Himachal forest officials summoned by NGT for neglect in Kufri environmental case

Himachal forest officials summoned by NGT for neglect in Kufri environmental case

Shimla, Dec 24,

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed displeasure on Himachal officials’ negligence during hearing of a case related to the famous tourist destination near Shimla called ‘ Kufri’.
The matter pertains to implementing the two-month-old orders related to the environmental degradation caused by uncontrolled horse movement in Kufri, the popular tourist abode.
In this recent hearing held on Dec 20, NGT ordered Himachal’s Secretary Forest, Head of Forest Department (PCCF), and Deputy Conservator of Forest to personally appear before the Tribunal on 12th February. The Tribunal highlighted that its previous orders, issued to curb the adverse impact on Kufri’s ecology, had not been acted upon.
Noteworthy that while disposing the hearing of a petition, the NGT had constituted a committee on March 13, 2023 in view of the damage being caused to the environment and cedar forest due to horses in Kufri. A bench of Justice Sudhir Aggarwal and Judicial Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel expert member had asked the committee to submit its report within 2 months.

Also read:NGT panel: Excessive horses and ponies damaging Kufri’s green forest

NGT emphasized that only 217 horses should be allowed daily in Kufri to prevent further damage to the environment. Currently, a significantly higher number (1029)  horses roam freely in the area, creating concerns about ecological imbalance.

As per the NGT order, DFO Shimla Krishna Kumar, who joined the hearing virtually, faced criticism for muting himself, while no representative from the Himachal government was present to address the Tribunal.

NGT reprimanded the officers for failing to submit an Action Taken Report to the Central Government, despite the Forest Department allegedly providing a report with suggestions on controlling horse numbers. The NGT stressed the urgency of complying with its orders to safeguard Kufri’s ecology.

Also read: NGT panel: Excessive horses and ponies damaging Kufri’s green forest

The committee recommended limiting horse movement to 200-217 daily, a measure endorsed by NGT. The same was recomended to be done in a phased manner. Failure to implement these directives led to the Tribunal’s stern response, signaling the gravity of the environmental concerns raised in court.

The arguments in the NGT order, highlighted the adverse effects of uncontrolled horse movement, such as damage to vegetation, cedar tree roots, and water sources

Team Himachal Scape

Empower Independent Journalism – Join Us Today!
Dear Reader,
We’re committed to unbiased, in-depth journalism that uncovers truth and gives voice to the unheard. To sustain our mission, we need your help. Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels our research, reporting, and impact.
Stand with us in preserving independent journalism’s integrity and transparency. Support free press, diverse perspectives, and informed democracy.
Click [here] to join and be part of this vital endeavour.
Thank you for valuing independent journalism.
Warmly,
Vishal Sarin, Editor