Guwahati, April 3: The National Green Tribunal on April 2 stayed an Assam government order that proposed deploying around 1,600 Assam Forest Protection Force personnel for election duties ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections.
The decision was issued by the tribunal’s eastern zone bench in Kolkata, comprising Judicial Member Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Ishwar Singh, while hearing a petition challenging the diversion of forest staff for poll-related responsibilities. The plea argued that such a move could weaken forest protection at a critical time and expose ecologically sensitive areas to illegal activities.
Petitioners contended that forest personnel in Assam are already operating under pressure and that their reassignment would leave vulnerable regions open to poaching, illegal wildlife trade and timber smuggling. The plea also raised concerns over non-compliance with statutory obligations under the Biological Diversity Act and other environmental safeguards.
Taking note of these submissions, the tribunal observed that the issue raises substantial questions regarding adherence to environmental norms and the functioning of key institutions, including the Union environment ministry, the state government and biodiversity authorities.
The bench underlined the need to apply the precautionary principle, stressing that any dilution of on-ground forest surveillance could heighten ecological risks. It also highlighted the importance of maintaining strict monitoring in biologically rich areas to prevent illegal exploitation.
Invoking its powers under the NGT Act, the tribunal directed the special chief secretary of Assam’s environment and forest department to justify the decision in light of existing legal provisions. The March 19 order has been stayed until further directions, effectively halting the deployment of forest personnel for election-related duties for now.
