After Rahul Gandhi’s attack, government defends Great Nicobar project

The government released a detailed clarification on the Great Nicobar Project in the form of an FAQ. It described the project as a strategic initiative to strengthen India’s presence in the Andaman Sea, stating it will balance port-led growth with calibrated environmental safeguards while keeping protection of indigenous communities at the core. It asserted the project will substantially strengthen India’s presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia, enhance maritime and defence capabilities, and integrate the island with global trade and logistics networks, including the establishment of a major international transshipment terminal. The government noted that potential ecological impacts have been comprehensively identified and are being managed through a robust environmental impact assessment process. It also stated that consultations were undertaken with competent authorities and domain experts under the Jarawa Policy (2004) and Shompen Policy (2015), ensuring the interests of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups will not be adversely affected. The project reportedly secured a no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, with due adherence to the Forest Rights Act (2006).

Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, slammed the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project, describing it as a serious threat to both the environment and indigenous communities.