Thu Apr 02 10:02:10 UTC 2026: ### Headline: NGT Halts Assam Government’s Deployment of Forest Personnel for Elections

The Story:
Just days before the April 9 Assam Assembly elections, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) intervened, staying an order by the Assam government to deploy 1,600 personnel from the Assam Forest Protection Force (AFPF) for election duties. The NGT’s Eastern Zone bench, citing a violation of a May 2024 Supreme Court order and potential harm to forest conservation efforts, issued notices to various state and national authorities. The petitioner, advocate Gaurav Bansal, argued that the deployment would contravene a Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the use of forest staff for non-forestry duties and would hinder the AFPF’s mandated responsibility of safeguarding Assam’s forests and protected areas, including Kaziranga National Park.

The NGT bench emphasized the urgency of the matter, listing it for an early hearing on April 6, stating that failure to stay the order would set a “bad precedent.” The order to deploy the AFPF personnel was issued on March 19 by M K Yadava, Special Chief Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, and directed the personnel to report to the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) by April 3.

Key Points:

  • The NGT stayed an Assam government order to deploy 1,600 AFPF personnel for election duties.
  • The NGT cited a violation of a May 2024 Supreme Court order preventing the use of forest staff for non-forestry duties.
  • Advocate Gaurav Bansal argued the deployment would hinder forest conservation efforts, particularly in resource-rich areas like Kaziranga National Park.
  • The deployment order was issued by M K Yadava, Special Chief Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department.
  • The NGT scheduled an early hearing for April 6, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NGT’s intervention highlights the importance of adhering to Supreme Court directives regarding the use of forest personnel.
  • The incident raises concerns about the potential conflict between election duties and environmental protection.
  • The involvement of a high-ranking official (M K Yadava) raises questions about the Assam government’s commitment to environmental regulations.
  • The NGT’s action underscores its role in safeguarding environmental laws and ensuring the protection of forest resources.
  • The case demonstrates the crucial role of legal challenges in holding government actions accountable to environmental standards.

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