Assam road project faces NGT scrutiny over allegations of felling 2,000 trees

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of allegations of cutting down approximately 2,000 trees for a road expansion project between Guwahati and Goalpara in Assam. The move comes after a news item titled "Assam: Adil Hussain joins chorus urging Govt., NHAI to spare century-old trees for highway project" was reported by Northeast Now on October 27, 2023.

The NGT, in its order dated November 21, 2023, directed notice to be issued to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) and the state of Assam. The Principal Bench of NGT has subsequently transferred the matter to the Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata. The case is scheduled for the next hearing on January 10, 2024.

The Original Application (OA) was registered based on the news item, which highlighted allegations of extensive tree cutting for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) road expansion project in Assam. It drew attention to concerns raised by various quarters, including actor Adil Hussain.

During the hearing, the counsel representing NHAI clarified that the project is being undertaken by NHIDCL, and NHAI is not involved in the said project. In response, the NGT directed notice to be issued to NHIDCL and the state of Assam.

Given the magnitude of the environmental concerns raised and the substantial issues related to compliance with environmental norms, the NGT decided to implead National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. and the State of Assam as respondents in the OA. The matter has been transferred to the Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata, considering its geographical relevance.

The NGT invoked its suo-motu powers, recognizing the substantial issues related to environmental norms and provisions of the scheduled act involved in the case.

The case has now been listed for a hearing on January 10, 2024, before the Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata. This development underscores the NGT's commitment to addressing environmental issues and ensuring compliance with established norms.

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