Taking a strict stand on the ongoing land encroachments in the World Heritage Site Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve, the Gauhati High Court has issued interim directions to the state government and concerned authorities to ensure that no new encroachments or entry takes place in the park.
The division bench of Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury passed the order during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation filed by environmentalist Rohit Choudhury, alleging large-scale illegal encroachments in Manas National Park.
Advocate Abir Phukan, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that large-scale land encroachment has taken place especially in Panbari and Betbari areas. He further stated that a portion of land in Kokilabari Seed Farm, located within the boundaries of Manas National Park, is still being used for agricultural purposes by the Agriculture Department of BTC.
Additional Advocate General P N Goswami accepted notice on behalf of the state government and the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department. BTC’s standing counsel N Choudhury was also present in court and accepted notice.
The High Court also issued notices to the Field Director of Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority, directing them to file replies by October 7, 2026.
The court further directed the petitioner to take necessary steps to serve notices to the remaining respondents within two weeks.
Until the next hearing, the court clearly directed the concerned authorities to ensure that no new entry or land encroachment takes place in Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve.
The next hearing of the PIL will be held on October 7, 2026.
