New Delhi: Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has strongly criticised the Centre’s Great Nicobar Island Project, describing it as a “grave misadventure” that undermines tribal rights, legal procedures, and threatens one of India’s most fragile ecosystems.
In her op-ed titled “The Making of an Ecological Disaster in the Nicobar”, Gandhi warned that the survival of the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes is at risk. “Our commitment to future generations cannot permit this large-scale destruction of a most unique ecosystem,” she wrote, urging public awareness and action.
The Congress leader slammed the Centre’s handling of the Rs 2,72,000 crore mega-infrastructure project, alleging it endangers indigenous communities and is highly susceptible to natural disasters. She noted that the Nicobarese, displaced by the 2004 tsunami, face permanent uprooting, while the Shompen risk losing forest ecosystems and cultural integrity.
Sonia Gandhi also criticised the lack of statutory consultations, including with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and the Tribal Council of Great Nicobar, and highlighted the omission of indigenous communities from the Social Impact Assessment under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act.
Raising ecological concerns, Gandhi said that 8.5 lakh trees may be cut, with independent estimates suggesting up to 58 lakh, and criticised the compensatory afforestation plan being carried out in Haryana—far from the Nicobar ecosystem. She also noted the project violates CRZ 1A norms, threatens sea turtle nesting sites, coral reefs, and the Nicobar long-tailed macaque.
Highlighting seismic risks, Gandhi said, “The project, including the port, is in an earthquake-prone zone, jeopardising investment, infrastructure, people and ecology.” The Holistic Development of Great Nicobar project spans over 160 sq km and includes a transhipment port, international airport, township, and power plant.
Sonia Gandhi’s statement underscores the conflict between large-scale development and the preservation of ecological and tribal heritage, raising national debate over sustainable growth and indigenous rights.
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