Guwahati, 5th July: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a sharp rebuke to Assam authorities for failing to address ongoing violations of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, within the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary and Charduar Reserve Forest. Registered in September 2023, the case has seen no significant progress, with illegal constructions persisting unabated.
The tribunal criticized an affidavit submitted by Rajpal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), deeming it “defective” and an “eye-wash.” Singh has been instructed to file a revised affidavit within a week.
Illegal constructions, some of which were sanctioned years ago by the Assam forest department, continue to exist within the protected areas. These include sluice gates by the Irrigation Department, ring wells by the Public Health Engineering Department, unauthorized schools, private tea gardens, and illicit roads. The NGT noted extensive environmental damage, such as uprooted trees and displaced wildlife, exacerbating the region’s ecological instability and contributing to frequent man-elephant conflicts.
Environmental activist Dilip Nath has highlighted the illegality of these structures within wildlife reserves, emphasizing their negative impact on biodiversity and ecological balance.
In response, the NGT has directed the Assam state government to identify and hold accountable the officers responsible for permitting these violations. The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has also been called upon to investigate the matter.
Additionally, the tribunal criticized Special Chief Secretary MK Yadava, accusing him of illegally diverting 44 hectares and 28 hectares of reserved forest land, actions that have allegedly tarnished Assam’s environmental reputation.
The NGT’s firm stance underscores its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting India’s rich biodiversity, calling for stringent adherence to regulations aimed at preserving fragile ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
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