Four sites on Nicobar west coast identified for coral translocation, says Zoological Survey, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has identified four new sites on the west coast of Great Nicobar Island for the translocation of coral colonies and giant clams.
• This measure is to mitigate the environmental impact of the proposed trans-shipment port at Galathea Bay, part of the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) mega project.
• ZSI informed a biodiversity committee about these plans on November 7, with the minutes released by the Andaman and Nicobar Island Integrated Development Corporation Ltd (ANIIDCO) on June 10.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT), in its February 16 order, upheld the project's Environmental Clearance (EC), while directing the protection of coral reefs.

Great Nicobar Project.png

Detailed Insights:

• The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) mega project is a large infrastructure initiative aimed at establishing an international container trans-shipment terminal, a dual-use airport, a power plant, and a township to enhance India's strategic presence and reduce reliance on foreign trans-shipment hubs.
• ZSI plans to translocate an estimated 16,150 coral colonies from the project impact area, with systematic data collection and GPS tagging for monitoring their survival.
• A dedicated biodiversity-related committee has been formed to oversee wildlife conservation plans for endemic species such as the Nicobar Megapode, leatherback marine turtles, saltwater crocodiles, and Nicobar Macaque.
• The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) reported finding 14 leatherback turtle nests, and experts have suggested prioritizing satellite tagging of these turtles before project work begins.
• The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) has completed a pilot survey of endemic and tree-cavity nesting birds and is currently surveying Coconut Crabs in GNI.
• The project's Environmental Clearance (EC) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance include specific conditions for biodiversity mitigation and environmental management.
• ZSI will secure necessary approvals under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, before handling Schedule-I species like coral colonies and giant clams.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Coral Translocation: The process of carefully moving coral colonies from an area threatened by development to a new, suitable habitat to ensure their survival.
• Environmental Clearance (EC): A mandatory approval granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for projects that have potential environmental impacts.
• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ): Specific areas along India's coastline where developmental activities are regulated under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, to protect coastal ecosystems.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: An Act of the Parliament of India enacted for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, categorizing species into schedules with varying degrees of protection.