INS Baaz, Great Nicobar & Strategic Significance of the Six Degree Channel

Описание: The proposed ₹13,000 crore dual-use airport at Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar has reignited debate over balancing strategic infrastructure with environmental conservation. While the government cites limitations in expanding INS Baaz, concerns remain over forest clearance and its impact on the vulnerable Shompen tribe.

Topics Covered

✔️ INS Baaz
✔️ Great Nicobar Island
✔️ Six Degree Channel (Great Channel)
✔️ Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC)
✔️ Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
✔️ Strategic Importance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
✔️ Shompen Tribe
✔️ Infrastructure vs Environment Debate

Why This Is Important for UPSC Prelims

Location of INS Baaz and Great Nicobar Island.
Six Degree Channel and its geographical significance.
Features of the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
Map-based questions on islands and maritime chokepoints.

Why This Is Important for UPSC Mains

Important for GS Paper III (Internal Security).
Links maritime security, strategic geography, and environmental conservation.
Useful for discussing development versus tribal and ecological protection.

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About INS Baaz

Commissioned in 2012.
Southernmost air station of the Indian Armed Forces.
Located at Campbell Bay on Great Nicobar Island.
Situated near Indira Point, India’s southernmost point.
Operates under the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
Supports Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through aircraft and UAV surveillance.
Often called India’s “window into East and Southeast Asia.”

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Six Degree Channel (Great Channel)

Located near 6° North Latitude.
Separates Great Nicobar Island from Aceh Province.
Forms an important international maritime route.
Holds strategic importance for monitoring naval and commercial shipping movements.

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Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC)

Established in 2001.
India’s first and only tri-service command.
Headquarters at Port Blair.
Integrates Army, Navy, and Air Force operations.
Protects India’s interests near the Strait of Malacca and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Provides logistical support to Indian naval deployments in East Asia and the Pacific.

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Why Great Nicobar Matters

Strategic location near major international sea lanes.
Enhances India’s maritime surveillance capability.
Critical for Indo-Pacific security and regional connectivity.
Home to ecologically sensitive forests and the vulnerable Shompen tribe.

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Key Issue: Development vs Conservation

Proposed Galathea Bay airport aims to strengthen connectivity and security.
Large-scale forest diversion may threaten biodiversity.
Raises concerns regarding the habitat and livelihood of the Shompen community.
Highlights the challenge of balancing strategic infrastructure with environmental and tribal protection.

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In This Article You Will Understand

✔️ The strategic importance of INS Baaz and Great Nicobar Island.
✔️ The geographical significance of the Six Degree Channel.
✔️ The role of the Andaman and Nicobar Command in India’s maritime security.
✔️ The environmental and tribal concerns surrounding the Galathea Bay airport project.

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