Supreme Court Stalls Tree Felling for Kolkata Metro Project

The Supreme Court has halted tree felling or transplantation for the Kolkata metro project near Victoria Memorial without Central Empowered Committee approval, emphasizing ecological protection while balancing public infrastructure needs. The court responded to a plea challenging a Calcutta High Court decision, and seeks a review by independent urban experts.

The Supreme Court has put a temporary hold on tree felling and transplantation efforts for the Kolkata metro rail project near the Victoria Memorial. This move requires approval from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) before any such activities can proceed.

A Special Bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai, P K Mishra, and K V Vishwanathan, issued the order amidst a plea against a June ruling of the Calcutta High Court that dismissed a petition aimed at stopping metro construction due to environmental concerns.

The court emphasized the need to protect the environment while facilitating public infrastructure, urging a review by urban system experts. Authorities claim most trees are transplanted, not felled, and compensatory trees are being planted, deeming the project crucial for decongesting roads.

(With inputs from agencies.)