Supreme Court panel seeks Assam govt’s reply on waste plant near Kaziranga National Park

Guwahati: The Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has asked the Assam government to submit its response within four weeks on the setting up of a controversial waste management facility near Kaziranga National Park.

The directive follows a petition challenging the construction of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and a Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) at Latabari in Bokakhat. Environmentalists fear the project could threaten Kaziranga’s delicate ecosystem.

The case was filed by environmental activist Rohit Choudhury, who warned that the site—barely 60 to 70 metres from the Difaloo River—poses serious risks to both the river and the surrounding landscape. The Difaloo, which flows about 42 kilometres through Kaziranga before joining the Brahmaputra, is a key water source for the park’s wildlife.

During the hearing, advocate Shibani Ghosh, representing the petitioner, urged the CEC to immediately halt any waste dumping within or near Kaziranga’s eco-sensitive zone and to relocate the Latabari site.

She noted that despite repeated appeals, the state government had failed to act decisively to protect the park, which shelters the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinos.

The Assam government’s position was presented by Special Chief Secretary (Environment & Forests) M.K. Yadava, while Advocate Abha Singh represented the Bokakhat Municipal Board.

A report submitted by the Assam Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department said the proposed site is about 2.3 km from the park and 4 km from the Panbari Animal Corridor. It cautioned that leachate or runoff from the facility could contaminate the Difaloo River.

According to the Assam Pollution Control Board, the Bokakhat Municipal Board had received environmental clearance earlier this year for both the MRF and FSTP. The plants are designed to process 10 kilolitres of faecal sludge per day, with the treated water intended for reuse within the site. The approval included strict conditions to prevent odour, leachate discharge, and water pollution.

However, an inspection conducted on October 25 found the facility non-operational, meaning its environmental performance has yet to be evaluated.

The CEC’s directive gives the Assam government four weeks to either defend the project or propose an alternative location. The next hearing will decide whether the waste management facility can remain near Kaziranga or must be shifted away from its sensitive zone.