Judicial intervention halts order: NGT stays Assam govt's diversion of forest staff for polls; Court highlights risks to biodiversity and conservation efforts

Guwahati: National Green Tribunal (NGT), in an interim order issued on Saturday, stayed the Assam govt’s directive to divert 1,600 Assam Forest Protection Force (AFPF) personnel to assist the police during the upcoming assembly elections.The govt order, issued by the special chief secretary, had instructed AFPF staff to report to the additional director general of police by April 3.A two-member NGT Eastern Zone bench, comprising judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Ishwar Singh, issued the interim stay in response to a petition filed by advocate Gaurav Bansal.Conservationists and petitioners challenged the state’s move, arguing that it violated the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and left Assam’s tiger reserves and protected areas vulnerable to poaching, illegal logging, and wildlife trafficking.The bench noted the urgent need for conservation, protection, and monitoring of biologically rich areas, citing the heightened risk of illegal activities such as poaching, wildlife trade, and tree felling.It directed the state’s special chief secretary, environment, forest and climate change department, “to desist from violating the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002”, while staying the deployment order of forest protection personnel for election duties.In its interim stay, NGT observed that forests and biodiversity reserves are “critical ecological zones” requiring constant monitoring, and that diverting frontline staff for non-conservation purposes undermines statutory obligations under Section 36 of the Act.The tribunal noted that Assam’s forests — including tiger reserves and protected areas — are vital ecological zones and repositories of invaluable biological resources.“These areas are not only environmentally sensitive but also serve as vital biodiversity reserves requiring continuous monitoring and protection,” the bench stated.The petitioner submitted that Assam’s forests, known for their rich and diverse biological resources — including several endangered and near-extinction species — require constant vigilance. The absence of adequate frontline staff creates a vulnerable environment, increasing the likelihood of poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and other exploitative activities.The bench will hear the petition further on April 6.