Aizawl: The Gauhati High Court has ordered an immediate halt to further felling of trees in the vacated Assam Rifles land in the heart of Aizawl city, after taking cognisance of a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging large-scale cutting of century-old trees for a proposed road widening project.A two-judge bench of Justice Michael Zothankhuma and Justice Kaushik Goswami, in an order dated April 20, directed the Mizoram govt to ensure that no further trees are cut in the area “until further orders”.The PIL was filed by environmental activist Saizampuii Sailo, based on a representation submitted on March 25 on behalf of the Centre for Environment and Social Justice (CESJ). The petition challenges the proposed widening of the main Aizawl road from Bazar Bungkawn to Treasury Square to 14 metres, which involves felling trees within the former Assam Rifles campus.According to the petition, around 174 trees have been marked for cutting out of more than 400 identified in the area. Many are said to be nearly a century old, with at least one tree reportedly dating back to 1850. The plea argues the trees serve as a vital carbon sink in a rapidly urbanising city and that their removal would cause more harm than benefit.The bench observed that the felling of such old trees “in the middle of Aizawl city” requires a proper explanation from the State government, and referred to media reports highlighting the issue and the ecological value of the trees.Notice was issued to the respondents, with the matter returnable on May 18. Mizoram Additional Advocate General P. Bhattacharyya, appearing for the State, accepted notice and told the court the government would obtain instructions and examine the issue seriously.Senior counsel T.J. Mahanta stressed the need for interim protection, submitting that no trees should be felled without adequate justification.The interim direction comes amid growing public opposition to the tree-cutting exercise. The State government had earlier temporarily suspended felling operations following protests led by CESJ and civil society groups, who warned of ecological consequences including loss of carbon storage and urban biodiversity.Activists claim more than 100 trees had already been cut before the suspension, and questioned whether road widening alone would address Aizawl’s traffic congestion, arguing the environmental cost could outweigh projected benefits.The PIL is listed on May 18.
