Construction around 200 Yrs old Banyan tree; NGT issues notice to HP Govt
New Delhi, August 13,
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has sought a detailed explanation from the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department regarding the construction of a protective sitting platform around an approximately 200-year-old Banyan tree located in a protected forest area in Kangra district.
The matter came up before the Tribunal in Original Application No. 497 of 2025, Paramjeet Mankotia versus State of Himachal Pradesh & Others. The application has raised concerns over alleged unauthorised construction around the old Banyan tree, which, according to the applicant, is a notified reserve tree situated in a notified protected forest.
The applicant, a resident of Sidhpurghad in Jawali tehsil of Kangra district, has alleged that construction of the platform around the tree had damaged its root zone and posed a threat to its survival. The applicant has also questioned whether the requisite permission under the applicable forest laws was obtained before undertaking the construction.
During the hearing on August 11, 2026, a Bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr Afroz Ahmad considered the response filed on behalf of Respondent Nos. 1 to 5 and 7.
According to the response placed before the Tribunal, the construction involved only a small protective sitting platform, locally described as a ‘Tiyala’, around the existing Banyan tree. The authorities maintained that the work was undertaken as a preventive and protective measure to safeguard the nearly 200-year-old tree, prevent soil erosion around its base and ensure public safety.
The response further stated that the tree was located near a government school and witnessed considerable public footfall. Recurring heavy rainfall and natural calamities in the area were also cited as reasons for undertaking the protective work.
The authorities informed the Tribunal that the construction activity had already been stopped.
The Tribunal, however, noted that it was not disputed during the hearing that the Banyan tree stood within a protected forest area. In view of this position, the Bench sought clarification from the concerned authorities on the manner in which the platform was constructed and whether any permission had been obtained for carrying out the work.
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The Tribunal has specifically directed Respondent No. 1, the Principal Secretary, Forest, Government of Himachal Pradesh, to clarify the position by filing an affidavit within six weeks.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 30, 2026.
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