'Bad in law': NGT stays Assam order deploying forest staff for poll duty, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) stayed an order by the Assam government to deploy 1,600 personnel from the Assam Forest Protection Force (AFPF) for election duty.
• The order was challenged for contravening the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and a 2024 Supreme Court order against using forest staff for election duty.
• The NGT issued notices to the state government, the Environment Ministry, the National Biodiversity Authority, and Assam’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
• The NGT has scheduled an early hearing for the matter on April 6.

Detailed Insights:

• The Assam government's order, issued on March 19, 2026, directed the mobilization of approximately 1,600 AFPF personnel to report to the Additional Director General of Police by April 3.
• The petitioner argued that the directive contravened a Supreme Court order prohibiting the requisition of forest staff and vehicles for election purposes or other events like the Char Dham Yatra.
• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, mandates the development of strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, including identifying areas rich in biological resources.
• Diversion of AFPF personnel from forest protection duties increases the risk of illegal activities, particularly poaching, as the AFPF is responsible for protecting Assam’s forests, wildlife, and forest resources.
• M K Yadava, Special Chief Secretary, who issued the order, has faced scrutiny for alleged violations of forest conservation laws, including authorizing commando battalions on forest land.

How UPSC asks Questions on this:

NGT - PYQ 2018

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Green Tribunal (NGT): A specialized body established in 2010 to handle environmental disputes.
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Indian legislation for the preservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits.
• Assam Forest Protection Force (AFPF): A law enforcement agency responsible for protecting and safeguarding Assam’s forests, wildlife and forest resources.