Overview
On 29 April 2026, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Great Nicobar project at Campbell Bay in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is “one of the biggest scams and gravest crimes against the natural and tribal heritage of the country”. He warned that the scheme would involve clearing “millions of trees” over 160 sq km of rainforest, describing it as “destruction dressed in development’s language”. Gandhi said he would raise the matter in the Lok Sabha.
Key Developments
- Project scope: 160 sq km of forest land earmarked for tourism, infrastructure and strategic facilities.
- Environmental cost: Estimated loss of millions of trees, threatening endemic species and carbon‑sequestration capacity.
- Social impact: Potential displacement of indigenous communities and erosion of tribal heritage.
- Political response: Rahul Gandhi to table a motion in Parliament demanding a fresh environmental impact assessment and suspension of the project.
Important Facts
The Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost part of the archipelago, covering about 1,045 sq km. The proposed development zone of 160 sq km represents roughly 15 % of the island’s forest cover. The area hosts several protected species, including the Nicobar pigeon and giant leatherback turtles. Indigenous groups such as the Shompen and Nicobarese rely on forest resources for livelihood and cultural identity.
Exam Relevance
This episode touches upon multiple UPSC themes:
- Environment & Ecology (GS3): The clash between development projects and forest conservation, the role of environmental impact assessments, and the impact on biodiversity.
- Polity & Governance (GS2): Parliamentary oversight, the opposition’s right to raise matters, and the constitutional protection of tribal rights under the Fifth Schedule.
- Geography (GS1): Strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean Region and their vulnerability to ecological degradation.
- Ethics (GS4): Balancing economic aspirations with ethical obligations to preserve natural heritage and indigenous cultures.
Way Forward
For a sustainable resolution, the following steps are recommended:
- Commission an independent, science‑based environmental impact assessment with participation of local tribal representatives.
- Consider alternative sites or scaled‑down designs that minimize forest loss.
- Strengthen enforcement of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and the Protection of Tribal Rights Act (if any) to ensure compliance.
- Facilitate a multi‑stakeholder dialogue involving the Union Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, state authorities, and civil society.
These measures would align the project with India’s commitments to biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation, and constitutional safeguards for tribal communities.