Hinting at a lack of coordination between the Revenue and Forest departments, the National Green Tribunal has called for checks on the cutting of trees in non-forest areas in Sindhudurg and strict implementation of laws in the ecologically sensitive district.
In an order on January 8, in response to an application by Sindhudurg resident Jayant Baregar, a bench of Justice VR Kirangaonkar and member Ajay Deshpande directed the Principal Secretary of Revenue and Forests to issue instructions to Sindhudurg district officials “to strictly enforce the existing regulations related to cutting of trees in the non-forest areas and [consider] issuing suitable comprehensive advisory/guidelines, to reiterate existing provisions within six weeks”.
The tribunal observed, “The issue related to illegal tree-cutting on a large scale is important for protection of the environment in Sindhudurg district. There cannot be duality of opinion that illegal deforestation would seriously impair environment and ecology….”
The order observed that a large portion of Sindhudurg was identified as eco-sensitive by the Gadgil committee in view of its rich and unique bio-diversity and it was necessary to ensure the preservation of the environmental integrity of the area.
Mr Baregar’s application alleged large-scale tree-cutting in Sindhudurg. The bench disposed of the application on the grounds of wrongful interpretation of the Maharashtra Felling of Trees (Regulation) Act and the rules made under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code. However, it thought it fit to caution the State government on the need for strict implementation of these regulations in Sindhudurg.
