The project may require the diversion of approximately 1.82% of the island’s forest cover. However, the government has proposed compensatory afforestation over 97.30 sq. km, which is more than the area proposed for forest diversion, even when considering the entire Great Nicobar Island as fully forested.

 

In an article published in The Hindu on 10 September 2025, Sonia Gandhi opposed the project, describing it as a “grave misadventure” that tramples upon tribal rights and threatens the island’s unique flora and fauna ecosystems. More recently, Rahul Gandhi visited Great Nicobar Island in April 2026 and described the project as “one of the biggest scams and gravest crimes against this country’s natural and tribal heritage in our lifetime.” Reports have also suggested that China is concerned about the strategic implications of the project.

 

Environmental concerns should always be taken into account in any development project. Development and environmental protection should not be viewed as mutually exclusive issues. Accordingly, development projects should not automatically be considered detrimental to the environment and ecology, provided that adequate measures are taken in advance to address potential environmental impacts.

 

Therefore, the Government of India should proceed with the Great Nicobar Project while ensuring that all environmental concerns are properly addressed. The project is of significant economic and strategic importance to India.