The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently taken cognizance of a petition highlighting rampant illegal tree felling in Gurgaon, expressing serious concerns over the environmental repercussions and regulatory lapses in tree conservation efforts. The petition, filed by a local activist, has prompted the NGT to issue notices to the Haryana government, the Centre, the principal chief conservator of forests, and key district officials, seeking responses within six weeks.
According to the activist, numerous trees have been cut down without proper authorization, and the penalties imposed by the divisional forest officer for these violations have been nominal, set at Rs 500 per incident. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of current enforcement measures and the arbitrary nature of tree felling permissions in different tehsils within Gurgaon. The NGT’s intervention comes in light of the city’s deteriorating green cover, as highlighted by reports indicating a loss of 2.5 square kilometers of forest between October 2019 and February 2020 alone. Gurgaon’s overall tree and forest cover currently stands at 12.9% of its geographical area, as per the findings of Haryana’s recent tree census.
Unlike Delhi, which has stringent laws like the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, Haryana lacks a dedicated Tree Act. This legal void has been exploited, allowing unchecked urbanization to encroach upon green areas with little fear of significant penalties. The activist pointed out that the state’s forest policy, formulated in 2006, aimed for a phased increase to achieve 20% forest and tree cover, but without a defined legal framework, these goals remain unfulfilled.The NGT’s scrutiny underscores the urgent need for robust legislative measures to protect trees outside areas covered by the Forest Conservation Act. The absence of a specific Tree Act in Haryana has exacerbated the situation, leaving urban green spaces vulnerable to rapid development and construction activities. Environmentalists and activists have long advocated for a comprehensive Tree Act in Haryana, similar to those in other states, to safeguard the ecological balance and mitigate air quality deterioration. The NGT’s forthcoming hearings in September are expected to shed light on the authorities’ responses and actions taken to curb illegal tree felling, crucial for preserving Gurgaon’s environmental health and sustainability.
