Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding violation of environmental norms during construction of Kotila-Gawad-Suraikhet Motor Road, Almora, Uttarakhand, 11/09/2020
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Jagdish Chandra Pandey Vs State of Uttarakhand & Others dated 11/09/2020. Grievance in this application was against violation of environmental norms during construction of Kotila-Gawad-Suraikhet Motor Road in tehsil Dwarahat, district Almora, Uttarakhand. It is alleged that large number of trees are being damaged during the construction of the road and in spite of complaints lodged with the authorities, no remedial action has been taken. The road is being constructed by the Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation through M/s Kaira Construction Firm. The Applicant has relied upon photographs and copies of complaints.
The NGT directed that a joint factual and action taken report be furnished by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (HoFF), Uttarakhand and the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). The PCCF (HoFF), Utttarakhand may nominate a two member team of officers not below the rank of Conservator of Forest. The PCCF (HoFF), Utttarakhand would be the nodal agency for coordination and compliance. A report has to be furnished within two months.