathea bay as per the Model (Post Constrution)

15. RECOMMENDATIONS

On the thorough scrutiny of the project facilities, baseline data collected on physical, chemical and
biological parameters in the proposed project and its adjoining areas, and also, positively considering the
envisaged benefits of the proposed project, 14.2 Million TEU (Twenty Feet Equivalent Unit) ICTT Port,
(main project), Airport (4,000 Peak hour passenger, Category 4F), Township and Area Development for

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14,960 Ha and Power Plant. (405MVA Gas +Diesel) (Additional 45 MVA from solar power will be included
in total power generation) are recommended for environmental clearance in view of the following reasons.

1. The proposal is for holistic development in Great Nicobar Island which comprises of above
developmental activities, for which there will be developmental components both in the aquatic
and terrestrial ecosystems of Great Nicobar Island, the environmental impact is presumed to be
negligible.

2. The proposed projects are the only environmentally feasible alignment which is located away
from the core and buffer zones of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.

3. The significant nesting/breeding grounds and roosting ground for the endemic bird is found in
lower scale in the proposed project areas. As the animals are highly mobile, translocation of the
habitat may take place. To ensure the resident birds do not endanger the aircraft, no waste
should disposed off openly which generally attract resident birds. Moreover, care should be taken
to ensure that no fruit bearing trees are planted within a vicinity of 5 km from airport,

4. The proposed site does not fall under the migratory route of the birds.

5. No endangered faunal communities such reticulated python, bird megapode and coconut crab distributed
in the proposed and if at all found them during construction phase they can be relocated in safe and
suitable place

6. The proposed alignment is well away from the settlement of semi-nomadic tribes Shompen in
Great Nicobar Island.

7. The assessment of the present study revealed out the environmental impact through the
proposed project will be recorded which can be managed sustainably to restore the pristine
ecosystem though proper conservatory measures.

8. The suggested environmental management plans may be strictly followed.

9. It is suggested that second year of operational phase of the project, baseline data on the status
of faunal and floral communities may be collected which will be helpful to assess the environment
in the project site.

10. A state-of-art research Institutes/laboratory should be developed in the proposed project area
with the consultation with expert scientists to monitor the fragile ecosystem of Great Nicobar
Island including both the terrestrial and marine ecosystem with greater emphasis of vulnerable,
endemic animals, and coral reef ecosystems to assess their health and population status.

11. Suggested mitigation measures should be followed rigorously in order to safeguard the wildlife
especially the Corals, Nicobar Megapode, Coconut Crab, Long-Tailed Macaque and the
Leatheback turtles nesting beach as well as their feeding, breeding and migratory path and future
survival.

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 Annexures
Annexure 1. Scleractinian species of Great Nicobar Island
Sl. No. Taxa IUCN Status IW(P)A, 1972
Phylum CNIDARIA Verrill, 1865
Class ANTHOZOA Ehrenberg, 1834
Order SCLERACTINIA Bourne, 1900
Family ACROPORIDAE Verrill, 1901
Genus Acropora Oken, 1815
1. Acropora abrotanoides (Lamarck, 1816) Least Concern Schedule-I
2. Acropora anthocercis (Brook, 1893) Vulnerable Schedule-I
3. Acropora aspera (Dana, 1846) Vulnerable Schedule-I
4. Acropora austera (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
5. Acropora cerealis (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
6. Acropora chesterfieldensis Veron and Wallace, 1984 Least Concern Schedule-I
7. Acropora clathrata (Brook, 1891) Least Concern Schedule-I
8. Acropora cytherea (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
9. Acropora dendrum (Bassett-Smith, 1890) Vulnerable Schedule-I
10. Acropora desalwii Wallace, 1994 Vulnerable Schedule-I
11. Acropora digitifera (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
12. Acropora divaricata (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
13. Acropora donei Veron and Wallace, 1984 Vulnerable Schedule-I
14. Acropora florida (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
15. Acropora gemmifera (Brook, 1892) Least Concern Schedule-I
16. Acropora glauca (Brook, 1893) Near Threatened Schedule-I
17. Acropora globiceps (Dana, 1846) Vulnerable Schedule-I
18. Acropora grandis (Brook, 1892) Least Concern Schedule-I
19. Acropora granulosa (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1860) Near Threatened Schedule-I
20. Acropora hemprichii (Ehrenberg, 1834) Vulnerable Schedule-I
21. Acropora hoeksemai Wallace, 1997 Vulnerable Schedule-I
22. Acropora humilis (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
23. Acropora hyacinthus (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
24. Acropora kimbeensis Wallace, 1999 Vulnerable Schedule-I
25. Acropora latistella (Brook, 1891) Least Concern Schedule-I
26. Acropora loripes (Brook, 1892) Near Threatened Schedule-I
27. Acropora lutkeni Crossland, 1952 Near Threatened Schedule-I
28. Acropora microclados (Ehrenberg, 1834) Vulnerable Schedule-I
29. Acropora microphthalma (Verrill, 1859) Least Concern Schedule-I
30. Acropora millepora (Ehrenberg, 1834) Near Threatened Schedule-I
31. Acropora monticulosa (Bruggemann, 1879) Near Threatened Schedule-I
32. Acropora muricata (Linneaus, 1758) Near Threatened Schedule-I
33. Acropora nasuta (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
34. Acropora natalensis Riegl, 1995 Data Deficient Schedule-I
35. Acropora palmerae Wells, 1954 Vulnerable Schedule-I
36. Acropora paniculata Verrill, 1902 Vulnerable Schedule-I
37. Acropora papillare Latypov, 1992 Vulnerable Schedule-I

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38. Acropora plumosa Wallace and Wolstenholme, 1998 Vulnerable Schedule-I
39. Acropora polystoma (Brook, 1891) Vulnerable Schedule-I
40. Acropora pulchra (Brook, 1891) Least concern Schedule-I
41. Acropora robusta (Dana, 1846) Least concern Schedule-I
42. Acropora rudis (Rehberg, 1892) Endangered Schedule-I
43. Acropora samoensis (Brook, 1891) Least Concern Schedule-I
44. Acropora secale (Studer, 1878) Near Threatened Schedule-I
45. Acropora selago (Studer, 1878) Near Threatened Schedule-I
46. Acropora solitaryensis Veron and Wallace, 1984 Vulnerable Schedule-I
47. Acropora spicifera (Dana, 1846) Vulnerable Schedule-I
48. Acropora squarrosa (Ehrenberg, 1834) Least Concern Schedule-I
49. Acropora stoddarti Pillai and Scheer, 1976 Data Deficient Schedule-I
50. Acropora subulata (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
51. Acropora tenuis (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
52. Acropora valenciennesi (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1860) Least Concern Schedule-I
53. Acropora vaughani Wells, 1954 Vulnerable Schedule-I
54. Acropora verweyi Veron and Wallace, 1984 Vulnerable Schedule-I
55. Acropora willisae Veron and Wallace, 1984 Vulnerable Schedule-I
56. Acropora cophodactyla (Brook, 1892) [taxon inquirendum] Data Deficient Schedule-I
57. Acropora forskali (Ehrenberg, 1834) [taxon inquirendum] Data Deficient Schedule-I
58. Acropora haimei (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1860) [taxon Data Deficient Schedule-I
inquirendum]
Genus Isopora Studer, 1879
59. Isopora brueggemanni (Brook, 1893) Vulnerable Schedule-I
60. Isopora cuneata (Dana, 1846) Vulnerable Schedule-I
61. Isopora palifera (Lamarck, 1816) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Astreopora Blainville, 1830
62. Astreopora gracilis Bernard, 1896 Least Concern Schedule-I
63. Astreopora myriophthalma (Lamarck, 1816) Least Concern Schedule-I
64. Astreopora suggesta Wells, 1954 Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Montipora Blainville, 1830
65. Montipora aequituberculata Barnard, 1897 Least Concern Schedule-I
66. Montipora caliculata (Dana, 1846) Vulnerable Schedule-I
67. Montipora corbettensis Veron and Wallace, 1984 Vulnerable Schedule-I
68. Montipora crassituberculata Bernard, 1897 Vulnerable Schedule-I
69. Montipora danae (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1851) Least Concern Schedule-I
70. Montipora digitata (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
71. Montipora effusa Dana, 1846 Near Threatened Schedule-I
72. Montipora grisea Bernard, 1897 Least Concern Schedule-I
73. Montipora hispida (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
74. Montipora informis Bernard, 1897 Least Concern Schedule-I
75. Montipora mollis (Bernard, 1897) Least Concern Schedule-I
76. Montipora monasteriata (Forskal, 1775) Least Concern Schedule-I
77. Montipora peltiformis Benard, 1897 Near Threatened Schedule-I
78. Montipora tuberculosa (Lamarck, 1816) Least Concern Schedule-I
79. Montipora turgescens Bernard, 1897 Least Concern Schedule-I
80. Montipora turtlensis Veron and Pichon, 1984 Vulnerable Schedule-I
81. Montipora undata Bernard, 1897 Near Threatened Schedule-I

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82. Montipora verrucosa (Lamarck, 1816) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Alveopora Blainville, 1830
83. Alveopora gigas Veron, 1985 Vulnerable Schedule-I
84. Alveopora deadalea (Forskal, 1775) Not Evaluated Schedule-I
Family AGARICIIDAE Gray, 1847
Genus Coeloseris Vaughan, 1918
85. Coeloseris mayeri Vaughan, 1918 Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Gardineroseris Scheer & Pillai, 1974
86. Gardineroseris planulata (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Leptoseris Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849
87. Leptoseris explanata Yabe and Sugiyama, 1941 Least Concern Schedule-I
88. Leptoseris hawaiiensis Vaughan, 1907 Least Concern Schedule-I
89. Leptoseris mycetoseroides Wells, 1954 Least Concern Schedule-I
90. Leptoseris scabra Vaughan, 1907 Least Concern Schedule-I
91. Leptoseris solida (Quelch, 1866) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Pavona Lamarck, 1801
92. Pavona bipartita Nemenzo, 1980 Vulnerable Schedule-I
93. Pavona cactus (Forskal, 1775) Vulnerable Schedule-I
94. Pavona clavus (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
95. Pavona danai (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1860) Vulnerable Schedule-I
96. Pavona diffluens (Lamarck, 1816) Vulnerable Schedule-I
97. Pavona duerdeni Vaughan, 1907 Least Concern Schedule-I
98. Pavona explanulata (Lamarck, 1816) Least Concern Schedule-I
99. Pavona varians Verrill, 1846 Least Concern Schedule-I
100. Pavona venosa (Ehrenberg, 1834) Vulnerable Schedule-I
Family ASTROCOENIIDAE Koby, 1890
Genus Stylocoeniella Yabe & Sugiyama, 1935
101. Stylocoeniella armata (Ehrenberg, 1834) Least Concern Schedule-I
102. Stylocoeniella guentheri Basset-Smith 1890 Least Concern Schedule-I
Family COSCINARAEIDAE Benzoni, Arrigoni, Stefani &
Stolarski, 2012
Genus Coscinaraea Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848
103. Coscinaraea crassa Veron and Pichon, 1980 Near Threatened Schedule-I
104. Coscinaraea monile (Forskal, 1775) Least Concern Schedule-I
Family DENDROPHYLLIIDAE Gray, 1847
Genus Cladopsammia Lacaze-Duthiers, 1897
105. Cladopsammia gracilis (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848) Not Evaluated Schedule-I
Genus Tubastraea Lesson, 1830
106. Tubastraea coccinea Lesson, 1830 Not Evaluated Schedule-I
107. Tubastraea diaphana (Dana, 1846) Not Evaluated Schedule-I
108. Tubastraea micranthus (Ehrenberg, 1834) Not Evaluated Schedule-I
Genus Turbinaria Oken, 1815
109. Turbinaria mesenterina (Lamarck, 1816) Vulnerable Schedule-I
110. Turbinaria peltata (Esper, 1794) Vulnerable Schedule-I
111. Turbinaria reniformis Bernerd, 1816 Vulnerable Schedule-I
112. Turbinaria stellulata (Lamarck, 1816) Vulnerable Schedule-I
Family DIPLOASTRAEIDAE Chevalier & Beauvais, 1987
Genus Diploastrea Matthai, 1914

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113. Diploastrea heliopora (Lamarck, 1816) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Family EUPHYLLIIDAE Alloiteau, 1952
Genus Euphyllia Dana, 1846
114. Euphyllia glabrescens (Chamisso and Eyscenhardt, 1821) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Galaxea Oken, 1815
115. Galaxea astreata (Lamarck, 1816) Vulnerable Schedule-I
116. Galaxea fascicularis (Linnaeus, 1767) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Family FLABELLIDAE Bourne, 1905
Genus Truncatoflabellum Cairns, 1989
117. Truncatoflabellum spheniscus (Dana, 1846) Not Evaluated Schedule-I
118. Truncatoflabellum zuluense Cairns & Keller, 1993 Not Evaluated Schedule-I
Family FUNGIIDAE Dana, 1846
Genus Ctenactis Verrill, 1864
119. Ctenactis crassa (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
120. Ctenactis echinata (Pallas, 1766) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Cycloseris Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849
121. Cycloseris costulata (Ortmann, 1889) Least Concern Schedule-I
122. Cycloseris cyclolites (Lamarck, 1815) Least Concern Schedule-I
123. Cycloseris distorta (Michelin, 1842) Least Concern Schedule-I
124. Cycloseris somervillei (Gardiner, 1909) Least Concern Schedule-I
125. Cycloseris tenuis (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
126. Cycloseris wellsi (Veron & Pichon, 1980) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Danafungia Wells, 1966
127. Danafungia horrida (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
128. Danafungia scruposa (Klunzinger, 1879) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Fungia Lamarck, 1801
129. Fungia fungites (Linnaeus, 1758) Near Threatened Schedule-I
130. Fungia puishani Veron and De Vantier, 2000 Data Deficient Schedule-I
Genus Heliofungia Wells, 1966
131. Heliofungia fralinae (Nemenzo, 1955) Vulnerable Schedule-I
Genus Herpolitha Eschscholtz, 1825
132. Herpolitha limax (Esper, 1797) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Lithophyllon Rehberg, 1892
133. Lithophyllon concinna (Verrill, 1864) Least Concern Schedule-I
134. Lithophyllon repanda (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
135. Lithophyllon scabra (Döderlein, 1901) Least Concern Schedule-I
136. Lithophyllon undulatum Rehberg, 1892 Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Lobactis Verrill, 1864
137. Lobactis scutaria (Lamarck, 1801) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Pleuractis Verrill, 1864
138. Pleuractis granulosa (Klunzinger, 1879) Least Concern Schedule-I
139. Pleuractis moluccensis (Van der Horst, 1919) Least Concern Schedule-I
140. Pleuractis paumotensis (Stutchbury, 1833) Least Concern Schedule-I
141. Pleuractis seychellensis (Hoeksema, 1993) Vulnerable Schedule-I
142. Pleuractis taiwanensis (Hoeksema & Dai, 1991) Vulnerable Schedule-I
Genus Polyphyllia Blainville, 1830
143. Polyphyllia talpina (Lamarck, 1801) Least Concern Schedule-I
Family LOBOPHYLLIIDAE Dai & Horng, 2009

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 Genus Acanthastrea Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848
144. Acanthastrea brevis Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849 Vulnerable Schedule-I
145. Acanthastrea echinata (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
146. Acanthastrea hemprichii (Ehrenberg, 1834) Vulnerable Schedule-I
147. Acanthastrea pachysepta (Chevalier, 1975) Near Threatened Schedule-I
148. Acanthastrea rotundoflora Chevalier, 1975 Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Echinomorpha Veron, 2000
149. Echinomorpha nishihirai (Veron, 1990) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Echinophyllia Klunzinger, 1879
150. Echinophyllia aspera (Ellis and Solander, 1786) Least Concern Schedule-I
151. Echinophyllia echinoporoides Veron and Pichon, 1979 Least Concern Schedule-I
152. Echinophyllia glabra (Nemenzo, 1959) Least Concern Schedule-I
153. Echinophyllia orpheensis Veron and Pichon, 1980 Least Concern Schedule-I
154. Echinophyllia patula (Hodgon and Ross, 1981) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Homophyllia Brüggemann, 1877
155. Homophyllia australis (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848) Schedule-I
Genus Lobophyllia de Blainville, 1830
156. Lobophyllia agaricia (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849) Least Concern Schedule-I
157. Lobophyllia corymbosa (Forskal, 1775) Least Concern Schedule-I
158. Lobophyllia hassi (Pillai & Scheer, 1976) Vulnerable Schedule-I
159. Lobophyllia hataii Yabe and Sugiyama, 1936 Least Concern Schedule-I
160. Lobophyllia hemprichii (Ehrenberg, 1834) Least Concern Schedule-I
161. Lobophyllia radians (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849) Least Concern Schedule-I
162. Lobophyllia recta (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
163. Lobophyllia robusta Yabe and Sugiyama, 1936 Least Concern Schedule-I
164. Lobophyllia serrata Veron, 2000 Endangered Schedule-I
165. Lobophyllia valenciennesii (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849) Least Concern Schedule-I
166. Lobophyllia vitiensis (Brüggemann, 1877) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Micromussa Veron, 2000
167. Micromussa regularis (Veron, 2000) Vulnerable Schedule-I
Genus Oxypora Saville Kent, 1871
168. Oxypora crassispinosa Nemenzo, 1979 Least Concern Schedule-I
169. Oxypora lacera (Verrill, 1864) Least Concern Schedule-I
Family MERULINIDAE Verrill, 1865
Genus Astrea Lamarck, 1801
170. Astrea annuligera Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849 Near threatened Schedule-I
171. Astrea curta (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Caulastraea Dana, 1846
172. Caulastrea furcata Dana, 1846 Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Coelastrea Verrill, 1866
173. Coelastrea palauensis (Yabe & Sugiyama, 1936) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Cyphastrea Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848
174. Cyphastrea agassizi (Vaughan, 1907) Vulnerable Schedule-I
175. Cyphastrea chalcidicum (Forskal, 1775) Least Concern Schedule-I
176. Cyphastrea japonica Yabe and Sugiyama, 1932 Least Concern Schedule-I
177. Cyphastrea microphthalma (Lamarck, 1816) Least Concern Schedule-I
178. Cyphastrea ocellina (Dana, 1864) Vulnerable Schedule-I
179. Cyphastrea serailia (Forskal, 1775) Least Concern Schedule-I

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 Genus Dipsastraea Blainville, 1830
180. Dipsastraea albida (Veron, 2000) Least Concern Schedule-I
181. Dipsastraea amicorum (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849) Vulnerable Schedule-I
182. Dipsastraea danai (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1857) Least Concern Schedule-I
183. Dipsastraea faviaformis (Veron, 2000) Vulnerable Schedule-I
184. Dipsastraea favus (Forskål, 1775) Least Concern Schedule-I
185. Dipsastraea laddi (Wells, 1954) Vulnerable Schedule-I
186. Dipsastraea lizardensis (Veron, Pichon & Wijsman-Best, 1977) Near Threatened Schedule-I
187. Dipsastraea maritima (Nemenzo, 1971) Near Threatened Schedule-I
188. Dipsastraea marshae (Veron, 2000) Near Threatened Schedule-I
189. Dipsastraea matthaii (Vaughan, 1918) Near Threatened Schedule-I
190. Dipsastraea maxima (Veron, Pichon & Wijsman-Best, 1977) Near Threatened Schedule-I
191. Dipsastraea pallida (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
192. Dipsastraea rotumana (Gardiner, 1899) Least Concern Schedule-I
193. Dipsastraea speciosa (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
194. Dipsastraea truncata (Veron, 2000) Least Concern Schedule-I
195. Dipsastraea veroni (Moll & Best, 1984) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Echinopora Lamarck, 1816
196. Echinopora fruticulosa (Ehrenberg, 1834) Near Threatened Schedule-I
197. Echinopora gemmacea Lamarck, 1816 Least Concern Schedule-I
198. Echinopora hirsutissima (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849) Least Concern Schedule-I
199. Echinopora lamellosa (Esper, 1795) Least Concern Schedule-I
200. Echinopora pacifica Veron, 1990 Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Favites Link, 1807
201. Favites abdita (Ellis and Solander, 1786) Near Threatened Schedule-I
202. Favites acuticollis (Ortmann, 1889) Near Threatened Schedule-I
203. Favites chinensis (Verrill, 1866) Near Threatened Schedule-I
204. Favites colemani (Veron, 2000) Near Threatened Schedule-I
205. Favites complanata (Ehrenberg, 1834) Near Threatened Schedule-I
206. Favites flexuosa (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
207. Favites halicora (Ehrenberg, 1834) Near Threatened Schedule-I
208. Favites magnistellata (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849) Near Threatened Schedule-I
209. Favites melicerum (Ehrenberg, 1834) Near Threatened Schedule-I
210. Favites micropentagonus Veron, 2000 Near Threatened Schedule-I
211. Favites monticularis Tamal Mondal, Raghunathan and Not Evaluated Schedule-I
Venkataraman, 2013
212. Favites paraflexuosus Veron, 2000 Near Threatened Schedule-I
213. Favites pentagona (Esper, 1795) Least Concern Schedule-I
214. Favites rotundata Veron, Pichon & Wijsman-Best, 1977 Near Threatened Schedule-I
215. Favites stylifera (Yabe and Sugiyama, 1937) Near Threatened Schedule-I
216. Favites valenciennesii (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849) Near Threatened Schedule-I
217. Favites vasta (Klunzinger, 1879) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Goniastrea Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848
218. Goniastrea edwardsi Chevalier, 1971 Least Concern Schedule-I
219. Goniastrea favulus (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
220. Goniastrea minuta Veron, 2000 Near Threatened Schedule-I
221. Goniastrea pectinata (Ehrenberg, 1834) Least Concern Schedule-I
222. Goniastrea retiformis (Lamarck, 1816) Least Concern Schedule-I

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223. Goniastrea stelligera (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Hydnophora Fischer von Waldheim, 1807
224. Hydnophora exesa (Pallas, 1766) Near Threatened Schedule-I
225. Hydnophora microconos (Lamarck, 1816) Near Threatened Schedule-I
226. Hydnophora pilosa Veron, 1985 Least Concern Schedule-I
227. Hydnophora rigida (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Leptoria Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848
228. Leptoria irregularis Veron, 1990 Vulnerable Schedule-I
229. Leptoria phrygia (Ellis and Solander, 1786) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Merulina Ehrenberg, 1834
230. Merulina ampliata (Ellis and Solander, 1786) Least Concern Schedule-I
231. Merulina scabricula Dana, 1846 Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Mycedium Milne Edwards & Haime, 1851
232. Mycedium elephantotus (Pallas, 1766) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Oulophyllia Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848
233. Oulophyllia bennettae (Veron and Pichon, 1977) Near Threatened Schedule-I
234. Oulophyllia crispa (Lamarck, 1816) Near Threatened Schedule-I
235. Oulophyllia levis (Nememnzo, 1959) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Paragoniastrea Huang, Benzoni & Budd, 2014
236. Paragoniastrea australensis (Milne Edwards & Haime, 1857) Least Concern Schedule-I
237. Paragoniastrea russelli (Wells, 1954) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Paramontastraea Huang & Budd, 2014
238. Paramontastraea peresi (Faure & Pichon, 1978) Near Threatened Schedule-I
239. Paramontastrea salebrosa (Nemenzo, 1959) Vulnerable Schedule-I
Genus Pectinia Blainville, 1825
240. Pectinia alcicornis (Saville-Kent, 1871) Vulnerable Schedule-I
241. Pectinia lactuca (Pallas, 1766) Vulnerable Schedule-I
242. Pectinia paeonia (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
243. Pectinia teres Nemenzo and Montecillo, 1981 Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Platygyra Ehrenberg, 1834
244. Platygyra acuta Veron, 2000 Near Threatened Schedule-I
245. Platygyra carnosa Veron, 2000 Near Threatened Schedule-I
246. Platygyra contorta Veron, 1990 Least Concern Schedule-I
247. Platygyra crosslandi Matthai, 1928 Near Threatened Schedule-I
248. Platygyra lamellina (Ehrenberg, 1834) Near Threatened Schedule-I
249. Platygyra pini Chevalier, 1975 Least Concern Schedule-I
250. Platygyra ryukyuensis Yabe and Sugiyama, 1935 Near Threatened Schedule-I
251. Platygyra sinensis (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849) Least Concern Schedule-I
252. Platygyra verweyi Wijsman-Best, 1976 Near Threatened Schedule-I
Family OULASTREIDAE Vaughan, 1919
Genus Oulastrea Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848
253. Oulastrea crispata (Lamarck, 1816) Least Concern Schedule-I
Family PLEROGYRIDAE Rowlett, 2020
Genus Physogyra Quelch, 1884
254. Physogyra lichtensteini (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1851) Vulnerable Schedule-I
Genus Plerogyra Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848
255. Plerogyra sinuosa (Dana, 1846) Near Threatened Schedule-I
Family PLESIASTREIDAE Dai & Horng, 2009

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 Genus Plesiastrea Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848
256. Plesiastrea versipora (Lamarck, 1816) Least Concern Schedule-I
FAMILY POCILLOPORIDAE GRAY, 1840
Genus Pocillopora Lamarck, 1816
257. Pocillopora ankeli Scheer and Pillai, 1974 Vulnerable Schedule-I
258. Pocillopora damicornis (Linnaeus, 1758) Least Concern Schedule-I
259. Pocillopora elegans Dana, 1846 Vulnerable Schedule-I
260. Pocillopora grandis Dana, 1846 Near Threatened Schedule-I
261. Pocillopora kelleheri Veron, 2000 Least Concern Schedule-I
262. Pocillopora ligulata Dana, 1846 Least Concern Schedule-I
263. Pocillopora meandrina Dana, 1846 Least Concern Schedule-I
264. Pocillopora molokensis Vaughan, 1907 Data Deficient Schedule-I
265. Pocillopora verrucosa (Ellis and Solander, 1786) Least Concern Schedule-I
266. Pocillopora woodjonesi Vaughan, 1918 Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Seriatopora Lamarck, 1816
267. Seriatopora aculeata Quelch, 1886 Vulnerable Schedule-I
268. Seriatopora guttata Veron, 2000 Least Concern Schedule-I
269. Seriatopora hystrix Dana, 1846 Least Concern Schedule-I
270. Seriatopora stellata Quelch, 1886 Near Threatened Schedule-I
Genus Stylophora Schweigger, 1820
271. Stylophora pistillata Esper, 1797 Near Threatened Schedule-I
272. Stylophora subseriata (Ehrenberg, 1834) Least Concern Schedule-I
Family PORITIDAE Gray, 1840
Genus Bernardpora Kitano & Fukami, 2014
273. Bernardpora stutchburyi (Wells, 1955) Not Evaluated Schedule-I
Genus Goniopora de Blainville, 1830
274. Goniopora columna Dana, 1846 Near Threatened Schedule-I
275. Goniopora fruticosa Saville-Kent, 1893 Least Concern Schedule-I
276. Goniopora lobata Milne Edwards and Haime, 1860 Near Threatened Schedule-I
277. Goniopora pearsoni Veron, 2000 Least Concern Schedule-I
278. Goniopora pedunculata Quoy & Gaimard, 1833 Near Threatened Schedule-I
279. Goniopora planulata (Ehrenberg, 1834) Vulnerable Schedule-I
280. Goniopora savignyi Dana, 1846 Least Concern Schedule-I
281. Goniopora somaliensis Vaughan, 1907 Least Concern Schedule-I
282. Goniopora tenella (Quelch, 1866) Near Threatened Schedule-I
283. Goniopora tenuidens (Quelch, 1886) Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Porites Link, 1807
284. Porites annae Crossland, 1952 Near Threatened Schedule-I
285. Porites attenuata Nemenzo 1955 Vulnerable Schedule-I
286. Porites australiensis Vaughan, 1918 Least Concern Schedule-I
287. Porites cylindrica Dana, 1846 Near Threatened Schedule-I
288. Porites evermanni Vaughan, 1907 Data Deficient Schedule-I
289. Porites horizontalata Hoffmeister, 1925 Vulnerable Schedule-I
290. Porites latistellata Quelch, 1886 Data Deficient Schedule-I
291. Porites lobata Dana, 1846 Near Threatened Schedule-I
292. Porites lutea Milne Edwards and Haime, 1860 Least Concern Schedule-I
293. Porites monticulosa Dana, 1846 Least Concern Schedule-I
294. Porites nigrescens Dana, 1846 Vulnerable Schedule-I

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295. Porites rus (Forskal, 1775) Least Concern Schedule-I
296. Porites sillimaniani Nemenzo, 1976 Vulnerable Schedule-I
297. Porites solida (Forskal, 1775) Least Concern Schedule-I
298. Porites stephensoni Crossland, 1952 Near Threatened Schedule-I
Family PSAMMOCORIDAE Chevalier & Beauvais, 1987
Genus Psammocora Dana, 1846
299. Psammocora columna Dana, 1846 Least Concern Schedule-I
300. Psammocora contigua (Esper, 1797) Near Threatened Schedule-I
301. Psammocora profundacella Gardiner, 1898 Least Concern Schedule-I
Family SIDERASTREIDAE Vaughan & Wells, 1943
Genus Pseudosiderastrea Yabe & Sugiyama, 1935
302. Pseudosiderastrea tayamai Yabe and Sugiyama, 1935 Near Threatened Schedule-I
Family SCLERACTINIA INCERTAE SEDIS
Genus Leptastrea Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849
303. Leptastrea aequalis Veron, 2000 Vulnerable Schedule-I
304. Leptastrea bottae (Milne Edwards and Haime, 1849) Near Threatened Schedule-I
305. Leptastrea purpurea (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I
306. Leptastrea transversa Klunzinger, 1879 Least Concern Schedule-I
Genus Pachyseris Milne Edwards & Haime, 1849
307. Pachyseris gemmae Nemenzo, 1955 Near Threatened Schedule-I
308. Pachyseris rugosa (Lamarck, 1801) Vulnerable Schedule-I
309. Pachyseris speciosa (Dana, 1846) Least Concern Schedule-I

Annexure 2. Distributional pattern of Scleractinian species of Great Nicobar Island along with regional
occurrence (A= Abundance, C= Common and R= Rare)
Sl. No. Taxa Laxman Campb Anderson Laxmi Gandi Sastri Galathea
Beach ell Bay Bay Nagar Nagar Nagar Bay
Phylum CNIDARIA Verrill, 1865
Class ANTHOZOA Ehrenberg, 1834
Order SCLERACTINIA Bourne, 1900
Family ACROPORIDAE Verrill, 1901
Genus Acropora Oken, 1815
1. Acropora abrotanoides (Lamarck, 1816) R
2. Acropora anthocercis (Brook, 1893) R R
3. Acropora austera (Dana, 1846) R
4. Acropora cerealis (Dana, 1846) C R R
5. Acropora clathrata (Brook, 1891) R R
6. Acropora cytherea (Dana, 1846) R
7. Acropora desalwii Wallace, 1994 R R
8. Acropora digitifera (Dana, 1846) A A R C
9. Acropora divaricata (Dana, 1846) C R R
10. Acropora donei Veron and Wallace, 1984 R
11. Acropora florida (Dana, 1846) A
12. Acropora gemmifera (Brook, 1892) A A C C C
13. Acropora globiceps (Dana, 1846) R
14. Acropora grandis (Brook, 1892) R
15. Acropora granulosa (Milne Edwards and C C
Haime, 1860)

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16. Acropora hemprichii (Ehrenberg, 1834) R
17. Acropora hoeksemai Wallace, 1997 R
18. Acropora humilis (Dana, 1846) C A
19. Acropora hyacinthus (Dana, 1846) A A
20. Acropora kimbeensis Wallace, 1999 R
21. Acropora latistella (Brook, 1891) R R R
22. Acropora loripes (Brook, 1892) R R R
23. Acropora microclados (Ehrenberg, 1834) R
24. Acropora microphthalma (Verrill, 1859) R
25. Acropora millepora (Ehrenberg, 1834) R
26. Acropora muricata (Linneaus, 1758) C C R
27. Acropora nasuta (Dana, 1846) R
28. Acropora natalensis Riegl, 1995 R
29. Acropora palmerae Wells, 1954 R
30. Acropora paniculata Verrill, 1902 R
31. Acropora plumosa Wallace and R
Wolstenholme, 1998
32. Acropora polystoma (Brook, 1891) R
33. Acropora pulchra (Brook, 1891) R
34. Acropora robusta (Dana, 1846) C
35. Acropora rudis (Rehberg, 1892) R
36. Acropora samoensis (Brook, 1891) R
37. Acropora sarmentosa (Brook, 1892) R R
38. Acropora secale (Studer, 1878) R R R
39. Acropora selago (Studer, 1878) R R R
40. Acropora solitaryensis Veron and R
Wallace, 1984
41. Acropora spicifera (Dana, 1846) C C C
42. Acropora stoddarti Pillai and Scheer, R R
1976
43. Acropora subulata (Dana, 1846) R
44. Acropora tenuis (Dana, 1846) R
45. Acropora variolosa (Klunzinger, 1879) R
46. Acropora vaughani Wells, 1954 R
47. Acropora verweyi Veron and Wallace, R
1984
48. Acropora willisae Veron and Wallace, R R
1984
49. Acropora cophodactyla (Brook, 1892) R R
[taxon inquirendum]
50. Acropora haimei (Milne Edwards and R
Haime, 1860) [taxon inquirendum]
Genus Alveopora Blainville, 1830
51. Alveopora deadalea (Forskal, 1775) R R
Genus Isopora Studer, 1879
52. Isopora brueggemanni (Brook, 1893) R
53. Isopora cuneata (Dana, 1846) R
54. Isopora palifera (Lamarck, 1816) R
Genus Astreopora Blainville, 1830
55. Astreopora myriophthalma (Lamarck, C C R R
1816)

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56. Astreopora suggesta Wells, 1954 R
Genus Montipora Blainville, 1830
57. Montipora caliculata (Dana, 1846) R R R
58. Montipora corbettensis Veron and R
Wallace, 1984
59. Montipora crassituberculata Bernard, R
1897
60. Montipora digitata (Dana, 1846) R
61. Montipora foveolata (Dana, 1846) R
62. Montipora incrassata (Dana, 1846) R
63. Montipora mollis (Bernard, 1897) R
64. Montipora monasteriata (Forskal, 1775) R
65. Montipora peltiformis Benard, 1897 C C R
66. Montipora turgescens Bernard, 1897 R
67. Montipora turtlensis Veron and Pichon, C
1984
68. Montipora undata Bernard, 1897 R
69. Montipora verruculosa Veron, 2000 R
Family AGARICIIDAE Gray, 1847
Genus Coeloseris Vaughan, 1918
70. Coeloseris mayeri Vaughan, 1918 C C R R
Genus Gardineroseris Scheer & Pillai,
1974
71. Gardineroseris planulata (Dana, 1846) A C C R R
Genus Leptoseris Milne Edwards &
Haime, 1849
72. Leptoseris explanata Yabe and R R
Sugiyama, 1941
73. Leptoseris mycetoseroides Wells, 1954 C C
74. Leptoseris scabra Vaughan, 1907 R R
75. Leptoseris solida (Quelch, 1866) R
Genus Pavona Lamarck, 1801
76. Pavona duerdeni Vaughan, 1907 C R R R
77. Pavona explanulata (Lamarck, 1816) R R R
78. Pavona varians Verrill, 1846 A A A R
79. Pavona venosa (Ehrenberg, 1834) R R R R
Family ASTROCOENIIDAE Koby, 1890
Genus Stylocoeniella Yabe & Sugiyama,
1935
80. Stylocoeniella armata (Ehrenberg, 1834) R
81. Stylocoeniella guentheri Basset-Smith R
1890
Family COSCINARAEIDAE Benzoni,
Arrigoni, Stefani & Stolarski, 2012
Genus Coscinaraea Milne Edwards &
Haime, 1848
82. Coscinaraea crassa Veron and Pichon, R R
1980
83. Coscinaraea monile (Forskal, 1775) R
Family DENDROPHYLLIIDAE Gray,
1847
Genus Turbinaria Oken, 1815
84. Turbinaria irregularis Bernard, 1896 R

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85. Turbinaria mesenterina (Lamarck, 1816) R C C
86. Turbinaria peltata (Esper, 1794) R
87. Turbinaria stellulata (Lamarck, 1816) R R R
Family DIPLOASTRAEIDAE Chevalier &
Beauvais, 1987
Genus Diploastrea Matthai, 1914
88. Diploastrea heliopora (Lamarck, 1816) C R R
Family EUPHYLLIIDAE Alloiteau, 1952
Genus Euphyllia Dana, 1846
89. Euphyllia glabrescens (Chamisso and R R R
Eyscenhardt, 1821)
Genus Galaxea Oken, 1815
90. Galaxea astreata (Lamarck, 1816) R
91. Galaxea fascicularis (Linnaeus, 1767) A A C C C C C
Family FUNGIIDAE Dana, 1846
Genus Ctenactis Verrill, 1864
92. Ctenactis crassa (Dana, 1846) C C C R
93. Ctenactis echinata (Pallas, 1766) A C C C
Genus Cycloseris Milne Edwards &
Haime, 1849
94. Cycloseris costulata (Ortmann, 1889) C A A
95. Cycloseris cyclolites (Lamarck, 1815) C C
96. Cycloseris somervillei (Gardiner, 1909) C C
97. Cycloseris tenuis (Dana, 1846) R
Genus Danafungia Wells, 1966
98. Danafungia horrida (Dana, 1846) A C C
99. Danafungia scruposa (Klunzinger, 1879) R R R R
Genus Fungia Lamarck, 1801
100. Fungia fungites (Linnaeus, 1758) A A
101. Fungia puishani Veron and De Vantier, R
2000
Genus Heliofungia Wells, 1966
102. Heliofungia fralinae (Nemenzo, 1955) R
Genus Herpolitha Eschscholtz, 1825
103. Herpolitha limax (Esper, 1797) C C C R
Genus Lithophyllon Rehberg, 1892
104. Lithophyllon concinna (Verrill, 1864) C C C
105. Lithophyllon repanda (Dana, 1846) C C C C
106. Lithophyllon scabra (Döderlein, 1901) C C C
107. Lobactis scutaria (Lamarck, 1801) C C C A A
Genus Pleuractis Verrill, 1864
108. Pleuractis granulosa (Klunzinger, 1879) C C C C
109. Pleuractis moluccensis (Van der Horst, R R R
1919)
110. Pleuractis paumotensis (Stutchbury, A A C C
1833)
111. Pleuractis seychellensis (Hoeksema, R R
1993)
112. Pleuractis taiwanensis (Hoeksema & Dai, R R R
1991)
Genus Polyphyllia Blainville, 1830

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113. Polyphyllia talpina (Lamarck, 1801) R R C
Family LOBOPHYLLIIDAE Dai & Horng,
2009
Genus Acanthastrea Milne Edwards &
Haime, 1848
114. Acanthastrea brevis Milne Edwards and R
Haime, 1849
115. Acanthastrea echinata (Dana, 1846) R R R
Genus Echinophyllia Klunzinger, 1879
116. Echinophyllia aspera (Ellis and Solander, R
1786)
117. Echinophyllia echinoporoides Veron and C R R
Pichon, 1979
118. Echinophyllia glabra (Nemenzo, 1959) R R
119. Echinophyllia orpheensis Veron and R R
Pichon, 1980
120. Echinophyllia patula (Hodgon and Ross, R R R R
1981)
Genus Homophyllia Brüggemann, 1877
121. Homophyllia australis (Milne Edwards & R R
Haime, 1848)
Genus Lobophyllia de Blainville, 1830
122. Lobophyllia agaricia (Milne Edwards & R
Haime, 1849)
123. Lobophyllia erythraea (Klunzinger, 1879) R R
124. Lobophyllia hassi (Pillai & Scheer, 1976) R
125. Lobophyllia hemprichii (Ehrenberg, 1834) C
126. Lobophyllia radians (Milne Edwards & C C A A
Haime, 1849)
127. Lobophyllia recta (Dana, 1846) C C C
128. Lobophyllia robusta Yabe and Sugiyama, R
1936
129. Lobophyllia valenciennesii (Milne R R R R
Edwards & Haime, 1849)
130. Lobophyllia vitiensis (Brüggemann, 1877) R
Genus Micromussa Veron, 2000
131. Micromussa regularis (Veron, 2000) C C R R R
Genus Oxypora Saville Kent, 1871
132. Oxypora crassispinosa Nemenzo, 1979 R R
133. Oxypora lacera (Verrill, 1864) R
Family MERULINIDAE Verrill, 1865
Genus Astrea Lamarck, 1801
134. Astrea curta (Dana, 1846) R R
Genus Cyphastrea Milne Edwards &
Haime, 1848
135. Cyphastrea chalcidicum (Forskal, 1775) A A C C A
136. Cyphastrea japonica Yabe and C C C C C C
Sugiyama, 1932
137. Cyphastrea microphthalma (Lamarck, A C C C C
1816)
138. Cyphastrea ocellina (Dana, 1864) R
139. Cyphastrea serailia (Forskal, 1775) R R
Genus Dipsastraea Blainville, 1830
140. Dipsastraea albida (Veron, 2000) R

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141. Dipsastraea amicorum (Milne Edwards & R R
Haime, 1849)
142. Dipsastraea faviaformis (Veron, 2000) R
143. Dipsastraea favus (Forskål, 1775) R R
144. Dipsastraea lizardensis (Veron, Pichon & C C R C R
Wijsman-Best, 1977)
145. Dipsastraea matthaii (Vaughan, 1918) A C R R R R
146. Dipsastraea maxima (Veron, Pichon & C C C C R
Wijsman-Best, 1977)
147. Dipsastraea pallida (Dana, 1846) R C R
148. Dipsastraea rotumana (Gardiner, 1899) R
149. Dipsastraea speciosa (Dana, 1846) A A A A A
150. Dipsastraea truncata (Veron, 2000) A C R C
151. Dipsastraea veroni (Moll & Best, 1984) R R
Genus Echinopora Lamarck, 1816
152. Echinopora gemmacea Lamarck, 1816 R R R R
153. Echinopora lamellosa (Esper, 1795) R
154. Echinopora pacifica Veron, 1990 C C R
Genus Favites Link, 1807
155. Favites abdita (Ellis and Solander, 1786) R R R
156. Favites acuticollis (Ortmann, 1889) R R R
157. Favites chinensis (Verrill, 1866) C
158. Favites colemani (Veron, 2000) R R R R
159. Favites complanata (Ehrenberg, 1834) R R
160. Favites halicora (Ehrenberg, 1834) C C R C R
161. Favites magnistellata (Milne Edwards & R
Haime, 1849)
162. Favites melicerum (Ehrenberg, 1834) R
163. Favites micropentagonus Veron, 2000 R
164. Favites monticularis Tamal Mondal, R
Raghunathan and Venkataraman, 2013
165. Favites paraflexuosus Veron, 2000 R
166. Favites pentagona (Esper, 1795) A A A A A A
167. Favites rotundata Veron, Pichon & R C C
Wijsman-Best, 1977
168. Favites valenciennesii (Milne Edwards & R R
Haime, 1849)
169. Favites vasta (Klunzinger, 1879) R R R R
Genus Goniastrea Milne Edwards &
Haime, 1848
170. Goniastrea edwardsi Chevalier, 1971 C C R
171. Goniastrea pectinata (Ehrenberg, 1834) R
172. Goniastrea retiformis (Lamarck, 1816) C C
173. Goniastrea stelligera (Dana, 1846) R
Genus Hydnophora Fischer von
Waldheim, 1807
174. Hydnophora exesa (Pallas, 1766) R
175. Hydnophora microconos (Lamarck, A A A A A A
1816)
176. Hydnophora pilosa Veron, 1985 C C
Genus Leptoria Milne Edwards & Haime,
1848

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177. Leptoria irregularis Veron, 1990 R
178. Leptoria phrygia (Ellis and Solander, C R C
1786)
Genus Merulina Ehrenberg, 1834
179. Merulina ampliata (Ellis and Solander, A A C C
1786)
180. Merulina scabricula Dana, 1846 R R
Genus Mycedium Milne Edwards &
Haime, 1851
181. Mycedium elephantotus (Pallas, 1766) C C R
Genus Oulophyllia Milne Edwards &
Haime, 1848
182. Oulophyllia bennettae (Veron and R
Pichon, 1977)
183. Oulophyllia crispa (Lamarck, 1816) R R R R
184. Oulophyllia levis (Nememnzo, 1959) R
Genus Paragoniastrea Huang, Benzoni &
Budd, 2014
185. Paragoniastrea russelli (Wells, 1954) R R
Genus Pectinia Blainville, 1825
186. Pectinia alcicornis (Saville-Kent, 1871) C
187. Pectinia lactuca (Pallas, 1766) R
188. Pectinia paeonia (Dana, 1846) C R
Genus Platygyra Ehrenberg, 1834
189. Platygyra acuta Veron, 2000 R
190. Platygyra carnosa Veron, 2000 R R
191. Platygyra contorta Veron, 1990 R
192. Platygyra crosslandi Matthai, 1928 R
193. Platygyra lamellina (Ehrenberg, 1834) R
194. Platygyra pini Chevalier, 1975 A A C C C C
195. Platygyra ryukyuensis Yabe and R R C R
Sugiyama, 1935
196. Platygyra sinensis (Milne Edwards and R
Haime, 1849)
197. Platygyra verweyi Wijsman-Best, 1976 C R C C C
Family PLEROGYRIDAE Rowlett, 2020
Genus Physogyra Quelch, 1884
198. Physogyra lichtensteini (Milne Edwards R
and Haime, 1851)
Family PLESIASTREIDAE Dai & Horng,
2009
Genus Plesiastrea Milne Edwards &
Haime, 1848
199. Plesiastrea versipora (Lamarck, 1816) R C C
FAMILY POCILLOPORIDAE GRAY,
1840
Genus Pocillopora Lamarck, 1816
200. Pocillopora ankeli Scheer and Pillai, R R R R
1974
201. Pocillopora damicornis (Linnaeus, 1758) C C C C C
202. Pocillopora elegans Dana, 1846 R
203. Pocillopora fungiformis Veron, 2000 R
204. Pocillopora grandis Dana, 1846 C R C C

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205. Pocillopora kelleheri Veron, 2000 R
206. Pocillopora ligulata Dana, 1846 R R
207. Pocillopora meandrina Dana, 1846 C R C
208. Pocillopora verrucosa (Ellis and C C C C C C
Solander, 1786)
209. Pocillopora woodjonesi Vaughan, 1918 R R R
Genus Seriatopora Lamarck, 1816
210. Seriatopora caliendrum Ehrenberg, 1834 R
211. Seriatopora guttata Veron, 2000 R R
212. Seriatopora hystrix Dana, 1846 R R R
213. Seriatopora stellata Quelch, 1886 R
Genus Stylophora Schweigger, 1820
214. Stylophora pistillata Esper, 1797 R R C
215. Stylophora subseriata (Ehrenberg, 1834) R
Family PORITIDAE Gray, 1840
Genus Goniopora de Blainville, 1830
216. Goniopora columna Dana, 1846 R R
217. Goniopora fruticosa Saville-Kent, 1893 R R
218. Goniopora lobata Milne Edwards and R
Haime, 1860
219. Goniopora pearsoni Veron, 2000 C
220. Goniopora pedunculata Quoy & R R
Gaimard, 1833

221. Goniopora planulata (Ehrenberg, 1834) R C

222. Goniopora savignyi Dana, 1846 R C
223. Goniopora somaliensis Vaughan, 1907 R
224. Goniopora tenella (Quelch, 1866) R
Genus Porites Link, 1807
225. Porites annae Crossland, 1952 R
226. Porites attenuata Nemenzo 1955 R R
227. Porites australiensis Vaughan, 1918 R
228. Porites cylindrica Dana, 1846 A R
229. Porites horizontalata Hoffmeister, 1925 A
230. Porites latistellata Quelch, 1886 C
231. Porites lobata Dana, 1846 A A A A A A A
232. Porites lutea Milne Edwards and Haime, A A C C C C C
1860
233. Porites monticulosa Dana, 1846 C
234. Porites nodifera Klunzinger, 1879 R
235. Porites rus (Forskal, 1775) C C C
236. Porites sillimaniani Nemenzo, 1976 R R
237. Porites solida (Forskal, 1775) C R R R
238. Porites stephensoni Crossland, 1952 R R R R
Family PSAMMOCORIDAE Chevalier &
Beauvais, 1987
Genys Psammocora Dana, 1846
239. Psammocora haimiana Milne Edwards & R
Haime, 1851
240. Psammocora profundacella Gardiner, R R
1898

170 | P a g e
 SCLERACTINIA INCERTAE SEDIS
Genus Leptastrea Milne Edwards &
Haime, 1849
241. Leptastrea purpurea (Dana, 1846) C R R
242. Leptastrea transversa Klunzinger, 1879 R
Genus Pachyseris Milne Edwards &
Haime, 1849
243. Pachyseris gemmae Nemenzo, 1955 A C C
244. Pachyseris rugosa (Lamarck, 1801) R
245. Pachyseris speciosa (Dana, 1846) C C
Total number of species 102 107 25 15 76 111 117

171 | P a g e
ATTACHEMENT II
 An assessment of the
environmental
sensitiveness of sea turtle
nesting beaches of the
Great Nicobar Island

Page 1 of 30
An assessment of
the environmental
sensitiveness of sea Principle Investigator
turtle nesting WILDLIFE INSTITUTE OF INDIA
K. SIVAKUMAR
beaches of the Great Wildlife Institute of India
Nicobar Island

Research Fellow

SAGAR RAJPURKAR
Wildlife Institute of India

Advisor

DHANANJAI MOHAN
Disclaimer Director
The secondary Wildlife Institute of India
information presented in
the document are
sourced from published
literatures, WII, ZSI and
A &N Forest Department.
WII acknowledges all
concerned for the same.

© Director, WII

Page 2 of 30
 Acknowledgment

I would like to acknowledge Shri Jitendra Narain, Chief Secretary of

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri Kulanand Joshi, Managing
Director, Ms. Anjali Sehrawat, Executive Director, Shri Mohd Pervaiz,
General Manager, Shri Saji Samuel, Senior Manager of ANIIDCO,
Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar District, Assistant Commissioner of
Nancowry, Block Development Officer of Campbell Bay for their
supports during this study.

My sincere thanks to Dr Dhananjai Mohan, Director, Wildlife Institute

of India for his ineffable guidance, encouragement and support to
complete this task on time.

I am grateful to all officials from the Forest Department especially Shri

S.K. Bhandari PCCF (CRZ&FC), Shri P. Subramaniyam, APCCF (A&V),
Shri Thomas Verghese, DFO (Campbell Bay) and other staff of the
Forest Department for their help during the survey. Special thanks to
Thiru P. Subramaniyam, APCCF who accompanied me in the field,
walked all beaches and nearby forests, and also helped me to collect
field data.

I am thankful to the Coast Guard Commandant and his team at

Campbell Bay for their help to conduct this survey in the difficult
inclement weather condition and saving our life from the big waves,
and providing two speed boats with smaller boats to approach
beaches. I am also thankful to the Captain and crew members of ‘MV
Long Island’ for helping us in the survey.

I am thankful to the National Helicopter Carrier India – Pawan Hans

for helping us to conduct the reconnaissance survey with help of a
helicopter.

Last but not the least, I thank Mr Sagar Rajpurkar, Research Fellow,
Wildlife Institute of India for helping me in the survey and
meticulously assisting me to collect all required field data.

- K. Sivakumar

Page 3 of 30
 Contents

Page

1 Introduction 5

2 Sea turtles and their habitats in Nicobars 7

3 Objectives and background 8

4 Methodology 9

5 Results and discussion 12

6 Conclusion and recommendations 24

7 References 28

Page 4 of 30
 Introduction

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal arch from
Arakan Yoma in Mayanmar in the north to Sumatra in Indonesia in the
south. The Andaman group has more than 325 islands (21 inhabited)
covering 6,408 sq km, and the Nicobar group has over 23 islands (12
inhabited) with an area of 1,841 sq. km. Nicobars are one of the four
biodiversity hotspots of India. The Nicobar Islands can be subdivided
into three distinct subgroups; the south lies the Great Nicobar group
consisting of two islands over 100 km2 in area, nine islets less than five
km2 in area, and a few rocks. Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, Kondul and
Pilo Milo are inhabited. Meroe, Treis, Trax, Menchal, Megapod, Cabra
and Pigeon are uninhabited islets. The shore line of Nicobar Islands are
endowed with varied landscapes such as rocky shore, sandy beaches,
backwaters, bays, lagoons, mangrove forests and coral reefs. To the
interior most of the islands have undulating terrain with the main ridges
running north-south, falling steeply and irregularly on both sides to the
floor of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman sea. The Great Nicobar
groups is significantly more hilly than the Nancowry group, with the
hight peak, Mt. Thullier at 670 MSL.

The soil shows considerable variability from heavy clay, loams, gravelly
loams, sandy loam and sand. The depth of soil depends on the slope,
with deep alluvial deposits often found along the lower reaches of the
creeks. The soil lacks humus due to continuous leaching by heavy
rainfall.

Four Islands in the Nicobar group have areas protected as wildlife

preserves, and all islands are tribal reserves. Tillanchong and Batti Malv
islands are Wildlife Sanctuaries. Great Nicobar has two National Parks
(536 km2) and is also a Biosphere Reserve (885 km2), whose core areas
are the National Parks.

The vegetation and the floristic composition of the Car Nicobar group,
Nancowry and Great Nicobar groups of islands differ from one another.
In general the vegetation of the Nicobar Islands can be classified into six
groups: Marine vegetation, beach vegetation, tidal mangrove forest,
inland evergreen forests, patches of deciduous forest and grass land and
open vegetation. The beach forests or the dune forests are restricted to
the beaches of fine calcareous sand which stretch along the shores.
Creepers that mark the beginning of beach vegetation are Ipomoea per-
caprae, Vigna retusa, Ischaemum muticum, Phyla nodiflora and herbs
like Acalypha indica etc. Scaevola frutescens is the immediate successor
to these plants. Tournefortia argentina is a large shrub with silvery
pubescent leaves and is very common in Great Nicobar Island.

Page 5 of 30
 Pandanus leram, Pandanus tectorius and Pandanus furcatus grow
luxuriantly in this coastal forest.

Mangrove forests are found in patches of varying sizes in most islands.

The dominant species present in this mangrove forests are Rhizophora
mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Excoecaria agallocha, Carallia
brachiata, Sonneratia acida, Timonius jambosella and Nipa fruticans.

The Great Nicobar Island, which is located between 6o45’ N - 7o15’ N,

and 93o38' E - 93o55' E. The total area of the island is 973 km2 with
five perennial rivers and five hill ranges. The highest point is Mt Thullier
(670 MSL). South Bay or Galathea Bay is located near to the Indira
Point, which is the southernmost point of India.

The island is exposed to both south-west and north-east monsoons,

with an average rainfall of 200 cm. The bulk of the rainfall comes
during the southwest monsoon, and the wettest months are August to
November, while the driest months are February and March when less
than 5 cm of rainfall is received. The climate is humid, tropical-coastal
due to its proximity to the equator. The average temperature varies from
25.5oC and 34.4oC. The average relative humidity is 80.8% and seldom
goes below 70%. The islands get northeast wind from November to
January and southwest from May to October. Cyclones sometimes bring
huge devastation, endangering life.

Two groups of indigenous communities inhabit Great Nicobar. The

Shompen, who now number less than 150, are a semi-nomadic tribe
who inhabit the forests of the central uplands. It is probable that they
were pushed into inaccessible areas by the Nicobarese who have several
settlements along the coast. The Nicobarese constitute the largest tribal
group in the islands.

The Government’s vision for holistic development of Great Nicobar

Island, which inter alia envisages the sustainable development of
Great Nicobar Island, including setting up of Transhipment Port,
Airport and a Township. The project is of strategic importance and
also significant from the points of view of National Security.

Page 6 of 30
 Sea turtles and their habitats in Nicobars

Five of the seven species of marine turtles found worldwide are

reported to occur in Indian coastal waters, of these, four species such
as Leatherback, Green sea, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill, nests along
the coastline of Andaman and Nicobar islands (Sivakumar, 2002;
Namboothri el al. 2012). Andaman and Nicobar Islands have some of
the best nesting beaches and foraging grounds for marine turtles in
India. A proportion of world's Leatherback turtle population migrates
every winter to the off coast of Little Andaman, Little Nicobar and
Great Nicobar islands. Most importantly on the beaches of Galathea,
Dagmar (Casuarina Bay) and Alexandria in Great Nicobar Island as
well as on the beaches of Little Nicobar and Little Andaman. The
Leatherback turtle nesting population in Andaman and Nicobar
islands forms one of the four large colonies in Indo-Pacific region.
Leatherback turtles that nest on the beaches of Andaman Nicobar
Islands migrate up to Australia and Africa on either side.

Increased egg predation by wild pigs, domestic and feral dogs, hunting
and incidental capture of turtles and fishery related mortality have
been widely reported in the islands. Therefore, the Forest Department
has already identified all-important sea turtles nesting beaches of
islands and continuously monitoring these beaches with a Special Sea
Turtle Monitoring and Protection Force (STPF). Andaman
administration has also banned sand mining in all turtle nesting
beaches in the region. Feral dogs, which pose a great risk to the
survival of turtles, were also monitored and regulated. Artificial
hatcheries have been established at several nesting sites to protect
nests from predation. Further, the department is successful in getting
supports of communities and other stakeholders in conservation of
sea turtles and their habitats in islands.

In Nicobar district, both Little and Great Nicobar Islands are

historically well known for the nesting of leatherbacks. In the Great
Nicobar Island, there are nine important turtle nesting beaches, of
these, Galathea Bay is one of the three important nesting sites of
Leatherback turtles, other two being Casuarina Bay and Alexandria
Bay (Sivakumar, 2002). Other beaches are used by multiple species of
turtles. Sporadic nesting of leatherback was also reported from
Anderson Bay and Shashtri Nagar (ANIFD). About 150 to 500
Leatherback turtles nest at Galathea Bay every year. The 2004
tsunami has adversely affected this species and its nesting areas. But
after few years, the species could bounce back that indicates that this
species has a good resilience and adaptability for the changes,
provided their habitats are protected.

Page 7 of 30
 Objective and Background

The Government’s vision for holistic development of Great Nicobar

Island, which inter alia envisages the sustainable development of
Great Nicobar Island, including setting up of Transhipment Port,
Airport and a Township. The project is of strategic importance and
also significant from the points of view of National Security.

In this context, ANIIDCO after having a meeting with Additional

Secretary (UT), MHA, vide its letter No.1-
1552/ANIIDCO/Projects/2020-21/1275, dated 9th April, 2021, and
with reference to 260th Meeting of EAC of MoEF&CC, had requested
WII to undertake a study to assess the environmental sensitivity of the
project to suggest most suitable location for the Port. In this context,
WII has agreed making a recee inspection visit to the area to study the
critical wildlife habitat at Galathea Bay and other parts of Great
Nicobar to understand the area and the issues and set the future
course of action subject to minutes of the 260th Meeting of EAC,
MoEF&CC that was held on 5-6 April, 2021.

In this context, WII has carried out a rapid assessment study to

understand the biological or ecological significance of five sites
identified by ANIIDCO for the port. This study was conducted with aim
of assessing the current status of important turtle nesting beaches
with special focus on sea turtles especially leatherback. Study was
also aimed to assess the status of megapodes and dugong habitats
along these beaches.

Page 8 of 30
 Methodology

1. In the Andaman and Nicobar islands, the main nesting season for
sea turtles is from November to March, therefore, this survey was
largely based on sign surveys especially surveying the number of old
tracks and nests laid in the season, and also secondary data collected
by the Forest Department and other agencies and literature. This
survey was carried out from 14th to 19th April, 2021 to understand the
current status of beaches with respect to sea turtles nesting in the
Great Nicobar Island. Aerial surveys were also carried out using a
helicopter for reconnaissance and then all selected beaches visited by
foot with six persons and a drone for the detailed survey.

2. Aerial survey. The entire coasts of Great Nicobar Island was

surveyed using a helicopter on 15th April, 2021 to select the important
beaches for detailed surveys by foot. Helicopter flew at the slower
speed at the altitude of 500 m. Based on this survey, Anderson Bay
(Joingdar Nagar), Vijay Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Shashtri
Nagar, Galathea Bay, Pemayya Bay, Alexandria Bay and Casuarina
Bay were chosen for further detailed survey. These beaches were
chosen largely due to its length and width, and historical reporting of
sea turtles nests in these beaches that was based on literature and
Forest Department’s records. There were also several smaller but
potential beaches that are conducive for turtle nesting were seen
between Pemayya Bay and Alexandria along the west coast, and
between Campbell Bay and Laful along east coast of the Great Nicobar
Island.

3. Drone survey: A drone with a special application was used to study

the beach profile, geomorphology of the bay, inter-tidal profile and
locating old nests. Land-cover of surroundings of the beaches was also
studied using the drone. Minimum two flights were made at over each
beach at the height of 100 m. Further, one more flight was exclusively
used for locating old nests at the height of 50 m. Geo-coded images of
drone was later analysed for calculating the beach length, width,
inter-tidal width, slope of the beach from the low-tide line. Drone was
also used to check the presence of seagrass beds (and dugongs) and
coral reefs in the bay areas. Drone also helped us to locate a
leatherback nesting at the night on 15th April, 2021 at the Galathea

Page 9 of 30
 Bay and subsequently, we could observe the entire nesting behaviour
of that turtle for about two hours.

4. Foot survey: All selected beaches were surveyed by foot with help of
a six members team. Entire beach was walked for locating the old
nests of sea turtles and recorded. Old tracks of turtles were identified
at species level whenever it could possible. Presence of predators
based on indirect evidences were also collected. Soil samples were
collected while doing surveys. Beach width and inter-tidal width were
measured manually at selected points to reconfirm the drone data.
Nearby, coastal forest was surveyed for the presence of megapode
mounds. Assessment of abundance of seagrass beds in the bay area
using drone was also done. All the beaches were approached from sea
with help of the Coast Guard boats and their team members.

5. Night survey: On 15th and 16th April, 2021, the entire Galathea Bay
beach was surveyed for sea turtle nestings. Only one leatherback
turtle laid eggs on 15th April, 2021 at 11.05 PM. Wild pigs were seen
during the night hours on the beaches.

6. Soil grain-size analysis: Soil samples were collected from all nesting
beaches to understand the relationship between soil texture profile
and species that used for nesting. At each sampling point, soils
weighing about 100 grams were collected at high tide line, turtle
nesting area and in-between these two points. Multiple sampling
points at each beach were fixed at equal distances. Collected samples
were air-dried and analysed at the Wildlife Institute of India. A
weighed sample of soil material was separated through a series of
sieves with progressively smaller openings ((0.13mm, 0.25mm,
0.5mm, 1mm, 2mm). Particle size distribution was determined by
weighing the material retained on each of the sieves and dividing these
weights by the total weight of the sample. A correction was made for
the moisture content of the sample and all calculations were based on
dry weight.

Page 10 of 30
Map 1. Important Sea Turtle Nesting Areas of Great Nicobar Island.
Casuarina Bay, Alexandria Bay and Galathea Bay are largely used by
the Leatherback. Pemayya Bay and Anderson Bay used by multiple
species including Leatherback.

Page 11 of 30
 Results and Discussion

1. A total of nine beaches viz. Anderson Bay, Vijay Nagar, Laxmi

Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Shashtri Nagar, Galathea Bay, Pemayya Bay,
Alexandria Bay and Casuarina Bay (Dagmar) were chosen based on
aerial survey for the detailed assessment on the ground. It was found
that all these beaches had signs of turtle nesting. Of these, Galathea
Bay, Anderson Bay, Pemayya Bay, Alexandria Bay and Casuarina Bay
were used by the Leatherback turtles. But, high intensity of turtle
nests of leatherback found in Alexandria, Casuarina and Galathea
bays (Table 1 & 2). Sporadic nesting of leatherbacks on the Pemayya
and Anderson bays was also recorded during this survey. However,
both Pemayya and Anderson bays were also observed with nesting
other species of turtles in high numbers especially the green sea and
hawksbill.

2. In 1991-92, more numbers of leatherback turtle nests laid in

Alexandria Bay (N=343 nests) than Dagmar Bay (N=171 nests) and
the Galathea Bay (N=158 but in 1993-94, leatherback nests
reported only from the Galathea Bay (N=237) (Namboothri, et al.,
2012) (Table 2). Further, the Forest Department could establish
the turtle monitoring hut just after the tsunami but there was no
reporting of Leatherback from 2005 to 2010 at Galathea. The first
reporting of leatherback turtle nesting in the Galathea Bay was in
2011, when 146 nests reported (Namboothri, et al., 2011) but
Jadeja et al. (2016) claimed the first reporting of leatherback nests
after tsunami that was in 2015 (Jadeja, et al., 2016). Since 2004,
beaches along west coast of the Great Nicobar were not monitored
for turtle nests till February, 2016. Therefore, it would be difficult
to confirm whether the leatherback used other beaches of Great
Nicobar for nesting during this 6 years period, when they were not
laid eggs at the Galathea Bay. In 2016, more number of
leatherback laid in the Galathea Bay than Dagmar and Alexandria.
Variations in the nests laid by the leatherback between years could
be due to variations in the environmental settings or
conduciveness of the beaches for nesting as leatherback known to
be having the poor nest site fidelity. It may change the nesting site

Page 12 of 30
 temporarily if the environmental settings of the beach is not
favourable for nesting (Kelly et al., 2014).

3. Leatherbacks are known to distribute nests up to 460 km apart

within a nesting season in Florida, USA (Kelly et al., 2014).
Therefore, the Leatherbacks appears to have adopted a regional
rather than a local optimum for nesting, possibly due to their poor
nesting beach fidelity and the frequent erosion and degradation of
their nesting beaches (Kamel and Mrosovsky, 2004; Kelly et al.,
2014). Indian Institute of Science, Dakshin Foundation and ANET
have earlier tagged 10 leatherbacks using satellite transmitters
from the Little Andaman and monitored for their movements from
2011 to 2014. Of these, one turtle that laid eggs at Little Andaman
was observed laying eggs in February, 2021 on the beach of the
Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar by ZSI Team (pers: C. Sivaperuman,
ZSI) that reiterate the weak nesting site fidelity of Leatherback as
well as it reveals that the leatherback may distribute nests in
different places between years.

4. Increased egg predation by wild pigs, domestic and feral dogs,

hunting and incidental capture of turtles and fishery related mortality
have been reported in the islands. Therefore, the Forest Department
has already identified all-important sea turtles nesting beaches of
islands and continuously monitoring some of these beaches with a
Special Sea Turtle Monitoring and Protection Force (STPF). Andaman
administration has also banned sand mining in all turtle nesting
beaches in the region. Feral dogs, which pose a great risk to the
survival of turtles, were also monitored and regulated. Artificial
hatcheries have been established at several nesting sites (Galathea
Bay, Gandhinagar, Vijay nagar and Anderson Bay) to protect turtle
eggs predation to enhance nesting success. Further, the department is
successful in getting support of communities and other stakeholders
in conservation of sea turtles and their habitats in island especially at
Anderson Bay, Shashtri Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and Vijay Nagar.

5. Beaches of Galathea Bay is one of the three important nesting sites

of Leatherback turtles in Great Nicobar Island, others being at
Casuarina Bay and Alexandria Bay (Sivakumar, K. 2002). About 150

Page 13 of 30
 to 480 Leatherback turtles nest at Galathea Bay every year (ANIFD).
The 2004 tsunami has adversely affected this species and its nesting
areas. But after few years, the species could bounce back, which
indicates that this species has a good resilience and adaptability for
the changes, provided their habitats are protected. The information on
the post Tsunami use of the other two beaches i.e. Casuarina Bay and
Alexandria Bay was not available perhaps owing to lack of monitoring,

6. Soil analysis has revealed that all nine beaches are conducive for sea
turtles to nest (Mortimer, 1990; Kamel and Mrosovsky, 2004;
Behera et al., 2013; Kelly et al., 2014). However, Casuarina,
Alexandria and Galathea beaches had more fine sands than other
beaches. These three beaches had more similarities with respect to
soil texture, inter-tidal flats, slope and connectivity with perennial
rivers and these environmental settings are largely preferred by
leatherback to nest in larger numbers (Table 3). Pemayya bay,
Anderson Bay, Gandhi Nagar and Shahstri nagar bays had moderate
slope with moderate inter-tidal flats that are seems to be more
conducive environmental settings for other turtle species to nests.

7. Status of threat especially the nest predation was assessed at high

level in all beaches that was concurrence with the similar observations
made earlier by Swaminathan et al, (2017). Wild pigs were the main
predators on the beaches of Casuarina, Alexandria, Pemayya and
Galathea but domestic and feral dogs were major predators observed
on the other beaches (Table 3). More than 85% of nests laid by the
leatherback were predated that brought down the success rate of
leatherback’s nests about 15%, which is a very serious issue that
needs to be addressed immediately.

8. Megapode nest mounds were found along the beaches of Casuarina

(N=4), Alexandria (N=2), Pemayya (N=2), Galathea (N=1) and
Anderson(N=1) (Map 2 and Table 1).

9. This short term survey could not find the presence of seagrass beds
in the bay areas of these nine beaches. Therefore, the occurrences of
dugong in these bays was doubtful.

Page 14 of 30
 10. Except the Galathea Bay, coral reefs were found near the all nesting
beaches (Map 2 and Table 1). But, composition and qualities of these
reefs were not studied during this survey owing lack of expertise and
to shortage of time.

Table 1. Distribution of sea turtles nests, megapode and dugong at the

important beaches/bays of the Great Nicobar.

Casuarina
Alexandra
Anderson

Galathea

Pemayya
Shashtri
Gandhi
Laxmi
Nagar

Nagar

Nagar

Nagar
Vijay
Bay

Bay

Bay

Bay

Bay
Leatherback √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Green Sea √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Olive Ridley √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Hawksbill √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Megapode √ X X X X √ √ √ √
Dugong X X X X X X X X X
Coral reefs √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √

Photo: A leatherback turtle covering her nest after laying eggs on 15th
April, 2021 in the Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island (Photo by K.
Sivakumar)

Page 15 of 30
 Map 2. Critical wildlife habitats along coastal areas of the Great
Nicobar Island (Source: WII, ZSI & Forest Department)

Page 16 of 30
Table 2. Status of Leatherback turtle nests at the important
beaches/bays of the Great Nicobar.

Casuarina
Alexandri
Anderson

Pemayya
Galathea
Shashtri
Gandhi
Laxmi
Nagar

Nagar

Nagar

Nagar

a Bay
Vijay
Year

Bay

Bay

Bay

Bay
1991-92* - - - - - 158 - 343 171
2000-01** - - - - - 524 - 866 362
2015-16# - - 1 - - 412 - 66 166
2016-17## 4 - 0 - 4 90 - - -
2017-18## 4 - 0 - 0 182 - - -
2018-19## 4 - 1 - 0 203 - - -
2019-20## 11 - 0 - 0 483 - - -
2020-21## 4 - 0 - 0 484 - - -

*Namboothri, N., A. Swaminathan & K. Shanker. 2012. A compilation of data

from Satish Bhaskar’s sea turtle surveys of the Andaman and Nicobar
islands. Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter 16: 4-13.

**Andrews, H.V., S. Krishnan & P. Biswas. 2006. Distribution and status of

marine turtles in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In: Marine Turtles of the
Indian Subcontinent (eds. Shanker, K. & B.C. Choudhury), pp. 33-57.
Universities Press, Hyderabad. India.

#Swaminathan, A., S. Thesorow, S. Watha, M. Manoharakrishnan, N.

Namboothri and M. Chandi. 2017. Current status and distribution of
threatened leatherback turtles and their nesting beaches in the Nicobar group
of islands. Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter 25:12-18

## Forest Department, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

-Not monitored/surveyed either by Forest Department or by any other experts

or organization, but signs of turtle nesting were recorded during this study.
Attempt was not made to calculate the total number of nests laid for this
season based on existing tracks/nests signs.

Page 17 of 30
Table 3. Profile of important sea turtle nesting beaches of the Great Nicobar on 14th – 19th April, 2021.
Galathea Bay, Casuarina Bay and Alexandria Bay had more fine sands than other beaches.

Alexandra

Casuarina
Anderson

Pemayya
Galathea
Shashtri
Gandhi
Profile

Laxmi
Beach

Nagar

Nagar

Nagar

Nagar
Vijay
Bay

Bay

Bay

Bay

Bay
Length 3.5 km 2.8 km 2.4 km 2.5 km 1.2 km 4.5 km 3.0 km 3.2 km 4.2 km
Avg Beach 16 m 15 m 12 m 15 m 15 m 23 m 18 m 20 m 24 m
Width*
Beach Slope Moderate Steep Steep Moderate Moderate Gradual Moderate Gradual Gradual
Intertidal 120 m 40 m 55 m 110 m 120 m 370 m 145 m 360 m 375 m
Flats width
Sand grain 0.21% 0.26% 0.28% 0.17% 0.29% 0.09% 0.12% 0.11% 0.09%
size (2.0 mm)
Sand grain 0.18% 0.18% 0.17% 0.18% 0.16% 1.14% 0.12% 1.14% 1.12%
size (1.0 mm)
Sand grain 0.21% 0.14% 0.11% 0.18% 0.18% 3.16% 0.08% 4.11% 3.18%
size (0.5 mm)
Sand grain 0.26% 0.21% 0.31% 0.21% 0.22% 3.47% 0.49% 3.48% 3.45%
size (0.25
mm)
Sand grain 0.45% 0.15% 0.25% 0.25% 0.36% 1.18% 0.15% 1.12% 1.09%
size (0.13
mm)
Perennial - - - - - Yes - Yes Yes
Freshwater
Predation High High High High (Feral High (Feral High High (Wild High (Wild High (Wild
(Feral dogs) (Feral (Feral dogs) dogs) (Wild Pigs Pigs) Pigs) Pigs)
dogs) dogs) and dogs)
* high tide line to vegetation line on 14-19 April, 2021

Page 18 of 30
 Leatherback:
 A total of 484 nests recorded in 2020-21
 One of the three important nesting sites of Leatherback
turtles in Great Nicobar Island.
 Old11.
signs of five nests of leatherback observed western side
of Galathea and one nest on the eastern side of the Galathea
river mouth on 15-16 April, 2021. Nesting of one turtle
observed on 15th April, 2021 .

Olive Ridley:
 This species reported to be nesting in the Galathea Bay but there
was no record of number of nests laid in the recent past.
 A total of 1182 nests recorded in 9 monitoring years, during 1991-
92, 1998-2005 and 2012-13

Hawksbill:
 A total of 17 nests recorded in 2000-2001.
 There was no record of number of nests laid in the
recent past.

Green Sea:
 Three nests recorded in 1998-99.
 There was no record of number of nests laid in the recent
past.

Page 19 of 30
 Leatherback:
 Maximum number of nests laid in 2000-01 (N=362) but this
beach was not regularly monitored.
 There was no monitoring of this beach for last five years.
 One of the three important nesting sites of Leatherback
turtles in Great Nicobar Island.
 Old signs of seven nests of leatherback observed on 18th
April, 2021.

Olive Ridley:
 This species reported to be nesting in this each but there
was no record of number of nests laid in the recent past.
 A total of 57 nests recorded in 2000-01
 Old signs of one nest observed probably of Olive Ridley.

Hawksbill:
 There was no record of number of nests laid in the
recent past.


Green Sea:
 There was no record of number of nests laid in the recent
past.
 Old signs two nests observed on 18th April, 2021

Page 20 of 30
 Leatherback:
 Maximum number of nests laid in 2000-01 (N=866),which
was the highest number of nests reported from any beaches
of Andaman and Nicobar islands for leatherbacks but this
beach was not regularly monitored.
 There was no monitoring of this beach for last five years.
 One of the three important nesting sites of Leatherback
turtles in Great Nicobar Island.
 Old signs of seven nests of leatherback observed on 18th
April, 2021.
Olive Ridley:
 This species reported to be nesting in this beach but there was no
record of number of nests laid.
 A total of 163 nests were recorded in 2000-01.
 Old signs of two nests observed during this survey

Hawksbill:
 There was no monitoring of nesting of this species in the past.
 But, it was reported that this species use this beach for nesting

Green Sea:
 Three nests recorded in 1998-99.
 There was no record of number of nests laid in the recent
past.


Page 21 of 30
 Leatherback:
 This beach became more conducive for sea turtles to nest
just after tsunami.
 This beach was never monitored in the past.
 Old signs of six nests of leatherback observed on 18th April,
2021.

Olive Ridley:
 Old signs of seven nests observed probably of Olive Ridley.
 This beach was never monitored for sea turtles nests in the
past as it has became more condusive for turtles after tsunami

Hawksbill:
 There was no record of number of nests laid in the recent past.
 Old signs of two nests probably of this species observed during
this survey.

Green Sea:
 Old signs 11 nests observed on 18th April, 2021
 Highest number of nests of Green sea turtles reported
from this beach during this survey.

Page 22 of 30
 Leatherback:
 Maximum number of nests laid in 2019-20 (N=11), but
average of four nests reported every year in the recent past.
 There was no old signs of turtles seen during this survey but
two nests were protected inside the artificial hatchery that
was managed by the Forest Department.

Olive Ridley:
 About 20 to 70 turtles laid nests every year from 2017 to
2021. Maximum of 71 nests reported in 2017. Forest
Department collect the eggs and protect inside the
artificial hatchery.

Hawksbill:
 There was no record of number of nests laid in the recent past.
But, local people confirmed the sporadic nesting of this species
in larger number after tsunami. Further, fishermen confirmed
that this species feeds in the adjoining coral reefs

Green Sea:
 Green sea turtles were also reported from this beach
Old signs of two nests observed during this survey.

Page 23 of 30
 Conclusion & Recommendations

1. In the Great Nicobar Island, a total of nine beaches have been

identified as important turtle nesting beaches, of these, five beaches
such as Galathea Bay, Casuarina Bay, Alexandria Bay, Pemayya Bay
and Anderson Bay were assessed as the most important beaches for
sea turtles (Table 2 & Map 1). Galathea Bay, Casuarina Bay and
Alexandria Bay are important for Leatherback turtles and other two
beaches i.e. Anderson Bay and Pemayya Bay were assessed as good
for nesting of multiple species especially green sea, hawksbill and
olive ridley turtles.

2. Megapode mounds were found along the beaches of Casuarina,

Alexandria, Pemayya, Galathea and Anderson bays (Table 1 & Map
2).

3. This short term study could not find any dugongs and their seagrass
habitats in these five bays during the survey.

4. Except the Galathea Bay, nearby areas of all other important turtle
nesting beaches have coral reefs (Table 1 & Map 2).

5. Therefore, this rapid assessment study may conclude that all five
sites are ecologically or biologically significant sites especially for sea
turtles, and may be equally environmentally sensitive for any
changes due to development. Coral reefs were not found nearby
areas of Galathea bay but it was found in nearby areas of all other
bays.

6. Intensity of Leatherback turtle nesting varied between beaches

located at Galathea Bay, Casuarina Bay and Alexandria Bay, and it
was also varied between years. More number of leatherback turtles
laid nests in Alexandria Bay than in Casuarina and Galathea Bay in
1991 and 2001. But in 2015, the Galathea Bay was estimated with
higher number of leatherbacks nests (Table 2). There was no
reporting of nests from the Galathea Bay between 2004 and 2011.

Page 24 of 30
 Just after tsunami, beaches of Galathea Bay were not conducive for
turtle to lay eggs as it was inundated and swampy (Sivakumar,
2010a & 2010c).

7. There was no monitoring of sea turtles along the west coast

including the beaches of Casuarina and Alexandria bays, therefore, it
would be difficult to confirm whether leatherback turtles used these
beaches for nesting from 2005 to 2011, when they have avoided the
Galathea Bay. But, higher numbers of leatherback turtle tracks were
seen on the beaches of Casuarina, Alexandria and Pemayya bays
during this rapid assessment.

8. Leatherbacks are known to change the nesting sites depending upon

the conduciveness and safety of the beaches. A leatherback turtle
that laid eggs in the Little Andaman before 2014 was observed laying
eggs in the Galathea Bay in February, 2021 that might be due to
poor nest site fidelity of this species (Kamel and Mrosovsky, 2004;
Kelly et al., 2014). Therefore, it is equally important to monitor,
protect and conserve beaches of Casuarina and Alexandria beaches
for the long term conservation of leatherback in Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.

9. Further, three beaches such as Casuarina, Alexandria and Galathea

were observed having more finer soils, and with gentle slope of inter-
tidal flat that might probably be helping the gigantic leatherback to
reach shore and lay eggs here conveniently. More similarities were
also seen in the soil texture of these three beaches with smaller
granules. But, other beaches comparatively had larger soil-granules.

10. In overall, more than 85% of leatherback turtle nests were known to
be predated in the Great Nicobar (Swaminathan et al, 2017)
possibly by wild predators such as wild pigs and water monitor lizard
especially in Casuarina Bay, Alexandria Bay, Pemayya Bay and
Galathea Bay, and domestic and feral dogs in other beaches
(Sivakumar, 2010b). Therefore, the success rate of leatherback

Page 25 of 30
 turtle nests in the Great Nicobar was less than 15% (Swaminathan
et al, 2017) that needs to be addressed immediately. There is a lot
of scope to enhance the success rate of nests up to 90% with a turtle
conservation planning.

11. Pemayya Bay, Anderson Bay, Shastri Nagar, Laxi Nagar, Gandhi
Nagar and Vijay Nagar bays and nearby areas were observed with
coral reefs and mangroves. These beaches were used by multiple
species of sea turtles largely by Green sea, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill
and fewer leatherbacks. Of these, except Pemayya Bay that is located
at west coast, all other beaches are with revenue or private parties,
therefore, the beaches located along east coast between Shashtri
Nagar and Campbell need to be managed with participation of local
communities.

12. Now, the Government’s has a vision for holistic development of Great
Nicobar Island, which inter alia envisages the sustainable
development of Great Nicobar Island, including development of an
International Transhipment Terminal. In this context, the
Government of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Government of
India has identified the South Bay (Galathea Bay) as most conducive
location for the International Transhipment Terminal as it is of
national importance owing to strategic and security reasons.

13. In this context, WII strongly urge the concerned authorities to

develop and implement a mitigation plan to facilitate leatherback and
other turtles to continuously nest in the Great Nicobar Islands
including in the beaches of Galathea Bay for which the connectivity
between the Galathea River and the Bay should be ensured.

14. Further, beach between Indira Point and Galathea Bay was also
observed with sporadic nesting of leatherback two decades ago
(Sivakumar, 2002), is now observed with more nests that also needs
to be secured and conserved as part of the mitigation measures.

Page 26 of 30
 15. Mitigation Plan should also facilitate the establishment of a research
centre for marine biodiversity of islands with more focus on sea turtle
conservation.

16. WII urge the authorities to establish the camps at Kopenheat,

Alexandria and Casuarina bays to monitor and protect the nests of
leatherback turtles from predators, which is the most critical
conservation action required immediately.

17. Further, the mitigation plan should facilitate the long term
conservation of sea turtles in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
especially in the Great Nicobar and Little Nicobar islands. The long-
term conservation plan is required to monitor, protect and conserve
sea turtles and their habitats without disturbing the livelihoods of
people especially the indigenous communities of the islands, but that
needs to be prepared after a detailed EIA study as envisaged by the
EAC of MoEF&CC in its 260th Meeting. In addition, we suggest that
that EIA study should also include the satellite tracking of few
leatherback turtles from Galathea, Casuarina and Alexandria
beaches to understand their movements and nest site fidelity that
are critical for the development of mitigation measures.

18. WII has very limited expertise to conduct EIA study covering all
aspects of ToR provided by EAC of MoEF&CC in its 260th Meeting as
they are very vast and include areas where WII has no expertise.,
Therefore, this study may be assigned to the Zoological Survey of
India as they have a Regional Centre at Port Blair with required
expertise and logistics. Further, ZSI has already assessing the status
of biodiversity in connection with this project for considerable time.
WII would be willing to provide the technical inputs to ZSI to conduct
EIA study, if required.

Page 27 of 30
References

Andrews, H.V., S. Krishnan & P. Biswas. 2006. Distribution and status of

marine turtles in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In: Marine Turtles of the
Indian Subcontinent (eds. Shanker, K. & B.C. Choudhury), pp. 33-57.
Universities Press, Hyderabad. India.

Jadeja, Shivbhadrasinh & Gole, Swapnali & Apte, Deepak & Jabestin, A.
(2016). First nesting record of Leatherback Sea Turtles on the West Coast of
Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island, after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
with notes on nest predation. Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter. 7-10pp

Kamel, S.J., Mrosovsky, N., 2004. Nest site selection in leatherbacks,

Dermochelys coriacea: individual patterns and their consequences. Anim.
Behav. 68, 357–366.

Kelly R. Stewart, Kelly J. Martin, Chris Johnson, Nicole Desjardin, Scott A.

Eckert, Larry B. Crowder, 2014. Increased nesting, good survival and variable
site fidelity for leatherback turtles in Florida, USA, Biological Conservation,
176:117-125).

Mortimer JA (1990) The influence of beach sand characteristics on the nesting

behavior and clutch survival of green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Copeia 3: 802–
817

Namboothri, N., A. Swaminathan & K. Shanker. 2012. A compilation of data

from Satish Bhaskar’s sea turtle surveys of the Andaman and Nicobar
islands. Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter 16: 4-13.

Namboothri, N., A. Swaminathan & K. Shanker. 2012. A compilation of data

from Satish Bhaskar’s sea turtle surveys of the Andaman and Nicobar
islands. Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter 16: 4-13)

Page 28 of 30
Namboothri, N., S. Watha, M. Chandi & K. Shanker. 2011. Posttsunami status
of leatherback nesting in the south-east coast of the Great Nicobar island.
Report submitted to the Forest Department, Andaman and Nicobar Islands)

Satyaranjan Behera, Basudev Tripathy, Kuppusamy Sivakumar, Binod

Chandra Choudhury, Chandrasekhar Kar. 2013. Nesting habitat suitability
for olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) at the Gahirmatha rookery,
Odisha coast of India. International Journal of Conservation Science 4(4): 477-
484.

Sivakumar, K. 2002. Turtle nesting on the south bay of Great Nicobar Island.
Marine Turtle Newsletter, 96:17-18.

Sivakumar, K. 2010a. Impact of tsunami on the Nicobar megapode

Megapodius nicobariensis. Oryx. 44(1):71-78.

Sivakumar, K. 2010b. Strategic plan and management of alien invasive fauna

in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In. Ramakrishna, Raghunathan, C. And
Sivaperuman, C. Recent trends in biodiversity of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. Zoological Survey of India, Kolkota. 502-510.

Sivakumar, K. 2010c. Impact of tsunami on certain rare and threatened

species of Nicobar group of islands with special reference to the Nicobar
Megapdoe Megapodius nicobariensis. In. Ramakrishna, Raghunathan, C. And
Sivaperuman, C. Recent trends in biodiversity of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. Zoological Survey of India, Kolkota. 435-441.

Swaminathan, A., S. Thesorow, S. Watha, M. Manoharakrishnan, N.

Namboothri and M. Chandi. 2017. Current status and distribution of
threatened leatherback turtles and their nesting beaches in the Nicobar group
of islands. Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter 25:12-18

Page 29 of 30
Page 30 of 30
COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT REPORT
FOR
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND IN ANDAMAN AND
NICOBAR ISLANDS INCLUDING INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL
CONTAINER TRANSHIPMENT TERMINAL (ICTT)-14.2 MILLION TEU ALONG WITH
GREENFIELD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (4000 PEAK HOUR PASSENGERS-PHP),
TOWNSHIP & AREA DEVELOPMENT AND 450 MVA GAS AND SOLAR BASED
POWER PLANT IN 16610 HA. GREAT NICOBAR ISLANDS,
IN NICOBAR DISTRICT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - ENGLISH

Project Proponent

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation

Ltd (ANIIDCO),
(A Government undertaking)

December 2021

DPR Consultant

AECOM India Pvt. Ltd.

9/F , Infinity Tower C
DLF Cyber City, DLF Phase - II
Gurugram – 122002, Haryana , India

EIA Consultant

Vikas Bhawan, PB No. 180, Port

Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Vimta Labs Ltd,
Islands 744101 142, IDA, Phase II, Cherlapally,
Hyderabad - 500051, India.
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1. Introduction and Background

The NITI Aayog is engaged in the holistic development of identified islands and as part
of this endeavor, has decided to undertake holistic development of Great Nicobar Island
(GNI). The GNI, with an area of 910 sq.km (original notified area of 1045 Sq.km.) is one
of the largest islands of the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago. Andaman and Nicobar
Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO) has been appointed as the
project proponent for the project. The holistic development proposes a master plan for
Integrated Development of an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT),
Greenfield International Airport, LNG based Power Plant along with a new Township on the
GNI. These four projects are being proposed under the category of interlinked projects from
an environmental assessment perspective with the ICTT being proposed as the primary
project.
The most critical aspect of the development is to ensure the development needs to be
undertaken in an environmentally sensitive manner, conscious of the rich natural and
cultural heritage of the Island which is unique. The Government of India intends to set
a model in place for holistic development of GNI while preserving and maintaining the
natural ecosystem and rich bio-diversity.
The development of the Island is imperative from several viewpoints. The most
significant amongst these are:
I. Capturing the Strategic Location to develop a new Economic Hub in
Indian Ocean Region:
The GNI lies adjacent to the Western entrance to the Malacca Strait, which is, itself, a
major Indian Ocean chokepoint. Seven countries are close to Campbell Bay, which is
the headquarters of the southernmost frontier of India in the GNI. The southern tip of
the Island at Indira Point is about 25-40 km from the major international sea route
which carries about 20-25% of global sea trade and 35% of world oil supplies. This
strategic location presents immense opportunities to further strengthen India’s trading
position in the world by developing an International Transshipment Terminal at the
GNI. A new transshipment port at GNI can be competitive because of the cost savings
that shippers can realize using feeder ships to service ports around the rim of the Bay
of Bengal. The detailed analysis of the cost savings of new shipping routes utilising a
new port at Great Nicobar highlights its locational advantages over competing ports in
the region for accessing ports between Chennai and Yangon.
In addition to shipping and associated logistics, there is modest potential to grow the
manufacturing sector on the island, including processing of locally grown and harvested
food.
II. Counter to Chinese consolidation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
China is strengthening as well as forging new diplomatic ties with other states in the
Indian Ocean region thus expanding its footprint in the IOR.. With respect to military
expansion and port creation, China has increased its activities in the IOR by investing
in various countries adjoining to India. From this perspective, India’s presence in the
Andaman & Nicobar Islands must be strongly demonstrated to counter position China’s
aggressive consolidation in the IOR. The development of GNI into an economic and
defense powerhouse will be the most powerful answer to the challenge of Chinese
consolidation

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

III. Improving connectivity with Indian mainland and other global cities
At present there is very limited connectivity of the GNI with the Indian mainland and
other global cities. The prime modes of travel are ships that sail from Chennai,
Visakhapatnam and Kolkata to Port Blair which takes 2-3 days. The journey from Port
Blair onwards to Great Nicobar takes 24-36 hours depending on the weather. The
frequency depends most often on the weather; the stormier and rainier the weather,
the less frequent they become. The other mode of transportation is to fly by helicopter
from Port Blair. This is also very limited connectivity as helicopters fly to and from
Great Nicobar twice or thrice a week. Thus, a major prerequisite for opening up the
Island for development is through setting up of a large Greenfield airport with a much
greater capacity than the existing one (INS Baaz).
IV. Promoting sustainable tourism
Like the rest of the Andaman and Nicobar Island group, GNI has long been neglected
and isolated from the rest of the country. Pristine virgin beaches for tourism, lush
evergreen rainforests, scenic hills and resort type farmlands dot this trekking paradise
of India. As a landmass, it is even bigger than Singapore. However, it lags far behind
than Singapore in population density, economic development, infrastructure
development and per capita income. The project envisions to tap the locational and
tourism potential in an integrated manner after infusing the required infrastructure to
build new city while preserving the ecology and environment heritage of the present
island.
Tourism development can capitalize on the exceptional tourism assets to attract high-
end tourists interested in tropical forests, adventure tourism, beach tourism, water
sports as scuba diving and snorkeling.
V. Socio-economic growth of local populace
Part of the reason that the development of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been
delayed for such a long period of time is because there are opposing viewpoints on
developing them. The financial costs are significantly high with serious environmental
constraints. The presence of indigenous tribes and concerns for their welfare has been
a key factor challenging island development. However, in recent times, the security
environment in India’s maritime domain has changed drastically. After years of neglect,
therefore, the present government is finally making a push to develop the GNI. This
will ultimately enhance the socio-economic growth of the local populace and usher in
a new era for their all-round development.

Detailed feasibility studies were carried out for each of the interlinked projects.
Alternatives were identified an evaluated against specific predetermined criteria, including
environmental impact, ecological and biodiversity. Specific studies for endangered species
like leatherback turtles, corals megapods etc, were undertaken by reputed organization
like Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Wild Life Institute of India (WII). The other
criteria included coastal morphology, density and diversity of the terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystem, compliance with ICRZ notifications, and impact on the tribes like Shompen and
Nicobarese people. The basic aim for EIA Study and site selection was to ensure that the
natural habitat and its attributes are preserved and the deleterious impact of the
construction and operation of the project is at minimum to an acceptable level and enhance
the beneficial impacts to maximum limits.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

This EIA Study has been structured as per the MoEF&CC notification on EIA, 2006 to cover
all the essential required aspects, described in detail under respective sections as given in
the above notification.
ToR application for the project was submitted on 2nd March 2021 through Parivesh portal
of MoEF&CC. The proposal was considered in the 258th meeting of Expert Appraisal
Committee (EAC) held on 17th -18th March, 2021 and Essential Details were Sought by
EAC. Upon submission of EDS replies the project proposal was considered by EAC in its
260th meeting held on 5th – 6th April, 2021. The final TOR was granted by MoEF&CC vide
letter no: 10/17/2021-IA.III dated 25th May, 2021.
The submitted report in is compliance with the issued TOR and MoEF&CC guidelines for
conducting EIA study for interlinked projects; an International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT), Greenfield International Airport, LNG based Power Plant along with a new
Township. These four projects are interlinked projects (Port, Airport, Township and Power
Plant) and form the core of the new city and the main components of the holistic master
plan. From an environmental and techno-economic perspective, the ICTT is
considered the primary project.

1.1.1. Development Area

The project is located on GNI, the southernmost last mass of the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. GNI has a total area of 910.074 sq.km. The island includes two
national parks, a biosphere, and is home to the Shompen, an aboriginal tribe. With
a view to preserving the valuable ecological and anthropological assets on GNI, the
development area has been limited to a 166.1 sq.km area along the south-eastern
and southern coastlines. It extends from the north of Campbell Bay to Indira Point
and further up to the Pemayya Bay area in the south. While the east and South of
the site are edged by the Indian Ocean, the west and north are flanked by
mountainous terrain and forests of the Galathea National Park. The development
area does not include any area within the biosphere or the national parks.

C11-3
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

Figure 1: Showing the GNI project Area

Based on the results of the land suitability analysis, the project area has been delineated.
The land cover in the project area is of dense forests and riverine grasslands on
undulating terrain with a ridge running in the west and land sloping towards the eastern
and southern coastline, with water bodies and numerous streams flowing into the sea.
The total project area is 166.1 sq.km. project area. Of this, 121.87sq.km. of land falls
under Protected Forest and 8.88 sq.km. of land falls under Deemed Forest, which is part
of revenue land. There is presence of a Tribal Reserve spreading across an area of
approximately 84.1 sq.km. area. There are seven revenue villages falling in the project
area. The total area of revenue land is 44.2 sq.km. The forest land within the forest area
is proposed for diversion and separate application is already submitted to MoEF&CC.
Some tribal were affected during Tsunami and they were already rehabilitated in other
areas. 84.10 sq. km of project area falls under tribal reserve and de-notification is under

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

process. Out of this, an area of 11.032 sq. km of tribal reserve also falls within the
revenue villages and required to be de-notified otherwise also. A&N administration
proposes to re-notify 45.23 sq. km of land within Campbell bay National Park & Galathea
National Park and 31.73 sq. km land outside the project area. Therefore, affectively an
area of 7.11 sq. km will be De-notified.

1.1.2. Development approach and Master Plan

The holistic development of GNI requires diversion of 130.75 sq. km of forest land. None
of the national parks, Biosphere reserve area falls within the project boundary. The
Approach towards development is a balanced one, promoting GNI’s ambitious economic
development goals, on the one hand, whilst conserving the natural environment and
improving the quality of life of local residents, including aboriginals, on the other.

1.1.2.1. Development strategies

This delicate balance can be achieved by applying the following development strategies:
I. Preserve the rich flora fauna and bio diversity of the island by ensuring no
development within the eco-sensitive areas and respecting the rich natural
heritage of the area.
II. Minimise the footprint of the new city to preserve existing human and ecological
assets. The development footprint can be minimized by using compact urban form
and prohibiting sprawl.
III. Minimise greenhouse gas emissions by using clean transportation and energy.
Robust mass transit that provides rapid connections between urban centres can
help reduce carbon footprints, as can walkable, compact urban centers that
facilitate walking and biking.
IV. Promote disaster resilience by siting permanent structures away from the sea and
streams and by raising development areas. Use generous buffers at the ocean’s
edge to reduce exposure of people and built structures to tsunamis. Allow only
low-impact development and temporary structures on the landwards side of the
coastal buffers. The permanent structures to be located on raised development
areas farther away from the coastline.
V. Co-locate similar land use like major transport infrastructure to facilitate modal
shift. By locating the international airport and the port / back port in the same
area, we can facilitate the transfer of goods between shipping modes, thereby
maximising the development potential of GNI as a shipping capital.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

Figure 2: Map Showing the overall landuse plan

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

1.1.2.2. Major projects

These strategies have been translated into a physical framework for development of the
island. In keeping with the Great Nicobar development potential, four principal anchors
underpin the holistic development of Great Nicobar: The International Container
Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), International Airport, Power Plant and Township. The
first three, for synergy and catalytic impact, are clustered together in a multimodal hub
at Galathea Bay, stretching west to Pemayya Bay. The Township extends from the
multimodal hub north-eastwards to Campbell Bay and on to Ranganatha Bay. All
development is contained within the 166.1 sq. km. area along this coastal strip of land
that varies between 2 and 4 km in width.

1.1.2.3. Compact development

Within the township area, the Master Plan calls for the development along the coast of a
series of compact, walkable, mixed-use urban centres separated by natural features such
as forested hills and stream buffers. Set against the backdrop of the steep forested hills
towards the interior and set back from the coastline to build resiliency to natural shocks,
this will be a ‘city in the forest’ that brings the ‘forest into the city’. Compact development
is not only more liveable and attractive; it will also reduce Great Nicobar’s future carbon
footprint, promote conservation of resources, and limit the overall development area,
thereby preserving more of the existing forest and other natural resources. The largest
urban centre will be at Campbell Bay.
The major urban centre is located at Campbell Bay. Starting at Anderson Bay, secondary
urban centres are proposed at each of the five largest bays along the coast to Gandhi
Nagar. The urban centres are linked together by a major arterial road that integrates a
mass transit solution (either light rail or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), to be determined at a
later date). The urban centres are anchored by the transit stations and laid out using
Transit Oriented Development (TOD) principles and layouts. There are mixed use
commercial areas around many of the stations. Beyond those and moving towards the
shoreline, there are residential mixed-use areas and tourism and hospitality areas that
include hotels, food and beverage establishments, housing entertainment, and social
infrastructure, as well as general public open space.

1.1.2.4. Eco tourism

To the west of the main road in the mountainous, forested areas, the plan calls for
Ecotourism uses, extremely low-density residential development (minimum plot size 10
ha.), and the occasional institutional campus (higher education establishment, research
facility, etc.) which can be built on some of the rare relatively flat areas found within the
mountains.

1.1.2.5. Transit oriented development

The transport system of Great Nicobar has been planned to contribute to the overall
goals of the city: economic competitiveness, high quality of life, and environmental
sustainability. A new limited-access Great Nicobar Central Spine, a dual carriageway with
a rapid transit line running down the middle, will run from the port to the northern tip of
the urbanized area. This facility will connect all of the compact urban centres along the
southeast coastline of the island. By offering people a high level of service on the transit
line — which could be a light rail or bus rapid transit (to be determined at a later date)
— Great Nicobar will work hard to lure people out of dependence on private vehicles,

C11-7
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

which will improve the environmental performance of the city and minimise negative
climate change impacts.
The emphasis on multimodal transport continues at the local level, within the compact
urban centres. Small blocks, by-right mid-rise development, and ‘complete streets’ will
make it attractive, safe, and easy to use non-motorised transport and public transport
to get around within each urban centre. The complete streets will contribute to the
overall quality of the public realm, thereby enhancing quality of life for residents and
visitors alike.
The public transport system will have three main components: the mass transit line along
the Central Soine, local circulator buses and shuttles within each of the urban centres,
and a marine transit system with stops at new jetties serving each urban centre. The
marine transit will consist of express lines that connect the airport with Campbell Bay,
as well as local lines which stop in every major cove/urban centre.
The road network will consist of the Central Spine, 26-meter-wide sub-arterials, and 18
meter wide collector streets. Local streets will be planned and constructed at the project
level, as part of the development of specific blocks and subdivisions.

1.1.2.6. Sustainable and green

The new power system of GNI is designed to respond to a maximum power demand
estimated at 512 MVA. Taking into account the potential to integrate renewable sources
of energy, the capacity of a proposed power plant is 450 MVA. To meet the initial power
requirement, DG sets will be used. The underground power transmission and distribution
facilities will be developed in a phased manner, as new areas are opens to urbanization
the system will be extended accordingly..
Potable and non-potable water demand are estimated at build-out in 2052 at 43 and 40
MLD (million liters per day), respectively. The corresponding volume of waste water
generated is estimated at 60 MLD. A series of reservoirs will be constructed to capture
surface water from the many streams that run through the development area. Water
treatment will be carried out at a centralized facility serving most of the island. Water
distribution networks and waste water collection networks will be developed in a phased
manner. Distributed infrastructure will be more energy efficient and minimize negative
environmental and social impacts.
The total volume of municipal solid waste is estimated at about 200 metric tonnes (MT)
per day. Biomedical waste and industrial waste are projected at 2.5-3.0 and 7-8 MT/day,
respectively. An Integrated Waste Management system has been planned in the township
area where the wastes with be transported, treated and disposed. A bio-methanation
plant, an incinerator and a land fill for the rejects have been envisaged in the project.
Some 15-18 MT of sludge, a by-product of waste water treatment, can be used as
manure / organic fertilizer for agriculture on the island. In the initial stages of the project
when the integrated facility is not in place, 10 Organic Waste Converters (OWC) have
been planned to treat the organic wastes. The recyclable wastes will be segregated and
given to authorized waste handlers.
Total employment on GNI is forecasted through 2052. In addition to direct employment
in shipping, tourism and manufacturing, indirect employment will be generated ancillary
industries, including the commercial, administrative, institutional, residential and
recreational sectors. The total number of employments will be _about 128,558 during
operation phase. In the initial phases of the project the total number of 17,347 (2027)
job will be created which refers to the operation of the project only. However, this figure

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

does not include the employment generated during the construction phase, that is
construction labour, equipment operators, drivers, construction manager etc. which is
about 7,300. this means, the total number of 24,647 employment will be generated by
2027. In addition to this, there will be indirect jobs which relates to the jobs to the
services provided to the employees and their families, like, shops, restaurants, service
centers, etc. These jobs will enable island to develop into a self-sustaining and
economically diverse city.

C11-9
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

Project Components

1.1.3. International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT)

Out of the three scenarios, the projections under the Realistic scenario have been
adopted for planning purposes
The proposed site is endowed with natural depth of 20 m as close as one Nautical
Mile from the sea coast. As may be appreciated, due to natural depth availability,
the site needs minimal capital dredging requirements and thus low costs (as
compared to the any other port in India within a reasonable distance from the East-
West Shipping axis). The proposed site has minimal Littoral drift and as such would
hardly require any maintenance dredging during the years of operation. This will
result in low O&M Costs. The proposed site is away from mainland / urban / city
limits, and thus can be master planned and shaped by the professional and
experienced developers as per their own efficient designs and needs.

Figure 3: ICTT proposed layout plan

• Breakwater: 3.27 Km
• East Breakwater: 2.53 Km
• Off Shore Breakwater: 0.74 Km
• Berths: 5.4 Km
• Container Yard: 29,331 TGS
• Forest Land:736.9 ha including deemed forest
• Govt, Homesteads and Private land: no Homestead, 1.04 ha Private land,
0.54 ha of Government land

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

The sea-bed contours are steep, and the water depths of 20 m and 30 m are
available within a distance of 2.3 km and 3.6 km from the shoreline respectively.
The site offers the water area of about 517.60 hectares between shoreline and the
20 m contour which could be optimally utilized for the development of the harbour
facilities. It could be observed that about 5.4 km of total berth length is possible to
be developed on the western side of the bay. Two breakwaters of length 2.53 km
and 0.74 km respectively provide round the year wave tranquility. The port would
be developed in phased manner and the berths would be added as per the traffic
growth. However, the breakwaters would need to be fully constructed at the initial
phase only.
The site is on reclaimed land and forest land and away from any habitation.
Area falls partly under ICRZ Zone 1A.
A small part of proposed port area falls under the tribal reserve. However, de-
notification of tribal area of 84.1 sqkm is in process. Turtle nesting sites are observed
at the mouth and west of Galathea river. In view of this, the port location has been
changed from western flank to the eastern flank of the Galathea Bay. The break-
waters also have been designed to provide uninterrupted access to turtles till the
mouth of Galathea river.

1.1.3.1. Facilities Requirements

The following facilities are envisaged for the proposed Transshipment port:
• Breakwaters

Breakwaters of 3.27 Km (2.53 km east breakwater & 0.74 km west offshore

breakwater) would be required to provide round the year tranquility in the harbour.
The entire length of breakwater would be constructed at Initial phase.
• Capital dredging

To create the required water depths in navigational channel and harbour area,
capital dredging would be needed to the required levels. Capital dredging
approximately 6.4 million cum in Initial phase and 17.7 million cum in Final phase
would be required.
• Navigational Areas

The port would be planned for the largest container vessel of 24,100 TEUs. A
navigational channel of 300m width and the turning circle of 800m dia meter have
been provided as per PIANC guidelines.
• Berths

In the initial phase 5 container berths of total length of 1700 m shall be provided
and in the final phase total of 16 container berths with overall length of 5400 m shall
be provided in addition to the above one (01) Port Crafts berth of 100 m length is
also proposed in the initial phase & one (01) fuel berth of 300 m length for handling
LNG vessel in subsequent phases.
• Reclamation

Reclamation fills in the initial phase of about 33.5 million cum (227 hectares area)
in final phase & 15.9 million cum (102-hectare area).

C11-11
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

• Container Yard

It is estimated that container yard area of 38.2 Ha in initial phase and 144.8 Ha in
final phase would be required. Apart from the container parking yard, circulations
space for vehicles, port buildings, workshops, utility buildings etc., would need to be
located on the backup area to be developed through reclamation as well as site
grading.
• Equipment

Suitable container handling equipment like RMQCs, RTGs, reach stackers, ITVs,
forklifts shall be provided in line with the projected traffic.
• Port Buildings

The Transshipment terminal shall be provided with various buildings like Port
administration building, operations building, gate house, fire station and other utility
buildings for smooth operation of the Port.
• Road Connectivity

The port shall be connected to the existing north south GNTR (Great Nicobar Trunk
road) connecting Campbell bay & Indira Point, which shall also be suitably
strengthened & widened.

• Solid Waste Management

During the initial stages of construction, the organic waste will be treated through
OWCs. Once the Integrated Waste Management Facility is ready, all the wastes will
be transported to the facility for treatment and disposal.

C11-12
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

1.1.4. International Airport

The master planning and design for the airport is done taking into consideration, the most
optimum site with respect to minimal environmental impact to rich bio diversity of the island,
traffic projections (passenger and cargo), sustainable Planning etc,.
In order to develop a robust airport to accommodate the anticipated services over next three
decades, a comprehensive air traffic forecasts have been made. Figure below shows the
projected foracasts.
Table 1: Total Annual Passenger Forecasts (M), Worst, Base and Best cases

Year Worst Case Base Case Best Case

2025 0.07 0.40 0.50

2030 0.12 0.78 0.97

2040 0.35 1.54 2.48

2052 0.81 3.28 5.08

Airport siting studies were carried out and possible sites on the island were assessed for their
suitability; the sites were evaluated for their complementing aspects with respect to the
proposed population centres, interlinked projects and its impact on environment. Alternatives
were identified and evaluated against predetermined criteria, including environmental
impact, operational performance, and economic viability. Sub-criteria included coastal
morphology, density and diversity of the terrestrial ecosystem, density and diversity of coral,
compliance with ICRZ notifications, and impact on the Tribal people. The basic aim for site
selection was to ensure that the natural habitat and its attributes are preserved, and the
impact of the construction and operation of the project is at minimum and to an acceptable
level.
It is proposed to locate the airport at Gandhi Nagar and Shastri Nagar (South site), the only
site within the project area flat enough to facilitate bidirectional take-off and landing. The
flight path of the aircrafts will run over sea and there will be minimal disturbance to local
population and the tribal areas due to over flying of aircrafts at low altitude. Some of the
existing families in those villages will be affected by the project. The site includes a large area
of revenue land, and minimal forest land will be affected.

C11-13
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

Figure 4: Proposed airport site at Gandhi Nagar and Shastri Nagar

The site selected for the airport was analyzed and ensured that the western and the northern
parts of the island which have never been the permanently settled or occupied by
mainlanders, were excluded from development alternatives. Moreover, several Shompen
habitats along the western and north-eastern coastline were deliberately avoided. The coastal
stretches on the western coast are used both by Shompens and Nicobarese for fishing
purposes.

C11-14
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

Figure 5: Proposed layout for Greenfield International Airport at GNI

The runway lengths has been kept at 3000 m with provision for further expansion if required.
Similarly, other facilities have been safeguarded for future development. A defense enclave
has suitably incorporated in the overall layout with a separate apron for the Defense.
The reclamation of the seashore and the occupation of CRZ has been kept to minimum and
just about the peripheral runway safety / support systems are encroaching into the sea /
CRZ on reclaimed land at both the North and South ends of runway. The central part of
airport also runs over water inlet North Shastri Nagar which will also require requisite CRZ /
environmental clearance. This inlet area was revenue land which got submerged during
Tsunami. Most of the existing corals have been avoided through careful siting of reclamation
at South end.

1.1.5. Power plant and Power infrastructure

Power demand of 450 MVA has been assumed for all types of industries, non-industrial
buildings (residential, commercial & Institutional building), industrial amenities and common
utilities (water supply, STP, CETP, street lighting, ICT).
The Power plant is being developed as a combination of Diesel based (about 15%), in initial
days of project and majority on Clean Gas Based. The Diesel shall be HSD with low Sulphur
and DG sets shall be air cooled with no discharge of water.
The gas-based power plant will be based on natural gas which has an increasingly role in
the global natural gas market. Natural gas is a relatively clean energy source, which produces
much less pollution than conventional thermal plants. The gas-based power plant shall have
gas turbines in combination to stream turbine for optimized sustainable usages. The Plant
shall be air cooled thus mitigating the cooling water discharge and sustaining the
environment.

C11-15
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

The project site is located in close proximity of the Port Location in GNIs. The project
site is located adjacent to the proposed International Container Transhipment
Terminal (ICTT) port. Approximate area required for power plant is 39 Hectare.
This site is totally forest and haveno human habitation.
The proposed location and layout of the power plant is shown in below:

Figure 6: Proposed Power Plant Layout

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

1.1.5.1. Gas Power Generation

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has an increasingly role in the global natural gas market.
Natural gas is a relatively clean energy source, which produces much less pollution
than coal or oil. During liquefaction process the natural gas volume is reduced by
the ratio of 1/600. Through this volume reduction liquefied natural gas will be
transported by ships and stored in storage tanks at site. The LNG will be pumped to
required pressure and transformed into vapor phase. Vaporized natural gas is
transferred into pipeline system. A high efficiency, natural gas-fired combined-cycle
power plant might consume about 7000 BTUS of gas to produce one kilowatt-hour
of electricity.
A dedicated LNG jetty at the proposed Port close to the Proposed Power Plant.
Generation units and configuration
The Combined Cycle Power (CCPP) performance plant is based on Three numbers of
generating units, in each unit/module which shall include Two unit of Gas Turbine +
Two unit of Heat recovery steam generator + a Steam turbine as cited below
• Proposed Configuration- 2 GT-800 + 2 HRSG + 1 ST
• Net Power 110 - 130 MW (approx.)
• Net Electrical Efficiency 50 - 55%
• Net Electrical Heat Rate 6500 - 7000 kJ/kWh

The above performances are considering following inputs confirmed from your side:
• Design Ambient Temperature 40 degree C
• Design Relative Humidity 80% RH
• Fuel Natural gas with GCV 52000 BTU/kg
• Cooling System Air Cooled Condenser

The gas turbine will be equipped with a suitable gas burner system with low
emission of the oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide to conform to permissible
norms. The air for combustion shall be supplied by a suitable intake fan and turbine
exhaust gas. The plant shall be operated from centralized control room through
suitable DCS / PCS system under a professional supervision on data acquisition,
energy management and monitoring system to ensure high efficiency and reliable
operation of the power plant.

C11-17
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

The distribution system is the most expensive part of electrical power supply system. The main
objective is to arrive at an optimized distribution with sustainable operations. The design concept of
electrical system will be based on providing safe, reliable and stable power with efficient
performance of electrical system.

The Smart Grid system has been designed to monitor and control the entire GNI
power network on a real-time basis. The system will analyse electrical parameters
24x7 and control the system as per the requirement. This will enable in ensuring a
no-break and reliable power supply with optimized electrical network. This system
will monitor the electrical standard parameters (voltage, current, frequency,
harmonics), full load operating (peak demand) hours and minimum load (low and
medium demand) hours of utility grid source lines, onsite power generation (LNG
plant, Solar PV and Diesel) plants as well as the transmission & distribution network
standard electrical parameters, power demand, and energy consumption of end
users by using the smart meters. The Street Lights will also be timer/lat/long
Controlled for optimized Consumption.
All HV power distribution up to distribution transformer and LT distribution system
shall be directly buried underground system within HDPE duct or RCC duct or
applicable trenches as applicable.

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

1.1.6. Township
The large majority of the township area extends north-eastward from this multimodal hub
north to Campbell Bay and to Ranganatha Bay. It also includes a small logistics development
area west of the port.
In the township area, the Concept Master Plan calls for the development along the coast of
a series of compact, walkable, mixed-use urban centres separated by natural features such
as forested hills and stream buffers. Set against the backdrop of the steep forested hills
towards the interior and set back from the coastline to build resiliency to natural shocks, this
will be a ‘city in the forest’ that brings the ‘forest into the city’. Compact development is not
only more liveable and attractive; it will also reduce Great Nicobar’s future carbon footprint,
promote conservation of resources, and limit the overall development area, thereby
preserving more of the existing forest and other natural resources. The largest urban centre
will be at Campbell Bay.
There are mixed use commercial areas around many of the stations. Beyond those and
moving towards the shoreline, there are residential mixed-use areas and tourism and
hospitality areas that include hotels, food and beverage establishments, housing
entertainment, and social infrastructure, as well as general public open space.
To the west of the main road in the mountainous, forested areas, the plan calls for Ecotourism
uses (described above), extremely low-density residential development (minimum plot size
10 ha.), and the occasional institutional campus (higher education establishment, research
facility, etc.) which can be built on some of the rare relatively flat areas found within the
mountains.
The multimodal transport hub, including the port and the airport, is centred at Galathea Bay
and Shastri Nagar respectively. All mixed use and tourism development are on the east of
this bay. To the west, is a logistics zone and some land zoned for institutional campuses also
part of the development area of proposed Township. The master plan showing the proposed
township is shown in the Figure-7.

C11-19
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

Figure 7: proposed master plan for the Great Nicobar development area

C11-20
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

1.2. Environmental setting for proposed development

Sl. Particulars Airport ICTT Power Township
Plant
1 Location Great Nicobar Great Nicobar Great Nicobar Great Nicobar
Islands, Nicobar, Islands, Nicobar, Islands, Nicobar, Islands, Nicobar,
Union Territory: Union Territory: Union Territory: Union Territory:
Andaman & Andaman & Andaman & Andaman &
Nicobar Island Nicobar Island Nicobar Island Nicobar Island
2 Toposheet B46J13 (88F/13) B46J13 (88F/13) B46J13 (88F/13) B46J13 (88F/13)
No (88E/16) B46D16 (88E/16)
3 Geographical 598645.17 m E 596593.91 m E 593226.20 m E 600754.91 m E
Co-ordinates 754228.98 m N 752742.39 m N 754870.54 m N 775277.51 m N
4 Elevation 5 to 53 a MSL 15 to 102 a MSL 23 to 35 a MSL 0 to 260 a MSL
above MSL
5 Nearest Gandhinagar/ Gandhinagar/ Gandhinagar/ Campbell Bay,
Major Shastri Nagar Shastri Nagar Shastri Nagar Govind Nagar,
Settlement Joginder Nagar,
Vijay Nagar,
Laxmi Nagar,
Gandhinagar,
Shastri Nagar
6 Nearest Campbell Bay Campbell Bay Campbell Bay Campbell Bay
Town (22.5km,NNE) (26.7km,NNE) (27.8km,NNE) (0.0km,W)
7 Nearest SH-2 within Site. SH-2 within Site. SH-2 (6.2 km,W) SH-2 within Site.
highway
8 Nearest Nil. Nil. Nil. Nil.
Railway
station
9 Nearest Port Blair- Port Blair- Port Blair- Port Blair-
Airport (545.0 km,NNW) (546.5 km, NNW) (546.0 km, NNW) (520.0 km, NNW)
10 Interstate Nil. Nil. Nil. Nil.
Boundary
11 Places of Nil. Nil. Nil. Nil.
Archaeologic
al
importance

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

Sl. Particulars Airport ICTT Power Township

Plant
12 Protected Campbell Bay Campbell Bay Campbell Bay Campbell Bay
areas as per National Park National Park National Park National Park (2.6
Wildlife (24.1 km, NNW) (26.3 km, N) (25.8 km, N) km, W)
Protection Galathea Galathea Galathea Galathea
Act, 1972 National Park National Park National Park National Park (0.3
(tiger (1.6 km, NW) (0.5 km, N) (0.3 km, N) km, W)
reserve,
elephant
reserve,
wildlife
sanctuaries,
national
park,
conservation
reserve and
community
reserve)
Protected Part site in Part site in site in Protected Part site in
13
Forest Protected Forest Protected Forest Forest Protected Forest

C11-22
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

Sl. Particulars Airport ICTT Power Township

Plant
14 Rivers/Lakes • Andaman Sea • Andaman Sea • Andaman Sea • Andaman Sea
(Adjacent). (1.8 km W) (7.4 km W) (0.5 km E)
• Magar Nala • Magar Nala • Magar Nala • Magar Nala
near near near near
Govindnagar Govindnagar Govindnagar Govindnagar
(18.2 km,N ) (21.5 km, NNE) (21.7 km, NNE) (with in site)
• Campbell Bay • Campbell Bay • Campbell Bay • Campbell Bay
(20.2 km NNE) (26.8 km NNE) (25.1 km NNE) (0.7 km W)
• Matait Anla • Matait Anla • Matait Anla • Matait Anla
Near Gandhi Near Gandhi Near Gandhi Near Gandhi
Nagar Nagar (5.2 km, Nagar Nagar (0.5 km,
NE) E)
km, N) (7.5 km, NE)
• South Bay • South Bay
• South Bay • South Bay
(Galathea) with (Galathea) 1.6
(Galathea) 0.6 (Galathea) 2.2
in Site km, SW
km, W km, SSE
• Mata Taruwa • Mata Taruwa
• Mata Taruwa • Mata Taruwa
Bay (4.0 km W) Bay
Bay Bay (7.9 km
• Pemayya Bay SW) (10.7 km SW)
(10.4 km
near Pulobaha • Pemayya Bay
WSW) • Pemayya Bay
(3.6 km, W) near Pulobaha near Pulobaha
• Pemayya Bay
near Pulobaha • Nanjappa Bay (4.6 km, SW) (7.7 km, WSW)
near Pulo • Nanjappa Bay
(8.3 km, W) • Nanjappa Bay
Bekka (7.8 km, near Pulo
• Nanjappa Bay near Pulo
NW) Bekka (10.5
near Pulo Bekka
• Galathea River km, W)
Bekka (7.7 km, NW)
or Dak Kea • Galathea River
(12.8 km, • Galathea River
• Dak Aleh or Dak Kea
WNW) or Dak Kea
(Adjecent, W) • Dak Aleh
• Galathea River • Dak Aleh (0.6
• Dak Ubho (2.6 (Adjecent, W)
or Dak Kea km, NE)
km, W) • Dak Ubho (8.5
• Dak Aleh (2.5 • Dak Ubho (5.5
• Dak Tolai Near km, SW)
km, W) km, SW)
Pulabaha • Dak Tolai Near
• Dak Ubho (8.5 • Dak Tolai Near
(0.7 km, W) Pulabaha
km, SW) Pulabaha
• Dak Air (0.7 (5.3 km, SW)
• Dak Tolai Near (3.6 km, SW)
km, NW) • Dak Air (3.2
Pulabaha • Dak Air (1.1
• Dak Thena (3.1 km, W)
(7.3 km, SW) km, SW)
km, NW) • Dak Thena (5.5
• Dak Air (5.9 • Dak Thena (3.3
km, W)
km, W) km, W)
• Dak Thena (8.3
km, W)
15 Defence INS Baaz Indian INS Baaz Indian INS Baaz Indian INS Baaz Indian
installations Navel Air Station Navel Air Station Navel Air Station Naval Air Station
(17.9 km NNE) (20.9 km NNE) (21.2 km NNE) (1.3 km NNE)

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

Sl. Particulars Airport ICTT Power Township

Plant
16 Seismic Earthquakes: Site falls under seismic Zone-V and cyclone prone as per BIA
Zone/Landsli IS 1893 Part-I:2002. The project site has highest risk of suffering earthquakes
de/Cloud (Seismic Zone-V).
Burst Floods: Vulnerable to tsunami and susceptible to floods. The project area is
also susceptible to floods. Some so the coastal stretches along the western and
eastern end is erosion prone.
Landslide: The proposed integrated development project sites are located on
a comparatively flat terrain. Hence, no land sliding is envisage.
Cloud burst: As per the available secondary data, cloud burst occurred in
2020 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

1.3. Resource Requirement of The Proposed Integrated Development

Projects

1.3.1. International Container Transshipment Terminal

i. Water requirement:
A water demand of 0.4 MLD & 1.7 MLD is estimated in initial phase and final
phase respectively. The same will be supplied through the integrated water
supply network proposed for the entire project.
ii. Power Requirements:
The estimated power requirements for the port in initial phase and Final phase
is about 13 MW & is about 45 MW respectively. The power will be supplied
through the centralized power facility meat for the whole GNI development.
Initially it is proposed to source the power through diesel Gensets and
subsequently a gas based captive power plant shall be built as part of the
overall development plan of the Nicobar Island.
iii. Land Requirements:
The total project area for port is 966 ha (out of which 739 ha is on land and
227 ha shall be created through reclamation). Out of the total land area 676.9
ha of land is under forest (288.41 ha is Protected forest and 448.5 ha is
deemed forest land.). small part of the forest land is under tribal reserve which
is under process of denotification.1.58 ha land is under revenue (0.54 ha is
owned by government and 1.04 ha is private land). The port land will be used
for developing port infrastructure, Port & Utility buildings and facilities,
Workshops, Container stacking yards, Vehicles and ITV parking and movement
areas, Port roads, Pavements and green areas.

1.3.2. Greenfield International Airport

i. Water requirement:
About 1 MLD of water would be required for the proposed airport project.
The total requirement of water during operational phase will be met from
the overall supply by Town planning.

C11-24
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

ii. Power Requirements:

Total load estimation for GNI International Airport works out to 10,000 KVA
(approx.) or 10 MVA. Out of which part will be met by the DG sets of 2 x 5
MVA each and part will be met from solar park of 1,33,200 Sq m is being
planned which is likely to generate 0.8 KW/sqm which will be established
along with the construction of the International Airport.
iii. Land Requirements:
916 Ha of area has been identified for development of International Airport
which includes 845 ha of land and 71 ha of reclaimed area. Out of which 700
Ha will be utilised in Phase 1 and balance will be utilised in subsequent
developments. Out of the total land area, 55.46 ha of land is in forest,
382.34ha land is under private ownership and balance land of 447.98ha is
under government ownership.

1.3.3. Power plant

i. Water requirement:
About 1.5 MLD of total water would be required for the proposed project as
the cooling is dry cooling (Air Cooled), which mitigates the majority of water
requirement in any power production. The requirement of water during
operational phase will be met from the overall supply by Town planning
ii. Power Requirements:
Power Demand for ancillary power consumption within the power plant shall
be about 50 KW for the ultimate phase.
iii. Land Requirements:
The proposed site is located next to proposed ICTT terminal in, GNIs and
the site area for Power Plant is 39 hectares. Entire site falls under forest
land.

1.3.4. Township and Area Development

i. Water Requirement:
The total potable water demand for ultimate phase shall be 42 MLD. The
water source for the supply of raw water for the water treatment plant shall
be from surface run off collected in the proposed Reservoir. The raw water
hall be suitable for potable purpose after clarification, filtration and
disinfection.
ii. Power Requirement:
The power requirement of the proposed township project including Port and
Airport is about 450 MW. The power requirement will be met from the
proposed Diesel and Gas based Power Plant located proximity to the Port for
fuel linkages.
iii. Land Requirement:
The total land requirement for the proposed township and area development
project are 149.60 Sq km. Out of total land area, 118.04 sq km is protected

C11-25
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

forest, 4.39 sq km is Deemed forest, 22.85 sq km is government owned,

2.31 sq km is private and 1.82 sq km under encroachment.
Approximate number of affected families has been estimated to be about
399 (230 for Airport and 169 for township road infrastructure). However,
the exact number of families to be affected will be known after the
SIA study under section 4 of the Right to Fair Compensation and
Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement
(RFCTLAR&R) Act 2013. All the affected persons will be rehabilitated under
the same Act.

1.4. Description of the Environment

Environmental baseline studies were conducted during winter season (1st December 2020
to 28th February 2021).

1.4.1. Land Use

LULC changes in GNI mainly due to the population growth, costal changes and tourism
recreations. The LULC change indicates that very few percentage of forest was cleared
from the past five years due to anthropogenic developmental activities. Further, the rural
area was extending steadily in the island especially in the eastern part of the GNI. The
trend in developing land use was inevitable in Campbell Bay and gradual in other areas of
East Nicobar Island which occupies few hectares.
It is observed that during last 5 years an increase of about +0.3% in settlements, +0.4%
in Agriculturable lands and +0.2% Coconut plantations was observed. Dense vegetation
is cleared for settlements and agriculture purpose. A change of 0.02% in Mangroves was
observed. No change in sandy beach area. Mud flats has increased about +8.158% during
last 5 years interval. Vegetation was found to be about 32,060.7 ha. Dense vegetation is
identified and in the year of 2016 were 34,677.9 ha. Soil Quality
It has been observed that the pH of the soil in the study area ranged from 7.18 to 7.83.
The electrical conductivity was observed to be in the range of 23.1 µS/cm to 235 µS/cm.
The available nitrogen values range between 253.3 kg/ha to 751.9 kg/ha. The available
phosphorus values range between 54.4 kg/ha to 119.1 kg/ha. The available potassium
values range between 83.3 kg/ha to 182.6 kg/ha kg/ha. Soluble chlorides in the region
varied from 45.3 kg/ha to 165.3 kg/ha. Organic matter concentrations ranged from 0.72%
to 1.41 %. Organic carbon concentrations ranged from 0.4% to 0.78%.

1.4.2. Climatology and Meteorology

The recorded temperature at site during study period ranges between 21.6oC to 31.1oC
and relative humidity ranges in between 67.6 % to 97.1 %. The predominant winds are
blowing from E (9.6%) followed by ESE (9.3%) direction and direction followed by NE
(8.3%). The calm conditions were observed to be 42.8%.

1.4.3. Ambient Air Quality

The ambient air quality in the study area was monitored at six locations during winter
season in 2020-21. The PM2.5 and PM10 are observed to vary from 6.2 µg/m3 to 14.3 µg/m3
and 10.5 µg/m3 to 22.6 µg/m3 respectively. The SO2 and NOx are observed to vary from
4.1 µg/m3 to 8.3 µg/m3 and 5.2 µg/m3 to 10.1 µg/m3 respectively. The CO is observed to
vary from 54 µg/m3 to 245 µg/m3 respectively. The O3 is observed to vary from 12.1 µg/m3

C11-26
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

to 54.1 µg/m3 respectively. The remaining parameters as per 16th November 2009 CPCB
Notification are observed to be within permissible limits.

1.4.4. Water Quality

Eight ground water and Eight surface water locations were collected and analyzed from
various water sources around the project site. The water quality results are discussed
below:

1.4.4.1. Surface Water Quality

The analysis results indicate that pH is found to be 6.38 to 7.28, which is well within
the specified standard 6.5-8.5. The TDS was observed to be 69 mg/l to 35400 mg/l.
Dissolved oxygen was observed to be 5.6 mg/l to 6.2 mg/l. The chlorides and
sulphates were found to be 18 mg/l to 16300 mg/l and 4.8 mg/l to 2150 mg/l
respectively. Bacteriological studies reveal the 580 MPN/100ML to 910 MPN/100ML.

1.4.4.2. Ground Water Quality

The analysis results indicate that the pH ranges in between 7.53 to 8.01, which is
well within the specified standard of 6.5 to 8.5. Total hardness was observed to be
ranging from 150.2 to 471.3 mg/l.
Chlorides at all the locations were ranging in between 117.6 to 361.2 mg/l.
Fluorides were observed to be ranging in between 0.4 to 0.9 mg/l and are found to
be within the permissible limit. Nitrates are found to be in range of 2.9 to 5.9 mg/l.
Bacteriological studies reveal that no coliform bacteria are present in the samples.
The heavy metal contents were observed to be in well within the limits.

1.4.5. Noise Level Survey

Noise monitoring has been conducted in the study area. Day time, Night time noise levels
were found to be varying from 40.0 dB(A) to 52.1 dB(A) and 35.8 dB(A) to 49.0 dB(A)
respectively in the study area. The noise levels in general found within the acceptable levels
as per standards prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

1.4.6. Ecological Studies

GNI consists of two national parks, namely, the Campbell Bay National Park (CBNP) and
the Galathea National Park (GNP). These national parks were notified on November 1996.
1992 for the purpose of protecting, propagating and evolution of wildlife and its
environment.
Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator) is one of the most common monitor lizards in Asia
is found in the area and belongs to Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
but it is placed under the Least concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has undertaken a marine ecological study in Eastern,
southern and south western part of GNI.

Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has carried out a rapid assessment study to understand
the biological or ecological significance of five sites identified for the port. This study was

C11-27
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

conducted with an aim of assessing the current status of turtle nesting beaches with special
focus on leatherback turtles. Study was also aimed to assess the status of megapodes and
dugong habitats along these beaches.

The GNI consists of Tidal Swamp Forest (Mangrove Forest), Littoral Forest (Beach Forests),
Low level Evergreen Forests (Coral Reef Forests), Tropical Evergreen Forests (True Tropical
Forests), Southern hill-top evergreen forests and fern breaks. The members of the families
Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, Arecaceae, Orchidaceae and Cyperaceae and Poaceae and
Annonaceae show high representation in the GNI. The distinct flora of the area can be
visualized by the fact that the genera Otenthera and Astronia of Melastomataceae,
Cyrtandromea of Scrophulariaceae, Cyrtandra of Gesneriaceae, Stemonurus of Icacinaceae,
Rhopaloblaste from Arecaceae and Spathoglottis of Orchidaceae and many more species are
endemic to these areas. A total of 330 species of fauna are recorded from the whole GNI
area including 28 species of mammals (including 3 marine mammals), 97 species of birds,
23 species of reptiles, 10 species of amphibians, 52 species of butterflies, 24 species of
odonates, 20 species of spiders and 76 species of aquatic Hemipterans.

Social Environment
The information on socio-economic aspects of the study area has been compiled from
secondary sources, which mainly include census data of 2011. The salient features of the
demography and socio-economic profile are as follows:
Total population is 8367.
Their area no scheduled castes (SC) and number of persons under scheduled tribes (ST)
is 1324.
The percentage of male literates to the total literates of the study area works out to be
63.70%. The percentage of female literates to the total literates, which is an important
indicator for social change, is observed to be 36.30% in the study area as per 2011 census
records; and as Per 2011 Census total work participation rate in the project study area is
45.91% and the non-workers constitute 54.09% of the total population respectively. The
distribution of workers by occupation indicates that the non-workers are the predominant
population. There are 237 number of Shompen and 1087 number of Nicobaries within the
Great Nicobar Island.

1.5. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

The proposed integrated development projects will result in certain environmental impacts
during construction and operational phases

1.5.1. International Container Transshipment Terminal

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 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

During construction phase changes in Land use/land cover may arise, Topography changed.
Due to construction activity and Soil compaction, consolidation may cause in loss of
vegetation and tree cover, soil pollution and even flooding also.
No quarrying will be done from GNI. All the quarry material will be transported from either
the main land or from Indonesia depending on the quality of the material and economic
feasibility.
During operational phase of the International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), there
will be no dusty cargo, dry bulk cargo such as coal, iron ore or hazardous cargo, etc. Hence,
direct impact on water with cargo handling will be insignificant. If no care is taken , the
marine water may get polluted as a result of releases of contaminants, if any into the marine
system including.The leakage/ spill of oil in port and its surrounded area will impact water
quality. As a mitigation measure, no untreated water will be discharged either during the
construction or operation phase of the project.
Port operators should prepare a Spill prevention, control, and counter measure plan
consistent with the IMO Manual on Oil Pollution Section II – Contingency Planning. All ship
related waste with a potential to cause pollution to the marine environment should be
disposed of according to the guidelines stipulated by the MARPOL Convention.
As mentioned earlier, the western flank of Galathea bay has leatherback turtle nesting sites.
To ensure that turtles are not disturbed during the nesting seasons, as per ZSI
recommendation, between November and February no offshore construction activity will be
undertaken to the extent possible. Moreover, these turtles are sensitive to light. ZSI
recommended us low pressure Sodium lighting in the port area for minimum disturbance to
the turtles. ZSI has also recommended the reduction of underwater noise for minimal
disturbance to leatherback Turtles.

Galathea port area does not record any coral reefs. However, coral reefs are present away
from the work area. If any coral is affected due to the port construction and operation, the
same will be replanted in a suitable area. Adequate financial provisions have been kept for
the coral replantation work.
ZSI has also recommended, long term satellite tacking of leatherback turtles.

1.5.2. Greenfield International Airport

The activities that take place during construction phases of airport project are levelling of
site, construction and erection of main airport structures like terminal building, aprons,
runway, construction of blast pads at extreme of runway, provision of runway shoulders, etc
for aerodrome reference code. The impacts are on land use, soil, air quality, ecology,
demography and socio-economics, access roads and public expectation.
Environmental impacts associated with the operation of the project will be avoided/minimized
by implementing the key design and planning strategies, the project will inevitably give rise
to some impacts on the environment.
Exhaust emissions from vehicles and equipment deployed during the construction phase also
result in marginal increase in the levels of SO2, NO2, PM, CO and unburnt hydrocarbons. The
impact will however, be reversible, marginal, and temporary in nature.
A small part of the sea needs to be reclaimed due to the lighting and radar installation of the
runway. As per the ZSI report the specific area do not have corals but are present in nearby
areas. However, If corals are affected due to the airport construction, the same will be

C11-29
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

replanted in a suitable area. Adequate financial provisions have been kept for the coral
replantation work.

1.5.3. Power Plant

The probable impacts during construction phase on various sectors of environment (such as
air, water, soil, biotic, socio-economic environment etc. The present land-use of the project
site falls under forest category. There will be change in land use after installation of the
proposed power project from forest to non-forest l category. Also, the proposed project is
not likely to have any adverse impact on the surrounding land use during the construction
period.
Appropriate soil conservation measures associated with improved construction techniques
would minimize such impacts. Timely afforestation activities would also contribute positively
towards soil conservation. The hazardous waste from the construction site will be collected
in the designated area and will not be allowed to contact with the soil.
The dust will be the main pollutant affecting the ambient air quality of the area during the
construction phase. The impact will be confined within the project boundary and is expected
to be negligible outside the plant boundaries.
The present river water may be impacted due to non-point discharges of solids from soil loss
and sewage generated from the construction work force stationed at the site. The overall
impact on water environment during construction will be insignificant. Temporary sanitation
facilities (septic tanks) will be set-up for disposal of sewage generated by the work force.
The construction equipment may have high noise levels, which can affect the personnel,
operating the machines. Use of proper personal protective equipment will mitigate any
significant impact of the noise generated by such equipment on the labours working during
construction.
The power plant is near to Shompen habitation. To ensure that there is no trespassing of
labours, in the tribal reserve, adequate number of check points have been provided.
Apart from localized construction impacts at the plant site, no adverse impacts on soil in the
surrounding area are anticipated.
The power plant emissions will be monitored through continuous emission monitoring
equipment.

1.5.4. Township and Area Development

Township construction phase has the potential to change the topography of the land which
may also disrupt the natural drainage of the area. This is because the construction activity
involves cut and fill earthworks. The cut and fill works will normally change the natural
topography of the land which will result in a disruption of the natural drainage of the land
and the surrounding vicinity.
Also, due to the increased vehicular movements, increase in NOx and CO concentrations will
be resulted at the project site. However, the increase in pollution levels in the ambient air, is
temporary and will be negligible. As most of the construction equipment will be mobile, the
emissions are likely to be fugitive and not concentrated at a single place or source. As the
impacts will be localized in nature, the areas outside the proposed project boundary are not
likely to face any significant adverse impact with respect to ambient air quality.

C11-30
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

The development is proposed outside the Campbell Bay National Park and Galathea National
Park. in On account of a permanent change from an age-old tropical rain forest to the power
plant, the project is going to cause damage to dense forests in 39 Ha. Major negative impacts
of the project on terrestrial Ecology and Biodiversity is the loss of a small patch of thick forest.
However, compensatory afforestation as per the FC act has been proposed.

1.6. Environmental Monitoring Program

During construction phase, Air emissions from the DG sets will be monitored periodically.
DG sets will be maintained periodically to meet the stipulated standards. Noise levels will
be monitored at all noise generating areas. No Waste water discharge outside the project
areas. All the waste generated will be treated as per solid waste management and handling
rules, 2016.
During early stage of construction, two continuous air quality monitoring stations have
been suggested apart from air quality monitoring through high volume samplers at 10
locations. All the source emissions and ambient air quality will be monitored as per CPCB
guidelines. Groundwater Levels and ground water quality will be monitored periodically in
the project surrounding areas. Water and wastewater quality (water quality, effluent &
sewage quality etc) will be assessed on regular basis. Solid and hazardous waste
characterisation will be collected and handled as per solid waste management and handling
rules, 2016. Soil quality will be checked on periodic basis. Noise levels (equipment and
machinery noise levels, occupational exposures and ambient noise levels) will be
monitored on regular basis.

1.7. Additional Studies

1.7.1. Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan

Risk assessment has been carried out to quantify the extent of damage and suggest
recommendations for safety improvement for the proposed integrated development
projects. Risk mitigation measures based on MCA analysis and engineering judgments are
incorporated in order to improve overall system safety and mitigate the effects of major
accidents.
QRA studies were conducted for the Proposed Greenfield Airport ATF Tank Farm,
considering the nature of process, materials being processed and handled. Individual risk
members of the public are within 10-6 per year which is in the safe zone. The highest
individual risk to personnel working in the tank farm is 3.52E-05 per year which is in the
lower part of ALARP region as per required standards. The societal risk is in the lower part
of ALARP region for events involving up to 2 fatalities, and in acceptable region for events
involving 3 fatalities. No event with higher than 3 fatalities is predicted. As such, the ATF
Tank Farm facility at proposed at GNI airport meets the criteria for individual risk and
societal risk. The tank farm facility inside the international airport will have all necessary
provisions for fire protection.
QRA study has been carried out for LNG and Diesel Power Plants. From the study it can be
concluded that Individual risk to members of the public is less than 1.0E-06 per year and
therefore in the Acceptable level. Individual risk to personnel working in the Power plant
is 1.8E-05 per year which is in the lower part of ALARP region very close to Acceptable
level. Societal risk is in the Acceptable region.
The QRA results indicate that the proposed LNG Storage & Regasification Unit and Land-
based Power Plant conform well to the risk criteria. The installation design and construction
conform to relevant Indian/ international codes and standards including OISD and PNGRB

C11-31
 Environmental Impact Assessment for International Container Transshipment
Terminal (ICTT) – 14.2 Million TEU along with Greenfield International Airport (4000
Peak Hour Passengers – PHP), Township & Area Development and 450 MVA Gas and
Solar based Power Plant in 16610 ha, at Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar District
Chapter-11

Executive Summary

guidelines. Company expected to ensure the best practices for safety management
system, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance for LNG power plant.
The Disaster Management system for natural disasters like earth quakes, tsunami,
cyclones have been prepared in detail.
The areas prone to flooding during the incidents of Tsunami has been identified and
adequate evacuation measures have been suggested.

1.8. Project Benefits

i. Economic development and job opportunities:

Apart from strategic issues related to the security of the country, the project will
generate large number of jobs. The total number of employments will be about
128,558 during operation phase. In the initial phases of the project the total
number of 17,347 (2027) job will be created which refers to the operation of the
project only. However, this figure does not include the employment generated
during the construction phase, that is construction labour, equipment operators,
drivers, construction manager etc. which is about 7,300. this means, the total
number of 24,647 employment will be generated by 2027. In addition to this, there
will be indirect jobs which relates to the jobs to the services provided to the
employees and their families, like, shops, restaurants, service centers, etc.
The local population will benefit from the economic development of the GNI. The
ITI will be developed in the initial stage of the project so that the locals can be
trained for the jobs that will generate due to the construction and operation of the
development project.

1.9. Environment Management Plan (EMP)

The impacts of construction activities would be temporary and will reduce gradually with
the completion of the construction activities. The details of the EMP has been provided in
the EIA report to ensure that mitigation measures are implemented as per the EIA. The
adequate management structure and cost has been provided in the EMP.

1.9.1. Budgetary Allocation for Environmental Protection

All the environmental measures shall be integral part of the project development cost.
Adequate cost has been provided for mitigation measures and project monitoring.
1.10. Conclusions
The development of the Island is imperative from several viewpoints. The most significant
amongst these are Strategic Location in terms of proximity to World’s busiest shipping
route Counter to Chinese consolidation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Improving
connectivity with Indian mainland and other global cities, Promoting sustainable tourism
and Socio-economic growth of local populace
Thus, it can be concluded that with the strict implementation of the pollution control and
mitigation measures, with proper environment management system in place the proposed
integrated project will be beneficial to the society and will contribute to the economic
development of the GNIs in particular and the country in general.

C11-32
COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT REPORT
FOR
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND IN ANDAMAN AND
NICOBAR ISLANDS INCLUDING INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL
CONTAINER TRANSHIPMENT TERMINAL (ICTT)-14.2 MILLION TEU ALONG WITH
GREENFIELD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (4000 PEAK HOUR PASSENGERS-PHP),
TOWNSHIP & AREA DEVELOPMENT AND 450 MVA GAS AND SOLAR BASED
POWER PLANT IN 16610 HA. GREAT NICOBAR ISLANDS,
IN NICOBAR DISTRICT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - HINDI

Project Proponent

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation

Ltd (ANIIDCO),
(A Government undertaking)

December 2021

DPR Consultant

AECOM India Pvt. Ltd.

9/F , Infinity Tower C
DLF Cyber City, DLF Phase - II
Gurugram – 122002, Haryana , India

EIA Consultant

Vikas Bhawan, PB No. 180, Port

Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Vimta Labs Ltd,
Islands 744101 142, IDA, Phase II, Cherlapally,
Hyderabad - 500051, India.
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

1. कायर्कार� सारांश

1.1.प�रचय और पष्ृ ठभू�म

नी�त आयोग �नधार्�रत �कए गए (�चिह्नत) द्वीप� के समग्र �वकास म� लगा हुआ है और इस प्रयास
के भाग के रूप म� , इसने ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप (GNI) के समग्र �वकास का कायर् करने का �नणर्य �लया
है । 910 sq km �ेत्र के साथ (मल
ू रूप से 1045 sq km का अ�धस�ू चत �ेत्र) GNI अंडमान और
�नकोबार द्वीपसमूह के सबसे बड़े द्वीप� म� से एक है । अंडमान और �नकोबार द्वीप समूह एक�कृत
�वकास �नगम (ANIIDCO) को प�रयोजना के प्रस्तावक के रूप म� �नयुक्त �कया गया है । समग्र
�वकास द्वारा ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप (GNI) पर एक नया टाउन�शप स्था�पत करने के साथ-साथ एक
अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT), ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा और LNG
आधा�रत पावर संयंत्र के एक�कृत �वकास के �लए एक मास्टर योजना का प्रस्ताव है । इन चार
प�रयोजनाओं को पयार्वरण मूल्यांकन के दृिष्टकोण से परस्पर जड़
ु ी प�रयोजनाओं क� श्रेणी के तहत
प्रस्ता�वत �कया जा रहा है तथा िजसम� ICTT प्राथ�मक प�रयोजना के रूप म� प्रस्ता�वत है ।

द्वीप क� अद्�वतीय समद् ृ ध प्राकृ�तक और सांस्कृ�तक �वरासत के प्र�त जागरूक रहते हुए यह �वकास
पयार्वरणीय रूप से संवेदनशील तर�के से स�ु निश्चत करना परम आवश्यक है । भारत सरकार प्राकृ�तक
पा�रिस्थ�तक� तंत्र और समद्
ृ ध जैव-�व�वधता को संर��त बनाए रखते हुए GNI के समग्र �वकास का
एक मॉडल स्था�पत करना चाहती है ।

द्वीप का �वकास कई दृिष्टकोण� से अ�नवायर् है । इनम� से सवार्�धक महत्वपूणर् ह�:

I. �हंद महासागर �ेत्र म� एक नया आ�थर्क हब �वक�सत करने के �लए रणनी�तक तौर पर
उपयुक्त स्थल स्था�पत करना:

GNI मलक्का जलडमरूमध्य के पिश्चमी प्रवेश द्वार से सटा हुआ है , जो अपने आप म� �हंद महासागर
ु चोकपॉइंट है । क� पबेल बे के कर�ब सात दे श ह�, जो�क GNI म� भारत क� सद
का एक प्रमख ु रू द��णी
सीमा का मुख्यालय है । इं�दरा पॉइंट पर द्वीप का द��णी �सरा प्रमुख अंतरराष्ट्र�य समुद्र� मागर् से
लगभग 25-40 km दरू � पर है , जो�क वैिश्वक समुद्र� व्यापार का लगभग 20-25% और �वश्व तेल
आपू�तर् का 35% वहन करता है । यह रणनी�तक स्थल GNI म� एक अंतरार्ष्ट्र�य ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल
�वक�सत करके द�ु नया म� भारत क� व्यापा�रक िस्थ�त को और सुदृढ़ करने के अपार अवसर प्रस्तुत
करता है । GNI म� एक नया ट्रांस�शपम� ट पोटर् लागत बचत के कारण प्र�तस्पध� हो सकता है क्य��क
�शपसर् बंगाल क� खाड़ी के �रम के आसपास फ�डर जहाज� का उपयोग करके स�वर्स पोट्र्स का उपयोग
C11-1
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

कर सकते ह�। ग्रेट �नकोबार म� एक नए बंदरगाह का उपयोग करने वाले नए �श�पंग माग� क� लागत
बचत का �वस्ततृ �वश्लेषण चेन्नई और यांगून के बीच बंदरगाह� तक पहुंचने के �लए �ेत्र म� प्र�तस्पध�
बंदरगाह� पर इसके स्थानीय लाभ� पर प्रकाश डालता है ।

�श�पंग और संबं�धत रसद के अलावा, स्थानीय रूप से उगाए और कटे खाद्य पदाथ� के प्रसंस्करण
स�हत द्वीप पर �व�नमार्ण �ेत्र को �वक�सत करने क� भी थोड़ी संभावना है ।

II. �हंद महासागर �ेत्र (IOR) म� सुदृढ़ होते चीनी जमावट से मुकाबला

चीन �हंद महासागर �ेत्र म� अन्य राज्य� के साथ नए राजन�यक संबंध� को मजबूत करने के साथ-साथ
IOR म� अपने पैर फैला रहा है । सैन्य �वस्तार और बंदरगाह �नमार्ण के संबंध म� , चीन ने भारत से
सटे �व�भन्न दे श� म� �नवेश करके IOR म� अपनी ग�त�व�धय� को बढ़ाया है । इस दृिष्टकोण से,
अंडमान और �नकोबार द्वीप समूह म� IOR म� चीन के आक्रामक जमावट का मुकाबला करने के �लए
भारत क� उपिस्थ�त को दृढ़ता से प्रद�शर्त �कए जाने क� आवश्यकता है । एक आ�थर्क और र�ा
महाशिक्त के रूप म� GNI का �वकास चीनी जमावट क� चुनौती का सबसे शिक्तशाल� जवाब होगा।

III. भारतीय मुख्य भू�म और अन्य वैिश्वक शहर� के बीच संपकर् व्यवस्था म� सुधार

वतर्मान म� भारतीय मुख्य भू�म और अन्य वैिश्वक शहर� के साथ GNI क� बहुत सी�मत कनेिक्ट�वट�
है । यात्रा के प्रमुख साधन जहाज ह� जो चेन्नई, �वशाखापट्नम और कोलकाता से पोटर् ब्लेयर तक जाते
ह� िजसम� 2-3 �दन लगते ह�। पोटर् ब्लेयर से ग्रेट �नकोबार तक क� यात्रा म� मौसम के आधार पर 24-
36 घंटे लगते ह�। आवागमन क� आव�ृ � अक्सर मौसम पर �नभर्र करती है ; िजतना अ�धक तूफानी
और बरसाती मौसम, उतनी कम आवागमन क� आव�ृ �। प�रवहन का दस
ू रा साधन पोटर् ब्लेयर से
हे ल�कॉप्टर द्वारा उड़ान भरना है । यह भी बहुत सी�मत कनेिक्ट�वट� है क्य��क हे ल�कॉप्टर सप्ताह म�
दो या तीन बार ग्रेट �नकोबार से उड़ान भरते ह�। अतः, द्वीप म� �वकास का द्वार को खोलने क� एक
प्रमख
ु शतर् है मौजद
ू ा (INS Baaz) क� तल
ु ना म� बहुत अ�धक �मता वाले एक बड़े ग्रीनफ�ल्ड हवाई
अड्डे क� स्थापना क� जाए।

IV. स्थायी पयर्टन को बढ़ावा दे ना

अंडमान और �नकोबार द्वीप समूह के बाक� भाग� क� तरह, GNI लंबे समय से उपे��त पड़ा है और
दे श के बाक� भाग� से कटा हुआ है । पयर्टन के �लए प्राचीन अछूते समुद्र तट, हरे भरे सदाबहार वषार्वन,
संदु र पहा�ड़याँ और �रसॉटर् प्रकार के खेत भारत के इस ट्रे �कं ग स्वगर् क� पहचान ह�। भभू ाग म� यह
�संगापुर से भी बड़ा है । परं तु, यह जनसंख्या घनत्व, आ�थर्क �वकास, बु�नयाद� ढांचे के �वकास और
प्र�त व्यिक्त आय म� �संगापुर से बहुत पीछे है । इस प�रयोजना के तहत वतर्मान द्वीप क� पा�रिस्थ�तक�

C11-2
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

और पयार्वरण �वरासत को संर��त करते हुए नए शहर के �नमार्ण के �लए आवश्यक ब�ु नयाद� ढांचे
को शा�मल करने के बाद एक एक�कृत तर�के से स्थानीय और पयर्टन �मता के दोहन क� योजना
बनाई गई है ।

पयर्टन �वकास उष्णक�टबंधीय जंगल, साह�सक पयर्टन, समुद्र तट पयर्टन जैसी असाधारण पयर्टन
संप�� तथा स्कूबा डाइ�वंग और स्नॉकर्�लंग जैसी जल क्र�ड़ा म� रु�च रखने वाले उच्च स्तर�य प्रबद्
ु ध
पयर्टक� को आक�षर्त करके लाभ उठा सकता है ।

V. स्थानीय आबाद� का सामािजक-आ�थर्क �वकास

अंडमान और �नकोबार द्वीप समूह के �वकास म� इतने लंबे समय तक दे र� का एक कारण यह है �क

इसे �वक�सत करने के प्र�त परस्पर �वरोधी वैचा�रक दृिष्टकोण ह�। गंभीर पयार्वरणीय बाधाओं के रहते
�व�ीय लागत काफ� अ�धक है । मल
ू जनजा�तय� क� उपिस्थ�त और उनके कल्याण के प्र�त �चंतनीय
दृिष्टकोण द्वीप के �वकास को चुनौती दे ने वाला एक प्रमुख कारक रहा है । हालाँ�क, हाल के �दन� म� ,
भारत के समद्र
ु � �ेत्र म� सरु �ा वातावरण म� भार� बदलाव आया है । वष� क� उपे�ा के बाद, वतर्मान
सरकार अंततः जीएनआई को �वक�सत करने पर जोर दे रह� है । यह अंततः स्थानीय आबाद� के
सामािजक-आ�थर्क �वकास को बढ़ाएगा और उनके सवा�गीण �वकास के एक नए युग क� शुरुआत करे गा।

पारस्प�रक संबं�धत प्रत्येक प�रयोजना के �लए �वस्तत

ृ व्यवहायर्ता अध्ययन �कए गए। पयार्वरणीय
प्रभाव, पा�रिस्थ�तक और जैव �व�वधता स�हत �व�शष्ट पूवर् �नधार्�रत मानदं ड� के सापे� मूल्यांकन �कए
गए �वकल्प� क� पहचान क� गई। लप्ु तप्राय प्रजा�तय� जैसे लेदरबैक कछुए, कोरल मेगापोड आ�द के
�लए �व�शष्ट अध्ययन भारतीय प्राणी सव��ण (ZSI) और वाइल्ड लाइफ इंस्ट�ट्यूट ऑफ इं�डया (WII)
जैसे प्र�तिष्ठत संगठन द्वारा �कए गए। अन्य मानदं ड� म� तट�य आका�रक�, स्थल�य और जल�य
पा�रिस्थ�तक� तंत्र क� घनत्व और �व�वधता, ICRZ अ�धसूचनाओं का अनुपालन, और शोम्पेन और
�नकोबार� लोग� जैसी जनजा�तय� पर प्रभाव शा�मल थे। EIA अध्ययन और स्थल चयन का मूल
उद्दे श्य प्राकृ�तक आवास और इसक� �वशेषताओं को संर��त करना, और प�रयोजना के �नमार्ण और
संचालन का हा�नकारक प्रभाव स्वीकायर् स्तर से कम से कम रखना और लाभकार� प्रभाव� को अ�धकतम
सीमा तक बढ़ाना था।

EIA , 2006 से संबं�धत MoEF&CC अ�धसूचना के आधार पर इस EIA अध्ययन क� संरचना बनाई
गई है , िजसम� उन समस्त आवश्यक पहलओ
ु ं को शा�मल �कया गया है िजनका �वस्तत
ृ वणर्न उपरोक्त
अ�धसूचना म� संबं�धत धाराय� म� �कया गया है ।

प�रयोजना के �लए ट�ओआर आवेदन 2 माचर् 2021 को पयार्वरण एवं वन मंत्रालय के प्रवेश पोटर् ल के
माध्यम से प्रस्तुत �कया गया था। 17-18 माचर् 2021 को आयोिजत �वशेष� मूल्यांकन स�म�त (EAC)
क� 258 वीं बैठक म� प्रस्ताव पर �वचार �कया गया और EAC द्वारा आवश्यक �ववरण मांगे गए। EDS
C11-3
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

उ�र� को प्रस्तत
ु करने पर EAC द्वारा 5-6 अप्रैल 2021 को आयोिजत अपनी 260वीं बैठक म�
प�रयोजना प्रस्ताव पर �वचार �कया गया। अं�तम ट�ओआर MoEF&CC द्वारा पत्र संख्या:
10/17/2021-आईए.III �दनांक 25 मई 2021 द्वारा प्रदान �कया गया।

प्रस्तुत �रपोटर् इंटर�लंक्ड प�रयोजनाओं के �लए EIA अध्ययन आयोिजत करने के �लए जार� ट�ओआर
और MoEF&CC �दशा�नद� श� के अनप
ु ालन म� है ; प�रयोजनाओं म� एक नए टाउन�शप के साथ एक
अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT), ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा, LNG आधा�रत
पावर संयंत्र शा�मल है । ये चार प�रयोजनाएं आपस म� जुड़ी हुई प�रयोजनाएं (बंदरगाह, हवाई अड्डा,
टाउन�शप और पावर प्लांट) ह� और नए शहर के मूल और समग्र मास्टर प्लान के मुख्य घटक ह�।
पयार्वरण और तकनीक�-आ�थर्क दृिष्टकोण से, ICTT को प्राथ�मक प�रयोजना माना जाता है।

1.1.1.�वकास �ेत्र

यह प�रयोजना GNI पर िस्थत है , जो अंडमान और �नकोबार द्वीप समह

ू का सद
ु रू द��णी भाग है ।
GNI का कुल �ेत्रफल 910.074 sq km है । द्वीप म� दो राष्ट्र�य उद्यान शा�मल ह�, एक जीवमंडल
है , और यह आ�दवासी जनजा�त शोम्पेन का �नवास स्थल है । GNI पर मूल्यवान पा�रिस्थ�तक और
मानवशास्त्रीय संप��य� को संर��त करने क� दृिष्ट से, �वकास �ेत्र को द��ण-पूव� और द��णी तटरे खा
के साथ 166.1 sq km �ेत्र तक सी�मत कर �दया गया है । यह क� पबेल बे के उ�र से इं�दरा पॉइंट
तक और आगे द��ण म� पेमाय्या खाड़ी �ेत्र तक फैला हुआ है । इस स्थल के पव ू र् और द��ण भाग
�हंद महासागर से सटे ह�, पिश्चम और उ�र गैला�थया नेशनल पाकर् के पहाड़ी इलाक� और जंगल� से
�घरे हुए ह�। �वकास �ेत्र म� जीवमंडल या राष्ट्र�य उद्यान� के भीतर का कोई �ेत्र शा�मल नह�ं है ।

�चत्र-1:GNI प�रयोजना �ेत्र �दखा रहा है

C11-4
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

भू�म उपयुक्तता �वश्लेषण के प�रणाम� के आधार पर प�रयोजना �ेत्र को �च�त्रत �कया गया है ।
प�रयोजना �ेत्र म� घने जंगल� और नद� के घास के मैदान� का ल�ड कवर है , जो पिश्चम म� एक �रज
और पूव� और द��णी समुद्र तट क� ओर ढलान वाल� भू�म के साथ लहरदार इलाके पर है , जहां जल
�नकाय और समुद्र म� बहने वाल� कई धाराएँ मौजूद ह�।

कुल प�रयोजना �ेत्र 166.1 sq km प�रयोजना �ेत्र है । इसम� से 121.87 sq km भू�म वन के अंतगर्त
आती है और 8.88 sq km भू�म डीम्ड वन के अंतगर्त आती है , जो राजस्व भू�म का �हस्सा है ।
लगभग 84.1 sq km के �ेत्र म� फैले एक जनजातीय अभ्यारण्य क� उपिस्थ�त है । प�रयोजना �ेत्र म�

C11-5
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

सात राजस्व गांव आते ह�। राजस्व भ�ू म का कुल �ेत्रफल 44.2 sq km है । वन �ेत्र के भीतर वन
भू�म के मागर् को प�रव�तर्त करने का प्रस्ताव है और अलग से आवेदन पहले ह� MoEF&CC को
प्रस्तुत �कया जा चुका है । कुछ आ�दवासी सूनामी के दौरान प्रभा�वत हुए थे और उनका पहले से ह�
अन्य �ेत्र� म� पुनवार्स �कया गया था। 84.10 sq km प�रयोजना �ेत्र आ�दवासी आर��त �ेत्र के
अंतगर्त आता है और अ�धसूचना रद्द करने क� प्र�क्रया चल रह� है । इसम� से 11.032 sq km
आ�दवासी आर��त �ेत्र भी राजस्व गांव� के अंतगर्त आता है और अन्यथा भी इसे �व-अ�धस�ू चत �कया
जाना आवश्यक है । अंडमान और �नकोबार प्रशासन ने क� पबेल बे नेशनल पाकर् और गैला�थया नेशनल
पाकर् के भीतर 45.23 sq km भू�म और प�रयोजना �ेत्र के बाहर 31.73 sq km भू�म को �फर से
अ�धस�ू चत करने का प्रस्ताव �कया है । इस�लए, प्रभावी रूप से 7.11 sq km के �ेत्र को �व-अ�धस�ू चत
�कया जाएगा।

1.1.2. �वकास दृिष्टकोण और मास्टर योजना

GNI के समग्र �वकास के �लए 130.75 sq km वन भू�म के मागर् के प�रवतर्न क� आवश्यकता है ।

कोई भी राष्ट्र�य उद्यान, बायोस्फ�यर �रजवर् �ेत्र प�रयोजना क� सीमा के भीतर नह�ं आता है ।

�वकास के प्र�त एक संतु�लत दृिष्टकोण है , जहां एक ओर प्राकृ�तक पयार्वरण का संर�ण और दस

ू र�
ओर आ�दवा�सय� स�हत स्थानीय �नवा�सय� के जीवन क� गुणव�ा म� सुधार करते हुए, GNI के
महत्वाकां�ी आ�थर्क �वकास ल�य� को बढ़ावा दे ना है ।

1.1.2.1.�वकास रणनी�तयाँ

�नम्न�ल�खत �वकास रणनी�तय� के द्वारा इस संवद

े नशील और नाजुक संतल
ु न को प्राप्त �कया जा
सकता है :

I. पयार्वरण के प्र�त संवेदनशील �ेत्र� म� कोई �वकास न करते हुए और �ेत्र क� समद् ृ ध
प्राकृ�तक �वरासत का सम्मान करते हुए द्वीप के समद्
ृ ध वनस्प�त जीव� और जैव �व�वधता
को संर��त करना।

II. मौजूदा मानव और पा�रिस्थ�तक संप�� को संर��त करने के �लए नए शहर� प्रवेश को
कम से कम रखना। कॉम्पैक्ट शहर� रूप का उपयोग करके और फैलाव को प्र�तबं�धत
करके �वकास ग�त को कम रखकर।

III. स्वच्छ प�रवहन और ऊजार् का उपयोग करके ग्रीनहाउस गैस उत्सजर्न को कम करके।
अत्य�धक जन आवागमन जो शहर� क�द्र� के बीच द्रत
ु संपकर् प्रदान करता है , काबर्न

C11-6
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

पद�चह्न को कम करने म� मदद कर सकता है , जैसे �क चलने योग्य, कॉम्पैक्ट शहर� क�द्र
को अपना करके जो पैदल चलने और बाइक चलाने क� सु�वधा प्रदान करते ह�।

IV. समुद्र और जलधाराओं से दरू स्थायी संरचनाओं को स्था�पत करके और �वकास �ेत्र� को
ऊपर उठाकर आपदा प्र�तरोध को बढ़ावा दे ना। सुनामी से लोग� और �न�मर्त संरचनाओं के
जो�खम को कम करने के �लए समद्र
ु के �कनारे पर प्रचरु बफर (बाधाएं) बना करके। तट�य
बफर के भू-भाग पर केवल कम प्रभाव वाले �वकास और अस्थायी संरचनाओं को ह�
अनुम�त दे कर। स्थायी संरचनाएं समुद्र तट से दरू �वक�सत �वकास �ेत्र� पर ह� स्था�पत
करके।

V. मोडल �शफ्ट को स�ु वधाजनक बनाने के �लए प्रमख

ु प�रवहन अवसंरचना जैसे समान भ�ू म
उपयोग को साझा करना। एक ह� �ेत्र म� अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डे और बंदरगाह / पाश्वर्
बंदरगाह का पता लगाकर, हम �श�पंग मोड के बीच माल के हस्तांतरण क� सु�वधा प्रदान
कर सकते ह�, िजससे �श�पंग पूंजी के रूप म� GNI क� �वकास �मता को अ�धकतम �कया
जा सकता है ।

�चत्र -2: समग्र अवधारणा योजना दशार्ता नक्शा

C11-7
अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

C11-8
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

1.1.2.2. प्रमुख प�रयोजनाएं

द्वीप के �वकास के �लए इन रणनी�तय� को एक भौ�तक ढांचे म� प�रव�तर्त �कया गया है । ग्रेट �नकोबार
�वकास �मता को ध्यान म� रखते हुए, ग्रेट �नकोबार के समग्र �वकास को रे खां�कत करने वाले चार
प्रमख
ु एंकर ह�: अथार्त, अंतरार्ष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT), अंतरार्ष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा, पावर
प्लांट और टाउन�शप। इन चारो म� पहले तीन, सह�क्रयता और उत्प्रेरक प्रभाव के �लए, गैला�थया खाड़ी
म� पिश्चम म� पेमाय्या खाड़ी तक एक मल्ट�मॉडल हब के रूप म� एक साथ समूहबद्ध �कए गए ह�।
टाउन�शप मल्ट�मॉडल हब से उ�र-पव
ू र् क� ओर क� पबेल बे और रं गनाथ बे तक फैल� हुई है । सभी
�वकास भू�म को 2 से 4 km क� चौड़ाई क� इस तट�य पट्ट� के साथ 166.1 sq km �ेत्र तक ह�
सी�मत रखा गया है ।

1.1.2.3. कॉम्पैक्ट �वकास

इस मास्टर योजना म� टाउन�शप �ेत्र के अंतगर्त कॉम्पैक्ट, चलने योग्य, �म�श्रत-उपयोग वाले शहर�
क�द्र� क� एक श्रंख
ृ ला का �वकास �कया जाना है , िजन्ह� वन� क� पहा�ड़य� और स्ट्र�म बफर द्वारा पथ
ृ क
रखा जाएगा है । भीतर क� और वन्य पहा�ड़य� के बैकड्रॉप (पष्ृ टपट) म� स्था�पत तटरे खा से सटा हुआ
प्राकृ�तक आघात� क� बचाव सु�वधाओं से युक्त यह जंगल म� स्था�पत एक ऐसा वन्य नगर होगा जो
वस्तुतः 'शहर म� जंगल' होगा। कॉम्पैक्ट �वकास न केवल अ�धक रहने योग्य और आकषर्क है ; यह
ग्रेट �नकोबार के भ�वष्य के काबर्न पद�चह्न को भी कम करे गा, संसाधन� के संर�ण को बढ़ावा दे गा,
और समग्र �वकास �ेत्र को सी�मत करे गा, िजससे मौजद
ू ा वन और अन्य प्राकृ�तक संसाधन� का अ�धक
संर�ण होगा। सबसे बड़ा शहर� क�द्र क� पबेल बे म� होगा।

प्रमुख शहर� क�द्र क� पबेल बे म� िस्थत है । एंडरसन बे से शुरू होकर, गांधी नगर के तट के साथ पांच
सबसे बड़े बे म� से प्रत्येक पर माध्य�मक शहर� क�द्र प्रस्ता�वत ह�। शहर� क�द्र एक प्रमख
ु सड़क से जुड़े
हुए ह� जो एक बड़े पैमाने पर आवागमन समाधान (या तो हल्क� रे ल या बस रै �पड ट्रांिजट (BRT), बाद
क� �कसी तार�ख पर �नधार्�रत �कया जाएगा) को एक�कृत करता है । शहर� क�द्र� को ट्रांिजट स्टे शन�
द्वारा जोड़ा गया है और इन्ह� ट्रांिजट ओ�रएंटेड डेवलपम� ट (TOD) के �सद्धांत� के आधार पर बनाया
गया है । कई स्टे शन� के आसपास बहु उपयोग वाले व्यावसा�यक �ेत्र ह�। उनसे परे और तटरे खा क�
ओर बढ़ते हुए, आवासीय बहु उपयोगी �ेत्र और पयर्टन और आ�तथ्य �ेत्र ह� िजनम� होटल, खाद्य और
पेय प्र�तष्ठान, आवास मनोरं जन, और सामािजक आधारभूत संरचना, साथ ह� साथ आम सावर्ज�नक
खुल� जगह शा�मल है ।

C11-9
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

1.1.2.4. पा�रिस्थ�तक� पयर्टन

योजना के अंतगर्त पहाड़ी, वनाच्छा�दत �ेत्र� म� मुख्य सड़क के पिश्चम म� �नम्न कायर् ह�गे; इकोटू�रज्म
का उपयोग, अत्यंत कम घनत्व वाले आवासीय �वकास (न्यूनतम प्लॉट आकार 10 ha), और साम�यक
संस्थागत प�रसर (उच्च �श�ा प्र�तष्ठान, अनुसंधान सु�वधा, आ�द) िजसे पहाड़� के भीतर पाए जाने
वाले कुछ दल
ु भ
र् अपे�ाकृत समतल �ेत्र� पर बनाया जा सकता है ।

1.1.2.5. आवागमन उन्मख

ु �वकास

शहर के समग्र ल�य� म� योगदान: आ�थर्क प्र�तस्पधार्, जीवन क� उच्च गुणव�ा, और पयार्वरणीय
िस्थरता के दृिष्टकोण से ग्रेट �नकोबार क� प�रवहन व्यवस्था क� योजना बनाई गई है । एक नया
सी�मत-पहुंच वाला ग्रेट �नकोबार स�ट्रल स्पाइन, एक दोहर� कै�रजवे, िजसके बीच म� एक रै �पड ट्रांिजट
लाइन चल रह� है , बंदरगाह से शहर�कृत �ेत्र के उ�र� �सरे तक चलेगी। यह स�ु वधा द्वीप के द��ण-
पूव� तट के साथ सभी कॉम्पैक्ट शहर� क�द्र� को जोड़ेगी। लोग� को ट्रांिजट लाइन पर उच्च स्तर�य सेवा
उपलब्ध कराके, जैसे �क हल्क� रे ल या बस रै �पड ट्रांिजट (िजसे बाद क� �कसी तार�ख पर �नधार्�रत
�कया जाएगा) - ग्रेट �नकोबार लोग� को �नजी वाहन� पर �नभर्रता से बाहर �नकालने के �लए कड़ी
मेहनत करे गा, जो शहर के पयार्वरणीय प्रदशर्न म� सुधार और नकारात्मक जलवायु प�रवतर्न प्रभाव� को
कम करना।

कॉम्पैक्ट शहर� क�द्र� के भीतर स्थानीय स्तर पर मल्ट�मॉडल प�रवहन पर जोर जार� है । 'स्माल ब्लॉक',
'बाई-राइट �मड-राइज़ डेवलपम� ट', और ' कंप्ल�ट स्ट्र�ट्स' इसे आकषर्क, सुर��त और गैर-मोटर चा�लत
प�रवहन और सावर्ज�नक प�रवहन को प्रत्येक शहर� क�द्र के भीतर लाने को आसान बना दे गी। पूर�
सड़क� सावर्ज�नक �ेत्र क� समग्र गण
ु व�ा म� योगदान द� गी, िजससे �नवा�सय� और आगंतक
ु � के �लए
जीवन क� गुणव�ा म� वद्
ृ �ध होगी।

सावर्ज�नक प�रवहन प्रणाल� म� तीन मुख्य घटक ह�गे: स�ट्रल सोइन के साथ बड़े पैमाने पर ट्रांिजट
लाइन, प्रत्येक शहर� क�द्र के भीतर स्थानीय सकुर्लेटर बस� और शटल, और प्रत्येक शहर� क�द्र क� सेवा
करने वाले नए जेट� पर स्टॉप के साथ एक समद्र
ु � आवागमन प्रणाल� (मैर�न ट्रांिजट �सस्टम)। समद्र
ु �
आवागमन म� एक्सप्रेस लाइन� शा�मल ह�गी जो हवाई अड्डे को क� पबेल बे से जोड़ती ह�, साथ ह� स्थानीय
लाइन� जो हर प्रमुख कोव / शहर� क�द्र म� रुकती ह�।

सड़क नेटवकर् म� स�ट्रल स्पाइन, 26 मीटर चौड़ी उप-प्रमुख मागर् और 18 मीटर चौड़ी कलेक्टर सड़क�
शा�मल ह�गी। �व�शष्ट ब्लॉक� और उपमंडल� के �वकास के भाग के रूप म� प�रयोजना स्तर पर स्थानीय
सड़क� क� योजना और �नमार्ण �कया जाएगा।

C11-10
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

1.1.2.6. संवहनीय या �टकाऊ और ह�रत

GNI क� नई �बजल� प्रणाल� को 512 MVA क� अनुमा�नत अ�धकतम �बजल� मांग क� पूत� के �लए
�डज़ाइन �कया गया है । ऊजार् के नवीकरणीय स्रोत� को एक�कृत करने क� �मता को ध्यान म� रखते
हुए, प्रस्ता�वत �बजल� संयंत्र क� �मता 450 MVA है । �बजल� क� शुरुआती जरूरत को पूरा करने के
�लए DG सेट का इस्तेमाल �कया जाएगा। भ�ू मगत �वद्यत ु पारे षण और �वतरण स�ु वधाओं को
चरणबद्ध तर�के से �वक�सत �कया जाएगा, जैसे-जैसे नए �ेत्र शहर�करण के �लए खुल�गे, �सस्टम को
तदनुसार �वस्ता�रत �कया जाएगा।

पीने योग्य और न पीने योग्य पानी क� मांग 2052 म� क्रमशः 43 और 40 MLD (�म�लयन ल�टर
प्र�त �दन) के �नमार्ण का अनम
ु ान है । उत्पन्न अप�शष्ट जल क� संगत मात्रा 60 MLD अनम
ु ा�नत है ।
�वकास �ेत्र के माध्यम से चलने वाल� कई धाराओं से सतह� जल को पकड़ने के �लए जलाशय� क�
एक श्रंख
ृ ला का �नमार्ण �कया जाएगा। अ�धकांश द्वीप� क� सेवा करने वाले क�द्र�कृत सु�वधा म� जल
उपचार �कया जाएगा। जल �वतरण नेटवकर् और अप�शष्ट जल संग्रहण नेटवकर् चरणबद्ध तर�के से
�वक�सत �कए जाएंगे। �वत�रत बु�नयाद� ढांचा अ�धक ऊजार् कुशल होगा और नकारात्मक पयार्वरणीय
और सामािजक प्रभाव� को कम करे गा।

नगरपा�लका ठोस कचरे क� कुल मात्रा लगभग 200 मी�ट्रक टन (MT) प्र�त �दन होने का अनुमान है ।
जैव �च�कत्सा अप�शष्ट और औद्यो�गक अप�शष्ट क्रमशः 2.5-3.0 और 7-8MT / �दन अनुमा�नत ह�।
टाउन�शप �ेत्र म� एक एक�कृत अप�शष्ट प्रबंधन प्रणाल� क� योजना बनाई गई है जहां कचरे का
प�रवहन, उपचार और �नपटान �कया जाता है । प�रयोजना म� एक जैव-�मथेनेशन संयंत्र, एक भस्मक
और अस्वीकृत� के �लए भू�म भराव क� प�रकल्पना क� गई है । कुछ 15-18 MT तलछट, अप�शष्ट
जल उपचार का एक उप-उत्पाद, द्वीप पर कृ�ष के �लए खाद/जै�वक उवर्रक के रूप म� उपयोग �कया
जा सकता है । प�रयोजना के प्रारं �भक चरण� म� जब एक�कृत सु�वधा नह�ं है , जै�वक कचरे के उपचार
के �लए 10 जै�वक अप�शष्ट प�रवतर्क (OWC) क� योजना बनाई गई है । पुनचर्क्रण योग्य कचरे को
अलग �कया जाएगा और अ�धकृत कचरा संचालक� को �दया जाएगा।

2052 तक GNI पर कुल रोजगार होने का पूवार्नुमान है । �श�पंग, पयर्टन और �व�नमार्ण म� प्रत्य�
रोजगार के अलावा, अप्रत्य� रोजगार वा�णिज्यक, प्रशास�नक, संस्थागत, आवासीय और मनोरं जक �ेत्र�
स�हत सहायक उद्योग� को उत्पन्न करे गा। संचालन चरण के दौरान रोजगार क� कुल संख्या _लगभग
128,558 होगी। प�रयोजना के प्रारं �भक चरण� म� कुल 17,347(2027) नौकर� सिृ जत क� जाएगी जो
केवल प�रयोजना के संचालन को संद�भर्त करती है । हालां�क, इस आंकड़े म� �नमार्ण चरण के दौरान
उत्पन्न रोजगार, यानी �नमार्ण श्र�मक, उपकरण ऑपरे टर, ड्राइवर, �नमार्ण प्रबंधक आ�द शा�मल नह�ं
ह�, जो लगभग 7,300 है । इसका अथर् है �क 2027 तक कुल 24,647 रोजगार सिृ जत ह�गे। इसके

C11-11
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

अलावा, अप्रत्य� नौक�रयां भी ह�गी जो कमर्चा�रय� और उनके प�रवार� को प्रदान क� जाने वाल� सेवाओं
ु ान�, रे स्तरां, सेवा क�द्र आ�द। ये नौक�रयां द्वीप को एक आत्म�नभर्र और
से संबं�धत ह�, जैसे, दक
आ�थर्क रूप से �व�वध शहर के रूप म� �वक�सत करने म� स�म बनाएंगी।

C11-12
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

प�रयोजना के घटक

1.1.4. अंतरार्ष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT)

तीन प�रदृश्य� म� से, यथाथर्वाद� प�रदृश्य के अंतगर्त अनुमान� को �नयोजन उद्दे श्य� के �लए अपनाया
गया है । प्रस्ता�वत स्थल समुद्र तट से 20 मीटर क� प्राकृ�तक गहराई अथार्त लगभग एक समुद्र� मील
पर िस्थत है । अच्छ� बात यह है �क, प्राकृ�तक गहराई क� उपलब्धता के कारण, साइट को न्यूनतम
पूंजी ड्रेिजंग आवश्यकताओं क� आवश्यकता होती है और इस प्रकार लागत (पूव-र् पिश्चम �श�पंग अ�
से उ�चत दरू � के भीतर भारत म� �कसी भी अन्य बंदरगाह क� तुलना म� ) कम हो जाती है । प्रस्ता�वत
स्थल म� न्यन
ू तम तटवत� बहाव है और इस प्रकार संचालन वष� के दौरान शायद ह� �कसी रखरखाव
ड्रेिजंग क� आवश्यकता होगी। इसके प�रणामस्वरूप ओ एंड एम लागत कम हो जाती है । प्रस्ता�वत
साइट मख्
ु य भ�ू म / शहर� / शहर क� सीमा से दरू है , और इस प्रकार पेशेवर और अनभ
ु वी डेवलपसर्
द्वारा अपने �डजाइन और जरूरत� के अनस
ु ार मास्टर प्लान बनाया जा सकता है ।

�चत्र -3: ICTT क� प्रस्ता�वत लेआउट योजना

C11-13
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

• ब्रेकवाटर: 3.27 km
• पव
ू � ब्रेकवाटर: 2.53 km
• ऑफ शोर ब्रेकवाटर: 0.74 km
• बथर्: 5.4 km
• कंटे नर याडर्: 29,331 TGS
• वन्य भू�म: 736.9 ha मा�नत वन स�हत
• सरकार�, वासभू�म और �नजी भू�म: कोई �रयासत नह�ं, 1.04 ha �नजी भू�म, 0.54 ha
सरकार� भू�म

समुद्र तल एक सीधी ढलान है , और तटरे खा से 2.3 km और 3.6 km क� दरू � के भीतर क्रमशः 20

मीटर और 30 मीटर क� पानी क� गहराई पाई जाती है । यह स्थल तटरे खा और 20 मीटर समोच्च के
बीच लगभग 517.60 ha का जल �ेत्र प्रदान करता है िजसे बंदरगाह सु�वधाओं के �वकास के �लए
बेहतर उपयोग �कया जा सकता है । यह दे खा जा सकता है �क खाड़ी के पिश्चमी �कनारे पर कुल बथर्
लंबाई का लगभग 5.4 km �वक�सत �कया जाना संभव है । 2.53 km और 0.74 km क� लंबाई के
दो ब्रेकवाटर साल भर लहर शां�त प्रदान करते ह�। बंदरगाह को चरणबद्ध तर�के से �वक�सत �कया
जाएगा और बथर् को यातायात वद्
ृ �ध के अनुसार जोड़ा जाएगा। हालां�क, प्रारं �भक चरण म� ह� ब्रेकवाटर
का पूर� तरह से �नमार्ण करने क� आवश्यकता होगी।

यह स्थल पुन�नर्�मर्त भू�म और वन भू�म पर है और आबाद� से दरू है ।

�ेत्र आं�शक रूप से आईCRZ जोन 1ए के अंतगर्त आता है ।

प्रस्ता�वत बंदरगाह �ेत्र का एक छोटा सा �हस्सा जनजातीय अभ्यारण्य के अंतगर्त आता है । हालाँ�क,
84.1 sq km का आ�दवासी �ेत्र अ�धसूचना रद्द होने क� प्र�क्रया म� है । गला�थया नद� के मुहाने और
पिश्चम म� कछुए के घ�सले के स्थल दे खे गए ह�। इसे दे खते हुए, बंदरगाह के स्थान को पिश्चमी �कनारे
से बदलकर गैला�थया खाड़ी के पूव� �हस्से म� कर �दया गया है । ब्रेक-वाटर को भी ऐसे �डजाइन �कया
गया है िजससे गला�थया नद� के मह
ु ाने तक कछुए �नबार्ध पहुंच सके।

1.1.4.1.सु�वधाएँ आवश्यकताएँ

प्रस्ता�वत ट्रांस�शपम� ट पोटर् के �लए �नम्न�ल�खत सु�वधाओं को सिृ जत करने क� प�रकल्पना है :

• ब्रेकवाटर

C11-14
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

बंदरगाह म� साल भर शां�त प्रदान करने के �लए 3.27 km (2.53 km पव

ू र् ब्रेकवाटर और
0.74 km पिश्चम अपतट�य ब्रेकवाटर) के ब्रेकवाटर क� आवश्यकता होगी। प्रारं �भक चरण म�
ब्रेकवाटर क� पूर� लंबाई का �नमार्ण �कया जाएगा।

• पूंजी �नकषर्ण

नौवहन चैनल और बंदरगाह �ेत्र म� आवश्यक पानी क� गहराई बनाने के �लए, आवश्यक
स्तर� तक पंज
ू ी ड्रेिजंग क� आवश्यकता होगी। प्रारं �भक चरण म� लगभग 6.4 million cum
और अं�तम चरण म� 17.7 million cum क� पूंजी क� आवश्यकता होगी।

• नौवहन �ेत्र

बंदरगाह क� योजना 24,100 TEU के सबसे बड़े कंटे नर पोत के �लए बनाई जाएगी।
पीआईएएनसी �दशा�नद� श� के अनुसार 300 मीटर चौड़ाई का एक नौवहन चैनल और 800
मीटर व्यास का ट�न�ग सकर्ल प्रदान �कया गया है ।

• बथर्

प्रारं �भक चरण म� 1700 मीटर क� कुल लंबाई के 5 कंटे नर बथर् प्रदान �कए जाएंगे और
अं�तम चरण म� 5400 मीटर क� कुल लंबाई के साथ कुल 16 कंटे नर बथर् प्रदान �कए जाएंगे,
इसके अलावा एक (01) 100 मीटर लंबाई क� पोटर् क्राफ्ट बथर् उपलब्ध कराई जाएगी। प्रारं �भक
चरण म� और बाद के चरण� म� LNG पोत को संभालने के �लए 300 मीटर लंबाई क� एक
(01) �धन बथर् का भी प्रस्ताव है ।

• रे क्लेमेशन

अं�तम चरण म� लगभग 33.5 million cum (227 ha �ेत्र) के प्रारं �भक चरण म� और 15.9
million cum (102 ha �ेत्र) म� रे क्लेमेशन �फल भरा जाता है ।

• कंटे नर याडर्

अनम
ु ान है �क प्रारं �भक चरण म� 38.2 ha और अं�तम चरण म� 144.8 ha कंटे नर याडर् �ेत्र
क� आवश्यकता होगी। कंटे नर पा�क�ग याडर् के अलावा, वाहन� के �लए सकुर्लेशन स्पेस, पोटर्
�बिल्डंग, वकर्शॉप, यू�ट�लट� �बिल्डंग आ�द को रे क्लेमेशन के साथ-साथ साइट ग्रे�डंग के
माध्यम से �वक�सत �कए जाने वाले बैकअप �ेत्र पर िस्थत होना चा�हए।

• उपकरण

RMQCs, RTGs, र�च स्टै कर, ITVs, फोकर्�लफ्ट जैसे उपयक्

ु त कंटे नर ह�ड�लंग उपकरण
अनुमा�नत यातायात के अनुरूप उपलब्ध कराए जाएंगे।
C11-15
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

• बंदरगाह भवन

पोटर् के सुचारू संचालन के �लए ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल म� पोटर् प्रशासन भवन, संचालन भवन,
गेट हाउस, फायर स्टे शन जैसे अन्य उपयो�गता भवन उपलब्ध कराए जाएंगे।

• सड़क संपकर्

ू ा उ�र द��ण GNTR (ग्रेट �नकोबार ट्रं क रोड) से जड़

बंदरगाह मौजद ु ा होगा जो क� पबेल बे और
इं�दरा पॉइंट को जोड़ता है , िजसे उपयुक्त रूप से सुदृढ़ और चौड़ा भी �कया जाएगा।

• ठोस अप�शष्ट प्रबंधन

�नमार्ण के प्रारं �भक चरण� के दौरान, OWC के माध्यम से जै�वक कचरे का उपचार �कया
जाएगा। एक�कृत अप�शष्ट प्रबंधन सु�वधा तैयार होने के बाद, सभी कचरे को उपचार और
�नपटान हे तु स�ु वधा म� ले जाया जाएगा।

1.1.5. अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा

यह द्वीप क� समद्
ृ ध जैव �व�वधता से लेकर न्यूनतम पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव के सापे� सबसे इष्टतम
साइट (स्थल), यातायात अनुमान (यात्री और काग�), �टकाऊ योजना आ�द को ध्यान म� रखते हुए हवाई
अड्डे के �लए मास्टर प्ला�नंग और �डजाइन �कया जाता है ।

अगले तीन दशक� म� प्रत्या�शत सेवाओं को समायोिजत करने के �लए एक मजबूत हवाई अड्डा �वक�सत
करने के �लए, एक व्यापक हवाई यातायात पव
ू ार्नम
ु ान लगाया गया है । नीचे �दया गया �चत्र अनम
ु ा�नत
पूवार्नुमान �दखाता है ।

ता�लका -1: कुल वा�षर्क यात्री पूवार्नुमान (M), �नकृष्ट, आधारभूत और सव��म मामले

वषर् �नकृष्ट मामले आधारभूत मामले सव��म मामले

2025 0.07 0.40 0.50

2030 0.12 0.78 0.97

2040 0.35 1.54 2.48

2052 0.81 3.28 5.08

C11-16
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

एयरपोटर् सी�टंग का अध्ययन �कया गया और द्वीप पर संभा�वत स्थल� का मल्

ू यांकन उनक� उपयक्
ु तता
के �लए �कया गया; प्रस्ता�वत जनसंख्या क�द्र�, परस्पर जुड़ी प�रयोजनाओं और पयार्वरण पर इसके
प्रभाव के संबंध म� उनके पूरक पहलुओं के �लए साइट� का मूल्यांकन �कया गया था। पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव,
प�रचालन प्रदशर्न और आ�थर्क व्यवहायर्ता स�हत पूवर् �नधार्�रत मानदं ड� के �वरुद्ध �वकल्प� क� पहचान
क� गई और उनका मूल्यांकन �कया गया। उप-मानदं ड� म� तट�य आका�रक�, स्थल�य पा�रिस्थ�तक� तंत्र
का घनत्व और �व�वधता, प्रवाल का घनत्व और �व�वधता, आईCRZ अ�धसच
ू नाओं का अनप
ु ालन और
जनजातीय लोग� पर प्रभाव शा�मल थे। साइट चयन का मूल उद्दे श्य यह सु�निश्चत करना था �क
प्राकृ�तक आवास और इसक� �वशेषताओं को संर��त �कया जाए, और प�रयोजना के �नमार्ण और
संचालन का प्रभाव न्यन
ू तम और स्वीकायर् स्तर तक हो।

गांधी नगर और शास्त्री नगर (द��ण साइट) म� हवाई अड्डे का पता लगाने का प्रस्ताव है , जो प�रयोजना
�ेत्र के भीतर एकमात्र साइट है जो द्�व�दश टे क-ऑफ और ल��डंग क� सु�वधा के �लए पयार्प्त है ।
वायुयान� का उड़ान पथ समुद्र के ऊपर से गुजरे गा और कम ऊंचाई पर वायुयान� के अ�धक उड़ने के
कारण स्थानीय आबाद� और जनजातीय �ेत्र� म� न्यन
ू तम अशां�त होगी। उन गांव� के कुछ मौजद
ू ा
प�रवार प�रयोजना से प्रभा�वत ह�गे। साइट म� राजस्व भू�म का एक बड़ा �ेत्र शा�मल है , और इससे
न्यूनतम वन भू�म प्रभा�वत होगी।

�चत्र - 4: शास्त्री नगर और गांधी नगर म� प्रस्ता�वत हवाई अड्डा स्थल

C11-17
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

हवाई अड्डे के �लए चुनी गई साइट का �वश्लेषण �कया गया और यह सु�निश्चत �कया गया �क द्वीप
के पिश्चमी और उ�र� �हस्से जो कभी भी स्थायी रूप से बसे या मख्
ु य भ�ू म के कब्जे वाले नह�ं थे,
उन्ह� �वकास �वकल्प� से बाहर रखा गया था। इसके साथ-साथ, पिश्चमी और उ�र-पूव� तटरे खा के
�कनारे कई शोम्पेन आवास� को सोच-समझकर टाला गया था। शोम्प� स और �नकोबार� दोन� द्वारा
पिश्चमी तट पर तट�य भाग� का उपयोग मछल� पकड़ने के �लए �कया जाता है ।

C11-18
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

�चत्र -5: GNI म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डे के �लए प्रस्ता�वत लेआउट

य�द आवश्यक हो तो आगे �वस्तार के प्रावधान के साथ रनवे क� लंबाई 3000 मीटर रखी गई है ।
इसी तरह, अन्य सु�वधाओं को भ�वष्य के �वकास के �लए सुर��त �कया गया है । र�ा के �लए एक
अलग एप्रन के साथ एक र�ा एन्क्लेव को समग्र लेआउट म� उपयुक्त रूप से शा�मल �कया गया है ।
समद्र
ु के �कनारे का रे क्लेमेशन और CRZ अ�धग्रहण न्यन
ू तम रखा गया है और लगभग प�रधीय
रनवे सुर�ा/समथर्न प्रणाल� रनवे के उ�र और द��ण दोन� छोर पर रे क्लेमेशन भू�म पर समद्र
ु /CRZ
म� अ�तक्रमण कर रह� है । हवाई अड्डे का मध्य भाग भी उ�र� शास्त्री नगर के पानी के ऊपर से
गज
ु रता है िजसके �लए आवश्यक CRZ/पयार्वरण मंजरू � क� भी आवश्यकता होगी। यह प्रवेश �ेत्र
राजस्व भू�म थी जो सुनामी के दौरान जलमग्न हो गई थी। द��ण छोर पर सावधानीपूवक
र् रे क्लेमेशन
क� सी�टंग के माध्यम से अ�धकांश मौजूदा मूंग� को बचा �लया गया है ।

1.1.6. �वद्युत संयंत्र और �वद्यत

ु अवसंरचना

सभी प्रकार के उद्योग�, गैर-औद्यो�गक भवन� (आवासीय, वा�णिज्यक और संस्थागत भवन), औद्यो�गक
सु�वधाओं और सामान्य उपयो�गताओं (जल आपू�तर्, STP, CETP, स्ट्र�ट लाइ�टंग, ICT) के �लए 450
MVA क� �बजल� क� मांग मान ल� गई है ।

C11-19
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

पावर प्लांट को प�रयोजना के शरु

ु आती �दन� म� डीजल आधा�रत (लगभग 15%) के संयोजन के रूप
म� �वक�सत �कया जा रहा है और अ�धकांश को स्वच्छ गैस आधा�रत �वक�सत �कया जा रहा है ।
डीजल न्यून सल्फर के साथ HSD होगा और DG सेट �बना जल �नवर्हन के एयर कूल्ड ह�गे। .

गैस आधा�रत �बजल� संयंत्र प्राकृ�तक गैस पर आधा�रत होगा िजसक� वैिश्वक प्राकृ�तक गैस बाजार म�
बढ़ती भ�ू मका है । प्राकृ�तक गैस एक अपे�ाकृत स्वच्छ ऊजार् स्रोत है , जो पारं प�रक ताप संयंत्र� क�
तुलना म� बहुत कम प्रदषू ण पैदा करती है । गैस आधा�रत �बजल� संयंत्र म� अनुकूल �टकाऊ उपयोग के
�लए टरबाइन को स्ट्र�म करने के �लए संयोजन म� गैस टबार्इन ह�गे। संयंत्र को एयर कूल्ड �कया जाएगा
िजससे ठं डे पानी के �नवर्हन को कम �कया जा सके और पयार्वरण को बनाए रखा जा सके।

प�रयोजना स्थल GNI म� बंदरगाह स्थान के �नकट िस्थत है । प�रयोजना स्थल प्रस्ता�वत अंतरराष्ट्र�य
कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) बंदरगाह के �नकट िस्थत है । �बजल� संयंत्र के �लए आवश्यक
अनुमा�नत �ेत्रफल 39 ha है ।

यह स्थल पूर� तरह से जंगल है और यहां कोई मानव �नवास नह�ं है ।

पावर प्लांट का प्रस्ता�वत स्थल और लेआउट नीचे �दखाया गया है :

�चत्र -6: प्रस्ता�वत पावर संयंत्र लेआउट (रूपरे खा)

C11-20
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

1.1.6.1 गैस �वद्युत जनरे शन (उत्पादन)

वैिश्वक प्राकृ�तक गैस बाजार म� तरल�कृत प्राकृ�तक गैस (LNG ) क� भू�मका तेजी से बढ़ रह� है ।
प्राकृ�तक गैस अपे�ाकृत स्वच्छ ऊजार् स्रोत है , जो कोयले या तेल क� तुलना म� बहुत कम प्रदष
ू ण पैदा
करती है । द्रवीकरण प्र�क्रया के दौरान प्राकृ�तक गैस क� मात्रा 1/600 के अनप
ु ात से कम हो जाती है ।
इस मात्रा म� कमी के माध्यम से तरल�कृत प्राकृ�तक गैस को जहाज� द्वारा ले जाया जाएगा और साइट
पर भंडारण ट�क� म� संग्रह�त �कया जाएगा। LNG को आवश्यक दबाव द्वारा पंप �कया जाएगा और
वाष्प फेस म� बदल �दया जाएगा। वाष्पीकृत प्राकृ�तक गैस को पाइपलाइन प्रणाल� म� स्थानांत�रत �कया
जाता है । एक उच्च द�ता, प्राकृ�तक गैस से चलने वाला संयुक्त-चक्र �बजल� संयंत्र एक �कलोवाट-घंटे
�बजल� का उत्पादन करने के �लए लगभग 7000 BTUS गैस क� खपत कर सकता है ।

प्रस्ता�वत �बजल� संयंत्र के �नकट प्रस्ता�वत बंदरगाह पर एक सम�पर्त LNG जेट्ट�।

जनरे शन (उत्पादन) इकाइयाँ और �वन्यास

संयुक्त चक्र शिक्त (CCPP) �नष्पादन संयंत्र प्रत्येक इकाई/मॉड्यूल म� तीन संख्या उत्पादन इकाइय�
पर आधा�रत है , िजसम� गैस टबार्इन क� दो इकाई + ह�ट �रकवर� स्ट�म जनरे टर क� दो इकाई + एक
स्ट�म टबार्इन शा�मल होगी, जैसा �क नीचे �दया गया है
• प्रस्ता�वत �वन्यास- 2GT-800 +2 HRSG+1 ST
• शुद्ध �बजल� 110-130 MW (लगभग)
• शुद्ध �वद्युत द�ता 50-55%
• शुद्ध �वद्युत ताप दर 6500-7000kJ/kWh
उपरोक्त प्रदशर्न आपक� ओर से पुिष्ट �कए गए �नम्न�ल�खत इनपुट पर �वचार कर रहे ह�:
• �डजाइन प�रवेश का तापमान 40 �डग्री सेिल्सयस
• �डजाइन सापे��क आद्रर् ता 80% RH
• �धन GCV52000 BTU/kg . के साथ प्राकृ�तक गैस �धन
• कू�लंग �सस्टम एयर कूल्ड कंडेनसर

गैस टरबाइन अनुमेय मानदं ड� के अनुरूप नाइट्रोजन और काबर्न मोनोऑक्साइड के ऑक्साइड के कम

उत्सजर्न स�हत एक उपयक्
ु त गैस बनर्र प्रणाल� से यक्
ु त होगा। दहन के �लए हवा क� आप�ू तर् एक
उपयुक्त इनटे क फैन और टबार्इन एग्जॉस्ट गैस द्वारा क� जाएगी। �बजल� संयंत्र क� उच्च द�ता और

C11-21
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

�वश्वसनीय संचालन स�ु निश्चत करने के �लए डेटा अ�धग्रहण, ऊजार् प्रबंधन और �नगरानी प्रणाल� पर
एक पेशेवर पयर्वे�ण के तहत उपयुक्त DCS / PCS प्रणाल� के माध्यम से क�द्र�कृत �नयंत्रण क� से
संयंत्र संचा�लत �कया जाएगा।

�वतरण प्रणाल� �वद्युत �वद्युत आपू�तर् प्रणाल� का सबसे महं गा भाग है । इसका मुख्य उद्दे श्य स्थायी
संचालन के साथ एक अनुकू�लत �वतरण पर पहुंचना है । �वद्युत प्रणाल� क� �डजाइन अवधारणा �वद्युत
प्रणाल� के कुशल प्रदशर्न के साथ सरु ��त, �वश्वसनीय और िस्थर शिक्त प्रदान करने पर आधा�रत
होगी।

स्माटर् �ग्रड �सस्टम को वास्त�वक समय के आधार पर संपूणर् GNI पावर नेटवकर् क� �नगरानी और
�नयंत्रण के �लए �डजाइन �कया गया है । �सस्टम 24x7 �वद्युत मापदं ड� का �वश्लेषण करे गा और
आवश्यकता के अनुसार �सस्टम को �नयं�त्रत करे गा। यह अनुकू�लत �वद्युत नेटवकर् के साथ नो-ब्रेक
अथार्त �बना �वद्युत ् अबरुद्ध �कए �वश्वसनीय �बजल� आपू�तर् स�ु निश्चत करने म� स�म होगा। यह
प्रणाल� �वद्यत
ु मानक मापदं ड� (वोल्टे ज, करं ट, फ्र�क्व�सी, हाम��नक्स), फुल लोड ऑपरे �टंग (पीक
�डमांड) घंटे और यू�ट�लट� �ग्रड सोसर् लाइन्स के न्यूनतम लोड (कम और मध्यम मांग) घंटे, ऑनसाइट
पावर जेनरे शन (LNG प्लांट, सोलर पीवी और डीजल) क� �नगरानी करे गी। संयंत्र� के साथ-साथ
ट्रांस�मशन और �वतरण नेटवकर् मानक �वद्युत मानक�, �बजल� क� मांग, और स्माटर् मीटर का उपयोग
करके अं�तम उपयोगकतार्ओं क� ऊजार् खपत। स्ट्र�ट लाइट भी इष्टतम खपत के �लए टाइमर/अ�ांश/द�घर्
�नयं�त्रत होगी।

�वतरण ट्रांसफामर्र तक सभी HV �बजल� �वतरण और LT �वतरण प्रणाल� को सीधे HDPE डक्ट या
RCC डक्ट या लागू ट्र� च के भीतर भू�मगत प्रणाल� म� भू�मगत �कया जाएगा।

1.1.7. टाउन�शप

टाउन�शप �ेत्र का अ�धकांश �हस्सा इस बहुमॉडल हब से उ�र-पूवर् क� ओर क� पबेल बे और रं गनाथ बे

तक फैला हुआ है । इसम� बंदरगाह के पिश्चम म� एक छोटा सा रसद �वकास �ेत्र भी शा�मल है ।

टाउन�शप �ेत्र म� , कॉन्सेप्ट मास्टर योजना के तहत वन� क� पहा�ड़य� और स्ट्र�म बफर जैसे प्राकृ�तक
फ�चर से बनी सीमाएं, कॉम्पैक्ट, चलने योग्य, बहु उपयोग वाले शहर� क�द्र� क� एक श्रंखृ ला का तट के
�कनारे �वकास �कया जाना है । भीतर क� और वन्य पहा�ड़य� के बैकड्रॉप (पष्ृ टपट) म� स्था�पत तटरे खा से
सटा हुआ प्राकृ�तक आघात� क� बचाव सु�वधाओं से युक्त यह जंगल म� स्था�पत एक ऐसा वन्य नगर होगा जो
वस्तुतः 'शहर म� जंगल' होगा। कॉम्पैक्ट �वकास न केवल अ�धक रहने योग्य और आकषर्क है ; यह ग्रेट
�नकोबार के भ�वष्य के काबर्न पद�चह्न को भी कम करे गा, संसाधन� के संर�ण को बढ़ावा दे गा, और समग्र

C11-22
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

�वकास �ेत्र को सी�मत करे गा, िजससे मौजूदा वन और अन्य प्राकृ�तक संसाधन� का अ�धक संर�ण होगा।
सबसे बड़ा शहर� क�द्र क�पबेल बे म� होगा।

कई स्टे शन� के आसपास बहु उपयोग वाले व्यावसा�यक �ेत्र ह�। उनसे परे और तटरे खा क� ओर बढ़ते हुए,
आवासीय बहु उपयोगी �ेत्र और पयर्टन और आ�तथ्य �ेत्र ह� िजनम� होटल, खाद्य और पेय प्र�तष्ठान, आवास
मनोरं जन, और सामािजक आधारभूत संरचना, साथ ह� साथ आम सावर्ज�नक खुल� जगह शा�मल है ।

पहाड़ी, वनाच्छा�दत �ेत्र� म� मुख्य सड़क के पिश्चम म� , योजना म� इकोटू�रज्म के उपयोग (ऊपर व�णर्त),
अत्यंत कम घनत्व वाले आवासीय �वकास (न्यूनतम प्लॉट आकार 10 ha), और साम�यक संस्थागत
प�रसर (उच्च �श�ा प्र�तष्ठान, अनुसंधान सु�वधा, आ�द) क� आवश्यकता है । जो पहाड़� के भीतर पाए
जाने वाले कुछ दल
ु भ
र् अपे�ाकृत समतल �ेत्र� पर बनाई जा सकती ह�।

बंदरगाह और हवाई अड्डे स�हत मल्ट�मॉडल ट्रांसपोटर् हब क्रमशः गैला�थया बे और शास्त्री नगर म�
क��द्रत है । समस्त बहु उपयोग और पयर्टन �वकास इस खाड़ी के पूवर् म� ह�। पिश्चम म� , एक रसद �ेत्र
है और संस्थागत प�रसर� के �लए कुछ भू�म �ेत्र भी प्रस्ता�वत टाउन�शप के �वकास �ेत्र का भाग ह�।
प्रस्ता�वत टाउन�शप को दशार्ने वाल� मास्टर योजना �चत्र 7 म� �दखाया गया है।

C11-23
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

�चत्र -7: ग्रेट �नकोबार �वकास �ेत्र के �लए प्रस्ता�वत मास्टर योजना

C11-24
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

1.2. प्रस्ता�वत �वकास के �लए पयार्वरण से�टंग

Table-2: प्रस्ता�वत �वकास के �लए पयार्वरण से�टंग

Sl. �ववरण एयरपोटर् ICTT पावर संयंत्र टाउन�शप

1 स्थान ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप
समूह, �नकोबार, समूह, �नकोबार, समूह, �नकोबार, समूह, �नकोबार,
क�द्र शा�सत प्रदे श: क�द्र शा�सत प्रदे श: क�द्र शा�सत प्रदे श: क�द्र शा�सत प्रदे श:
अंडमान और �नकोबार अंडमान और �नकोबार अंडमान और �नकोबार अंडमान और �नकोबार
द्वीप समूह द्वीप समूह द्वीप समूह द्वीप समूह

2 टॉपोशीट संख्या B46J13 (88F/13) B46J13 (88F/13) B46J13 (88F/13) B46J13 (88F/13)
(88E/16) B46D16 (88E/16)
3 भौगो�लक 598645.17 m E 596593.91 m E 593226.20 m E 600754.91 m E
�नद� शांक 754228.98 m N 752742.39 m N 754870.54 m N 775277.51 m N

4 MSL से ऊपर 5 से 53 MSL 15 से 102 MSL 23 to 35 MSL 0 to 260 MSL

क� ऊंचाई

5 �नकटतम गांधीनगर/शास्त्री नगर गांधीनगर/शास्त्री नगर गांधीनगर/शास्त्री नगर क� पबेल बे, गो�वंद नगर,
प्रमुख बस्ती जो�गंदर नगर, �वजय
नगर, ल�मी नगर,
गांधीनगर, शास्त्री नगर

6 �नकटतम शहर क� पबेल बे (22.5 km, क� पबेल बे (26.7km, क� पबेल बे (27.8km, Campbell Bay (0.0
NNE) NNE) km, W)
NNE)

7 �नकटतम साइट के अंतगर्त SH-2 साइट के अंतगर्त SH-2 । SH-2 (6.2 km, W) साइट के अंतगर्त SH-2
राजमागर् । ।

8 �नकटतम रे लवे शून्य। शून्य। शून्य। शून्य।

स्टे शन

9 �नकटतम हवाई पोटर् ब्लेयर- पोटर् ब्लेयर- (546.5 पोटर् ब्लेयर- (546.0 पोटर् ब्लेयर- (520.0
अड्डा (545.0 km,NNW) km, NNW) km, NNW) km, NNW)

10 अंतरराज्यीय शून्य। शून्य। शून्य। शून्य।

सीमा

C11-25
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

Sl. �ववरण एयरपोटर् ICTT पावर संयंत्र टाउन�शप

11 पुरातत्व महत्व शून्य। शून्य। शून्य। शून्य।

के स्थान

12 वन्यजीव क� पबेल बे नेशनल पाकर् क� पबेल बे नेशनल पाकर् क� पबेल बे नेशनल पाकर् क� पबेल बे नेशनल पाकर्
संर�ण (24.1 km, NNW) (26.3 km, N) (25.8 km, N) (2.6 km, W)
अ�ध�नयम, गैला�थया नेशनल पाकर् गैला�थया नेशनल पाकर् गैला�थया नेशनल पाकर्
गैला�थया नेशनल पाकर्
1972 के (0.5 km, N) (0.3 km, N) (0.3 km, W)
(1.6 km, NW)
अनुसार
संर��त �ेत्र
(टाइगर
आर��त, हाथी
आर��त,
वन्यजीव
अभयारण्य,
राष्ट्र�य
उद्यान,
संर�ण �रजवर्
और
सामुदा�यक
�रजवर्)

आर��त वन
संर��त वन म� भाग संर��त वन म� भाग स्थल संर��त वन म� भाग
13 संर��त वन म� साइट
स्थल (पाटर् साइट) (पाटर् साइट) स्थल (पाटर् साइट)

C11-26
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

14 न�दयाँ/झील� • अंडमान सागर • अंडमान सागर (1.8 • अंडमान सागर (7.4 • अंडमान सागर (0.5
(�नकटवत�)। km W) km W) km E)

• गो�वंदनगर के पास • गो�वंदनगर के पास • गो�वंदनगर के पास • गो�वंदनगर के पास

मगर नाला मगर नाला (21.5 मगर नाला मगर नाला (साइट के
km, NNE) (21.7 km, साथ)
(18.2 km, N) NNE)
• क� पबेल बे (26.8 km • क� पबेल बे (0.7 km
• क� पबेल बे (20.2 km NNE) • क� पबेल बे (25.1 km
W)
NNE) NNE)
• मटै ट अनला गांधी नगर • मटै ट अनला गांधी
• मटै ट अनला गांधी के पास (5.2 km, • मटै ट अनला गांधी
नगर के पास (0.5
नगर के पास NE) नगर के पास (7.5
km, E)
km, NE)
km, N) • साउथ बे (गैला�थया) • साउथ बे (गैला�थया)
साइट के साथ • साउथ बे (गैला�थया)
1.6 km, SW
• साउथ बे (गैला�थया) 2.2 km, SSE
0.6 km, W • मटा तरुवा बे(4.0 km • मटा तरुवा बे(10.7
• मटा तरुवा बे(7.9
W) km SW)
• मटा तरुवा बे • पुलोबाहा के पास
km SW)
• पुलोबाहा के पास
• पुलोबाहा के पास
(10.4 km WSW) पेमाय्या खाड़ी पेमाय्या खाड़ी
पेमाय्या खाड़ी
• पुलोबाहा के पास (3.6 km, W) (7.7 km,
(4.6 km, WSW)
पेमाय्या खाड़ी • पुलो बेक्का के पास SW)
नानजप्पा खाड़ी (7.8 • पुलो बेक्का के पास • पुलो बेक्का के पास
(8.3 km, W)
km, NW) नानजप्पा खाड़ी नानजप्पा खाड़ी (10.5
• पल
ु ो बेक्का के पास km, W)
• गला�थया नद� या डाक (7.7 km,
नानजप्पा खाड़ी
क�
NW) • गला�थया नद� या डाक
(12.8 km, WNW) • गला�थया नद� या डाक क�
• डाक अलेह (�नकटवत�,
• गला�थया नद� या क�
W) • डाक अलेह (�नकटवत�,
डाक क� • डाक अलेह (0.6 km, W)
• डाक उभो (2.6 km,
NE) • डाक उभो (8.5 km,
• डाक अलेह (2.5 km, W)
• डाक उभो (5.5 km, SW)
W) • डाक तोलाई पुलबाहा के
SW) • डाक तोलाई पुलबाहा के
• डाक उभो (8.5 km, पास
• डाक तोलाई पुलबाहा पास
SW) (0.7 km, W)
के पास (5.3 km, SW)
• डाक तोलाई पुलबाहा • डाक एयर (0.7 km,
(3.6 km, SW) • डाक एयर (3.2 km,
NW)
के पास
• डाक एयर (1.1 km, W)
• डाक थेना (3.1 km,
(7.3 km, SW) SW) • डाक थेना (5.5 km,
NW)
• डाक एयर (5.9 km, • डाक थेना (3.3 km, W)
W) W)

C11-27
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

Sl. �ववरण एयरपोटर् ICTT पावर संयंत्र टाउन�शप

• डाक थेना (8.3 km,

W)
15 र�ा प्र�तष्ठान आईएनएस बाज भारतीय आईएनएस बाज भारतीय आईएनएस बाज भारतीय आईएनएस बाज भारतीय
नौसेना वायु स्टे शन नौसेना वायु स्टे शन (20.9 नौसेना वायु स्टे शन नौसेना वायु स्टे शन (1.3
(17.9 km NNE) km NNE) (21.2 km NNE) km NNE)

16 भूकंपीय भूकंप: साइट BIA IS 1893 भाग- I: 2002 के अनुसार भक

ू ं पीय �ेत्र- V और चक्रवात प्रवण के अंतगर्त आती
�ेत्र/भूस्खलन/ है । प�रयोजना स्थल म� भक
ू ं प पी�ड़त होने का सबसे अ�धक जो�खम है (भूकंपीय �ेत्र-V)।
बादल फटना बाढ़: सुनामी क� चपेट म� और बाढ़ क� आशंका। प�रयोजना �ेत्र भी बाढ़ क� चपेट म� है । कुछ तो पिश्चमी और
पव
ू � छोर के साथ तट�य �हस्स� म� कटाव प्रवण है ।
ू खलन: प्रस्ता�वत एक�कृत �वकास प�रयोजना स्थल तल
भस् ु नात्मक रूप से समतल भभ
ू ाग पर िस्थत ह�। इस�लए,
कोई ल�ड स्लाइ�डंग क� प�रकल्पना नह�ं क� गई है ।
बादल फटना: उपलब्ध द्�वतीयक आंकड़� के अनुसार, अंडमान और �नकोबार द्वीप समूह म� 2020 म� बादल
फटने क� घटना हुई।

1.3. प्रस्ता�वत एक�कृत �वकास प�रयोजनाओं क� संसाधन आवश्यकता

1.3.1. अंतरार्ष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल

• जल आवश्यकता:
प्रारं �भक चरण और अं�तम चरण म� क्रमशः 0.4 MLD और 1.7 MLD जल क� मांग का
अनम
ु ान है । इसक� आप�ू तर् संपण
ू र् प�रयोजना के �लए प्रस्ता�वत एक�कृत जलापू�तर् नेटवकर् के
माध्यम से क� जाएगी।
• पावर (शिक्त) आवश्यकताएं:
प्रारं �भक चरण और अं�तम चरण म� बंदरगाह के �लए अनुमा�नत �बजल� क� आवश्यकता
लगभग 13 MW और लगभग 45 MW है । पूरे GNI �वकास के �लए क�द्र�कृत �बजल� सु�वधा
मांस के माध्यम से �बजल� क� आप�ू तर् क� जाएगी। प्रारं भ म� डीजल जेनसेट के माध्यम से
�बजल� प्राप्त करने का प्रस्ताव है और बाद म� �नकोबार द्वीप क� समग्र �वकास योजना के
�हस्से के रूप म� एक गैस आधा�रत कैिप्टव पावर संयंत्र बनाया जाएगा।

C11-28
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

• भ�ू म आवश्यकताएँ:
बंदरगाह के �लए कुल प�रयोजना �ेत्र 966 ha है (िजसम� से 739 ha भू�म पर है और 227
ha भू�म सुधार के माध्यम से बनाया जाएगा)। कुल भू�म �ेत्र म� से 676.9 ha भू�म वन के
अधीन है (288.41 ha वन है और 448.5 ha वन भू�म मानी जाती है ।) वन भू�म का छोटा
�हस्सा आ�दवासी आर��त �ेत्र के अंतगर्त है जो �क अ�धसूचना क� प्र�क्रया म� है । 1.58 ha
भ�ू म राजस्व के अधीन है (0.54 ha सरकार के स्वा�मत्व म� है और 1.04 ha �नजी भ�ू म है )।
बंदरगाह क� भू�म का उपयोग बंदरगाह के बु�नयाद� ढांचे, बंदरगाह और उपयो�गता भवन� और
सु�वधाओं, कायर्शालाओं, कंटे नर स्टै �कं ग याडर्, वाहन और ITV पा�क�ग और ग�त�व�धय� वाले
�ेत्र�, बंदरगाह सड़क�, फुटपाथ और ह�रत �ेत्र� के �वकास के �लए �कया जाएगा।
1.3.2. ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा
• जल आवश्यकता:
प्रस्ता�वत हवाईअड्डा प�रयोजना के �लए लगभग 1 MLD पानी क� आवश्यकता होगी।
प�रचालन चरण के दौरान पानी क� कुल आवश्यकता को टाउन प्ला�नंग द्वारा समग्र आपू�तर्
से परू ा �कया जाएगा।
• ऊजार् आवश्यकताएं:
GNI अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डे के �लए कुल लोड अनुमान 10,000 केवीए (लगभग) या 10
MVA है । िजसम� से प्रत्येक भाग 2 x 5 MVA के DG सेट से और 1,33,200 वगर् मीटर के
सोलर पाकर् से पूरा �कया जाएगा। मी क� योजना बनाई जा रह� है िजससे 0.8
�कलोवाट/वगर्मीटर उत्पन्न होने क� संभावना है िजसे अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डे के �नमार्ण के
साथ स्था�पत �कया जाएगा।
• भू�म आवश्यकताएँ:
अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डे के �वकास के �लए 916 ha �ेत्र क� पहचान क� गई है िजसम� 845
ha भू�म और 71 ha पुनः प्राप्त �ेत्र शा�मल है । िजसम� से 700 ha का उपयोग चरण 1 म�
�कया जाएगा और शेष का उपयोग बाद के �वकास म� �कया जाएगा। कुल भू�म �ेत्र म� से
55.46 ha भू�म वन म� है , 382.34 ha भू�म �नजी स्वा�मत्व म� है और शेष 447.98 ha
भू�म सरकार� स्वा�मत्व म� है ।

1.3.3. पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र

• जल आवश्यकता:
प्रस्ता�वत प�रयोजना के �लए कुल पानी के लगभग 1.5 MLD क� आवश्यकता होगी क्य��क
कू�लंग ड्राई कू�लंग (एयर कूल्ड) है , जो �कसी भी �बजल� उत्पादन म� पानी क� अ�धकांश

C11-29
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

आवश्यकता को कम करता है । प�रचालन चरण के दौरान पानी क� आवश्यकता को नगर

�नयोजन द्वारा समग्र आपू�तर् से पूरा �कया जाएगा
• ऊजार् आवश्यकताएं:
अं�तम चरण के �लए �बजल� संयंत्र के भीतर सहायक �बजल� खपत के �लए �बजल� क�
मांग लगभग 50 KW होगी।
• भ�ू म आवश्यकताएँ:
प्रस्ता�वत साइट GNI म� प्रस्ता�वत ICTT ट�मर्नल के बगल म� िस्थत है और पावर प्लांट के
�लए साइट �ेत्र 39 ha है । पूर� साइट वन भू�म के अंतगर्त आती है ।

1.3.4.नगर और �ेत्र �वकास

• जल आवश्यकता:
अं�तम चरण के �लए कुल पीने योग्य पानी क� मांग 42 MLD होगी। जल शोधन संयंत्र के
�लए कच्चे पानी क� आपू�तर् के �लए जल स्रोत प्रस्ता�वत जलाशय म� एक�त्रत सतह� अपवाह
से होगा। स्पष्ट�करण, �नस्पंदन और क�टाणश
ु ोधन के बाद अप�रष्कृत जल पीने के उद्दे श्य के
�लए उपयुक्त होगा।
• पावर आवश्यकता:
बंदरगाह और हवाई अड्डे स�हत प्रस्ता�वत टाउन�शप प�रयोजना क� �बजल� क� आवश्यकता
लगभग 450 MW है । �बजल� क� आवश्यकता को �धन �लंकेज के �लए बंदरगाह के �नकट
िस्थत प्रस्ता�वत डीजल और गैस आधा�रत �बजल� संयंत्र से परू ा �कया जाएगा।
• भू�म आवश्यकता:
प्रस्ता�वत टाउन�शप और �ेत्र �वकास प�रयोजना के �लए कुल भू�म क� आवश्यकता 149.60
Sq. km है । कुल भ�ू म �ेत्र म� से 118.04 sq km वन है , 4.39 sq km मा�नत (डीम्ड) वन
है , 22.85 sq. km सरकार� स्वा�मत्व वाला है , 2.31 sq km �नजी है और 1.82 sq km
अ�तक्रमण के तहत है ।
2617 व्यिक्तय� से प्रभा�वत प�रवार� क� अनुमा�नत संख्या लगभग 614 (हवाई अड्डे के
�लए 230 और टाउन�शप रोड RoW के �लए 384) होने का अनुमान है । हालां�क, प्रभा�वत
होने वाले प�रवार� क� सह� संख्या का पता भ�ू म अ�धग्रहण, पुनवार्स और पुनवार्स (RFCTLAR
& R) अ�ध�नयम 2013 म� उ�चत मुआवजे और पारद�शर्ता के अ�धकार क� धारा 4 के तहत
SIA अध्ययन के बाद चलेगा। सभी प्रभा�वत व्यिक्तय� का पुनवार्स �कया जाएगा। इसी
अ�ध�नयम के तहत।

C11-30
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

1.4. पयार्वरण का �ववरण

स�दर् य� के मौसम (1 �दसंबर, 2020 से 28 फरवर�, 2021) के दौरान पयार्वरणीय आधारभूत अध्ययन
�कए गए।

1.4.1. भू�म उपयोग

GNI म� LULC मख्
ु य रूप से जनसंख्या वद्
ृ �ध, लागत प�रवतर्न और पयर्टन मनोरं जन के कारण
प�रव�तर्त होता है । LULC प�रवतर्न इं�गत करता है �क मानवज�नत �वकासात्मक ग�त�व�धय� के
कारण �पछले पांच वष� म� जंगल का बहुत कम प्र�तशत साफ �कया गया था। इसके अलावा, ग्रामीण
�ेत्र �वशेष रूप से GNI के पव
ू � भाग म� द्वीप म� तेजी से �वस्तार कर रहा था। �वक�सत भ�ू म उपयोग
क� प्रव�ृ � क� पबेल बे म� अप�रहायर् है और कुछ ha म� व्याप्त पूव� �नकोबार द्वीप के अन्य �ेत्र� म�
धीमी ग�त से है ।
यह दे खा गया है �क �पछले 5 वष� के दौरान बिस्तय� म� लगभग +0.3%, कृ�ष योग्य भू�म म�
+0.4% और ना�रयल के बागान� म� +0.2% क� वद्
ृ �ध दे खी गई। बिस्तय� और कृ�ष उद्दे श्य� के �लए
घने वनस्प�त को साफ �कया जाता है । म�ग्रोव म� 0.02% का प�रवतर्न दे खा गया। रे तीले समद्र
ु तट
�ेत्र म� कोई बदलाव नह�ं। �पछले 5 वष� के अंतराल के दौरान �मट्ट� के फ्लैट� म� लगभग +8.158%
क� वद्
ृ �ध हुई है । वनस्प�त लगभग 32,060.7 ha पाई गई। सघन वनस्प�त क� पहचान क� गई है
और यह वषर् 2016 म� 34,677.9 ha थी।
यह दे खा गया है �क अध्ययन �ेत्र क� �मट्ट� का पीएच 7.18 से 7.83 के बीच है । �वद्युत चालकता
23.1μS/cm से 235 µS/cm क� र� ज म� दे खी गई। उपलब्ध नाइट्रोजन मान 253.3 kg/ha से 751.9
kg/ha के बीच है । उपलब्ध फॉस्फोरस मान 54.4 kg/ha से 119.1 kg/ha के बीच है । उपलब्ध
पोटे �शयम मान 83.3 kg/ha से 182.6 kg/ha kg/ha के बीच है । इस �ेत्र म� घुलनशील क्लोराइड
45.3 kg/ha से 165.3 kg/ha है . काबर्�नक पदाथर् सांद्रता 0.72% से 1.41% तक थी। काबर्�नक
काबर्न सांद्रता 0.4% से 0.78% तक थी।

1.4.2. जलवायु और मौसम �व�ान

अध्ययन अव�ध के दौरान साइट पर दजर् तापमान 21.6 �डग्री सेिल्सयस से 31.1 �डग्री सेिल्सयस और
सापे��क आद्रर् ता 67.6% से 97.1% के बीच होता है । प्रमुख हवाएँ E (9.6%) से चल रह� ह�, उसके बाद
ESE (9.3%) �दशा और �दशा के बाद NE (8.3%) चल रह� ह�। शांत िस्थ�त 42.8% दे खी गई।

C11-31
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

1.4.3. प�रवेश वायु गण

ु व�ा

वषर् 2020-21 म� सद� के मौसम के दौरान छह स्थान� पर अध्ययन �ेत्र म� प�रवेशी वायु गुणव�ा क�
�नगरानी क� गई। PM2.5 और PM10 क्रमशः 6.2 µg/m3 से 14.3 µg/m3 और 10.5 µg/m3 से 22.6
µg/m3 के बीच प�रव�तर्त होते ह�। SO2 और NOx क्रमशः 4.1 µg/m3 से 8.3 µg/m3 और 5.2 µg/m3
से 10.1 µg/m3 के बीच प�रव�तर्त होते ह�। CO क्रमशः 54 µg/m3 से 245 µg/m3 के बीच प�रव�तर्त
होते ह�। O3 क्रमशः 12.1 µg/m3 से 54.1 µg/m3 के बीच प�रव�तर्त होते ह�। 16 नवंबर 2009 CPCB
अ�धसूचना के अनुसार शेष पैरामीटर अनुमेय सीमा के भीतर दे खे गए ह�।

1.4.4.जल गुणव�ा

प�रयोजना स्थल के आसपास के �व�भन्न जल स्रोत� से आठ भूजल और आठ सतह� जल स्थान� को

एकत्र �कया गया और उनका �वश्लेषण �कया गया। पानी क� गुणव�ा के प�रणाम� क� चचार् नीचे क� गई
है :

1.4.4.1 भूतल जल गुणव�ा

�वश्लेषण के प�रणाम बताते ह� �क pH 6.38 से 7.28 पाया गया है , जो �क �न�दर् ष्ट मानक 6.5-8.5 के
भीतर है । TDS 69 mg/l से 35400 mg/l पाया गया। घु�लत ऑक्सीजन 5.6mg/l से 6.2mg/l पाया
गया। क्लोराइड और सल्फेट क्रमशः 18 mg/l से 16300 mg/l और 4.8 mg/l से 2150 mg/l पाए गए।
बैक्ट��रयोलॉिजकल अध्ययन� से 580 MPN//100 ML से 910 MPN/100ML का पता लगा है ।

1.4.4.2. भज
ू ल क� गण
ु व�ा

�वश्लेषण के प�रणाम बताते ह� �क पीएच 7.53 से 8.01 के बीच है , जो �क 6.5 से 8.5 के �न�दर् ष्ट
मानक के भीतर है । कुल कठोरता 150.2 से 471.3 mg/l तक दे खी गई।

सभी स्थान� पर क्लोराइड 117.6 से 361.2 mg/l के बीच था। फ्लोराइड 0.4 से 0.9 mg/l के बीच पाया
गया और अनुमेय सीमा के भीतर पाया गया। नाइट्रे ट्स 2.9 से 5.9 mg/l क� सीमा म� पाए जाते ह�।
बैक्ट��रयोलॉिजकल अध्ययन� से पता चलता है �क नमन
ू � म� कोई भी कोल�फॉमर् बैक्ट��रया मौजद
ू नह�ं
है । भार� धातु सामग्री को सीमा के भीतर अच्छ� तरह से दे खा गया।

C11-32
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

1.4.5. शोर स्तर सव��ण

अध्ययन �ेत्र म� ध्व�न अनुवी�ण �कया गया है । अध्ययन �ेत्र म� �दन के समय, रात के समय के शोर
का स्तर क्रमशः 40.0dB(A) से 52.1dB(A) और 35.8dB(A) से 49.0dB(A) तक पाया गया। क�द्र�य
प्रदष
ू ण �नयंत्रण बोडर् (CPCB) द्वारा �नधार्�रत मानक� के अनुसार सामान्य रूप से स्वीकायर् स्तर� के
भीतर शोर का स्तर पाया गया।

1.4.6. पा�रिस्थ�तक� अध्ययन

GNI म� दो राष्ट्र�य उद्यान शा�मल ह�, अथार्त ् क� पबेल बे नेशनल पाकर् (CBNP) और गैला�थया नेशनल
पाकर् (GNP)। वन्यजीव� और उसके पयार्वरण क� र�ा, प्रचार और �वकास के उद्दे श्य से इन राष्ट्र�य
उद्यान� को नवंबर 1996 को अ�धस�ू चत �कया गया था।

वाटर मॉ�नटर �छपकल� (वाराणस साल्वेटर) ए�शया म� सबसे आम मॉ�नटर �छपक�लय� म� से एक है जो

इस �ेत्र म� पाई जाती है और भारतीय वन्यजीव (संर�ण) अ�ध�नयम, 1972 क� अनुसूची I के अंतगर्त
आती है , ले�कन इसे IUCN द्वारा न्यूनतम �चंतनीय (LC) के तहत रखा गया है ।

भारतीय प्राणी सव��ण (ZSI) ने GNI के पूव�, द��णी और द��ण पिश्चमी भाग म� एक समुद्र�
पा�रिस्थ�तक अध्ययन �कया है । गैला�थया खाड़ी के पिश्चमी �कनारे म� लेदरबैक कछुए के घ�सले के
�शकार स्थल ह�।

भारतीय वन्यजीव संस्थान (WII)) ने बंदरगाह के �लए पहचाने गए पांच स्थल� के जै�वक या पा�रिस्थ�तक
महत्व को समझने के �लए एक तीव्र मूल्यांकन अध्ययन �कया है । यह अध्ययन लेदरबैक कछुओं पर
�वशेष ध्यान दे ने के साथ कछुए के घ�सले के समुद्र तट� क� वतर्मान िस्थ�त का आकलन करने के
उद्दे श्य से आयोिजत �कया गया था। अध्ययन का उद्दे श्य इन समुद्र तट� के साथ मेगापोड्स और डुग�ग
आवास� क� िस्थ�त का आकलन करना भी था।
GNI म� ज्वार�य दलदल वन (म�ग्रोव वन), समुद्र तट वन (समुद्र तट वन), �नम्न स्तर के सदाबहार वन
(कोरल र�फ वन), उष्णक�टबंधीय सदाबहार वन (सच्चे उष्णक�टबंधीय वन), द��णी पहाड़ी-शीषर् सदाबहार
वन और फनर् ब्रेक शा�मल ह�। यूफोर�बयासी, रू�बयासी, अरे केसी, ऑ�कर्डेसी और साइपेरेसी और पोएसी
और एनोनेसी प�रवार� के सदस्य GNI म� उच्च प्र�त�न�धत्व �दखाते ह�। �ेत्र के �व�शष्ट वनस्प�तय� क�
कल्पना इस तथ्य से क� जा सकती है �क मेलास्टोमेटेसी के जेनेरा ओटे नथेरा और एस्ट्रो�नया,
स्क्रोफुला�रयासी के साइरट�ड्रोमा, गेस्ने�रयासीए के साइरटांड्रा, इका�सनेसी के स्टे मोनरू स, अरे केसी से
रोपालोब्लास्ट और ऑ�कर्डेसी के स्पैथोग्लॉ�टस और कई अन्य प्रजा�तयां इन �ेत्र� के �लए स्था�नक ह�।
स्तनधा�रय� क� 28 प्रजा�तय� (3 समुद्र� स्तनधा�रय� स�हत), प��य� क� 97 प्रजा�तय�, सर�सप
ृ � क� 23

C11-33
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

प्रजा�तय�, उभयचर� क� 10 प्रजा�तय�, �तत�लय� क� 52 प्रजा�तय�, ओडोनेट्स क� 24 प्रजा�तय� ,

मक�ड़य� क� 20 प्रजा�तयाँ और जल�य हे मीप्टे रान क� 76 प्रजा�तयाँ स�हत पूरे GNI �ेत्र से जीव� क�
कुल 330 प्रजा�तयां दजर् क� गई ह�।

सामािजक वातावरण
अध्ययन �ेत्र के सामािजक-आ�थर्क पहलुओं क� जानकार� माध्य�मक स्रोत� से संक�लत क� गई है , िजसम�
मुख्य रूप से 2011 क� जनगणना के आंकड़े शा�मल ह�। जनसांिख्यक� और सामािजक-आ�थर्क प्रोफाइल
क� मुख्य �वशेषताएं इस प्रकार ह�:
कुल जनसंख्या 8367 है ।
उनका �ेत्र संख्या अनुसू�चत जा�त (SC) और अनुसू�चत जनजा�त (ST) के तहत व्यिक्तय� क� संख्या
1324 है ।
अध्ययन �ेत्र के कुल सा�र� म� पुरुष सा�र� का प्र�तशत 63.70% है । कुल सा�र� म� म�हला सा�र का
प्र�तशत, जो�क सामािजक प�रवतर्न का एक महत्वपूणर् संकेतक है , 2011 क� जनगणना के �रकॉडर् के
अनस
ु ार अध्ययन �ेत्र म� 36.30 प्र�तशत दे खा गया है ; और 2011 क� जनगणना के अनस
ु ार प�रयोजना
अध्ययन �ेत्र म� कुल कायर् भागीदार� दर 45.91% है और गैर-कायर्कतार् कुल जनसंख्या का क्रमशः
54.09% है । व्यवसाय द्वारा श्र�मक� का �वतरण इं�गत करता है �क गैर-श्र�मक अ�धक जनसंख्या म�
ह�। ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप म� शोम्पेन क� संख्या 237 और �नकोबा�रय� क� संख्या 1087 है ।

1.4. प्रत्या�शत पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव और शमन करने के उपाय

प्रस्ता�वत एक�कृत �वकास प�रयोजनाओं के प�रणामस्वरूप �नमार्ण और प�रचालन चरण� के दौरान

कुछ पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव ह�गे

1.5.1. अंतरार्ष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल

�नमार्ण चरण के दौरान भू�म उपयोग/भू�म कवर म� प�रवतर्न हो सकता है , स्थलाकृ�त बदल गई है ।
�नमार्ण ग�त�व�ध और �मट्ट� के संघनन के कारण, समेकन से वनस्प�त और व�
ृ � के आवरण क�
हा�न, �मट्ट� का प्रदष
ू ण और यहां तक �क बाढ़ भी आ सकती है ।

GNI से कोई उत्खनन नह�ं �कया जाएगा। सामग्री क� गुणव�ा और आ�थर्क व्यवहायर्ता के आधार पर
सभी खदान सामग्री को या तो मुख्य भू�म से या इंडोने�शया से ले जाया जाएगा।
इंटरनेशनल कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के प�रचालन चरण के दौरान, धल
ू भरे काग�, कोयला,
लौह अयस्क या खतरनाक काग� जैसे सूखे बल्क काग� आ�द नह�ं ह�गे। इस�लए, काग� ह�ड�लंग के

C11-34
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

साथ पानी पर सीधा प्रभाव नगण्य होगा। य�द कोई सावधानी नह�ं बरती जाती है , तो समद्र
ु � जल
प्रणाल� म� द�ू षत पदाथ�, य�द कोई हो, क� �रहाई के प�रणामस्वरूप समुद्र� जल प्रद�ू षत हो सकता है ।
बंदरगाह और उसके आसपास के �ेत्र म� तेल के �रसाव/�छड़काव से पानी क� गुणव�ा प्रभा�वत होगी।
शमन उपाय के रूप म� , प�रयोजना के �नमार्ण या संचालन चरण के दौरान �कसी भी अनुपचा�रत पानी
का �नवर्हन नह�ं �कया जाएगा।

पोटर् ऑपरे टर� को तेल प्रदष

ू ण अनुभाग II - आकिस्मक योजना पर आईएमओ मैनुअल के अनुरूप एक
िस्पल रोकथाम, �नयंत्रण और काउं टर माप योजना तैयार करनी चा�हए। समुद्र� पयार्वरण के �लए
प्रदष
ू ण पैदा करने क� �मता वाले सभी जहाज से संबं�धत कचरे का �नपटान MARPOL कन्व� शन
द्वारा �नधार्�रत �दशा�नद� श� के अनुसार �कया जाना चा�हए।

जैसा �क पहले उल्लेख �कया गया है , गैला�थया खाड़ी के पिश्चमी �कनारे म� लैदरै क कछुए के घ�सले
के �शकार स्थल ह�। यह सु�निश्चत करने के �लए �क घ�सले के मौसम के दौरान कछुओं को परे शान
नह�ं �कया जाता है , ZSI क� �सफा�रश के अनस
ु ार, नवंबर और फरवर� के बीच कोई भी अपतट�य
�नमार्ण ग�त�व�ध संभव सीमा तक नह�ं क� जाएगी। इसके अलावा, ये कछुए प्रकाश के प्र�त
संवेदनशील होते ह�। ZSI ने हम� कछुओं को न्यूनतम अशां�त के �लए बंदरगाह �ेत्र म� कम दबाव
सो�डयम प्रकाश क� �सफा�रश क�। ZSI ने लेदरबैक कछुओं को न्यूनतम अशां�त के �लए पानी के नीचे
के शोर को कम करने क� भी �सफा�रश क� है ।

गैला�थया बंदरगाह �ेत्र �कसी भी प्रवाल �भ��य� को �रकॉडर् नह�ं करता है । वैसे, प्रवाल �भ��याँ कायर्
�ेत्र से दरू ह�। य�द बंदरगाह के �नमार्ण और संचालन के कारण कोई प्रवाल प्रभा�वत होता है , तो उसे
उपयक्
ु त �ेत्र म� �फर से लगाया जाएगा। प्रवाल प्र�तरोपण कायर् के �लए पयार्प्त �व�ीय प्रावधान रखे गए
ह�।
जेडएसआई ने लेदरबैक कछुओं क� द�घर्का�लक उपग्रह ट्रै �कं ग का भी सुझाव �दया है ।

1.5.2. ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा

हवाईअड्डा प�रयोजना के �नमार्ण चरण� के दौरान होने वाल� ग�त�व�धय� म� स्थल को समतल करना,
मुख्य हवाईअड्डा संरचनाओं का �नमार्ण और अन्य �नमार्ण जैसे �क ट�मर्नल भवन, एप्रन, रनवे, रनवे
के अं�तम छोर पर ब्लास्ट पैड, हवाई अड्डे के संदभर् कोड के �लए रनवे शोल्डर का प्रावधान आ�द
शा�मल ह�। भू�म उपयोग, �मट्ट�, वायु गुणव�ा, पा�रिस्थ�तक�, जनसांिख्यक� और सामािजक-अथर्शास्त्र,
पहुंच सड़क� और सावर्ज�नक अपे�ा पर प्रभाव ह�।

C11-35
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

प�रयोजना के संचालन से जड़
ु े पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव� को प्रमख
ु �डजाइन और योजना रणनी�तय� के
कायार्न्वयन के द्वारा टाला / कम �कया जाएगा, प�रयोजना अ�नवायर् रूप से पयार्वरण पर कुछ प्रभाव�
का कारण बनेगी।

�नमार्ण चरण के दौरान लगाए गए वाहन� और उपकरण� से �नकास उत्सजर्न के प�रणामस्वरूप SO2,
NO2, PM, CO और �बना जले हाइड्रोकाबर्न के स्तर म� मामल
ू � वद्
ृ �ध होती है । हालां�क, प्रभाव
प्र�तवत�, सीमांत और प्रकृ�त म� अस्थायी होगा।

रनवे क� लाइ�टंग और राडार इंस्टालेशन के कारण समुद्र के एक छोटे से �हस्से को रे क्लेम करने क�
आवश्यकता है । ZSI क� �रपोटर् के अनुसार �व�शष्ट �ेत्र म� प्रवाल नह�ं होते ह� ले�कन आस-पास के
�ेत्र� म� मौजूद होते ह�। हालां�क, अगर हवाई अड्डे के �नमार्ण के कारण प्रवाल प्रभा�वत होते ह�, तो
उन्ह� उपयुक्त �ेत्र म� दोबारा लगाया जाएगा। प्रवाल प्र�तरोपण कायर् के �लए पयार्प्त �व�ीय प्रावधान
रखे गए ह�।

1.5.3. पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र

�नमार्ण चरण के दौरान पयार्वरण के �व�भन्न �ेत्र� (जैसे हवा, पानी, �मट्ट�, जै�वक, सामािजक-आ�थर्क
वातावरण आ�द) पर प्रभाव संभा�वत ह�। प�रयोजना स्थल का वतर्मान भू-उपयोग वन श्रेणी म� आता है ।
वन से गैर वन श्रेणी म� प्रस्ता�वत �वद्युत प�रयोजना क� स्थापना के बाद भू�म उपयोग म� प�रवतर्न
होगा। साथ ह�, प्रस्ता�वत प�रयोजना से �नमार्ण अव�ध के दौरान आसपास के भ�ू म उपयोग पर कोई
प्र�तकूल प्रभाव पड़ने क� संभावना नह�ं है ।

वतर्मान नद� का पानी �मट्ट� के नक

ु सान से ठोस पदाथ� के गैर-�बंद ु �नवर्हन और साइट पर तैनात
�नमार्ण कायर् बल से उत्पन्न सीवेज के कारण प्रभा�वत हो सकता है । �नमार्ण के दौरान जल पयार्वरण
पर समग्र प्रभाव नगण्य होगा। कायर्बल द्वारा उत्पन्न सीवेज के �नपटान के �लए अस्थायी स्वच्छता
सु�वधाएं (सेिप्टक ट�क) स्था�पत क� जाएंगी।

�नमार्ण चरण के दौरान �ेत्र क� प�रवेशी वायु गण

ु व�ा को प्रभा�वत करने वाला मख्
ु य प्रदष
ू क धल
ू
होगा। प्रभाव प�रयोजना सीमा के भीतर सी�मत होगा और संयंत्र क� सीमाओं के बाहर इसके नगण्य
होने क� अपे�ा है ।

वतर्मान नद� का पानी �मट्ट� के नुकसान से ठोस पदाथ� के गैर-�बंद ु �नवर्हन और साइट पर तैनात
�नमार्ण कायर् बल से उत्पन्न सीवेज के कारण प्रभा�वत हो सकता है । �नमार्ण के दौरान जल पयार्वरण

C11-36
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

पर समग्र प्रभाव नगण्य होगा। कायर्बल द्वारा उत्पन्न सीवेज के �नपटान के �लए अस्थायी स्वच्छता
सु�वधाएं (सेिप्टक ट�क) स्था�पत क� जाएंगी।

�नमार्ण उपकरण म� शोर स्तर उच्च हो सकते ह�, जो मशीन� को संचा�लत करने वाले क�मर्य� को
प्रभा�वत कर सकते ह�। उ�चत व्यिक्तगत सुर�ा उपकरण का उपयोग �नमार्ण के दौरान काम करने
वाले श्र�मक� पर ऐसे उपकरण� द्वारा उत्पन्न शोर के �कसी भी महत्वपण
ू र् प्रभाव को कम करे गा।

पावर संयंत्र शोम्पेन बस्ती के पास है । यह स�ु निश्चत करने के �लए �क आ�दवासी �रजवर् म� मजदरू �
का कोई अ�तचार न हो, पयार्प्त संख्या म� चेक प्वाइंट उपलब्ध कराए गए ह�।

संयंत्र स्थल पर स्थानीयकृत �नमार्ण प्रभाव� के अलावा, आसपास के �ेत्र म� �मट्ट� पर कोई प्र�तकूल
प्रभाव प्रत्या�शत नह�ं है ।
�बजल� संयंत्र उत्सजर्न क� �नगरानी �नरं तर उत्सजर्न �नगरानी उपकरण� के माध्यम से क� जाएगी।

1.5.4. टाउन�शप और �ेत्र �वकास

टाउन�शप �नमार्ण चरण म� भू�म क� स्थलाकृ�त को बदलने क� �मता है जो �ेत्र के प्राकृ�तक जल
�नकासी को भी बा�धत कर सकती है । ऐसा इस�लए है क्य��क �नमार्ण ग�त�व�ध म� �मट्ट� के काम को
काटना और भरना शा�मल है । कट और �फल का काम आम तौर पर भ�ू म क� प्राकृ�तक स्थलाकृ�त को
बदल दे गा िजसके प�रणामस्वरूप भू�म और आसपास के प्राकृ�तक जल �नकासी म� व्यवधान पैदा
होगा।
साथ ह�, वाहन� क� आवाजाह� म� वद्
ृ �ध के कारण, प�रयोजना स्थल पर NOx और CO सांद्रता म�
वद्
ृ �ध होगी। हालां�क, प�रवेशी वायु म� प्रदष
ू ण के स्तर म� वद्
ृ �ध अस्थायी है और नगण्य होगी। चूं�क
अ�धकांश �नमार्ण उपकरण मोबाइल ह�गे, इस�लए उत्सजर्न के पलायक होने और एक स्थान या स्रोत
पर क��द्रत नह�ं होने क� संभावना है । चूं�क प्रभाव प्रकृ�त म� स्थानीयकृत ह�गे, प्रस्ता�वत प�रयोजना
सीमा के बाहर के �ेत्र� म� प�रवेशी वायु गुणव�ा के संबंध म� �कसी भी महत्वपूणर् प्र�तकूल प्रभाव का
सामना करने क� संभावना नह�ं है ।
�वकास क� पबेल बे नेशनल पाकर् और गैला�थया नेशनल पाकर् के बाहर प्रस्ता�वत है । एक पुराने
उष्णक�टबंधीय वषार् वन से �बजल� संयंत्र म� स्थायी प�रवतर्न के कारण, प�रयोजना 39 ha म� घने
जंगल� को ��त पहुंचाएगी। स्थल�य पा�रिस्थ�तक� और जैव �व�वधता पर प�रयोजना के प्रमुख
नकारात्मक प्रभाव घने जंगल के एक छोटे से भाग क� ��त है । तथा�प, एफसी अ�ध�नयम के अनुसार
प्र�तपरू क वनरोपण का प्रस्ताव �कया गया है ।

C11-37
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

1.6. पयार्वरण �नगरानी कायर्क्रम

�नमार्ण चरण के दौरान, DG सेट� से वायु उत्सजर्न क� समय-समय पर �नगरानी क� जाएगी। �नधार्�रत
मानक� को पूरा करने के �लए समय-समय पर DG सेट� का रखरखाव �कया जाएगा। ध्व�न उत्पन्न
करने वाले सभी �ेत्र� म� ध्व�न स्तर� क� �नगरानी क� जाएगी। प�रयोजना �ेत्र� के बाहर कोई अप�शष्ट
जल �नवर्हन नह�ं। उत्पन्न होने वाले सभी कचरे का उपचार ठोस अप�शष्ट प्रबंधन और प्रबंधन �नयम,
2016 के अनुसार �कया जाएगा।
�नमार्ण के प्रारं �भक चरण के दौरान, 10 स्थान� पर उच्च मात्रा के नमून� के माध्यम से वायु गुणव�ा
�नगरानी के अलावा दो �नरं तर वायु गुणव�ा �नगरानी स्टे शन� का सुझाव �दया गया है । CPCB
�दशा�नद� श� के अनस
ु ार सभी स्रोत उत्सजर्न और प�रवेशी वायु गण
ु व�ा क� �नगरानी क� जाएगी।
प�रयोजना के आसपास के �ेत्र� म� समय-समय पर भूजल स्तर और भूजल क� गुणव�ा क� �नगरानी
क� जाएगी। पानी और अप�शष्ट जल क� गुणव�ा (पानी क� गुणव�ा, प्रवाह और सीवेज क� गुणव�ा
आ�द) का �नय�मत आधार पर मूल्यांकन �कया जाएगा। ठोस और खतरनाक अप�शष्ट ल�ण वणर्न को
ठोस अप�शष्ट प्रबंधन और ह�ड�लंग �नयम, 2016 के अनुसार एकत्र और �नयं�त्रत �कया जाएगा।
समय-समय पर �मट्ट� क� गण
ु व�ा क� जांच क� जाएगी। शोर स्तर (उपकरण और मशीनर� शोर स्तर,
व्यावसा�यक जो�खम और प�रवेश शोर स्तर) क� �नय�मत आधार पर �नगरानी क� जाएगी।

1.7. अ�त�रक्त अध्ययन

1.7.1. जो�खम मूल्यांकन और आपदा प्रबंधन योजना

��त क� मात्रा का आकलन करने और प्रस्ता�वत एक�कृत �वकास प�रयोजनाओं के �लए सुर�ा सुधार
के �लए सझ
ु ाव दे ने के �लए जो�खम मल्
ू यांकन �कया गया है । समग्र प्रणाल� सुर�ा म� सध
ु ार और बड़ी
दघ
ु ट
र् नाओं के प्रभाव� को कम करने के �लए MCA �वश्लेषण और इंजी�नय�रंग �नणर्य� पर आधा�रत
जो�खम शमन उपाय� को शा�मल �कया गया है ।
प्रस्ता�वत ग्रीनफ�ल्ड एयरपोटर् ATF ट�क फामर् के �लए, प्र�क्रया क� प्रकृ�त, संसा�धत और संसा�धत क�
जा रह� सामग्री पर �वचार करते हुए, QRA अध्ययन आयोिजत �कए गए थे। जनता के व्यिक्तगत
जो�खम सदस्य प्र�त वषर् 10-6 के भीतर ह� जो सुर��त �ेत्र म� है । ट�क फामर् म� काम करने वाले
क�मर्य� के �लए उच्चतम व्यिक्तगत जो�खम प्र�त वषर् 3.52E-05 है जो आवश्यक मानक� के अनुसार
ALARP �ेत्र के �नचले भाग म� है । सामािजक जो�खम ALARP �ेत्र के �नचले �हस्से म� 2 घातक
घटनाओं के �लए और स्वीकायर् �ेत्र म� 3 घातक घटनाओं के �लए है । 3 से अ�धक मौत� वाल� �कसी
भी घटना क� भ�वष्यवाणी नह�ं क� गई है । इस प्रकार, GNI हवाई अड्डे पर प्रस्ता�वत एट�एफ ट�क
फामर् सु�वधा व्यिक्तगत जो�खम और सामािजक जो�खम के मानदं ड� को पूरा करती है । अंतरराष्ट्र�य
हवाई अड्डे के अंदर ट�क फामर् सु�वधा म� अिग्न सुर�ा के �लए सभी आवश्यक प्रावधान ह�गे।

C11-38
 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

LNG और डीजल पावर प्लांट के �लए QRA अध्ययन �कया गया है । अध्ययन से यह �नष्कषर्
�नकाला जा सकता है �क जनता के सदस्य� के �लए व्यिक्तगत जो�खम प्र�त वषर् 1.0E-06 से कम है
अतः यह एक स्वीकायर् स्तर पर है । पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र म� काम करने वाले क�मर्य� के �लए
व्यिक्तगत जो�खम 1.8E-05 प्र�त वषर् है जो �क ALARP �ेत्र के �नचले �हस्से म� स्वीकायर् स्तर के
बहुत नज़द�क है । सामािजक जो�खम स्वीकायर् �ेत्र म� है ।

QRA प�रणाम दशार्ते ह� �क प्रस्ता�वत LNG भंडारण और पुनग�सीकरण इकाई और भू�म आधा�रत
�वद्युत संयंत्र जो�खम मानदं ड� के अनुरूप ह�। स्थापना �डजाइन और �नमार्ण OISD और PNGRB
�दशा�नद� श� स�हत प्रासं�गक भारतीय/अंतरार्ष्ट्र�य कोड और मानक� के अनुरूप ह�। कंपनी को LNG
पावर प्लांट के �लए सुर�ा प्रबंधन प्रणाल�, इंजी�नय�रंग, �नमार्ण, संचालन और रखरखाव के �लए
सव��म प्रथाओं के उपयोग क� अपे�ा है ।
भूकंप, सुनामी, चक्रवात जैसी प्राकृ�तक आपदाओं के �लए आपदा प्रबंधन प्रणाल� को �वस्तार से तैयार
�कया गया है ।
सन
ु ामी क� घटनाओं के दौरान बाढ़ क� आशंका वाले �ेत्र� क� पहचान क� गई है और पयार्प्त �नकासी
उपाय� का सुझाव �दया गया है ।

1.8. प�रयोजना लाभ

i. आ�थर्क �वकास और रोज़गार के अवसर:

दे श क� सुर�ा से जुड़े रणनी�तक मुद्द� के अलावा, यह प�रयोजना बड़ी संख्या म� रोजगार सिृ जत करे गी।
संचालन चरण के दौरान रोजगार क� कुल संख्या लगभग 128,558 होगी। प�रयोजना के प्रारं �भक चरण�
म� कुल 17,347(2027) नौक�रयां सिृ जत क� जाएगी जो केवल प�रयोजना के संचालन को संद�भर्त करती
है । हालां�क, इस आंकड़े म� �नमार्ण चरण के दौरान उत्पन्न रोजगार, यानी �नमार्ण श्र�मक, उपकरण
ऑपरे टर, ड्राइवर, �नमार्ण प्रबंधक आ�द शा�मल नह�ं ह�, जो लगभग 7,300 है । इससे आशय है �क 2027
तक कुल 24,647 रोजगार सिृ जत ह�गे। इसके अलावा, अप्रत्य� नौक�रयां भी ह�गी जो कमर्चा�रय� और
उनके प�रवार� को प्रदान क� जाने वाल� सेवाओं से संबं�धत ह�, जैसे, दक
ु ान�, रे स्तरां, सेवा क�द्र, आ�द।

GNI के आ�थर्क �वकास से स्थानीय लोग� को फायदा होगा। ITI को प�रयोजना के प्रारं �भक चरण म�
�वक�सत �कया जाएगा ता�क स्थानीय लोग� को उन नौक�रय� के �लए प्र�श��त �कया जा सके जो
�वकास प�रयोजना के �नमार्ण और संचालन के कारण उत्पन्न ह�गी।

1.9. पयार्वरण प्रबंधन योजना (EMP)

�नमार्ण ग�त�व�धय� के प्रभाव अस्थायी ह�गे और �नमार्ण ग�त�व�धय� के पूरा होने के साथ धीरे -धीरे कम
हो जाएंगे। EIA �रपोटर् म� ईएमपी का �ववरण प्रदान �कया गया है ता�क यह सु�निश्चत �कया जा सके

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 अंतरराष्ट्र�य कंटे नर ट्रांस�शपम� ट ट�मर्नल (ICTT) के �लए पयार्वरणीय प्रभाव आकलन - ग्रेट �नकोबार द्वीप, �नकोबार िजले
म� ग्रीनफ�ल्ड अंतरराष्ट्र�य हवाई अड्डा (4000 अ�त व्यस्त समय यात्री अथार्त पीक ऑवर पैस�जसर् - PHP) स�हत 14.2
�म�लयन ट�ईयू , नगर और �ेत्र �वकास तथा 450 MVA गैस और 16610 ha, म� सौर आधा�रत पावर (शिक्त) संयंत्र।

कायर्कार� सारांश

�क EIA के अनस
ु ार शमन उपाय� को कायार्िन्वत �कया गया है । EMP म� पयार्प्त प्रबंधन संरचना और
लागत प्रदान क� गई है ।

1.9.1. पयार्वरण संर�ण के �लए बजट�य आवंटन

सभी पयार्वरणीय उपाय प�रयोजना �वकास लागत का अ�भन्न अंग ह�गे। शमन उपाय� और प�रयोजना
�नगरानी के �लए पयार्प्त लागत प्रदान क� गई है ।

1.10. �नष्कषर्

द्वीप का �वकास कई दृिष्टकोण� से अत्यावश्यक है । इनम� से सबसे महत्वपूणर् ह�; �वश्व के सबसे व्यस्त
�श�पंग मागर् से �नकटता के संदभर् म� साम�रक स्थान �हंद महासागर �ेत्र (IOR ) म� चीनी जमाव से
मक
ु ाबला, भारतीय मख्
ु य भू�म और अन्य वैिश्वक शहर� के साथ कनेिक्ट�वट� म� सध
ु ार, स्थायी पयर्टन
को बढ़ावा दे ना और स्थानीय आबाद� के सामािजक-आ�थर्क �वकास को बढ़ावा दे ना

अतः, यह �नष्कषर् �नकाला जा सकता है �क प्रदष

ू ण �नयंत्रण और शमन उपाय� के सख्त कायार्न्वयन के
साथ, उ�चत पयार्वरण प्रबंधन प्रणाल� के साथ प्रस्ता�वत एक�कृत प�रयोजना सामान्य तौर पर और
दे श�हत म� समाज के �लए लाभदायक होगी और �वशेष रूप से GNI के आ�थर्क �वकास म� योगदान दे गी।

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