Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the proposed Great Nicobar Project, calling it "one of the biggest scams and gravest crimes against the natural and tribal heritage of the country." After visiting Campbell Bay, Gandhi accused the government of sacrificing one of India's most pristine ecosystems for development.
"I travelled throughout GreatNicobartoday. These are the most extraordinary forests I have ever seen in my life. Trees older than memory. Forests that took generations to grow," Gandhi said.
He added, "The government calls what it is doing here a 'project'. What I have seen is not a project. It is millions of trees marked for the axe. It is 160 sq km of rainforest condemned to die. It is communities that have been ignored while their homes have been snatched away. This is not development. This is destruction dressed in development's language."
The project is a massive infrastructure plan near Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar. It is expected to cost between Rs 72,000 crore and Rs 92,000 crore.
The goal is to turn Great Nicobar into a major shipping and strategic hub.
The Centre says the project is vital for India's economic and strategic interests.
Great Nicobar is located close to the Malacca Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. A large portion of India's cargo currently passes through foreign ports like Colombo. The government believes the new port can reduce India's dependence on overseas hubs, strengthen national security and create over 1.28 lakh jobs.
Gandhi, environmentalists and tribal groups have raised serious concerns. The project would require clearing vast forest areas and cutting down nearly one million trees.
A section of tribal communities fears displacement, loss of livelihood and threats to the vulnerable Shompen tribe.
Titus Peter, First Captain of Pulobhabi village, warned that increased outside contact could expose the Shompen community to diseases. He also said the project could harm rare plants and animals found only on the island.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
