The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is reviewing the Uttar Pradesh government's plan to cut 33,776 trees for the Kanwar route project from Muradnagar to Purkaji. Initially approved for 112,722 trees, the revised figure followed an investigation by a joint committee formed in August. An interim report revealed that 17,607 trees had already been removed. The NGT has directed the state to confirm compliance with the UP Protection of Trees Act, 1976, and clarify the status of plants and bushes excluded from the count. The Tribunal also demanded an affidavit from the Additional Chief Secretary of Environment to ensure transparency and adherence to legal standards.
Earlier this year, the NGT had taken suo motu cognisance of a media report which suggested that the Uttar Pradesh government was planning to cut down 112,722 trees across the three districts for the new route stretching from Muradnagar in Ghaziabad to Purkaji in Muzaffarnagar. In response to the report, the Tribunal formed a joint panel in August to investigate the matter further.
During a recent hearing, the NGT's Principal Bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with Judicial Member Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, noted that the joint committee had submitted an interim report. According to the report, by early November, a total of 17,607 trees had already been cut down in the three districts based on data provided by the Irrigation Department. The interim findings also revealed that while initial approval had been granted for the removal of 112,722 trees, the revised plan now calls for the felling of 33,776 trees instead.
In its order, the NGT has instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to confirm whether the number of trees removed complies strictly with the UP Protection of Trees Act, 1976. The Tribunal further sought clarification regarding the classification of certain plants, trees, and bushes that are not included in the revised total of 33,776 trees, yet are being removed for the road construction. The NGT requested confirmation on whether these plants and bushes should also be considered 'trees' under the Act.
Additionally, the Tribunal has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to submit an affidavit from the Additional Chief Secretary of Environment. This affidavit should specify the exact number of trees slated for removal as part of the Kanwar route project, ensuring that the count adheres to the requirements of the UP Tree Protection Act.
Given the public nature and significance of the project, the NGT expressed concern over the delay and urged the joint committee to promptly complete its review. The Tribunal insisted that the final report be submitted without further delay, in order to ensure that the necessary legal and environmental considerations are fully addressed.
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