28/12/2025
|| NGT Orders Halt to Hill Ring Road Construction in Manipur Over Environmental Concerns
Imphal, Dec. 28, 2025 — India’s National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered an immediate halt to the construction of a ring road in the hill areas of Manipur, citing serious concerns over environmental compliance and legal clearances, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) said on Sunday.
According to COCOMI, the NGT’s Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata issued the interim order on Dec. 23 during the fifth hearing of a petition filed by Khuraijam Athouba on behalf of the civil society group. The tribunal found prima facie grounds to intervene due to questions surrounding the legality of the project and the absence of statutory approvals in ecologically sensitive hill regions.
The road, commonly referred to as the “German Road” and in some stretches as the “Tiger Road,” came into public focus during the Manipur crisis after images and videos circulated on social media. These reportedly showed an inauguration or flag-off event involving the Saikul MLA and a gate bearing the name “Tiger Road.”
COCOMI alleged that the road was constructed without transparency and outside established legal and environmental procedures. The group said no publicly available records exist to show that mandatory environmental impact assessments, forest clearances, or other statutory approvals were obtained.
The organisation also flagged what it described as grave public concerns regarding the alleged use of the road as a clandestine corridor during periods of administrative breakdown amid the crisis. These allegations include suspected trafficking of illegal drugs, unauthorised movement of small arms and ammunition, and the movement of undocumented or unauthorised immigrants.
COCOMI stressed that these claims remain allegations and require independent investigation and judicial determination. However, it said the concerns point to a broader link between unlawful infrastructure development, environmental degradation, and threats to public order and national security.
Describing the NGT’s interim order as a significant step toward upholding environmental rule of law, COCOMI called for strict compliance with the tribunal’s directions. The group urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the road’s construction, approvals, funding sources, and usage, and to disclose all related administrative, environmental, and financial documents.
COCOMI also called for a scientific assessment of environmental damage already caused and the initiation of remedial and restorative measures in accordance with the law.
Reiterating its commitment to constitutional and democratic processes, the organisation said it has full faith in judicial institutions to ensure accountability, environmental protection, and long-term peace and stability in Manipur.
