Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Dec 31: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Jammu and Kashmir government, including the Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Block Development Officer (BDO) Lalpora Tangmarg, and other officials, over the alleged felling of over 1000 trees in the village of Sonium Lalpora and the diversion of a local stream for the construction of a playground.
According to the complaint, the BDO Lalpora and the former Sarpanch of Sonium village are accused of cutting down 1000 trees, including 600 willow trees, 300 poplar trees, around 100 acacia and rubina trees, and 10 walnut trees.
Also, part of the Badyari stream was diverted to pave the way for the playground. This action is reportedly in violation of the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969, and the National Water Policy 2012.
It was also noted that the BDO had sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the diversion, but the Assistant Executive Engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department rejected the request on February 23, 2024. The Engineer instructed the BDO to stop the unauthorized activities and restore the stream to its original course, but these directions were reportedly ignored.
The issue was raised before the NGT by RTI and climate activist Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, who submitted a representation to the authorities on October 14, 2024, without receiving a response.
He provided evidence of his communications to various government officials, including the Chief Secretary and the BDO.
The NGT’s two-member bench, comprising Justice A K Tyagi and Dr. Senthil Veil, considered the petition and noted that the case raises environmental concerns under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
The bench directed that notices be issued to the respondents, requiring them to file their replies by March 25, 2025. Dr. Bhat has been instructed to serve the notices via email and registered post and file an affidavit of service within 15 days. The next hearing has been scheduled for April 1, 2025.
