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NGT Questions Himachal Govt on Ancient Tree Platform
29 Aug
Summary
- NGT seeks explanation for concrete platform around ancient banyan tree.
- A petitioner alleged unauthorized excavation and concretisation around the tree.
- Government claims construction was for protection; work has been halted.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has demanded an explanation from the Himachal Pradesh government concerning the construction of a concrete platform around a banyan tree estimated to be over 200 years old. This ancient tree is situated within a protected forest area in Kangra district.
The NGT chairperson, Justice Prakash Shrivastava, has directed the principal secretary of forests to submit an affidavit detailing the reasons for the construction and the permissions granted, within a six-week timeframe. The directive follows a petition filed last October alleging that a platform was built around the tree without authorization.
The petition further claimed that excavation up to depths of 4-5 feet and extensive concretisation had severely damaged the tree's root system. The state government contended that the construction was minimal, intended only as a small protective sitting platform to safeguard the aged tree, prevent soil erosion, and ensure public safety, especially given its proximity to a school and the region's susceptibility to heavy rainfall.
Authorities informed the tribunal that construction has been stopped, demonstrating their commitment to environmental concerns. However, the NGT emphasized that the tree's location in a protected forest area necessitates a strong justification for any such construction. The next hearing for this matter is scheduled for October 30.
