National Green Tribunal Halts Controversial Tiger Road Project in Manipur
Immediate Suspension of Construction Activities
Imphal, Dec 28: The Eastern Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Kolkata has mandated an immediate cessation of all construction work related to the 'Tiger Road' or Ring Road project, citing significant environmental concerns and potential breaches of legal protections.
This directive comes in response to a petition submitted on August 20 by the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), represented by spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba.
On December 23, the bench, which included Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member Ishwar Singh, invoked the Precautionary Principle as outlined in Section 20 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, and prohibited any further construction until the next hearing set for February 2, 2026.
The Tribunal expressed concern that the Chief Secretary had not provided the necessary preliminary report despite being given several chances.
A copy of the ruling has been sent to the Chief Secretary of Manipur via email and speed post, instructing him to ensure that all District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police in the six affected districts comply with the order and halt any ongoing construction.
Athouba's petition claimed that the Tiger Road, which traverses forested and hilly regions in districts such as Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Noney, and Ukhrul, was being built without the essential environmental clearance, forest clearance, or no-objection certificates.
COCOMI asserted that information from the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, the Forest Department, and the Rural Engineering Department confirmed that the project lacked the necessary statutory approvals.
Satellite images presented to the Tribunal further supported claims of unauthorized construction in ecologically sensitive areas.
Athouba also described the road as an illegal route potentially exploited for unlawful activities, which poses serious environmental and security threats to the delicate ecology of Manipur's hills.
COCOMI welcomed the Tribunal's decision, labeling it a 'victory' that validated their long-standing concerns regarding rampant and illegal construction in the state's forested regions amidst the ongoing crisis.