Rahul Gandhi Slams Great Nicobar Project, Calls It Threat to Environment and Tribal Heritage

New Delhi, April 2026 : Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a strong critique of the Centre’s ambitious Great Nicobar Island development project, terming it a major threat to the country’s ecological wealth and indigenous communities.

After visiting Great Nicobar Island, the Congress leader described the initiative as “one of the biggest scams and gravest crimes” against India’s natural and tribal heritage. Sharing his observations on social media, Gandhi expressed deep concern over the environmental impact of the proposed project, highlighting the island’s pristine rainforests and unique biodiversity.

He said the forests on the island were among the most extraordinary he had ever seen, with ancient trees and ecosystems that had taken generations to develop. Alongside the natural landscape, he also spoke about the local communities, including indigenous groups and settlers, calling them an integral part of the island’s identity. According to him, these communities now face displacement and loss of livelihood due to the proposed infrastructure push.

Gandhi criticised the government’s portrayal of the project as development, arguing that what he witnessed was widespread deforestation and ecological destruction. He claimed that vast stretches of rainforest—estimated at around 160 square kilometres—were at risk, with millions of trees marked for clearance. He further alleged that the voices of local residents had been overlooked in the planning process, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

Calling for urgent intervention, Gandhi urged citizens to take note of the situation and demand a reassessment of the project. He maintained that development should not come at the cost of environmental sustainability and the rights of indigenous populations.

During his visit earlier in the week, Gandhi interacted with members of the Nicobarese community at Rajiv Nagar in Campbell Bay. Local leaders reportedly raised apprehensions regarding the Rs 92,000 crore mega infrastructure project, citing fears of displacement and ecological imbalance.

Addressing the gathering, Gandhi emphasised that he had come to listen and understand their concerns firsthand. He assured them that he would continue to raise the issue at appropriate forums and support their cause.

The visit follows his earlier meeting with tribal representatives, where he had pledged to bring their concerns to national attention. His remarks have added a political dimension to the ongoing debate over balancing development with environmental conservation in ecologically sensitive regions.