The Gauhati High Court’s Aizawl bench has directed the Mizoram government to temporarily halt tree felling in the Lammual area of Aizawl, a site recently vacated by the Assam Rifles. The interim order was issued on Monday by a division bench comprising Justice Michael Zothankhuma and Justice Kaushik Goswami while hearing a public interest litigation filed by environmental activist Siazampuii Sailo on behalf of the Centre for Environment and Social Justice.

The court noted media reports indicating that 174 of the 400 trees on the site were being cut to make way for development projects, many of which are believed to be more than a century old. It further observed that structures in the barrack area, constructed in 1897, have been designated as heritage and questioned the state government’s decision to remove century-old trees in the heart of the city.

After hearing submissions from Additional Advocate General P. Bhattacharyya for the state and advocate T.J. Mahanta for the petitioner, the bench restrained further felling until the next hearing scheduled for May 18.

Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Minister K. Sapdanga had earlier announced plans to begin infrastructure development on the vacated land, including widening the busy road between Treasury Square and Bazar Bungkawn to ease traffic congestion. An advisory committee led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, comprising political parties, NGOs, church leaders, and social activists, has been formed to oversee the strategic use of the land.

Sapdanga had outlined a vision to transform the area into a modern public space while balancing heritage and utility. He stated that historically significant structures such as the Quarter Guard and Loch House would be preserved, while non-heritage buildings would be demolished.