Northeast Desk, 7th May: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has initiated an inquiry into recent allegations of forest land diversion in the Sivasagar district along the Assam-Nagaland border. Responding to claims of illegal clearing within the Geleki Reserve Forest for a commando battalion camp, the MoEF&CC has requested a comprehensive report from the Assam government.
According to Northeast Now, the MoEF&CC, represented by Assistant Inspector General of Forests Suneet Bhardwaj, dispatched a letter dated April 25, 2024, to Assam’s additional chief secretary (Forests), urging for a detailed factual report on the alleged illegal clearing spanning 28 hectares within the Geleky Reserve Forest.
The controversy arose from the approval granted in 2022 by then Assam’s principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), MK Yadava, for the diversion of forest land for the establishment of a commando battalion camp. The official notification, issued on November 15, 2022, cited the necessity for the camp for the “protection and conservation of reserved forest land and conservation of forest resources”.
This directive from the Ministry follows recent actions against MK Yadava for his alleged involvement in permitting the construction of a commando battalion unit within the Inner Line Reserve Forest on the Assam-Mizoram border by diverting approximately 44 hectares of forest land in 2023.
The region has a history of land disputes and forest conservation concerns. Reports dating back to January 12, 2011, highlighted tensions within the Geleki reserved forest, particularly within the traditional area of the Wamaken village. The allocation of forest tracts within the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) to entities like ONGC has further fueled tensions, impacting environmental conservation and interstate border agreements.
ONGC’s exploration activities near the Geleky Reserve Forest have raised concerns about environmental impact and community welfare. With significant crude oil reserves in the region, there are implications for economic development and environmental sustainability.
As the MoEF&CC seeks clarity on the alleged forest land diversion, the case underscores the delicate balance between development initiatives, environmental conservation, and adherence to legal frameworks governing forest land use.
The Ministry has instructed its regional offices in Shillong and Guwahati to collaborate closely with the Assam government to expedite the provision of necessary information, emphasizing transparency and accountability in addressing environmental concerns in the region.