Massive Tree Felling for Kanwar Yatra Route Sparks Green Tribunal Inquiry

A National Green Tribunal panel indicates over 17,600 trees were cut in Uttar Pradesh for the Kanwar Yatra route. The felling's legality is under scrutiny by a joint committee, which must clarify the tree cut numbers and the project's overall environmental impact before the route's construction proceeds.

The National Green Tribunal has been informed by a fact-finding panel that more than 17,600 trees were felled across three districts in Uttar Pradesh to facilitate the upcoming Kanwar Yatra route.

During a case hearing related to the alleged clearing of over 1 lakh trees in the protected forest areas across Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar, the tribunal discussed an interim report submitted by a joint committee.

NGT's Chairperson, Justice Prakash Shrivastava, highlighted the committee's findings which were informed by the Forest Survey of India, environmental scientists, and district authorities. The interim report has led to further scrutiny of the project's compliance with the UP Protection of Trees Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)