Great Nicobar Project Sparks Ecological and Tribal Rights Controversy

The Congress party has raised serious concerns regarding the Great Nicobar project, highlighting issues related to ecology, tribal rights, and transparency. The opposition insists these elements warrant a thorough debate in parliament, particularly after Rahul Gandhi's impactful visit to the region.

In a statement, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the Modi government of implementing damage control tactics rather than addressing genuine issues raised by local communities and environmental experts. He criticized the government's press note for failing to address crucial concerns and called it misleading.

Ramesh emphasized the ecological significance of the Great Nicobar region, pointing out the potential impact on unique ecosystems and indigenous communities. He also highlighted the lack of transparency in the project's approval process and flagged security concerns previously raised by respected military figures.

(With inputs from agencies.)