However, the island’s present-day water insecurity has historical roots, and we need to examine its colonial-era ecological transformation to understand the causes of current scarcity. So, this brings us to the question: Was there stable access to water for the indigenous communities before the penal colony was established? Was there sufficient access to and availability of water during the penal colony period? These documents further confirm the prevailing water insecurity, including sanitation issues. The Great Nicobar Project is one such example of the colonial ideologies being reproduced in the islands.

Source: Indian Express March 23, 2026 04:24 UTC