- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to constitute a three-member committee to survey a part of a Geleki reserve forest of the Hailakandi district on the Assam-Nagaland border allegedly diverted for the establishment of an Assam police commando battalion.
- This area is known for its rich biodiversity, including endangered species like the Hoolock gibbon, slow loris, and clouded leopard. The forest also serves as a crucial habitat for elephants, tigers, and a variety of birdlife.
- Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 restricts de-reservation or non-forest use of forest land without prior approval from the Central Government.
National Green Tribunal
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) adjudicates cases of environmental protection and conservation of forests under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
- The NGT has jurisdiction over all civil cases under The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991, The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and The Biological Diversity Act, 2002
- The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 falls outside the jurisdiction of NGT.
Dig Deeper: Read about environmental issues of Northeast India over various development projects like Hydroelectric power plants.
