FAC Okays Battalion Camp in Forest

The Approval Pertains to the Diversion of 26.1 Hectares Within Geleky Reserved Forest Along the Volatile Assam-Nagaland Border in the Sivasagar Forest Division

- Jayashree Nandi

NEW DELHI: The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Union environment ministry has granted post-facto approval for a Commando Battalion Camp in Assam's protected forest area, while simultaneously levying strict penalties for violations of forest conservation laws.

FAC has also accorded ex post facto clearance for diversion of 11.5 hectares of forest land in favour of Assam Police Housing Corporation establishment of second Commando Battalion Camp at Damchera in Innerline Reserved Forest under Hailakandi Division, subject to same conditions and penalties.

The approval pertains to the diversion of 26.1 hectares within the Geleky Reserved Forest, situated along the volatile Assam-Nagaland border in Sivasagar Forest Division.

The decision, reached during the FAC's December 26 meeting, comes amidst controversy over unauthorised construction activities in protected forest areas.