Pune: NGT Issues Notice Over Tree Felling In Wanowrie Reserve Forest , District Authorities Summoned

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), a body overseeing environmental issues, has taken serious action regarding tree felling in the Wanowrie area. The western bench of the NGT has sent a show cause notice to the District Collector’s office for failing to attend a hearing on the matter. Additionally, they have requested the Forest Department to provide details on the permission process for cutting trees. 

The NGT’s involvement stems from a media report about tree felling in a reserve forest area in Wanowrie, designated for an eco-park. The Maharashtra Eco-tourism Development Board plans to build a 4-acre eco-tourism park behind Ruby Hall Clinic. Allegations from residents claim around 100 Gliricidia trees were felled for this project, with further accusations against the Forest Department for extensive tree cutting in the vicinity.

Following this, the principal bench of the NGT transferred the case to the western bench and demanded a response from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) within two weeks.

During the first hearing on April 18, the PCCF submitted an affidavit stating that the trees cut were Gliricidia Sepium, classified as an invasive species. They cited a provision in the Forest Department’s working plan for the systematic removal of Gliricidia sepium from forest areas in the Pune Division.

However, the NGT bench, comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Vijay Kulkarni, demanded further clarification from the PCCF regarding the necessity of prior permission for tree felling.

Moreover, the NGT expressed disappointment over the absence of representation from the District Collector’s office during the hearing. They warned of summoning the district collector or magistrate for a personal appearance if no one represents the office on the next hearing date, April 26.