GEOGRAPHY OF ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, spanning from 6° 45′ N to 13° 45′ N, consist of around 265 islands, covering a distance of about 590 km in the Bay of Bengal.
• They are divided into three main groups: North, Middle, and South, with notable features like Duncan Passage and the Ten Degree Channel.

Landmarks and Geography:

• Key landmarks include the Grand Channel and Coco Strait, with Port Blair as the capital in South Andaman.
• Great Nicobar is the largest Nicobar island, while Car Nicobar is the northernmost.

Natural Features:

• Comprising sandstone, limestone, and shale on volcanic bases, the islands resemble the Himalayas. Barren and Narcondam Islands feature active volcanoes, unique in India.

Climate and Ecology:

• The region experiences a tropical marine climate, with dense rainforests and mangrove forests. Saddle Peak in North Andaman is the highest point, and unique fauna includes the Giant Robber Crab.

Cultural and Environmental Significance:

• Sparse population and earthquake vulnerability characterize the islands, known as the Emerald Islands with cultural value attributed to the Sentinelese people.
• The dugong, an endemic sea mammal, is the state animal. Ritchie’s Archipelago includes Neil Island, Havelock Island (renamed Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep), and Ross Island (now Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep)

WHAT IS THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS?

• Strategic Location:
  • Situated 700 nautical miles southeast of the Indian mainland, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically positioned.
  • The Malacca Strait, vital for connecting the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, is within a day’s steaming from Port Blair.
  • Nearby points include Sabang in Indonesia (90 nautical miles from Great Nicobar) and Coco Island in Myanmar (18 nautical miles from northernmost Andamans). The potential Kra Canal in Thailand could also impact regional dynamics.
• Maritime Zone and UNCLOS: The islands share maritime borders with Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, granting India substantial ocean space under UNCLOS, including exclusive economic zones and continental shelf rights.
• Security Challenges:
  • Chinese maritime forces’ build-up in key choke points of the Indo-Pacific poses a foreseeable challenge.
  • The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are crucial for countering any Eastward threats to India’s maritime security.
• Military Response:
  • The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) was established as a tri-services command in 2001 to leverage this strategic advantage.
  • However, subsequent efforts to enhance security measures have been deemed inadequate.

 WHY HAS THE PACE OF DEVELOPING STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE IN A&N BEEN SLOW?

• Delayed Realization of Strategic Importance: Political decision-makers only recently recognized the islands’ strategic significance, driven partly by the PLA Navy’s expansion.
• Challenges in Infrastructure Development: Distance from the mainland and infrastructural complexities have led to project delays and stalling.
• Environmental Clearance Hurdles: Obtaining environmental clearances, even for small projects, has been hindered by complex procedures and conservation regulations.
• Coordination Challenges: Developing strategic infrastructure involves multiple ministries and agencies, posing coordination difficulties.
• Short-term Political Gains vs. Long-term Strategy: The conflict between immediate political benefits and long-term strategic vision has often prioritized short-term gains, slowing down infrastructure development.

WHAT SHOULD STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THESE ISLANDS FOCUS ON?Top of Form

• Surveillance and Security: Focus on comprehensive surveillance of all 836 islands, ensuring security against occupation or unlawful activities.
• Naval Deterrence: Develop a strong deterrent against potential naval threats from the East.
• Maritime Economy Infrastructure: Build infrastructure on strategically located southern islands to boost India’s maritime economy, especially along major shipping lanes.
• Improved Transportation: Enhance travel infrastructure for rapid movement of people and goods, crucial for development and tourism potential.
• Reduced Dependence on Mainland: Reduce reliance on mainland support for food and essential services, promoting self-sufficiency and local industry development.

WHAT KIND OF INFRASTRUCTURE SHOULD BE PRIORITISED ON THE ISLANDS?Top of Form

• Airfields and Surveillance Infrastructure: Prioritize separate airfields with long runways capable of handling Boeing 737-sized aircraft for effective aerial surveillance and patrols over the vast sea area.
• Ports and Fuel Storage Facilities: Build ports and fuel storage facilities in both northern and southern island groups to facilitate operational turnaround for ships without returning to Port Blair.
• Military Assets Deployment: Deploy the right mix of Army, Navy, and Air Force assets at the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) to ensure adequate presence for island security, including surveillance and fighter aircraft.
• Maritime Services Development: Expedite the development of Galathea Bay transhipment port and enhance maritime services for repair and logistics, catering to international and Indian shipping needs.
• Transportation Infrastructure: Develop road networks, high-speed inter-island ferry services, and a seaplane terminal to improve connectivity within the islands.
• International Expertise and Material Sourcing: Enhance development pace by sourcing suitable materials and utilizing international expertise in marine infrastructure construction, focusing on durability against weather and seismic shocks.
• Streamlined Clearances and Concessions: Streamline forest and environmental clearances to reduce red tape and extend concessions for defence infrastructure development similar to those along India’s northern borders to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Planned Habitation and Eco-friendly Initiatives: Consider planned habitation of uninhabited islands with incentives like free or subsidised land to encourage eco-friendly entrepreneurial efforts.
• Leveraging International Arrangements: Explore leveraging international arrangements such as the Quad and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) to catalyse development efforts on the islands, leveraging resources and expertise from partner countries.