Jairam Ramesh Seeks Great Nicobar Airport Rethink
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to reconsider the proposed Great Nicobar airport plan, citing environmental risks to the island’s pristine forests. He has suggested expanding the existing INS Baaz runway instead of building a new airport.
Great Nicobar Airport Concerns
Ramesh said the proposed airport and wider infrastructure plan could cause serious damage to Great Nicobar’s ecologically sensitive forests. He argued that the island’s biodiversity, tribal communities and fragile natural systems must be protected while planning strategic infrastructure.
The Great Nicobar project includes a transshipment port, airport, power plant and township. It has been projected as important for India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region.
INS Baaz Runway Expansion
Ramesh urged the Defence Minister to consider expanding INS Baaz, the existing military airstrip at Campbell Bay. He said upgrading the current runway would meet defence needs with lower ecological damage compared to building an entirely new airport.
INS Baaz has been operational since 2012 and plays a key role in India’s security posture near important sea routes. Ramesh said strengthening existing defence infrastructure should be prioritised over large-scale construction in forested areas.
Jairam Ramesh Letter To Rajnath Singh
In his letter, Ramesh said there was no disagreement over the need to strengthen India’s defence capabilities. However, he questioned whether commercial components of the Great Nicobar plan were being justified in the name of national security.
The Congress leader has asked the government to reassess the project and examine alternatives that balance strategic requirements with environmental protection. The issue is likely to continue drawing political and ecological scrutiny.
