The Gauhati High Court today intervened, halting the Assam Cabinet’s decision to denotify Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary. The court deemed the decision “not proper at this stage” and directed the government not to issue any such notification, although the order remains subject to any contrary directive from the Supreme Court.
The state government emphasized compliance with Supreme Court procedures and statutes before any denotification actions. Residents expressed concerns over potential ecological impacts amid the government’s eco-tourism plans, emphasizing the need for development without upsetting the wetland’s ecology.
Advocate General Devajit Saikia, representing the government, submitted an affidavit, explaining that the government seeks to address formalities overlooked since the sanctuary’s 2009 establishment. Boundary disputes persist, with some revenue villages included in the sanctuary. Advocate Federal Devajit Lon Saikia asserted the government’s commitment to conservation, clarifying its intent to streamline procedures with the consent of state and central wildlife boards.