NGT Takes Cognizance of Alleged Tree Felling and Burning Near Talacauvery Wildlife SanctuaryNGT Takes Cognizance of Alleged Tree Felling and Burning Near Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken note of a report published in The Hindu alleging the illegal felling and burning of trees near the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu district. Report Highlights The Hindu’s article highlighted that the Mundrote Forest Range, where the alleged activity occurred, is home to a diverse flora, including 6,000 tree species. The burning of trees posed a risk of a forest fire with severe ecological consequences. The area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. NGT Order * The NGT summoned the Chief Conservator of Forests of Karnataka, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Kodagu district. * The order expressed concerns about violations of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Allegations * Environmentalists alleged that over five hectares of forest reserve had been cleared. * They claimed that the forest department had failed to prevent such activities. Government Response * Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre ordered an inquiry into the allegations. * He directed an Additional Chief Conservator of Forests to investigate and submit a report within three days. * The minister also ordered disciplinary action against officials who failed to report the incident. Paywall Disclaimer The article includes paywall disclaimers for users who have exceeded their free article limit.
The highest court of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken cognizance of a report published by The Hinduthat several trees have reportedly been cut and burnt near the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu district.
On May 14, The Hindu had published an article ‘Environmentalists alarmed by felled, burnt trees near Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu’. The article highlights that the Mundrote Forest Range, where the alleged illegal activity took place, is known for its rich flora, including 6,000 species of trees and plants. It further highlights that burning of trees could have resulted in a forest fire with potentially serious ecological consequences. The area has been recognised as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka and is characterised by dense evergreen forests that have remained largely untouched.
The court has produced before it the Chief Conservator of Forests of Karnataka, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Kodagu district.
Environmentalists in Kodagu alleged that the suspects had cleared over five hectares of forest reserve and that the forest department had failed to check such activities over time.
NGT order highlights major concerns
“According to the article, Kodagu district has been reeling under environmental problems for some time now. This year, amid a severe drought, several trees were allegedly cut and burnt near Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Mundrote Range of Padinalkunadu Reserve Forest,” the NGT said in the order.
“The matter points to violation of the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The news report raises substantial issues regarding compliance with environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of the proposed proclamation,” the NGT order said.
Meanwhile, next The Hindu According to the report, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre had on May 15 ordered an inquiry headed by the Additional Chief Conservator of Forests into the alleged felling and burning of several trees.
In an order dated May 15, Mr. Khandre said that the media had reported on the felling of numerous trees. According to the order, officials had failed to inform the minister about this.
“An additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest-level official should be immediately sent to the spot to investigate how many trees have been felled and submit a geo-tagged video and report within three days,” he said. The minister also said that disciplinary action should be taken against officials who failed to inform his office about the incident.
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