Assam top official responds to irregularities in alleged illegal constructions

Former Assam Wildlife warden and Chief Conservator of Forest M. K. Yadava has responded to the various allegations against him. This comes after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) criticised Assam’s former Wildlife warden and current Special Chief Secretary, MK Yadava. Further, he has denied the various allegations levelled against him.

The Special Chief Secretary and Former Top Forest Official, M K Yadava told the media, “Before the green tribunal, the ministry gave me a notice under rule 15 out of 3. I was given 60 days. And this July 15th or 16th that deadline will expire. I will submit my report before that. As we know Assam Government has taken over 6,000 to 10,000 hectares of land from the Inner Line reserve forest. Our battalion is not able to step into that land and their DC from the borderline did not allow us to form the battalion at the border.”

Under the directions from the National Green Tribunal, the top forest official, M K Yadava has been personally served with a Show Cause notice by MoEF&CC asking him to explain why action should not be taken against him for violation of Forest Conservation Act1980.

On the 3rd of July, during a hearing in the Eastern Bench of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegalities in Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary and Charduar Reserve Forest in Sonitpur District of Assam, the Green Tribunal referred to him as an official involved in “all ghotala” (all scam).

M.K. Yadava further goes on to reply to the allegation on him by the Green Tribunal, “We have taken the step for the security of the forest. There was no violation of the rules. Section 2 of the year 1980, point 2 (4-B) states that any work done for the protection of the forest does not violate any rule. Hence we have not violated any rule. We are clear about that. If you provide wrong information then Green Tribune will present it in a wrong manner.”

Earlier, the Assam Congress opposed Yadava’s reappointment as Special Chief Secretary, citing alleged violations, wildlife mismanagement, and corruption. They have called for accountability and stricter adherence to environmental laws.