Gauhati High Court Protects Manas National Park

Summary of Judicial and Environmental Developments in Manas National Park

1. Judicial Ruling:

   • On July 31, 2026, the Gauhati High Court ordered the Assam government and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) to maintain status quo in the 2,837 sq. km Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve pending a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The court's decision follows a plea by environmental activist Rohit Choudhury concerning encroachments.

2. Public Interest Litigation Details:

   • The PIL was aimed at stopping unauthorized encroachments and the removal of existing ones. It highlights significant encroachment activity in the Panbari and Betbari areas of the park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Encroachment Statistics:

   • Notably, encroachments include:
     • 3,558.32 bighas (approximately 1,200 acres) occupied by Kokilabari Seed Farm.
     • Over 18,000 bighas affecting 7,520 individuals living in 1,522 houses/structures illegally occupying 14,545.62 bighas in the Bhuyanpara and Panbari Ranges.

4. Legal Framework:

   • Section 34A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides authority to officials to evict encroachers from wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, emphasizing the Act’s provisions to remove unauthorized structures.

5. Constitutional Reference:

   • The case emphasizes environmental rights under the Constitution, particularly within the context of Article 48A, which mandates the State to protect and improve the environment.

6. Government Action and Obligations:

   • The Assam government and BTC have been ordered to prevent future encroachments, while details of past actions and preservation efforts are scrutinized.
   • The court issued notices to key respondents, including the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), requiring a response by October 7, 2026.

7. Recent Communications:

   • A letter from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) indicated a necessity for the management to reclaim 9.3 sq. km of critical tiger habitat currently under encroachment. This asserts a clear responsibility on the Assam government to act against encroachments.

8. Concerns Raised:

   • There is growing concern about ongoing discussions and failure by the Assam government to address the illegal occupation and to return the land to the Manas National Park management, highlighting the urgency of the issue.

9. Environmental Importance:

   • The Manas National Park is crucial for biodiversity, serving as a habitat for various endangered species, and is recognized under both local laws and international conventions for its ecological value.

This summary encapsulates the critical legal and environmental updates surrounding conservation efforts at Manas National Park and the role of government entities in addressing illegal encroachments as directed by the judiciary.