Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Congress criticizes Great Nicobar project
The Congress party is very upset about a big project on Great Nicobar Island.
They say it's bad for the environment and that the government is not listening to concerns.
They also say that the local tribal people are being forced to give up their land.
The government, however, says the project is important for the country's development and that all necessary permissions have been obtained.
Some people are even taking the matter to court.
The project has cost Rs 92,000 crore and has undergone environmental impact assessments by various bodies.
Congress alleges the Great Nicobar project is an ecological disaster and is being pushed through without regard for concerns.
Tribal Council members claim they are being pressured to surrender their ancestral land for the project.
Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Sonia Gandhi have criticized the project, with Ramesh calling it an 'ecological disaster'.
Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav defends the project, stating all clearances were obtained and it's necessary for development.
Petitions regarding the project are being heard in the Calcutta High Court and the National Green Tribunal.
- Who
- Congress party, Tribal Council, Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav
- What
- Criticism of the Great Nicobar Island mega infrastructure project
- When
- January 24, 2024
- Where
- Great Nicobar Island, India
- Why
- Allegations of ecological disaster, coercion of tribals, and bypassing legal processes
Congress and Critics
Government
Environmental Impact
Congress and Critics
The project is an ecological disaster and is being pushed through without regard for environmental concerns.
Government
The project was approved after considering potential environmental impacts and has significant strategic, defence, and national importance.
Tribal Land Acquisition
Congress and Critics
Tribal Council members are being pressured to surrender their ancestral land for the project.
Government
No explicit statement from the government on this issue, but the project has obtained all necessary clearances.
- Project
- Great Nicobar Island mega infrastructure project
- Project Cost
- Rs 92,000 crore
- Critics
- Congress, Tribal Council, Professionals
- Government Response
- Defended project as necessary for development and obtained all clearances
- Legal Actions
- Petitions in Calcutta High Court and National Green Tribunal
- Congress Leaders Involved
- Jairam Ramesh, Sonia Gandhi
- Environmental Clearance Process
- Involves screening, scoping, public consultation, and appraisal
- Studies Conducted
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Indian Institute for Science (IISc)
