Great Nicobar Island

Great Nicobar Island Latest News

The government recently released a detailed clarification on the Great Nicobar Project, calling it a strategic initiative to strengthen India’s presence in the Andaman Sea.

About Great Nicobar Island

• It is the largest and southernmost island of the Nicobar group in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• It is separated from the Andaman Islands by the Ten Degree Channel. 
• Geographically, the island is closer to Sumatra, Indonesia, than to mainland India, emphasizing its remote and strategic location. 
• Its coastline features over 100 kilometers of untouched beaches, renowned for their stunning coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.
• It is also home to Indira Point, India’s southernmost point, located less than 150 km from Indonesia.
• Mount Thullier, which is about 2,105 ft high, is the highest peak.
• Galathea, Alexandra, and Dagmar are the major rivers.
• It remains sparsely populated, with dense tropical rainforests covering more than 85% of its area.
• The major tribes in Great Nicobar Island are the Shompens and the Nicobarese.
• It is home to the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated site.
• Flora and Fauna:
  • 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).
  • 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, saltwater crocodile, marine turtles and Reticulated Python are endemic and/or endangered.

Source: TOI

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