NGT Stays Assam Order Deploying Forest Personnel for Election Duty

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stayed an Assam government order to deploy around 1,600 Assam Forest Protection Force personnel for the April 9 Assembly elections.

The tribunal’s eastern zonal bench, led by Arun Kumar Tyagi and Ishwar Singh, acted on a plea filed by advocate Gaurav Bansal. The petition argued that diverting forest personnel violates the Biological Diversity Act and weakens protection of ecologically sensitive areas.

The NGT noted that the issue raises significant environmental concerns, including risks of poaching, illegal logging, and wildlife trade due to reduced forest monitoring.

Notices have been issued to the Centre, Assam government, and related authorities, with the next hearing scheduled for April 6. The tribunal directed the state to comply with environmental laws and halted the order until further review.