NGT notes Assam’s affidavit, says interference not required in Commando Battalion HQ development

The tribunal disposed of the matter, saying it had obtained an affidavit from the state authorities that the undertaking’s development could be confined to lower than 20,000 sq. metres or round 4.94 acres and in response to guidelines, and Environmental Clearance was not required for such development.

The inexperienced physique had taken suo motu cognisance of a media report, which alleged that prime forest officers of the Assam authorities had illegally diverted 44 acres of protected forest land for a Commando Battalion Headquarters a undertaking which was being executed by the Assam Police Housing Corporation.

“In the affidavit dated April 25, 2025, the state of Assam has taken the stand that it will confine its construction to 20,000 sqm . For such a construction, EC is not required,” stated a bench of NGT chairperson Prakash Shrivastava in an order dated May 30.

The bench additionally comprising judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and professional member A Senthil Vel famous the state authorities’s affidavit, in response to which, “The state government is ready to dismantle all the constructions beyond 20,000 sqm and shall not undertake any further construction beyond the said limit, for which no EC is required as per the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification of 2006.”

The tribunal additional famous the affidavit, saying that the state authorities would apply afresh for an extra 8,233 sqm, if required, and that it could strictly abide by all legal guidelines, and except all clearances had been obtained beneath the prevailing legal guidelines, it could not begin any additional development.

“In the above circumstances, we are of the view that no interference in this original application is required. It is accordingly disposed of,” the tribunal stated.