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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: In a reaction to Congress LOP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi\u2019s opposition to the Greater Nicobar project , former IAF chief Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria (retd) has said that the project is \u201cimportant for India\u2019s military footprint\u201d in the area.Several defence veterans who have also voiced their support in favour of the island project.ACM Bhadauria (retd) has dismissed Congress\u2019s criticism as misplaced and highlighted that the project is critically important for India’s national security, economic growth and military foothold. He emphasised its strategic location for monitoring the Malacca Strait, another chokepoint after Hormuz, in order to keep a check on China. Roughly, 80% of China’s oil imports and a significant portion of its overall cargo pass through this narrow waterway (Malacca Strait).With China\u2019s increasing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region, India needs to have a strong economic and military base in the Great Nicobar island.The Rs 92,000-crore Great Nicobar mega-infrastructure project comprises key infrastructure development such as a transshipment terminal, greenfield international airport, township, and power facilities, with limited forest diversion, compensatory afforestation, and no proposed displacement of indigenous communities.Bhadauria\u2019s remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Great Nicobar project at Campbell Bay was \u201cone of the biggest scams and gravest crimes against the natural and tribal heritage of the country\u201d.A bench of the National Green Tribunal on Feb 16 this year had cleared the way for the Great Nicobar project, noting that \u201cconsidering the strategic importance\u201d of it and \u201cother relevant considerations\u201d, \u201cwe do not find any good ground to interfere\u201d. It had disposed of applications related to the environment clearance (EC) for the project, with a direction to authorities \u201cto ensure full and strict compliance of EC conditions\u201d.Reacting to the opposition to the project, ACM Bhadauria (retd) said, \u201cIt is crucial to understand this from a strategic perspective, specially in light of recent events, such as the ongoing conflict (in West Asia) and developments in the Strait of Hormuz.Strategically, it is crucial to understand that this project will provide us with the capability to position ourselves just 150 km away from the Strait of Malacca. Our overall domain awareness, both in the air and maritime spheres, will receive a significant boost.\u201dGiving an example of the Gulf crisis, Major General (Retd.) G S Rawat recently said, \u201cWe need to look at this (project) from an operational and strategic perspective, including its geographic alignment and maritime positioning. Recent global developments have shown how tactical choke points can be exploited, as seen around the Strait of Hormuz.Similarly, the Strait of Malacca holds even greater significance in terms of global trade and maritime movement… From an operational standpoint, controlling or having a strong presence near such routes enhances strategic leverage, surveillance capability and maritime security. This is where the importance of the Great Nicobar Project lies, as it strengthens India\u2019s position in monitoring and responding to developments across these critical sea lanes.\u201dAir Vice Marshal P K Srivastava (Retd) said, \u201cWhenever the govt of India undertakes a project, it consults a wide range of expert advisors from different fields. Every project is prepared after taking opinions from specialists and conducting proper on-ground surveys of the area.Such projects are not designed sitting in Delhi alone\u2014teams visit the site and assess all aspects.Any potential concerns or issues related to the Great Nicobar Island project would have already been carefully considered during the planning process.\u201dCalling the project a major strategic and economic win for the country, Maj Gen Sinha (Retd) said, \u201cIn the maritime domain, the Great Nicobar project has created a stir in the country. Some people do not want the country to emerge in the world.\u201dCautioning about China\u2019s moves, Lt Gen (Retd.) Rajeev Chaudhry, former DG of the Border Roads Organisation said, \u201cIf opposition leads to delays in the project\u2014especially through international pressure citing environmental concerns\u2014it can benefit China. Beijing is wary of such a project at Great Nicobar Island because it would enhance India\u2019s surveillance over maritime trade and military movements in the region...China\u2019s \u2018String of Pearls\u2019 strategy\u2014through ports like Gwadar Port, Hambantota Port and Kyaukpyu Port\u2014would be countered by a strong strategic and economic hub at Campbell Bay and Galathea Bay… Such opposition or negative narratives can inadvertently align with Chinese interests. This is an essential project that ideally should have been implemented much earlier.\u201d<\/div>\n