IMPHAL, Dec 29: The National Green Tribunal Eastern Zone Bench Kolkata has ordered an halt to construction of a ring road across forest and hill areas of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul and Noney districts citing environmental concerns.
Orders issued by NGT on December 23 last stated “the applicant submitted that construction of a “Ring Road” across forest and hilly areas in the districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Noney, and Ukhrul in Manipur is being undertaken by members of the Kuki-Zo community, as revealed through a memorandum dated 05.02.2025 submitted by the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council.”
“Information collected from the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Rural Engineering Department, and Forest Department indicates that no official approval, no-objection certificate, or forest clearance has been issued. Satellite imagery corroborates unauthorized activity in ecologically sensitive zones” it said.
NGT also stated “it is ordered that no further construction by anyone shall be allowed in execution of the Ring Road Project till the next date of hearing.”
The next hearing for “further consideration” has been set for February 2, 2026.
The Tribunal also directed the Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur to issue appropriate instructions to all District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of the six districts to ensure compliance.
Meanwhile, informing on the development, Meitei civil body Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) convenor Khuraijam Athouba on Sunday told reporters “the NGT’s Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata has issued an interim order on Dec. 23 during the fifth hearing of a petition filed by the civil society group (COCOMI).”
“The road, commonly referred to as the “German Road” and in some stretches as the “Tiger Road,” came into public focus during the Manipur crisis after images and videos circulated on social media” Khuraijam added.
The road is being named after German and Tiger who are Kuki militant leaders, he claimed.
COCOMI alleged that the road was constructed without transparency and outside established legal and environmental procedures.
(By Our Correspondent)
