On February 16, 2026, the Congress party described the National Green Tribunal's clearance of the Great Nicobar project as “deeply disappointing.” A six-member NGT bench dismissed challenges to the mega infrastructure plan, stating it found “no good ground to interfere” and pointed to “adequate safeguards” in environmental clearance. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned the decision, saying, “There is clear evidence that the project will have disastrous ecological impacts.” He added, “The conditions for its clearance, that the NGT draws reference to, will do little to deal with these long-term consequences.” Ramesh noted that the case is still being argued in the Calcutta High Court, calling it the “only beacon of hope.” The Congress leader also shared that he had “animated exchanges” with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, strongly opposing the project and demanding its scrapping. The Great Nicobar project aims to transform the remote island into a major transshipment and defense hub but has raised issues around environmental damage, displacement, and legal procedures. Earlier, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi condemned the project as a “planned misadventure” that threatens the island’s tribal communities. Environment Minister Yadav defended the plan, stating all clearances are in place and framing it as key to national development.