Imphal: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered an immediate halt to construction on a road that passes through forested terrain in Manipur. The tribunal took the step after finding that the project was being implemented without permission from the environment department.

In an order passed on December 23, the Tribunal asked the Manipur Government to make sure that no further work is carried out on the road, which is locally known as ‘German Road’ or ‘Tiger Road’. It asked the state’s cabinet secretary to write a letter to local authorities and ensure that the order is strictly followed.

The road passes through various forest areas

As per a report by NDTV, the road in the centre of the controversy has been described as "ring road”. It passes through forest areas of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Noney and Ukhrul. The officials added that this road is different from the officially sanctioned ring road, which is being developed with the help of the Asian Development Bank.

The plea was filed by COCOMI

The matter came to the notice of the NCT after the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella body of Meitei civil society organisations, filed a plea with the tribunal. It urged the tribunal to stop the work as it was being carried out without any environmental permission. The committee further urged that a high level team visit the site and submit a report to the NGT.

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Applicants had approached various govt departments

The NGT noted that applicants approached several government departments with their demand. It noted that these authorities observed that no environmental clearance was given for the construction of this road. It noted the applicant’s argument that satellite images supported the claims of unauthorised construction. The applicant had also added that the road construction was being carried by the Kuki community. The NGT took note of these and asked state government to comply with the interim order.