In a sharp move to protect Manipur's fragile hill ecosystems, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed authorities to stop all work on a so-called "Ring Road" project cutting through sensitive forest areas. The Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata issued the order on December 23 after a petition from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a key Meitei civil society group, exposed the road's construction without essential forest clearances, environmental assessments, or state government approvals.

Spanning districts like Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Noney, and Ukhrul, this unauthorized stretch—locally known as "Tiger Road" or "German Road" after alleged Kuki insurgent leaders—has ignited fresh controversy amid the state's ethnic tensions since May 2023. COCOMI claims the Kuki community pushed ahead with the build during security lapses, potentially turning it into a conduit for arms, drugs, or unauthorized movement, while social media videos show politicians at inauguration events, raising questions about oversight and favoritism.

Applying the precautionary principle, the NGT has formed a high-level expert panel to investigate the violations and submit a detailed report soon. Manipur's chief secretary now faces the task of enforcing the halt through district magistrates and police, with risks of fines or demolition if the lapses are confirmed. This project has no connection to the sanctioned Imphal Ring Road backed by the Asian Development Bank, underscoring how parallel efforts can deepen divisions in a state already reeling from violence that has displaced thousands.

The decision echoes the NGT's firm stance in similar cases, such as halting illegal mining in Goa or unchecked hill-cutting in Uttarakhand, where development has long threatened vital biodiversity and local livelihoods. COCOMI is calling for deeper probes into funding and usage, while tribal groups vow legal pushback, but the order signals a clear push for accountable infrastructure in conflict-prone zones that prioritizes ecology and unity over hasty builds.