Rahul Gandhi Targets Great Nicobar Project, Raises Environmental and Tribal Concerns

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticised the Centre’s ambitious infrastructure plan in Great Nicobar Island, calling it a serious threat to the region’s ecology and tribal heritage.

During his visit to the island, Gandhi expressed concern over the scale of the proposed development, arguing that it could lead to irreversible environmental damage. He warned that vast stretches of pristine rainforest may be lost and that local communities could face displacement without adequate consultation.

The project, estimated at around ₹81,000 crore, aims to transform the southern tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands into a major transshipment and logistics hub. Supporters say it could enhance India’s maritime strength and economic footprint, given its proximity to the strategically vital Strait of Malacca.

However, Gandhi described the initiative as development at the cost of nature, stating that the ecological richness of the island and the rights of indigenous groups must not be compromised. He emphasised that forests built over centuries and communities with deep-rooted cultural ties to the land are at risk.

The controversy also involves regulatory approvals, including clearance by the National Green Tribunal, which has drawn criticism from opposition leaders. The Congress party has consistently questioned the planning and execution of the project, calling for a reassessment.

Earlier, Sonia Gandhi had also voiced reservations, urging the government to reconsider the scale and approach of the development, citing ecological sensitivity and the presence of indigenous tribes in the region.

While critics highlight environmental and social concerns, several experts argue that the project could bring economic opportunities, boost trade routes, and strengthen India’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific—especially amid growing competition with China in the region.

The debate around the Great Nicobar project continues to intensify, balancing national security and economic ambitions against environmental preservation and indigenous rights.