NGT probes unauthorized tree cutting in Uttar Pradesh

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Uttar Pradesh government to check a claim that trees were cut beyond the allowed 20-meter area along the proposed Kanwar corridor route. During a recent hearing, the Forest Survey of India (FSI) reported that many trees were felled outside the designated limit, and provided satellite images as evidence. The tribunal's chairperson, Prakash Shrivastava, along with other members, expressed concern over the report. The FSI's findings suggest illegal tree cutting has occurred, and they urged the state to investigate and take action against those responsible. A petitioner, Satendra Singh, noted that the additional tree cutting is a clear violation of environmental rules. He reaffirmed the NGT's call for the chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh to ensure accountability and appropriate action. The government stated that 62 kilometers of the planned 111-kilometer route has already been constructed, resulting in the cutting of 17,607 trees. However, they also mentioned that an additional 9,417 trees may be cut for the remaining section. Singh pointed out the inconsistency in the government's statements regarding tree cutting. Additionally, the state government has received permission from the central government to cut 110,000 trees for the Kanwar project. After receiving petitions, officials have proposed changing the project alignment to cut tree loss by two-thirds. A senior official revealed that the route will now be built along the Upper Ganga canal's right bank, following a buffer zone of 7 meters, which is to be reduced to 2 meters. The NGT plans to review the case again on April 7.