Jairam Ramesh Calls Centre’s Great Nicobar Project Justification ‘Damage Control Spin’
Congress questions strategic rationale behind controversial island development project.
The Congress on Friday intensified its opposition to the proposed Great Nicobar Island development project, alleging that the Centre is attempting to justify an environmentally damaging venture by portraying it as strategically important. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed that the government's recent emphasis on the project's strategic significance amounts to a “damage control” exercise aimed at deflecting criticism over its potential ecological impact. He argued that the project threatens one of India's most environmentally sensitive regions and should not proceed in its current form.
Ramesh, a former Union environment minister, cited decisions and documents related to the project to support his criticism. According to him, the Public Investment Board, a Finance Ministry body, had concluded on August 8, 2024, that the project lacked clear strategic objectives. He alleged that despite this assessment, the Ministry of Defence later notified the project as a strategic initiative in August 2025, a move he described as inconsistent with earlier evaluations. He claimed that the strategic justification appeared to rely primarily on the island's location rather than detailed national security considerations.
The Congress leader also raised concerns regarding the project's ownership and implementation structure. Referring to decisions taken in early 2025, Ramesh said provisions requiring majority Indian ownership and proposals for a joint venture model supported by Viability Gap Funding could facilitate greater private-sector participation. He alleged that the framework could benefit select corporate interests and transform the area through large-scale commercial development, including tourism-related infrastructure. The government has not publicly responded to these specific allegations.
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Calling the initiative a commercial rather than a strategic project, Ramesh accused the government of prioritizing business interests over environmental protection. He reiterated concerns that the development could adversely affect the island's rainforests and biodiversity. The Congress leader further claimed that environmental and forest clearances granted to the project were based on inadequate grounds, an allegation that has been repeatedly raised by environmental activists and opposition parties in recent months.
The Great Nicobar project has generated significant debate due to its scale and the ecological sensitivity of the region. Supporters argue that infrastructure development on the island could improve connectivity, strengthen economic opportunities and enhance India's presence in the strategically important Indian Ocean region. Critics, however, contend that large-scale construction could have irreversible consequences for fragile ecosystems, wildlife habitats and indigenous communities residing in the area.
Marking World Environment Day, Ramesh urged citizens to support a petition launched by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi opposing the project. Framing the issue as a choice between environmental conservation and commercial expansion, he called on the public to endorse the campaign under the slogan “Green Over Greed.” The controversy is expected to remain a key point of political and environmental debate as discussions over the future of the Great Nicobar development project continue.
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