Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of News Item titled "Assam: PCCF MK Yadava accused of illegally clearing protected forest for Commando Battalion" appearing in the Northeast Now News dated 25.12.2023 dated 23/01/2024.

The original application was registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item titled “Assam: PCCF MK Yadava accused of illegally clearing protected forest for Commando Battalion” published in Northeast Now News dated 25.12.2023.

The news item alleged that Assam government's top forest officials had illegally diverted 44 hectares of protected forest land for a Commando Battalion headquarters in Barak Valley, by passing the mandatory procedures under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, permission has been granted for construction of the 2nd Assam Command Battalion Unit headquarter inside the Inner Line of Reserved Forest in Hailakandi district.

News item further stated that Inner Line Reserved Forest, established in 1877, is a sprawling 1,10,000-hectare expanse, known for its rich biodiversity, including endangered species like the Hoolock Gibbon, Slow Loris and Clouded Leopard and it serves as a crucial habitat for elephants, tigers, and a variety of birdlife.

The NGT, January 23 directed notice to be issued to the authorities and listed the matter for consideration on February 15, 2024. Notice has been issued to the MoEF&CC; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Assam Forest Department; Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam Forest Department among others.