Shillong (Meghalaya), July 22: The High Court of Meghalaya here is reviewing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No.2/2024) concerning allegations of indiscriminate tree felling in the Lawsohtun area of East Khasi Hills District. The court, comprising. Justice I.P. Mukerji, Chief Justice, and Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge, had earlier expressed deep concern over the allegations.
The court had directed a State Level Committee to supervise the process of dealing with applications for felling or lopping trees likely to cause danger. A report dated July 18 indicates that large-scale tree felling in Lawsohtun was for the Shillong Peak Ropeway Cable Car Project by the State’s Tourism department with Central government approval.
The Central government has provided compensatory land to the State government for afforestation. However, petitioner’s counsel Kaustav Paul argues that this land is in another district and won’t benefit the environment of East Khasi Hills District.
The Committee appears to be scrutinizing applications for tree felling/lopping with attention to detail. The PIL is scheduled for hearing on July 30. The petitioner may file a rejoinder affidavit addressing the report.
