New Delhi: In a move aimed at bolstering India’s strategic defence infrastructure, the central government has granted in-principle approval for the diversion of 299 hectares of reserved forest in Assam for the construction of a tunnel-based underground weapon storage facility. The decision, which highlights the importance of rapid military preparedness amid evolving regional security dynamics, was approved by the environment ministry’s Advisory Committee on December 2. Officials cited the project’s “strategic importance” in light of the “changing geopolitical environment in the eastern theater and the associated instability.”

Scope of the Project

The proposal, submitted by the Station Commander of Air Force Station Digaru, pertains specifically to the Sonaikuchi Reserved Forest under the Nagaon division in Morigaon district. The project, aimed at enhancing underground storage capacity, includes 265.513 hectares earmarked for the underground weapon storage facilityitself, while 33.688 hectares will be used for surface infrastructure, such as administrative buildings, guard posts, fencing, boundary walls, and approach roads. The forest area slated for diversion has a canopy density of 0.7, and 203 trees are expected to be felled to facilitate construction.

According to official records, the site does not fall within 10 kilometers of any protected area, and no protected archaeological or heritage sites were reported in the vicinity. This assessment, along with the lack of reported violations under the Van Adhiniyam, 1980, cleared key regulatory hurdles for the project, allowing environmental and forestry authorities to consider compensatory measures.

Strategic Significance

Officials from the defence establishment highlighted the urgent need for increased underground storage capacity to ensure the rapid deployment of available stores in the shortest possible time. In the minutes of the Advisory Committee meeting, the nodal officer noted that the facility’s strategic importance is underscored by the changing security scenario in India’s eastern frontier, particularly amid heightened regional tensions and emerging threats in neighbouring countries. By constructing an underground, tunnel-based facility, the armed forces aim to secure vital armaments while minimizing vulnerability to aerial surveillance or potential attacks.

The project is designed not merely as a storage facility but as a critical component of rapid response capability, ensuring that military assets can be deployed efficiently during emergencies or heightened alert situations. The underground design is expected to enhance security while mitigating risks associated with conventional above-ground storage.

Environmental Considerations

Recognizing the environmental implications of the project, the Advisory Committee required the state government to implement compensatory afforestation over 85.75 hectares within the Sonaikuchi Reserved Forest. Of this, 68 hectares were deemed suitable for planting, accompanied by a 10-year maintenance plan to ensure the survival and growth of newly planted trees. The plan also calls for careful monitoring of forest restoration, ensuring that the diverted area’s ecological footprint is adequately mitigated.

The committee noted that some areas within the proposed site showed signs of kachha roads and cultivation. However, the state clarified that these were primarily forest patrol routes and assured that any encroachers would be evicted to secure the project site. The inspection by the regional office confirmed that no violations of the Van Adhiniyam, 1980had occurred, reinforcing the legal compliance of the diversion proposal.

Wildlife Conservation Measures

In its recommendations, the Advisory Committee emphasized the need for a comprehensive wildlife conservation plan. The plan must address potential human-elephant conflict, ensure the conservation of natural water bodies, and explore the creation of alternate water sources to reduce stress on local wildlife populations. Given Assam’s rich biodiversity and the presence of elephant corridors in the region, the committee underscored that wildlife movement to natural water bodies must not be obstructed at any stage of the project. The costs of implementing the wildlife conservation measures will be borne by the user agency and deposited into the state CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) account.

The committee further required the user agency to prepare a muck disposal plan in consultation with the Directorate of Geology and Mining. This plan must ensure controlled excavation, scientific disposal of excavated material, slope stabilization, and mitigation of geohazard risks. Such measures are essential to prevent soil erosion, landslides, and other environmental hazards during and after the construction phase.

Balancing Strategic Needs and Environmental Responsibility

The government’s decision reflects the delicate balance between national security imperatives and environmental stewardship. While the diversion of forest land is significant, officials noted that proper compensatory measures, afforestation, and wildlife management plans would minimize the ecological impact. The underground nature of the facility, combined with strict adherence to environmental safeguards, is expected to mitigate long-term disruption to the forest ecosystem.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) will continue to monitor the implementation of environmental safeguards throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that the strategic facility does not adversely affect local flora and fauna. Regular inspections and compliance audits are planned to verify that compensatory afforestation and wildlife conservation measures are executed as per approved plans.

Regional and Strategic Context

The establishment of an underground weapon storage facility in Assam must be seen in the context of India’s eastern strategic considerations. Assam, due to its geographical proximity to international borders and the presence of key transportation and military nodes, is a critical area for ensuring defense preparedness and rapid mobilization of resources. By expanding underground storage capacity, the Indian Air Force aims to enhance operational readiness and maintain a strategic deterrent posture in the region.

Officials emphasized that the facility would allow for the secure storage of sensitive munitions while enabling quick deployment when required. The project is expected to significantly improve logistical efficiency and response times, thereby strengthening India’s defensive capabilities along its eastern frontiers.

Next Steps

Following the in-principle approval, the user agency—the Air Force Station Digaru—will proceed with detailed project planning, including finalizing the design, environmental mitigation measures, and operational protocols. The state government will facilitate land acquisition, ensure eviction of encroachers, and oversee compensatory afforestation. Implementation of wildlife conservation measures and proper muck disposal protocols will also be critical components of the next phase.

The government’s approval marks a strategic milestone for India’s defence infrastructure, signaling a proactive approach to security amid evolving regional threats. By combining underground facility construction with rigorous environmental safeguards, the project aims to meet national security objectives while minimizing ecological disruption.

Conclusion

The in-principle approval for diverting 299 hectares of reserved forest in Assam for a tunnel-based underground weapon storage facility highlights India’s commitment to strengthening defense infrastructure in a geopolitically sensitive region. While ensuring rapid response capabilities and strategic readiness, the government has also outlined strict environmental safeguards, including compensatory afforestation, wildlife conservation, and scientific muck disposal.

By integrating strategic military requirements with environmental responsibility, the project aims to secure vital defense assets while protecting the ecological integrity of Assam’s reserved forests. As detailed planning and implementation proceed, the facility is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing India’s defense preparedness in the eastern theater, reflecting the nation’s broader commitment to both national security and sustainable development.