The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Centre following concerning reports of a significant decline in Assam’s forest cover. According to the latest findings from the India State of Forest Report (IFSR) 2023, Assam has experienced a reduction in forest area by 86.66 square kilometers between 2021 and 2023.
This environmental concern was brought to light through a media report, prompting the NGT to take suo-motu cognizance of the issue. A bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad highlighted the critical environmental implications of this decline, which include not only the loss of forest area but also a degradation in the canopy density covering an additional 1,699 square kilometers.
The tribunal’s concern extends beyond Assam, as similar patterns of decline have been observed in other northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, which saw reductions of 1,084 and 987 square kilometers respectively. Additionally, the environmental impact of rubber plantations in Tripura has also raised significant concerns.
These developments pose threats to biodiversity, disrupt ecological balances, and have profound implications for climate change mitigation efforts. The NGT remarked that the reported declines indicate potential violations of the Forest Conservation Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, as well as broader issues concerning compliance with established environmental norms.
Responding to these serious concerns, the tribunal has impleaded the secretary of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the principal chief conservators of forests from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Mizoram as parties to address the issue. The NGT has requested detailed responses from these officials and has scheduled further proceedings for January 29.
