The Gauhati High Court's Aizawl bench has issued a temporary order to halt the felling of trees in the Lammual area of Aizawl, Mizoram, where the Assam Rifles recently vacated land. The court's decision follows a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by environmental activist Siazampuii Sailo, highlighting concerns over the removal of 174 century-old trees from a site where 400 trees are slated for felling to facilitate development projects. The court noted that the structures in the area were constructed in 1897 and designated as heritage sites, prompting the state government to justify the tree removal. The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 18. Meanwhile, Mizoram's Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Minister K Sapdanga announced plans for infrastructure development on the vacated land, including road widening to alleviate traffic congestion. An advisory committee, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, has been formed to oversee the strategic use of the land while balancing heritage preservation with modern utility.