LUCKNOW, June 9 -- Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai on Monday launched a signature campaign against the proposed Great Nicobar Island project, alleging that environmental concerns and tribal interests were being sacrificed for corporate gains. Addressing the media, Rai said the Centre is implementing the Rs.92,000-crore project, comprising an international transshipment port, airport, power plant and tourist township. He claimed that a proposal to expand INS Baaz, a strategically important tri-services military base, has remained pending for five years. "People of Uttar Pradesh stand with Rahul Gandhi, who is leading this campaign. We want development, but not at the cost of the environment and tribal communities. 'Green Over Greed' is our resolve. Expanding INS Baaz is essential to counter China's activities in the Indian Ocean," Rai said.He alleged that the project would damage rainforests, coral reefs and the ecosystem, and claimed that plans for a naval jetty have also remained pending for five years. Rai further alleged that the project would lead to the felling of around 1.5 crore trees and destruction of nearly 160 sq km of ancient rainforests and coral reefs. According to a party statement, the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee will conduct awareness and signature campaigns across the state in support of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi's initiative against the project. Rai also claimed that India faces a shortage of at least 50 crore trees and linked rising temperatures in cities to large-scale tree felling. Several Congress leaders, including former MLAs Anugrah Narayan Singh and Shyamkishor Shukla, were present at the campaign launch....