NGT slams Assam govt over CAG report on Kaziranga Park

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has slammed the Assam government over a CAG report, which has detected a number of lapses and anomalies by the state in maintenance of the Kaziranga National Park.

“Our attention is drawn to the report of CAG published by the government of Assam... according to the report, the area along and around NH-37 is illegally exploited for commercial purposes and there is inaction on the part of Assam.Certainly, whatsoever is revealed is not conducive to the environment of the area in question, with particular reference to the normal movement of wildlife across the Kaziranga National Park,” a Bench headed by Justice UD Salvi said.

The NGT was hearing a plea, opposing the expansion of NH-37 that passes through Jakhalabandha to Bokakhat through the Kaziranga Park. The observations came, after petitioner Rohit Choudhary placed before the Bench the CAG report titled ‘Performance Audit of Kaziranga National Park – Issues and Challenges’.

The NGT after going through the report directed the Assam government to take “positive action” in respect of the recommendations made in the report and asked it to place before us the action taken report within three weeks.