New Delhi, Aug. 6 -- The office of the Assam principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) has sought a status report from the state special chief secretary (forests) on action taken against the latter for violating provisions of the forest conservation act. MK Yadava -- special chief secretary (forests) and former principal chief conservator of forests -- had allegedly approved the construction of police battalions in Hailakandi and Geleky forest reserves involving diversion of 11.5 ha and 28 ha, respectively. Information provided to environmentalist Rohit Choudhury on July 31 reveals that Sandeep Kumar, PCCF, Assam had written, on July 16, to Yadava, specifically about action taken against the latter purportedly by Yadava's office. The PCCF's letter in reference to diversion of forests for the Hailakandi police battalion states: "Reference is invited to the subject and letters cited above. In this regard, I would like to inform you that another letter has been sought from the government of Assam. In this context, it is requested that necessary information as desired by the Regional office, Shillong, MoEFCC, may be furnished at the earliest." In another letter, dated July 8, the PCCF wrote to Yadava, stating: "I would like to inform you that a communication has been received from the Deputy Inspector General of Forests (Central), Regional Office, MoEFCC. The content of the letter is self-explanatory." "Your kind attention is also drawn to the letter from the Secretary, Environment and Forest department (Assam), wherein it is mentioned that there is no question of taking action against the then PCCF, MK Yadava, IFS who had given permission for construction of commando battalion, as the said officer had acted in a bonafide manner in the interest of the state and for the protection and conservation of forests in the state," it said.The PCCF's letters to Yadava were in response to action taken reports sought from MoEFCC's regional office in Shillong, dated May 29 and July 14, on what action had been taken by the environment and forest department of Assam against Yadava. Yadava said "The PCCF has informed the government about the matter. The issue must be under process somewhere. The government will act on the information."...