DISPUR — The Assam government’s land‑use decisions have drawn judicial scrutiny after independent reports documented construction activity inside the core area of Manas Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Gauhati High Court on 26 September 2026 ordered a status‑quo to halt further encroachment while the matter is examined.
Legal and administrative backdrop
The High Court’s order follows a petition filed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) that cited repeated warnings about illegal settlements and infrastructure projects within the reserve’s core zone. The court directed the state to preserve the existing boundaries and refrain from any new development until a detailed compliance report is submitted.
Extent of the encroachment
According to a report by The Diplomat on 28 September 2026, satellite imagery and on‑ground surveys revealed that several government‑approved roads and housing schemes have been laid out in areas designated as “no‑development” under the 2000 Manas Tiger Reserve Management Plan. The Assam Tribune corroborated the claim, noting that the encroachment has persisted for years despite NTCA advisories.
Government response
State officials have said the projects aim to improve connectivity and provide housing for displaced families, but they have not provided a detailed justification for locating the works within the reserve’s core. No official statement from the Assam Ministry of Environment and Forests was available at the time of writing.
Conservation concerns
Manas, which earned World Heritage status in 1985, is home to a viable population of Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros and over 500 bird species. Conservationists warn that any disturbance in the core zone could undermine the ecological integrity that justified its UNESCO inscription.
Next steps
The High Court has asked the NTCA to submit a compliance audit by 15 October 2026. The court also directed the state to restore any cleared forest cover and to suspend ongoing construction pending the audit’s findings.
