HPGreen felling without permission: 200 trees axed in HP
Shimla, May 16
National Green Tribunal was informed by the state government that around 200 green trees are felled or pruned by the contractor during construction of the Daulatpur-Gagret Guglehad road, in Una district, Himachal Pradesh.
The famous Indian Environment media platforms, reported that green felling was carried out by a contractor without seeking requisite permission from concerned authorities and inviolation FCA clearance.
The axed trees are located on the land in possession of Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD).
State of Himachal Pradesh submitted before in a status report filed before the National Green Tribunal on May 13, 2023.
State affidavit accepted that greenfeeling has caused considerable amount of damage to ecosystems.
State government informed the green tribunal that disciplinary action has been initiated against the forest guards posted in the area and contractor has been booked after lodging FIR under Forrest Act.
Now NGT had asked Deputy Commissioner of Una furnished a reply before NGT supporting the findings and conclusions drawn by the committee.
State government informed that matter is pertaining to previous Jai Ram Thakur Government as a committee also filled report on the behest NGT on July 4, 2022. NGT had ordered the state to verify the situation and take remedial action.
The committee also discussed the possibility of levying environmental compensation but it was found that there was no standard guideline or provision according to which environmental compensation can be levied in the matter.
The committee recommended that HPPWD should also frame a proper mechanism for pruning of trees standing on its land along the roadside.
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