Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding cutting of trees for Pakhrau Tiger Safari, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand, 21/10/2022
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re: news item published in the Newspaper The Hindu dated 02.10.2022 titled “Over 6,000 trees illegally cut for tiger safari project in Corbett Reserve, says FSI report” dated 21/10/2022.
The matter has been taken up suo motu by the Tribunal in the light of media report to the effect that 600 trees have been illegally cut in Corbett Tiger Reserve in Kalagarh Tiger Reserve division in Uttrakhand. It is further stated that the Forest Survey of India (FSI) was asked to assess the status of illegally felled trees.
The NGT noted that the report of the Forest Survey of India (FSI) '“Illegal felling of trees for the establishment of Pakhrau Tiger Safari, Uttarakhand' clearly acknowledges the fact that cutting of trees is going on illegally.
The NGT said that accountability needs to be fixed for such violations and damage to the environment restored and directed the constitution of a three member committee - DG, Forest Department, ADG, Wildlife Department and ADG, Project Tiger. The committee would identify the violators and suggest the steps required for restoration of the environment. The report with specific recommendations should be furnished to the Secretary, MoEF&CC within one month and steps for further course of action in the matter has to be finalised within next one month. Till then, the court ruled that the project (Pakhrau Tiger Safari) should not be allowed to proceed.