Shillong (Meghalaya), Feb 7: A recent writ petition has brought to light alleged indiscriminate tree felling in East Khasi Hills District, sparking concerns over environmental degradation and disregard for regulations. The petition relies on the Meghalaya Tree (Preservation) Act, 1976, and the Meghalaya Tree (Preservation) Rules, 1976, which mandate a formal application and enquiry process before tree felling permissions are granted.
The Nagar Van Yojana (NVJ) scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2020, aimed to promote “urban forestry” and restrict tree felling. However, the petition claims that state respondents have flouted these rules, leading to widespread tree felling in the district.
Citing specific examples, the petition alleges that trees have been felled without due process, often in response to individual complaints. This has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
The East Khasi Hills District, spanning 2,748 square kilometers, is a biodiversity hotspot, bounded by Ri-Bhoi District to the north and Bangladesh to the south. The alleged environmental violations have significant implications for the region’s ecosystem and the well-being of its inhabitants.
As the controversy unfolds, environmentalists and local residents are calling for greater scrutiny of tree felling activities and stricter enforcement of regulations to protect the region’s fragile ecosystem.
