The Environment Ministry has rejected the Navy's proposal to set up a missile testing site in Andaman and Nicobar islands, saying the firing range would destroy the habitat of endangered birds in Nicobar Megapode. Talking to reporters in New Delhi on the sidelines of a function, Environment minister Jayanthi Natrajan said the missile firing range should not come up at Tillanchong Sanctuary area.

The minister said it was a difficult decision for her to reject the proposal for setting up a temporary facility at the ecologically sensitive island. She said it also involves security as the missile range is important for the country's defence.

Ms Natrajan said the reason why she rejected the proposal is that the the megapode actually does not exist anywhere and it is a
very unique species.