The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata, has ordered an immediate halt to the construction of a ring road in Manipur’s hill regions, citing serious concerns over environmental compliance and statutory approvals.
The interim order was passed on December 23 during the fifth hearing of a petition filed by Khuraijam Athouba on behalf of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). According to COCOMI, the tribunal found prima facie grounds to intervene due to potential legal violations and the impact of the construction on ecologically sensitive hill areas.
The road, commonly known as the “German Road” and in certain stretches referred to as the “Tiger Road,” gained attention during the Manipur crisis after images circulated on social media. These reportedly included photos of a flag-off or inauguration event involving the Saikul MLA and a gate marked “Tiger Road.”
In a statement, COCOMI alleged that the project was carried out without transparency and outside established legal and environmental procedures. The group said no publicly accessible records of mandatory environmental impact assessments, forest clearances, or other statutory approvals have been made available.
COCOMI also highlighted allegations that the road may have been used as a covert corridor during the administrative breakdown amid the crisis, including for illicit drug trafficking, unauthorised movement of arms and ammunition, and the transit of undocumented immigrants. The organisation emphasised that these remain allegations requiring independent investigation and judicial verification.
Describing the NGT’s interim order as a landmark decision, COCOMI said it would help uphold environmental law and prevent the misuse of potentially illegal infrastructure in fragile hill ecosystems.
The organisation urged strict enforcement of the tribunal’s order and called for a detailed inquiry into the road’s construction, including its approvals, funding, and usage. It also demanded full disclosure of all administrative, environmental, and financial records, along with a scientific assessment of environmental damage and steps for remediation.
COCOMI reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the matter through constitutional and legal channels, expressing confidence in judicial institutions to ensure accountability, environmental protection, and long-term stability in Manipur.