Indira Point: Lighthouse Protection Project

UPSC Syllabus Mapping

• GS Paper: GS-I & GS-III
• Subject: Geography, Infrastructure & Environment
• Syllabus Pointers: Coastal infrastructure, island development, maritime security, disaster management and environmental conservation. Prepare with our comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Hub.

Recent developments regarding Indira Point focus on a proposal by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to strengthen the historic lighthouse, improve coastal protection and develop tourism infrastructure at India’s southernmost point on Great Nicobar Island.

Key Dimensions of Indira Point

Indira Point is located on Great Nicobar Island, south of Galathea Bay, overlooking the strategic Strait of Malacca. It serves as an important navigational aid for international shipping and holds significant strategic value for India’s maritime interests.

Originally known as Pygmalion Point, it was renamed Indira Point in 1985 after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The lighthouse, commissioned in 1972, is approximately 35 metres high and remains an iconic maritime landmark.

Why the Protection Project Matters

The proposal includes strengthening the lighthouse foundation, constructing shore protection works and breakwaters, improving access roads, developing staff facilities and creating tourism infrastructure such as a museum, viewing tower, cafeteria, cycling tracks and eco-tourism amenities.

These measures are intended to protect the structure from continuous wave action, coastal erosion and corrosion while improving navigation near the proposed Galathea Bay transshipment port.

Geographical and Strategic Importance

Great Nicobar Island occupies a strategic position close to the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints connecting the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. A substantial share of global trade and energy shipments passes through this route, making the region crucial for maritime security.

The island also strengthens India’s presence in the eastern Indian Ocean and supports maritime domain awareness, disaster response and regional connectivity.

Environmental Concerns

The project falls within ecologically sensitive areas governed by the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Notification, 2019. Development activities require environmental clearance because Great Nicobar contains fragile coastal ecosystems, mangroves, coral reefs, nesting beaches and rich marine biodiversity.

Following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, parts of Great Nicobar experienced land subsidence, causing Indira Point to sink by over two metres relative to sea level. This has increased vulnerability to erosion and storm surges. For background, see global developmental tracking frameworks.

UPSC Value Addition

• Location: Southernmost point of India on Great Nicobar Island.
• Nearby Feature: Galathea Bay, proposed international transshipment port.
• Relevant Law: Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Notification, 2019.

Way Forward

Infrastructure development at Indira Point should balance strategic requirements with ecological conservation. Scientific coastal engineering, disaster resilience and strict environmental safeguards are essential for sustainable island development. Responsible eco-tourism can improve local livelihoods while preserving Great Nicobar’s unique biodiversity.

Prelims Practice Corner

Q1. Indira Point is located on which island?

• (a) Car Nicobar
• (b) Little Andaman
• (c) Great Nicobar
• (d) Havelock Island

Answer: (c) Indira Point is situated on Great Nicobar Island and is the southernmost point of India.

Q2. The Strait of Malacca connects:

• (a) Arabian Sea and Red Sea
• (b) Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea
• (c) Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean
• (d) Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean

Answer: (c) The Strait of Malacca is a major maritime chokepoint linking the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean through the South China Sea.

Mains Practice Question

“Indira Point represents the convergence of strategic maritime interests, coastal infrastructure and environmental conservation.” Discuss in the context of India’s island development strategy. (150 Words, 10 Marks)