Bhargav Valluru, Congress party's in-charge for Vijayawada, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed transshipment port project in Great Nicobar, which is estimated to cost ₹92,000 crore (approximately $11 billion USD). Valluru emphasized the potential environmental damage, alleging that the project could result in the cutting down of over one million trees. He also criticized the lack of public consent regarding the initiative, which is associated with the Adani Group, a major Indian multinational conglomerate. The concerns were amplified following a recent visit by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to the island, during which he highlighted the ecological implications of the project. Valluru's statements reflect growing apprehension among environmentalists and local communities regarding large-scale infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive areas.