Political Row Over Great Nicobar Project

The central government’s proposed ₹81,000 crore mega development project in Great Nicobar has triggered a major political controversy in the country. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized the project, alleging that it could destroy dense forests and endanger the indigenous Shompen tribal community. He accused the government of prioritizing development over environmental protection under the slogan “Green Over Greed”.

Amid growing criticism, the government has revised key components of the project. The Defence Ministry has dropped the earlier proposal to expand the INS Baaz airfield. Instead, it has decided to construct a new ₹13,000 crore greenfield civil-military airport near Chingen village in the southeastern coast of Great Nicobar Island.

Officials stated that the new airport will serve both military and civilian purposes, including future tourism and trade development. Studies found that expanding the existing runway at Campbell Bay is not feasible due to geographical constraints. The new location is also considered to have lower environmental impact while strengthening India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region.