NGT notifies Uttarakhand government on unauthorised deforestation

NGT notifies Uttarakhand government on unauthorised deforestation

The case has been scheduled for the next hearing on February 3, 2023.

Following a complaint letter, the Uttarakhand government and five other respondents received notice from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) principal bench in New Delhi regarding the alleged illegal felling of trees near the Nainital Lake area.

The respondents have been given one month to respond to the notices.

According to the NGT order to the Uttarakhand government, it considers it appropriate to have a response from the Uttarakhand government, forest department, urban development, divisional commissioner, Kumaon, principal chief conservator of forests, and Nainital Municipal Corporation in light of the averments in the application and observations in the joint committee report.

A letter petition was sent to the NGT by one Vivek Verma mentioning the illegal felling of trees belonging to exotic species which were being executed near Nainital city, causing significant damage to the forest area.

According to the petition, deforestation is causing the loss of the Naini Lake catchment area.

According to the green panel's order, a joint committee was established on September 1, 2022 and was given two months to submit a factual and action-based report. On October 31, the report was delivered to the NGT.

"In light of the serious nature and impact of the environmental violations concerned, the tribunal believes it is appropriate to have senior advocates serve as amicus curie." The order said, "Consequently, the tribunal has assigned advocate Akash Vashishtha as amicus curie to assist in the just and fair adjudication of the issues at hand."

The delicate ecology of Nainital Lake and the forests in its catchment area has drawn the attention of experts and numerous locals over the years.

Nainital Lake, which is shaped like a mango and encircled by forested hills, is located at a height of 1938 metres.