GUWAHATI, Jan 27: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of the alarming decline in forest cover across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Mizoram. In a significant development, the NGT has summoned the principal chief conservators of forests from these states to appear in court, seeking a detailed response regarding the situation ahead of the next hearing scheduled for January 29, 2025.

This move follows the release of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, which highlighted the concerning loss of forest cover in Assam, where 86.66 square kilometers of forest area was lost between 2021 and 2023. The NGT, in an order issued on January 22, expressed deep concern over the degradation of forest areas, particularly within recorded forest regions. Furthermore, the report revealed a loss of 1,699 square kilometers in canopy density, indicating a broader decline in forest quality and density across the state. The NGT has raised the possibility that these declines could be in violation of the Forest Conservation Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, prompting the tribunal to take action.

The ISFR also pointed out significant reductions in forest cover in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, with losses of 1,084 square kilometers and 987 square kilometers, respectively. These findings underline the environmental challenges faced by the northeastern region, with particular concern raised about the conversion of natural forests into monoculture rubber plantations in Tripura. This shift is seen as further disrupting the ecological balance and threatening biodiversity in the region.

The ISFR attributes the shrinking of Assam’s forest resources to human activities such as encroachments, infrastructure development, and deforestation. In response, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the reclamation of around 9,000 hectares of encroached land, which has been restored to the state forest department. Additionally, Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, called on the Central government to address the findings of the ISFR and take necessary steps to protect Assam’s ecosystems and mitigate the impacts of climate change.