New Delhi: Earlier the situation on the north-eastern borders of India used to be quite delicate. But the Modi government at the Center has taken many initiatives. Keeping in view the current geo-strategic environment of North-East, the Central Government has taken another big step. In-principle approval has been given to divert 299 hectares of reserve forest to build a tunnel-based underground weapon storage facility in the dense forests of Assam. This project is directly related to that very sensitive area which is called ‘chicken neck’ in strategic language. This is the narrow corridor that connects North-East India to the entire country and which can pose a serious threat to any enemy.
What is the whole plan?
This project is to be built in an area of 299 hectares within the Sonakuchi Reserve Forest, Morigaon district. This will include 265.513 hectares of underground weapons storage and 33.688 hectares of surface structures such as administrative buildings, guard posts, fencing, approach roads etc. The entire area is 10 km away from any protected wildlife area or heritage site and 203 trees are estimated to have been cut. It is clearly written in the minutes of the meeting of the ministry that the objective of this project is to increase both the speed and security of deployment in the North-East.
The state government said that new trees will be planted to compensate for the cut trees on 85.75 hectares of land. (Photo AI)
Why is this military structure like ‘Paatal Lok’ necessary?
According to the information given to the committee, from underground weapons storage-
- Sensitive material will be safe from enemy eyes, satellite surveillance and possible attacks.
- In case of crisis or war, weapons can be deployed immediately.
- In case of instability in the eastern theatre, India’s preparedness will be many times better.
- The logistics chain of Air Force and Army will be strengthened.
That means this project is not just a military structure, but an important part of India’s long-term strategy in the North-Eastern region.
How will the construction take place?
The state government said that new trees will be planted to compensate for the cut trees on 85.75 hectares of land. In this, an area of 68 hectares has been considered suitable for plantation and a 10-year maintenance plan has been prepared for it. During inspection, unpaved roads and traces of farming were found at some places. But the state clarified that these are only forest patrol routes and any illegal encroachment will be removed.
- Total diversion: 299 hectares, underground area: 265.513 hectares, surface structure: 33.688 hectares, 203 trees estimated to be cut, protected area not within 10 km, plan to plant new trees to compensate for the cut trees in 85.75 hectares, measures to reduce human-elephant conflict mandatory, scientific debris disposal and slope stabilization required, project to be implemented in Eastern Theater Said to be strategic due to instability.
What conditions did the ministry impose?
The committee said that-
- A comprehensive wildlife conservation plan should be made.
- There should be special measures to prevent human-elephant conflict.
- Protection of natural reservoirs should be ensured.
- If needed, alternative reservoirs should be prepared.
- The movement of wildlife should not be hindered under any circumstances.
Along with this, an approved debris disposal plan has also been made necessary, so that the excavated debris is disposed of in a scientific manner and geo-structural hazards do not increase.
Why is this project a game changer for India?
Amidst the increasing tension in the North-East, China’s activities on the border and the uncertainty of the Indo-Pacific, India had to strengthen its real military response capability. This new underground storage-
- Will provide protection from satellite surveillance.
- Will provide quick logistics support in war situation.
- The security of weapons will increase at many levels.
- Will play a big role in bringing stability in eastern theatre.
- Will provide backup protection to the sensitive area of the chicken neck.
This is why it is being considered an important pillar of India’s national security strategy.
