In a bid to address escalating border tensions, Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has sought retroactive forest clearance from Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. This clearance is sought for the construction of a commando battalion unit within a protected forest area.
This initiative stems from a forest official’s decision to greenlight construction, aimed at curbing encroachments from neighbouring State Mizoram. However, this move has sparked controversy and led to intervention from the Union Ministry.
The construction project, sanctioned in 2023 by then-principal chief conservator of forests, MK Yadav, involved diverting approximately 44 acres of forest land within the Assam-Mizoram interstate border area of the Inner Line Reserve Forest. Despite commencing construction without prior forest clearance under the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023, attention was drawn from central authorities. Consequently, the Ministry instructed the State Government to immediately halt construction activities, citing violations of statutory provisions.
In his letter to the Union Minister, CM Himanta highlighted the urgency of addressing rampant encroachments and deforestation in the region through a comprehensive approach. He pointed towards alarming encroachment activities, including the construction of infrastructure from the Mizoram side, leading to significant forest degradation. The Assam CM highlighted the national security implications, referencing past incidents of violence along the interstate border.
Subsequently, the Assam Government has submitted a request for forest clearance through the Union Environment Ministry’s Parivesh website. Documents uploaded on the platform indicate clearance sought for an 11.5-hectare built-up area, covering a total of 44 hectares for the project.
