Guwahati: Following its consideration of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the Garbhanga Wildlife Sanctuary, the Gauhati High Court has sent a show-cause notice to the Central and Assam governments. The proposed denotification of the sanctuary and the intended construction of railway lines through its protected area are the two main issues that the PIL attempts to address.
The court heard arguments from the petitioner's attorney, Mr. D.K. Das, as well as from the Central Government, the Assam Government, and the Environment and Forest Department. A prayer in this PIL overlaps with another case (PIL 62/2024), which similarly addresses issues related to Garbhanga Wildlife Sanctuary, the petitioner noted.
The petitioner expressed worries about the sanctuary as well as the ecological value of Deepor Beel and the contiguous territories of the Ramsar site, as well as the possible environmental effects of building a railway line through the sanctuary from Azara to Tetelia.
The petitioner must deliver the necessary copies of the PIL to the solicitors for the Central Government, the state, and the relevant departments within two days, the court ordered, and notices must be sent out and returned within four weeks. After four weeks, both PILs will be scheduled for hearings together.
In delicate places like the Garbhanga Wildlife Sanctuary, the case highlights growing worries about striking a balance between ecological protection and infrastructure development. After the court downloads its comprehensive order, more developments are anticipated.
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