SRINAGAR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, including the Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, and the Block Development Officer (BDO) Lalpora Tangmarg, among other officials, for allegedly cutting down over 1,000 trees and diverting a local stream in Sonium Lalpora village. The actions were reportedly undertaken to pave the way for a playground in the village.
The case, initiated by RTI and climate activist Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, centres around the alleged violation of the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969, and the National Water Policy 2012. The petition claims that 1,000 trees, including 600 willows, 300 poplars, 100 acacia and Rubina trees, and 10 walnut trees, were felled, and part of the Badyari stream was diverted, despite objections from local authorities.
Documents presented to the tribunal reveal that the BDO Lalpora had applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which was denied by the Assistant Executive Engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department on February 23, 2024. The department instructed the BDO to halt all unauthorised activities and restore the stream to its original course. However, the instructions were allegedly ignored.
The matter was heard by an NGT bench comprising Justice A K Tyagi and Dr Senthil Veil on December 6. Represented by counsel Advocates Rahul Chowdhury and Shreepuna Dasgupta, Dr Bhat informed the tribunal that he had previously submitted a representation to the authorities on October 14, 2024, but no action had been taken. Proof of email delivery to the concerned officials was provided to the tribunal.
In its order, the NGT directed the respondents to submit their replies to the allegations at least one week before the next hearing, scheduled for April 1, 2025. The applicant has been tasked with serving notices to the respondents through email and registered post and filing an affidavit of service within 15 days.
