GUWAHATI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sternly criticised the Assam Forest Department for its “defective” response to allegations of extensive construction within the Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary and Chariduar Reserve Forest in Sonitpur district.
The Eastern Zone bench in Kolkata recently dismissed an affidavit filed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Rajpal Singh, labelling it as an “eye-wash”.
The tribunal also directed the Assam Chief Secretary to submit a comprehensive report within one week, inclusive of photographic evidence and plans for eviction.
This directive follows a 2023 petition by RTI activist Dilip Nath, who accused the state government of violating the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980, by sanctioning large-scale construction within the protected forests.
In response to earlier NGT orders, an affidavit was submitted on July 3, which failed to satisfy the tribunal’s queries.
The NGT further questioned the inaction of senior forest officials, particularly former PCCF and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) MK Yadav, alleging complicity in unauthorised activities dating back to 2017.
The NGT expressed concern over the presence of 38 schools and the construction of paved roads within the wildlife sanctuary.
RTI activist Nath additionally alleged that over 1300 families were allocated forest land, despite indications of encroachment.
He contended that this action driven by “political motives” contravened the Forest Act, which grants land rights solely to residents with a 75-year tenure in forest areas.
Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, sprawling over 220 sq km near Assam’s border with Arunachal Pradesh, is renowned for its rich biodiversity.
The sanctuary hosts a wide array of mammals, birds, and reptiles, underscoring its ecological significance.
The NGT has scheduled the next hearing for August 21, highlighting the urgency of addressing the violations and ensuring conservation efforts are upheld.
