Sri Vijaya Puram, April 29: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has raised serious concerns over alleged ecological destruction, governance issues, and lack of transparency in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands following his recent visit to the Nicobar region.
Addressing the media after returning, Gandhi said his visit came after a delegation from outside the islands flagged multiple grievances and invited him to assess the situation firsthand. He stated that attempts were made by the administration to prevent his travel to Nicobar, raising suspicions about the situation on the ground.
“A few days ago, a delegation from outside the islands visited and raised several serious complaints. They also invited me here, following which I came to the Andaman Islands and visited the Nicobar area. I have just returned from there,” Gandhi said.
He further alleged that administrative resistance during his visit suggested that critical issues were being concealed. “It was surprising to see that the administration made several attempts to prevent me from going to Nicobar. It felt as though something was being hidden,” he added.
Highlighting environmental concerns, Gandhi claimed that large-scale deforestation is underway in what he described as one of the world’s densest rainforest stretches. “When I finally reached, I found that across nearly 160 kilometers of what may be among the world’s densest rainforests, large-scale tree cutting is taking place. Trees worth crores of rupees are being felled,” he said.
The Congress leader also raised allegations regarding land rights, stating that land belonging to local residents is being taken and transferred to large business interests. He questioned the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, claiming that settlers are not receiving fair compensation and that the concerns of tribal communities are not being adequately addressed.
“It is being alleged that land belonging to the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is being taken away and handed over to large business interests. The Forest Rights Act is not being properly implemented. Settlers are not receiving fair compensation, and the issue of proper rights and compensation for tribal communities is not even being seriously addressed,” Gandhi said.
Calling the issue one of national importance, he said the matter goes beyond local concerns. “This is not just a local issue, it concerns the natural heritage of India, which is being quietly destroyed. We will try to bring this issue to light and inform people across the country about what is happening here,” he added.
Gandhi also highlighted basic civic concerns, including water scarcity and public dissatisfaction with the administration. He referred to allegations of corruption and lack of accountability, particularly targeting the functioning of the Lieutenant Governor’s office.
“The Lieutenant Governor, who is not elected, is being accused of acting without public consultation. People say that officials are rarely accessible, and their grievances are not being heard,” he said.
In a sharp remark on governance, Gandhi stated, “In a democratic country, people deserve to be heard and respected. This should not feel like a dictatorship.”
He reiterated that his focus remains on local issues affecting the islands. “I am here to talk about what is happening in the Nicobar Islands and in the Andaman Islands. The core concern is the large-scale ecological destruction taking place, trees worth lakhs and crores of rupees are being cut. At the same time, land is being taken away. That is the real issue here, and it needs attention,” he said.
Criticising the functioning of the administration, Gandhi further remarked that the Lieutenant Governor is perceived as operating without adequate public engagement. “He is seen as functioning like a king, doing whatever he wants. He has named his residence ‘Lok Bhavan’ but is not accessible and does not meet the public,” he alleged.
Emphasising democratic values, Gandhi concluded by calling for greater public participation and accountability. “Janta should be respected and their voices should be heard. There should be proper public hearings, and the people deserve respect. This is a democratic country, not a dictatorship,” he said.
