Congress Leader Criticizes Modi Government's Development Plans in Great Nicobar Islands
Congress Leader's Strong Critique
On Friday, senior Congress leader and MP Jairam Ramesh launched a fierce critique of the Modi administration regarding ambitious development initiatives in the Great Nicobar Islands. He claimed that aggressive infrastructure development in this ecologically sensitive area would heighten climate risks, jeopardize public health, and marginalize local communities. Speaking to a news outlet, Ramesh questioned the rationale behind approving large-scale projects in fragile regions, asserting that development is being pursued at the expense of environmental sustainability and the welfare of the populace.
Concerns Over Public Health and Environmental Impact
Ramesh expressed concerns about why the Modi government is promoting projects that exacerbate natural disasters and diminish oxygen levels, questioning who truly benefits from such initiatives. He accused the central government of prioritizing ease of doing business over environmental conservation. Ramesh stated, "I fail to understand why the Modi government is destroying the ease of breathing and living in the name of facilitating business. Interfering with nature leads to consequences like those we have witnessed in tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, and landslides." He characterized the government's approach to environmental issues as extremely insensitive, highlighting a significant gap between the Prime Minister's words and actions regarding climate and ecology.
Environmental Disasters Linked to Government Actions
Ramesh noted that there is no shortage of environmental disasters attributed to the Modi government. Recently, the Supreme Court halted the definition of the Aravalli hills, which he described as a disaster created by the government that has, fortunately, been averted for now. However, he warned that another major environmental disaster is unfolding in the Great Nicobar Islands, part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, due to government actions.
Ongoing Advocacy for Environmental Protection
He further mentioned that for the past year, he has been writing to the Environment Minister and raising this issue multiple times in Parliament. Ramesh highlighted plans for an airport, a port, and an eco-tourism center in the region, warning that these developments would lead to significant environmental degradation. He estimated that millions of acres of forest would be cleared, resulting in the loss of countless trees and severe harm to biodiversity. Local communities, particularly indigenous people, would be displaced. Despite the village council's opposition to these projects, the Modi government is reportedly pushing ahead with the Great Nicobar infrastructure project.
Government's New Airport Initiative
Ramesh's comments come at a time when the government has initiated the construction of a new airport in the Great Nicobar Islands, located at India's southernmost tip. According to documents obtained by a news outlet, the official commencement of this project took place on December 22.