National Green Tribunal Orders Satellite Survey on Ganga Canal Tree Felling

The National Green Tribunal has directed the Survey of India to submit satellite images to assess the extent of tree felling along the upper Ganga canal in Uttar Pradesh for road construction related to the 'kanwar' yatra. The tribunal aims to verify allegations of illegal tree cutting and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

The National Green Tribunal has ordered the Survey of India to provide satellite images showing the extent of trees cut along the upper Ganga canal for road construction in Uttar Pradesh. This directive aims to verify the allegations of illegal tree felling for the 'kanwar' yatra.

Pilgrims walk to Haridwar in Uttarakhand during Sawan to collect water from the Ganga river, which is then offered in Shiva temples. The tribunal's directive came after accusations surfaced that over 1 lakh trees and shrubs had been felled in the protected forests of Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar.

The NGT's suo motu case, based on a news report, revealed the Uttar Pradesh government's approval to cut 1.12 lakh trees. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava emphasized ensuring no illegal felling beyond the permissible width of the road. The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing for July 25.

(With inputs from agencies.)