Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has voiced strong opposition to the Great Nicobar Project, warning of its potential to cause irreversible ecological damage in one of India's most pristine regions. During a recent visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he expressed concern over the impact of the project, which covers 61 square kilometers, on local ecosystems and tribal communities. Gandhi emphasized that sustainable tourism should be prioritized over development that harms the environment. He criticized the government's handling of the project, claiming that it violates the Forest Rights Act and fails to adequately consult affected tribal populations. Gandhi likened the destruction of coral reefs in Nicobar to the loss of significant wildlife conservation efforts, arguing that economic benefits should not come at the cost of irreplaceable natural resources. The government defends the project as a means to enhance national security and reduce reliance on foreign transhipment hubs, but Gandhi insists that the real motivation is profit for private developers. He advocates for a vision of the islands as a sustainable destination, urging that the ecological integrity of the region be preserved.