Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re : News item appearing in Northeast Now dated 27.10.2023 titled “Assam : Adil Hussain joins chorus urging Govt., NHAI to spare century old trees for highway project” dated 21/11/2023.

The Original Application is registered suo motu on the basis of the news item titled “Assam: Adil Hussain joins chorus urging Govt., NHAI to spare century-old trees for highway project” appearing in “Northeast Now” dated 27.10.2023. As per the said report, there is an allegation of cutting down of about 2000 trees for National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) road expansion between Guwahati to Goalpara in Assam.

Counsel appearing for NHAI has submitted that the project is being undertaken by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) and that NHAI is not concerned with the said project.

The NGT directed notice to be issued to National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. and state of Assam. The Principal Bench of the NGT transferred the matter to the Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata and the next hearing of the case is on January 10, 2024.