Great Nicobar Island

Great Nicobar Island Latest News

The Andaman and Nicobar Administration recently invited financial bids to conduct a social impact assessment for land acquisition needed to build a new arterial road under the much-debated Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project.

About Great Nicobar Island

• It is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands archipelago. 
• It is separated from the Andaman Islands by the Ten Degree Channel. 
• It covers an area of 1044 sq.km.
• It remains sparsely populated, with dense tropical rainforests covering more than 85% of its area.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
  • 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, saltwater crocodile, marine turtles and Reticulated Python are endemic and/or endangered.

Great Nicobar Island FAQs

Q1: What is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands archipelago?

Ans: Great Nicobar

Q2: Which channel separates Great Nicobar from the Andaman Islands?

Ans: Ten Degree Channel

Q3: What is the southernmost point of India, located in Great Nicobar?

Ans: Indira Point

Source: HT