Assam: Battalion on forest land; NGT disposes of original application

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: NGT (National Green Tribunal) did register a suo motu case against the then PCCF NK Yadav, accusing him of providing forest land for the setting up of the headquarters of Commando Battalion at Dhamchara, Innerline Reserve Forest in the Hailakandi district, violating the Forest Rules. Based on a preliminary report, the Regional Office of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest sent a letter to the Assam Government on May 29, 2025, asking it to take legal action against the then PCCF and submit the action taken report.

In the meantime, on May 30, 2025, the principal bench of NGT, New Delhi, disposed of the original application regarding the case when it came to know from the Assam Government's affidavit that the state government had received in-principle approval from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest for the setting of the Commando Battalion headquarters in Dhamchara Innerline Reserve Forest. In its affidavit, the state government said, "The government will restrict the construction of buildings and premises of the battalion within 20,000 sq. metres, and if required, it shall apply afresh for the additional 8,233 sq. metres of land as and when required. The state shall strictly abide by all existing laws in force for the purpose of establishingthe battalion camp, and until and unless all clearances are obtained under the existing laws, it shall not start any further construction."

In these circumstances, the NGT disposed of the original application for the suo motu case based on a news item titled 'Assam: PEEF NK Yadav accused of illegally clearing protected forest for commando battalion'.

 Also Read: NGT Seeks Responses: Commando Camp on Assam's Hailakandi Forest Land

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