Himachal Pradesh HC Orders Formation Of Inquiry Committee On Alleged Illegal Tree Felling

A division bench of Chief Justice M S Ramachandra Rao and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel of the Himachal High Court has recently ordered the formation of an inquiry committee to address concerns regarding the alleged illegal felling of forest trees.

The committee’s primary responsibility will be to verify the claims made in a letter petition, which asserts that roads are being constructed in dense forest areas of Shikari Kamrunag without obtaining the necessary clearance under the Forest Conservation Act. The petitioner alleges collusion between the concerned Divisional Forest Officer and those involved in the road construction.

Having taken suo moto cognizance of the letter addressed by Raju from Mandi last year, the High Court appointed Advocate Abhishek Dulta as an amicus-curiae in the case. The petitioner has accused the illegal felling of trees in these environmentally sensitive areas for road construction purposes.

As the respondents disputed the allegations, the bench has constituted a committee consisting of the Deputy Commissioner of District Mandi, the Superintendent of Police of District Mandi, and the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, District Mandi. This committee will thoroughly examine the veracity of the claims.

The respondent-authorities have been instructed to fully cooperate with the committee, which is expected to submit its report within a period of three months.

The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for 10^th October, 2023.