Rahul Gandhi slams Great Nicobar project, calls it ‘Grave Crime’
Rahul Gandhi flags forest loss and tribal concerns
Great Nicobar | Desk: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has launched a scathing attack on the Central Government's 'Great Nicobar Island Development Project,' terming it a "grave crime" and a "major scam" against the country's natural and tribal heritage. In a social media post following his visit to the archipelago, Gandhi stated that what the government is labeling as 'development' is, in reality, the sacrifice of millions of trees and the destruction of the environment.
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi met with tribal communities and residents, listening to their concerns.
He alleged that for the sake of this ₹81,000 crore project, 160 square kilometers of rainforests are being destroyed, and the rights of local communities are being trampled upon.
He emphasized that, rather than prioritizing corporate interests in the name of development, the protection of local people and the environment should take precedence.
On the other hand, the Central Government argues that this project is of paramount importance to India's geo-strategic interests in terms of maritime trade, connectivity, and national security.
