Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has again raised alarms against the recently proposed Great Nicobar Development Project in which India plans for massive infrastructure development program in one of the eco-sensitive areas of the country which may be of staggering consequence. In a video posted on YouTube following his trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Rahul expressed concern over the prospect of a sprawling development in a region where nature and wildlife are plentiful, forests untouched and sea eco system is delicate.
In his visit, Rahul Gandhi met the locals, tourists and tribals of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. He pointed out that he does welcome sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism, but they are very large and important concerns due to the magnitude of the project. He said that the proposed development may drastically change the island’s ecological balance and also affect the communities of Great Nicobar which have been living for ages.
Rahul noted that it is spread across around 61 square kilometres or several times the area of the central towns and cities in India. He explained that extensive development in a natural ecology area might lead to degradation of forests, animals habitat and coastlines. He also said there may be “issues” seen with the local settlers and tribal communities in regards to land issues stemming from the project.
The Congress leader added that the post-project protection of the coral reef systems of the island was a concern as wide ranging development would have an adverse impact on marine biodiversity and also deplete the natural ability of coral reef to absorb carbon into the atmosphere. Professionals from environmental fields have also raised questions about how to balance economic development and conservation efforts in the area.
Among government’s ambitious infrastructure programmes, the Great Nicobar Project still looks bright and the only way to develop connectivity, trade and strategic potential. But it still comes under pressure from environmentalists and opposition figures demanding increased environmental protection.