New Delhi, March 2: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the member secretary of the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB) and the state's principal chief conservator of forests to appear before it regarding the illegal felling of 176 trees in Udham Singh Nagar district.
The tribunal was addressing a petition concerning the unauthorized cutting of trees in Chandpur village, allegedly carried out by private individuals for the development of a residential colony.
Illegal Tree Felling Confirmed by Joint Committee
A bench comprising judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel referred to a report submitted by a joint committee, which confirmed that 176 trees were illegally felled. The report also emphasized the need to recover environmental compensation for the damage caused.The committee responsible for the findings included representatives from the district administration, the regional office of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Dehradun, and the UKPCB.
NGT Seeks Accountability from State Officials
Taking cognizance of the report, the NGT has sought responses from the Uttarakhand chief secretary and other concerned authorities. Additionally, the tribunal has deemed it necessary for the UKPCB member secretary and the principal chief conservator of forests to appear in person or via video conferencing in the next hearing."We also consider the personal appearance of the member secretary, UKPCB, and the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) before this tribunal physically or through video-conferencing on the next date of hearing to be essential for assisting this tribunal in just and proper adjudication of the questions involved in the case," the tribunal stated.
Next Hearing Scheduled for April 7
The NGT has scheduled the next hearing for April 7, where the officials are expected to present relevant records and assist in determining further action against the unauthorized deforestation.This case highlights ongoing environmental concerns and the need for stricter enforcement of forest conservation laws in Uttarakhand.
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