The Madras High Court recently directed the concerned authorities to comply with the orders of the District Green Committee regarding the felling and transplantation of trees for the expansion of the Chennai Egmore Railway Station.
A division bench of Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice PD Audikesavalu, acknowledged that the District Green Committee, headed by the District Collector, has granted permission for the felling of 182 trees, transplantation of 103 trees, and pruning of 33 trees, totaling 318 trees.
The bench further highlighted that the committee had observed instances where trees were transplanted to Queen Mary’s College without obtaining prior approval. Consequently, the contractor was directed to plant saplings in a ratio of 1:12 for each tree.
While the court expressed no doubt about the authorities’ good faith, it emphasized the importance of adhering to the District Green Committee’s orders. The court also instructed the authorities to provide a report on their compliance with the committee’s directives, and urged the committee to verify the implementation of the same.
“We may today not doubt about the bonafides of the respondents also as the transplantation and felling of trees is necessitated for the expansion of the Chennai Egmore railway station. However, it also needs to be considered that the respondents cannot travel beyond the order passed by the District Green Committee. The respondents shall report to the District Green Committee about the compliance, that is transplantation of 103 trees, the saplings being planted so as to compensate for the felling of trees. The District Green Committee shall verify the same,” the bench stated.
The division bench passed the order on a petition filed by the Pasumai Thaayagam Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to preserving the environment and promoting ecological sustainable development. The petitioner contended that over 400 trees, including 50-80-year-old trees, would need to be cut down for the expansion of the railway station.
The Additional Solicitor General and the Additional Advocate General informed the court that the process was being carried out in accordance with the prescribed procedure, and permission had been obtained from the District Green Committee. They further stated that 103 trees were scheduled for transplantation, while 182 trees were slated for removal, with a commitment to planting 12 saplings for each tree felled.
“While we do not doubt the petitioner’s intentions, it is crucial to strike a balance between sustainable development and environmental concerns in the expansion of the Chennai Egmore railway station. Adequate safeguards have been put in place, leading to the formation of the District Green Committee, Chennai,” the bench remarked while disposing of the petition.
