NGT flags environmental risks, stops Forest Force Deployment in Assam

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday stayed an order issued by the Assam government that sought to deploy around 1,600 personnel of the Assam Forest Protection Force for duties related to the upcoming April 9 Assembly elections .

The decision was taken by the eastern zonal bench of the National Green Tribunal in Kolkata, comprising judicial member Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Ishwar Singh. The bench also issued notices to the Centre and other concerned authorities while hearing a petition challenging the state government’s March 19 directive.

The plea, filed by advocate Gaurav Bansal, argued that diverting forest personnel from their primary responsibilities undermines statutory obligations under the Biological Diversity Act. It contended that such a move could severely weaken forest protection and conservation efforts across the state.

According to the petition, the large-scale deployment of frontline forest staff would leave ecologically sensitive regions , including tiger reserves and protected areas , exposed to threats such as poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and unlawful timber felling . Taking note of the concerns, the tribunal observed that the matter raised “substantial questions” related to environmental protection .

It issued notices to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Assam government, the state biodiversity board, and the National Biodiversity Authority, seeking their responses. The tribunal emphasised the need to apply the precautionary principle while considering the case, alongside relevant provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, the Indian Forest Act, and the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam.

Highlighting the urgent need for conservation and monitoring of biodiversity-rich areas , the NGT pointed to potential risks arising from reduced forest surveillance, including increased illegal activities.

Exercising its powers under the NGT Act, the tribunal directed the state’s environment department to refrain from violating provisions of environmental laws . It ordered that the operation of the March 19 directive remain stayed until further orders . The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 6 , when responses from the concerned authorities will be considered.