The discussion about how to balance the competing goals of environmental preservation and economic development has heated up following the president of India's visit to the mainly unspoiled Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The islands are located significantly closer to Southeast Asia, some 1,300 kilometers east of Sri Lanka. In order to turn a portion of the islands into what has been called a South Asian "Hong Kong," complete with an international airport, a shipping terminal, tourist attractions, a power plant, and an industrial park, the Indian government is preparing a $9 billion megaproject. While environmentalists caution that unrestricted construction will endanger the local nature and indigenous tribes, New Delhi claims this will help unleash the region's potential as a shipping hub and tourism destination.

Last week, President Droupadi Murmu made his five-day island visit to enter the fray. During an event held in Port Blair, the capital of the islands, she emphasized the importance of striking a "balance between developmental work and preservation of the environment." Furthermore, she contended that throughout the last ten years, initiatives aimed at promoting tourism on the islands have broadened the range of employment prospects available to youth.

The massive endeavor would be unprecedented in the 1,800 square kilometer islands' history. The port is one of the main focal points of India's Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, a strategic plan aimed at promoting maritime development in the years leading up to the nation's 100th anniversary of independence. According to government officials, the terminal's natural water depth of more than 20 meters would make it ideal for the biggest containerships and spur economic growth in the area.