The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stayed an Assam government order directing around 1,600 personnel of the Assam Forest Protection Force (AFPF) to be deployed for election duty, ruling that the move cannot be implemented for now.
The tribunal’s Eastern Zone bench observed that diverting forest personnel from their primary responsibilities could violate legal provisions and existing court directives. Notices have been issued to the state government, and the matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 6.
The state had earlier instructed AFPF personnel to report for election duty by April 3, with deployment planned during the polling period. However, the order drew criticism from environmentalists and petitioners, who argued that such diversion could weaken forest protection.
Experts warned that removing a large number of guards from sensitive areas, including Kaziranga National Park, could increase risks of poaching and illegal activities.
The NGT’s stay means that the forest guards will continue to remain in their designated areas, carrying out conservation and protection duties during the election period.
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