Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Great Nicobar Project

Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader of the India — Indian National Congress and Leader of the Opposition in the India — Lok Sabha, has intensified his criticism of the Great Nicobar project, labeling it 'one of the biggest scams and gravest crimes against this country's natural and tribal heritage.' During his visit to India — Great Nicobar Island, he met with tribal leaders protesting the project and observed the environmental impact, including the proposed felling of millions of trees across 160 sq km of rainforest. Gandhi pledged to raise these concerns in Parliament, highlighting issues of lack of transparency, environmental risks, and neglect of tribal rights. The India — Indian National Congress, through its General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh, has further detailed these concerns, questioning the environmental clearance process, the compensatory afforestation plan, and the financial viability of the project. The party alleges that the government is overlooking grave ecological, tribal, financial, and transparency issues, and that classifications have been altered to facilitate port construction in ecologically fragile zones like Galathea Bay, a nesting ground for the endangered Leatherback sea turtle. The Centre, however, maintains that the Rs 81,000 crore project, which includes a transhipment terminal, power plant, and township, is vital for India's economic and strategic interests, aiming to boost maritime trade, connectivity, and security.