Meghalaya, known as the “Scotland of the East,” recorded a loss of 84.07 sq km of forest cover from 2021-23
Shillong, Feb 8: In a crucial move for environmental protection, the Meghalaya High Court on Friday halted all ongoing and pending tree-felling activities in East Khasi Hills, ordering a thorough review to ensure legal compliance.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh, issued directives to state authorities to scrutinize previously approved felling permissions. “In respect of decisions already made allowing felling of trees but not yet executed, respondent authorities shall keep them in abeyance and review such decisions to ensure that they have been made in accordance with law,” the court stated.
Prompted by a PIL filed by Geraldine G Shabong regarding alleged illegal tree-felling in Laitumkhrah, the court expanded the scope of the case to include the entire East Khasi Hills district. The petitioner highlighted violations of the Meghalaya Tree (Preservation) Act, 1976, asserting that procedures, including mandatory inspections by the Divisional Forest Officer, were ignored.
Particularly concerning was the indiscriminate felling of heritage trees, some over a century old, reportedly cut down without adhering to regulations under the Nagar Van Yojana, a 2020 scheme promoting urban forestry.
The court directed the state to disclose pending applications for tree felling and ensure their strict adherence to legal provisions. Additionally, authorities have been instructed to submit a detailed action taken report by February 28.
“If any felling of trees has already been done irregularly or illegally, it is irreversible. Respondents must take steps to plant trees of similar types to restore the ecological balance,” the bench emphasized.
