Minister Ponnam Prabhakar Backs Rahul Gandhi’s Great Nicobar Conservation Campaign

Telangana Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has expressed support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in his campaign to protect the ecologically sensitive Great Nicobar Island , arguing that economic development should not come at the cost of environmental destruction.

In a video message released on Friday, Prabhakar said development is essential for society but must be pursued in a manner that safeguards nature and preserves ecological balance . He said projects aimed at economic growth should be designed to coexist with environmental protection rather than undermine it.

The minister alleged that the strategically and environmentally significant Nicobar region is being opened up for large-scale corporate interests and claimed that concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi over the island’s future deserve serious attention. According to Prabhakar, the Congress leader has consistently questioned development activities that could cause irreversible ecological damage in the region.

He further contended that large numbers of trees and green cover are being cleared in the name of industrial development, raising concerns about the long-term environmental impact of the proposed projects. Prabhakar also argued that greater priority should be given to preserving the island’s unique ecosystem while balancing developmental requirements.

Stressing that the Congress is not opposed to development, the minister said the party supports projects that maintain environmental sustainability and social responsibility. However, he criticised what he described as attempts to reshape an entire island ecosystem for the benefit of a single corporate entity.

Marking World Environment Day , Prabhakar called on citizens to support environmental conservation efforts and stand behind initiatives aimed at protecting ecologically fragile regions. He also urged the public to back Rahul Gandhi’s campaign for sustainable development and environmental preservation .