NEW DELHI: Government on Friday released a detailed clarification on the Great Nicobar Project, calling it a strategic initiative to strengthen India’s presence in the Andaman Sea. It said the project sought to “balance port-led growth with calibrated environmental safeguards” while keeping protection of indigenous communities at the core of its overall planning.The clarification, in the form of an FAQ, came after leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday slammed the Rs 81,000 crore initiative, describing it as a serious threat to both the environment and indigenous communities.Govt said the project was of “strategic, defence, and national importance, undertaken after due diligence and careful consideration”.“The project will substantially strengthen India’s presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia, enhance maritime and defence capabilities, and integrate the island with global trade and logistics networks. It will also establish a major international transshipment terminal,” it said.Govt said the potential ecological impacts of the project had been comprehensively identified and assessed, and were being managed through a robust environmental impact assessment process.On protecting tribal communities, govt said, “All statutory procedures and policy safeguards… have been duly complied with… Necessary consultations were undertaken with competent authorities and domain experts… in line with the Jarawa Policy, 2004 and Shompen Policy, 2015. The Empowered Committee… has categorically ensured that the interests of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups… will not be adversely affected.”Govt added, “The project has also secured a no objection certificate from the ministry of tribal affairs, with due adherence to the Forest Rights Act, 2006.”