Forest Protection Force Diversion Halted by NGT in Assam Polls Controversy

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stayed the Assam government's order to mobilize 1,600 Assam Forest Protection Force personnel for state assembly elections. The move, contested for diverting resources from conservation efforts, raises substantial environmental concerns, including threats to ecologically-sensitive areas due to reduced oversight.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has intervened to prevent the Assam government from mobilizing 1,600 Forest Protection Force personnel for state assembly elections.

The tribunal, acting on environmental concerns raised by a plea from advocate Gaurav Bansal, cited issues related to the diversion of forest staff from their conservation duties.

The NGT emphasized the potential threat to Assam's forests, including tiger reserves, underlining their vulnerability to poaching and illegal activity, and has thus issued notices to relevant state and national authorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)