GUWAHATI: The Assam government's decision to extend the tenure of retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer M.K. Yadava as Special Chief Secretary (Forest) for another year has sparked significant controversy. Approved by the state cabinet on February 16, the extension prolongs Yadava's service until the end of the current government's term.
ALSO READ: NCTE Proposes Reverting BEd and MEd Programs To One-Year Format Starting 2026
Yadava, who retired as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) on February 29, 2024, was initially reappointed for a one-year term. The new extension grants him full financial and administrative powers, which has attracted strong criticism due to multiple allegations of misconduct and ongoing investigations into his actions.
Key among the allegations is Yadava’s involvement in the alleged illegal diversion of protected forest land. He is accused of approving the diversion of forest land in Geleky, Sivasagar district, for a commando battalion camp without obtaining the necessary environmental clearances. This led to an investigation by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and a show-cause notice from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) under the Forest Conservation Amendment Act, 2023. This notice could potentially result in imprisonment. Similar allegations of illegal land diversion are under investigation in Hailakandi district related to a commando battalion headquarters.
The ongoing investigations, including an upcoming NGT hearing, continue to fuel the debate over Yadava’s extended tenure. Critics argue that granting him full powers amid these serious allegations raises concerns over transparency and accountability, with the implications of the decision remaining under intense scrutiny.
