‘Biggest Scam Against Natural Heritage’: Rahul Gandhi Targets Centre Over Great Nicobar Project

Last Updated:April 29, 2026, 14:11 IST

In a post on X after visiting the island, the Raebareli MP raised concerns over the impact of the project on forests and indigenous populations.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday criticised the Centre’s development push in Great Nicobar, alleging environmental damage and displacement of local communities, and called the initiative one of the “biggest scams" against the country’s natural and tribal heritage.

In a post on X after visiting the island, the Raebareli MP raised concerns over the impact of the project on forests and indigenous populations.

“I travelled through Great Nicobar today. These are the most extraordinary forests I have ever seen in my life. Trees older than memory. Forests that took generations to grow. The people on this island are equally beautiful – both the adivasi communities and the settlers – but they are being robbed of what is rightfully theirs," Gandhi wrote.

Flags Environmental Concerns

Gandhi alleged that the project would lead to large-scale deforestation and ecological loss. “The government calls what it is doing here a ‘Project.’ What I have seen is not a project. It is millions of trees marked for the axe. It is 160 square kilometres of rainforest condemned to die. It is communities that have been ignored while their homes have been snatched away," he said.

He further described the initiative as “destruction dressed in development’s language," reiterating his opposition. “This is not development. This is destruction dressed in development’s language," he added.

‘Must Be Stopped’

The Congress leader said the project represents a serious threat to the country’s natural and tribal heritage. “So I will say it plainly, and I will keep saying it: what is being done in Great Nicobar is one of the biggest scams and gravest crimes against this country’s natural and tribal heritage in our lifetime," Gandhi said. “It must be stopped. And it can be stopped – if Indians choose to see what I have seen," he added.

Govt Defends Project

The government has maintained that the Great Nicobar development project is aimed at boosting infrastructure, connectivity and economic growth in the strategically important island region. It has also said the initiative will strengthen India’s maritime security while promoting tourism and economic activity.

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