NGT Notice to Mizoram Govt: Stop Construction of Sports Academy at Zobawk

The National Green Tribunal has directed Mizoram Government to stop construction work at the Sports Academy at Zobawk, Lungai, an area which falls under Tlawng Riverine Reserved Forest / Recorded Forest.

The Eastern Bench of the Tribunal issued the notice and the stay order after hearing a petition filed by Pi Vamramchhuangi today.

“It is respectfully submitted that the cause of filing the present Original Application before the Apex Green Tribunal is that State of Mizoram and in particular its authority namely Mizoram State Sports Council, Aizwal, Mizoram is carrying its construction activity in the form of developing State Sports Academy at Zobawk, Lungai in an area which fall under Tlawng Riverine Reserved Forest / Recorded Forest. It is respectfully submitted that Section 02 of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 puts an embargo on the State Government or any other authority on passing an order permitting the use of any forest land for non-forest purposes without the prior approval of the Central Government,” the petition read.

Speaking to Northeast Live, Advocate Gaurav Bansal arguing the case on behalf of the petitioner, said that the construction work is going on without proper clearances from the MoEFCC.

The petitioner also mentioned about the illegal stone quarrying activities going on in the state inside the Reserved Forest.

After hearing the submissions made by Advocate Bansal, NGT has also directed Mizoram Government to provide its report on the issue of illegal stone quarrying activities allegedly going on in the protected forest area.

It may be mentioned here that, 12 people lost their lives at the stone quarry collapse that happened in Maurdah village of Hnahthial district of Mizoram. The incident took place on
November 14.

Also Read: NGT Takes Suo Motu Congnisance Of Mizoram Stone Quarry Tragedy, Issues Notice To Govt Depts