Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has released a video from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, calling the forests there the most astonishing he has seen in his life.
According to the report, Gandhi visited the islands on April 26 and held discussions with tribal leaders. He also travelled to the Campbell area with local Congress leaders and met members of tribal communities.
In the video, he described the forests as home to ancient trees and ecosystems that have grown across generations. He said the people living on the islands, including tribal communities and settlers, are similarly rooted in the place.
Gandhi alleged that the rights of island residents are being taken away and claimed that crores of trees are being targeted for felling. He said a 160 sq km stretch of rainforest is being pushed towards destruction.
Calling it a “disaster in the name of development”, he urged that what he described as an attack on nature and tribal heritage be stopped immediately, adding that it can be prevented if the public recognises the reality on the ground.
