Assam: NGT orders Joint Committee to probe industrial activities near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Guwahati: In a significant move to protect the fragile ecosystem of Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, the Principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the formation of a joint committee to investigate allegations of industrial encroachment and environmental degradation in the vicinity.

The NGT order passed on August 27, 2024, came in response to a complaint filed by local residents, who expressed concerns about the establishment of brick kilns, cement factories, and stone quarries within the proposed eco-sensitive zone of the sanctuary.

The Tribunal had registered a suo-motu case based on a letter sent by sent by Utpal Saikia and others alleging that Dilip Chetry, an industrialist, was attempting to establish a brick-kiln and other industries within the proposed eco-sensitive zone of the sanctuary.

The sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity including one-horned rhinos, Indian buffaloes, deer, wild boars, pangolins and various migratory birds, could be severely threatened by these activities.

The NGT has formed the committee, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Assam State Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board, and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Wildlife, Assam.

The Tribunal directed the committee to visit the site and submit a factual report within a month.

Central Pollution Control Board shall be the Nodal Agency for coordination and compliance of this order, the NGT order said.

The NGT scheduled the next hearing of the matter on October 4, 2024.