Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar. 5: Senior Congress leader Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has strongly criticized the proposed Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project, warning that it could turn into a major environmental disaster for the islands.
Speaking at a press conference held this evening, Mr. Bhasker said that the project involves the destruction of large tracts of forest land and could have serious long-term consequences for the fragile ecosystem of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
According to him, around 160 square kilometres of land is expected to be cleared for the project, which he described as extremely dangerous for the environment. Mr. Bhasker warned that such large-scale destruction of forests could worsen the impact of climate change and affect the availability of natural resources such as water.
He stated that environmental degradation on this scale could ultimately threaten the survival of future generations in the islands.
Mr. Bhasker also questioned the motives behind the project, alleging that it appeared to benefit only a few large corporate interests rather than the local population.
He urged the administration to reconsider the project and appealed directly to the Lieutenant Governor to halt further actions related to the initiative. Mr. Bhasker said that the administration should prioritize environmental protection and sustainable development rather than pursuing projects that may cause irreversible ecological damage.
The senior Congress leader also called for greater scrutiny of the project, stating that any irregularities or environmental violations should be investigated thoroughly. He suggested that if necessary, an independent investigation should be conducted to examine the decisions surrounding the project.
Mr. Bhasker further expressed concern about the water shortage already being experienced in parts of the islands, noting that residents currently receive water only once every few days in some areas. He warned that large-scale environmental destruction could worsen such problems in the future.
