The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has warned the Assam government sternly about the ongoing construction of forest land in Barak Valley. The tribunal emphasized that any unauthorized construction by officials during the case would result in them bearing the consequences and costs. This warning follows the presentation of photographic evidence by the applicant’s counsel, showing extensive concrete construction on the site.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) lawyer confirmed receipt of the necessary details from the state and committed to submitting an affidavit within two weeks to clarify the ministry’s stance.
The NGT initiated action on its own accord, focusing on whether the diversion of 44 hectares of protected forest land for the Commando Battalion Headquarters in Barak Valley was legal. Allegations suggest that the construction disregarded the mandatory procedures stipulated by the Forest (Conservation) Act, of 1980.
The construction, intended for the Second Assam Command Battalion Unit’s headquarters, is taking place within the Hailakandi district’s reserve forest boundaries. Despite this, the Assam government contends that the activities are unrelated to forest use.
The issue came to light during a March 14, 2024, hearing about the purported illegal use of protected forest land in Hailakandi district for a Commando Battalion base.
The case stems from two applications: a suo moto petition by the NGT and an intervention application by Parul Gupta, a resident of Assam. Both applications challenge the legality of clearing 44 hectares of protected forest land for the 224th Assam Commando Battalion Unit headquarters.
The NGT’s suo moto action was based on a December 25, 2023, news report alleging illegal forest clearance by Assam’s then-PCCF MK Yadava for the Commando Battalion.
The applicant and intervenor accuse the Assam government of circumventing the required procedures under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, for this project within an Inner Line Reserved Forest.
However, Assam’s government maintains that the construction is unrelated to forest activities.
During the March 14 hearing, the NGT noted that the MoEF&CC had requested additional information from the state government on January 16, 2024, which had not yet been received. The state insists the information has been provided and has submitted an affidavit accordingly.
The MoEF&CC plans to file its affidavit within two weeks to state its position on the project.
The NGT also recognized Gupta’s intervention application, which claims that construction on the forest land is already in progress. The tribunal instructed the Assam government to review this application.
Contradicting PCCF Yadava’s assertions, Google Earth images obtained by Northeast Now on February 20, 2024, show significant concrete structures erected after clearing the Reserve Forest and conducting hill cutting in the area.
The next session for this case is scheduled for April 23, 2024.
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