Guwahati, 10th May: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated an inquiry into the construction of polling stations, schools, and other structures within Assam’s Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary and the Charduar Reserve Forest, a clear violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The NGT has requested Assam’s Chief Secretary to provide details of the officers responsible for permitting these activities.
An affidavit submitted by the State government in April uncovered a concerning trend of unlawful construction, including schools, a tea garden, roads, and wells, within the protected areas. The NGT’s decision, issued on May 2, was prompted by an application from Dilip Nath of Aranya Suraksha Samiti, highlighting extensive construction and encroachment in the protected zones.
Expressing dismay over the inaction of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) regarding these illegal activities dating back to 2017, the NGT raised questions regarding the failure to address encroachments and restore the forest despite FIRs filed against those responsible, including school management committees and contractors.
Furthermore, the NGT instructed the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to submit a counter-affidavit within four weeks, detailing measures taken against negligent officers and plans for demolishing illegal structures. This directive follows the Ministry’s investigation into alleged diversion of forest land along the Assam-Nagaland border.
M.K. Yadava, the former PCCF and current Special Chief Secretary (Forest) of Assam, came under scrutiny for approving construction within the Geleky Reserve Forest and purported diversion of forest land along the Assam-Mizoram border for police battalion units. The NGT’s probe underscores the urgent need to safeguard India’s invaluable wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests.
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