National Green Tribunal orders joint probe into alleged illegal tree felling in Dehradun

The National Green Tribunal has taken cognisance of alleged illegal tree felling, forest land encroachment, and unauthorised mining in the Kothal Gate area of Dehradun. It ordered a joint committee with officials from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Uttarakhand forest authorities, and the Dehradun district magistrate to inspect the site and report within eight weeks.

The National Green Tribunal has flagged claims of major environmental violations in Dehradun’s Kothal Gate area. The case involves alleged illegal tree felling, forest land encroachment, and unauthorised mining. The tribunal has ordered a joint committee to check the claims on the ground. The panel must file its findings within eight weeks.

The NGT principal bench in New Delhi was hearing an application filed by Pradeep Sharma. The application accused Jain Developers of cutting trees without permission. It also alleged takeover of forest land and unauthorised mining. The plea said the activities continued even after a Stop Work notice in 2014.

NGT joint committee for Kothal Gate allegations

The tribunal directed a joint committee with officials from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Members will also include the principal chief conservator of forests, Uttarakhand. The district magistrate, Dehradun, will be part of the team. The committee must submit its report within eight weeks.

The bench said the matter raised major issues about meeting environmental standards. The bench included Justice Prakash Shrivastava as chairperson. A Senthil Vel served as expert member. Afroz Ahmad also served as expert member. The tribunal issued notices to all respondents in the case.

NGT joint committee site inspection and damage assessment

The NGT tasked the joint committee with a site visit in the Kothal Gate area. The team must check if the allegations are correct. It must also measure the scale of environmental harm, if any. The panel must identify responsible individuals. It must recommend remedial steps and punitive action.

The order also dealt with a harassment complaint raised by the applicant. The tribunal said security should be provided if needed. The direction applied if an application is made to the senior superintendent of police, Dehradun. The tribunal said "appropriate security cover must be ensured.\"

The NGT fixed the next hearing for July 17. The joint committee’s report is expected before that date, based on the eight-week timeline. The tribunal’s directions focus on fact-finding and accountability. The outcome will depend on the committee’s inspection and its recommendations to the NGT.

With inputs from PTI