Centre to Decide on Battalion Infrastructure Impact in Assam's Reserve Forests, Rules NGT

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruled that only the Central Government can decide the impact of constructing battalion infrastructure in Assam’s Geleky Reserve Forest. The decision follows allegations of illegal forest diversion by Assam’s forest department. The tribunal emphasized the necessity of central consent, highlighting statutory restrictions under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has declared that only the Central Government holds the authority to determine whether constructing significant battalion infrastructure within a reserve forest will negatively impact forest conservation.

The decision came during a hearing of a plea alleging that Assam's forest department illicitly diverted 28 hectares of forest to establish the 2nd Assam Commando Battalion. The plea accused former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) M. K. Yadava of abusing his authority to approve the diversion without securing necessary consent from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

The NGT's eastern bench, led by Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and expert member Arun Kumar Verma, referenced an affidavit from the current PCCF, which stated the battalion's construction aimed at forest conservation and management without felling trees. The affidavit contested the petitioner's claims and emphasized the need for robust infrastructure to counter security threats and encroachment issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)