TNI Bureau: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised the Centre’s Great Nicobar Development Project, alleging that more than 1.5 crore trees are being cut to benefit industrialist Gautam Adani, while causing irreversible damage to one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions.
Addressing environmental concerns linked to the project, Gandhi questioned the government’s development model and asked young Indians what kind of future they want—one that protects forests, indigenous communities and natural resources, or one that sacrifices them for commercial interests. He alleged that the project would destroy rainforests, coral reefs and tribal habitats in Great Nicobar Island, and claimed that the government was prioritising the interests of a single businessman over environmental protection.
Gandhi also rejected the Centre’s argument that the project is of strategic importance. He cited official discussions and claimed that the project was originally conceived as a commercial venture rather than a defence-related initiative. According to him, if strengthening national security is the objective, the government should instead expand the Indian Navy’s INS Baaz facility, which, he said, can be done without large-scale destruction of forests.
The Congress leader further questioned the inclusion of hotels, casinos and real-estate developments within the proposed project, arguing that such components have little connection with national security objectives. He alleged that local residents and tribal communities are being displaced and that environmental safeguards are being weakened to facilitate the project.
Highlighting the ecological impact, Gandhi warned that the destruction of ancient rainforests and large-scale tree felling would permanently damage the island’s biodiversity and fragile ecosystem. He urged citizens to join a campaign opposing the project and protecting the environment.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticised the government’s environmental record. He claimed that nearly 1.92 lakh hectares of forest land have been cleared across the country over the past eleven years and that more than 1.6 crore trees have been lost since 2014 due to various infrastructure, mining and development projects.
Kharge alleged that large-scale tree felling is taking place in several states, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Odisha and Maharashtra. He accused the government of weakening environmental protections through faster clearances and regulatory changes while continuing to project an image of environmental progress.
The Congress leadership has maintained that economic development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand. The party has called for stronger environmental safeguards, greater consultation with local communities and stricter implementation of existing laws to ensure sustainable development.
The Centre has consistently maintained that the Great Nicobar project is important for infrastructure development, connectivity and national interests, while environmental clearances have been granted after following prescribed procedures. The project, however, continues to remain a subject of political and environmental debate.
