ForestLand – NGT Seeks Response Over Alleged Diversion of Protected Forest in Nicobar
ForestLand – The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Nicobar administration in connection with allegations that more than 2,000 hectares of protected forest land in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were diverted for non-forestry activities without mandatory approval from the Central Government. The tribunal has also put on hold an administrative order that directed police action against the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), who had initially reported the matter to higher authorities.
Tribunal Reviews Alleged Violation of Forest Law
The case relates to the reported allocation of protected forest land for non-forest purposes without obtaining prior clearance under Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, now referred to as the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. Under the law, any diversion of forest land for activities unrelated to forestry requires approval from the Centre before work can begin.
The Eastern Zone Bench of the tribunal, comprising Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member Ishwar Singh, took up the matter after a petition was filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal. The plea questioned the legality of the reported land diversion and requested judicial intervention into the alleged violation of environmental regulations.
Stay Granted on Action Against Forest Officer
Along with issuing notices in the case, the tribunal stayed the Deputy Commissioner’s direction that called for police action against the Divisional Forest Officer of the Nicobar Division. The DFO had reportedly been the first official to raise concerns regarding the use of protected forest land for the proposed projects.
The tribunal’s interim relief means that the administrative order against the forest officer will remain suspended while the legal proceedings continue. The move is expected to ensure that the officer’s role in reporting the alleged violations is examined as part of the broader case.
Rainfed Pond Projects Under Examination
Records placed before the tribunal indicate that more than 2,000 hectares of protected forest land across Nicobar district were reportedly used in recent years for the construction of rainfed ponds under the Mission Amrit Sarovar Scheme. These projects were carried out at multiple locations across the district, prompting questions over whether statutory environmental approvals had been obtained before the land was allocated.
The petition argues that such projects fall within the category of non-forestry activities and therefore require prior approval from the Central Government before any diversion of protected forest land can take place.
Correspondence Triggered Official Review
The issue first came to light through a letter dated June 10, 2025, sent by the Divisional Forest Officer to the Executive Engineer of the Andaman Public Works Department at Kamorta. In the communication, the officer reportedly highlighted concerns related to the proposed construction of rainfed ponds on protected forest land.
Following the letter, the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands approached the Inspector General of Forests under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, seeking clarification on the applicability of the Forest (Conservation) Act in the matter.
According to the available information, the ministry sought additional details to enable a comprehensive examination of the issue before deciding on any further course of action.
Proceedings Continue Before the Tribunal
With notices now issued, the National Green Tribunal will examine the responses submitted by the concerned authorities before deciding the next steps in the proceedings. The case is expected to focus on whether the reported diversion of protected forest land complied with the legal requirements governing forest conservation and environmental clearances in India.