Rahul Gandhi criticizes the Great Nicobar development project, claiming it prioritizes commercial interests over ecology and local communities, suggesting expansion of INS Baaz instead.
The Indian government released a detailed FAQ on Friday defending the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project as a strategic initiative to strengthen India's presence in the Andaman Sea. The clarification came after Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the project as a threat to the environment and indigenous communities. The government stated the project is of strategic, defence, and national importance, will establish an international transshipment terminal, and claimed all statutory procedures including the Jarawa Policy, Shompen Policy, and Forest Rights Act have been complied with.
The government has clarified the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project, emphasizing its strategic importance for India's presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia. Officials stated that environmental safeguards and the protection of indigenous communities are core to the planning, with all statutory procedures and consultations meticulously followed to ensure no adverse impact on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar project at Campbell Bay in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, calling it one of the biggest scams and gravest crimes against the country's natural and tribal heritage. The project involves cutting millions of trees on 160 sq km of rainforest to build a transhipment terminal, power plant and township. Gandhi met tribal leaders opposing the project, with communities alleging lack of transparency, environmental risks and neglect of tribal rights.
