Court Orders Halt to Controversial Road Construction in Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary

In a significant ruling, the National Green Tribunal has ordered an immediate stop to the illegal construction of a road leading to Bhuban Hill within the Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary in Cachar District, Assam. This order follows a complaint highlighting the environmental damage caused by these activities, raising concerns among local residents and environmentalists alike.

The case, brought forward by Pradeep Singh Shekhawat, alleges serious violations of environmental laws due to the ongoing road construction within the sanctuary. The complaint accuses Sh. MK Yadava, the Special Chief Secretary (Forest) and a key figure in the case, of misusing his official power to facilitate illegal land diversion without the necessary approvals from the Central Government. This situation has alarmed many in Cachar, as it threatens to disrupt the delicate ecosystem of the sanctuary.

Respondent No. 1 in the case is the State of Assam, which oversees environmental and forest management in the region. Respondent No. 2 is the Department of Environment and Forest, Assam, tasked with implementing forest protection laws. The focus, however, remains on Respondent No. 3, Sh. MK Yadava, who is accused of orchestrating illegal activities that disregard the provisions of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. The complaints highlight that this is not the first time Yadava has faced allegations of misconduct, with previous cases also pending in the tribunal.

The Original Application (OA) seeks several urgent measures from the tribunal, including an immediate halt to all illegal constructions, an assessment of the environmental damage, and the recovery of compensatory payments from Yadava and other officials responsible for the infractions. The applicant aims to hold these officials personally liable for the harm caused to the sanctuary’s ecology.

In response to the OA, the court stated that the matter requires serious consideration. Following the OA, an order was issued on 19 September 2024, which acknowledged the complaints and ordered the relevant parties to file their responses within four weeks. This initial step indicates the tribunal’s commitment to ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

The court’s recent order puts a complete halt to all construction activities in the Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary until further notice. This measure is crucial to prevent further degradation of the sanctuary, allowing time for a thorough investigation into the allegations and for environmental assessments to be conducted.

The order reads, “Considering the allegations made, by way of interim measure, we provide that unless and until there is sanction from the Central Government as required under Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, no construction shall be permitted within the Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary during the pendency of the present Original Application.”

As per the OA, the construction of the road poses significant risks to the local wildlife and natural habitats within the sanctuary. It suggests that such activities can lead to ecological destruction. Protecting this vital ecological space is essential not only for wildlife but also for the health of the environment in Cachar.

This court order is a critical development in the ongoing battle for environmental protection in Cachar. It signifies the tribunal’s recognition of the importance of safeguarding natural habitats against illegal activities, ensuring that local ecosystems are preserved for future generations.

Bhuban Pahar, or Bhuban Hill, holds significant religious importance for the Hindus in the Barak Valley region. Each year, during Maha Shivratri, a vast number of devotees trek up the hill to pay their respects to Lord Shiva, making it a vibrant site of spiritual significance. Many believe that the construction of a road could enhance eco-tourism in the area, providing better access for visitors and boosting local economies.

However, the ongoing legal case surrounding the road’s construction raises concerns about the ecological impact, highlighting a complex balance between development and environmental preservation that could affect both the religious site and its natural surroundings.