The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has intervened in a case of alleged environmental violation in Himachal Pradesh, ordering a high-level inquiry into the illegal cutting of trees. The green court has directed the state's forest department to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a detailed report within a strict deadline.
NGT's Directives for a Fact-Finding Mission
In a significant order, the NGT chairperson, Prakash Shrivastava, has taken suo motu cognizance of the issue. He has instructed the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) of Himachal Pradesh to personally oversee a comprehensive inquiry into complaints of unauthorized tree felling. The tribunal's mandate is clear and specific.
The PCCF must uncover and disclose in the report "the details of the trees, if any, cut illegally, the persons responsible, and the action taken against them." The NGT has given the forest department a window of two months to complete this fact-finding exercise and file its findings before the tribunal.
The Petition That Triggered the Action
The NGT's order stems from a letter petition filed by Raman Kumar, a concerned resident of the area. Kumar brought to light a serious allegation of environmental degradation in the Nurpur forest division, located in the picturesque Kangra district.
According to the petition, a specific species of tree—acacia catechu—was illegally cut down over a period of three months. The alleged felling occurred between February 2025 and April 2025. The petitioner emphasized that these trees were the property of the Himachal Pradesh government, and no official permission was obtained for their removal, making the act a clear violation of forest conservation laws.
Alleged Inaction by Local Forest Officials
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the complainant claimed that he had initially tried to seek redressal through official channels. Raman Kumar stated that he filed a formal complaint regarding the illegal tree cutting with the Nurpur divisional forest officer (DFO) on February 7, 2025.
However, his efforts reportedly yielded no result, as no concrete action was taken by the local forest authorities following his complaint. This alleged inaction ultimately compelled him to approach the National Green Tribunal, seeking its intervention to ensure accountability and environmental justice.
The NGT's order now puts the spotlight squarely on the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department. The upcoming report will be crucial in determining the scale of the alleged violation, identifying those responsible, and outlining the measures taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The case underscores the ongoing challenge of protecting forest resources and the role of judicial bodies in upholding environmental laws.
