NGT Urges Action on Illegal Tree Felling for Kanwar Yatra Route in UP

Swift Summary

• over 17,600 trees were reportedly cut for the Kanwar Yatra route, spanning 111 km in Uttar Pradesh.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the UP government to take appropriate action if trees were illegally felled.
• the Forest Survey of India (FSI) reported that tree cutting was done without final approval and not according to rules.
• A total of 17,607 trees were removed from Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar districts.
• A report indicating this was submitted by FSI Joint Director Meera Iyer but was challenged in court by the UP governmentS ASG.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The illegal felling of over 17,600 trees for the Kanwar Yatra route underscores governance challenges concerning environmental regulations. While infrastructure development is essential for religious and cultural events like the Kanwar Yatra, it must balance with environmental conservation laws. The NGT’s involvement highlights judiciary accountability in ensuring compliance with sustainable practices. This incident could prompt stricter oversight on future projects to prevent unauthorized deforestation and emphasize clarity in project approvals.

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