The road passes through ecologically sensitive and forested areas in districts such as Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Noney, and Ukhrul, among others
Digital Desk: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has strongly criticised the Manipur government for failing to take action against an allegedly illegal “ring road” being constructed through forested and hilly regions across six districts of the state without mandatory statutory approvals. The tribunal expressed serious concern over the apparent violation of environmental and forest protection laws.
In an order passed on December 23, the Eastern Zone Bench of the NGT in Kolkata directed the Manipur Chief Secretary to ensure that all construction activities related to the road are stopped with immediate effect until further orders. The tribunal also instructed the district magistrates and superintendents of police in all affected districts to strictly enforce the ban and prevent any further work on the project.
The order was issued while hearing a petition filed by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella organisation of Meitei civil society groups. The petitioner alleged that the road was being constructed without obtaining environmental clearance, forest clearance, or formal government approval, in clear violation of statutory norms.
The tribunal clarified that the road in question is not the officially approved Imphal Ring Road project, which is being implemented with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank. Instead, it pertains to a separate forest ring road allegedly being laid without legal authorisation.
According to the petition, the road passes through ecologically sensitive and forested areas in districts such as Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Noney, and Ukhrul, among others. The applicant claimed that the Forest Department and the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change had confirmed that no no-objection certificates or approvals had been issued for the project. Satellite imagery was also presented as evidence of unauthorised construction.
The NGT noted that despite repeated directions, the Manipur Chief Secretary failed to submit a preliminary status report. Citing the “precautionary principle” under the NGT Act, the tribunal ordered an immediate halt to construction and scheduled the next hearing for February 2, 2026. The tribunal also warned that strict action would be taken against any violators if construction resumes.
Continue Reading
