Gurgaon: Months after the sarpanch of Arua in Faridabad’s Ballabhgarh tehsil allegedly cut down 150-200 trees “without obtaining requisite permissions” from the competent authorities or approval from the forest department, multiple notices were issued by National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday. While the tribunal has listed the matter for further consideration on Oct 16, the replies have been sought from the authorities as well as the sarpanch, Mukesh, a week before that. The petitioner — local resident Arun Kumar — had said that despite complaints filed with both the forest department and the Chhainsa police station on March 27, and an ensuing inspection by forest officials, “no action was reportedly taken to address the illegal activity”. Petitioner Arun Kumar, appearing in person via videoconference, submitted the forest department’s inspection report, which confirmed illegal tree felling in the area. Photographs substantiating the claims were also placed on record.In the backdrop of this, the principal bench of NGT, led by chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel, directed that notices be issued to the member secretary of Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Faridabad district Magistrate, divisional forest officer of Faridabad and the sarpanch, asking them to file their replies by way of affidavit at least a week before the next hearing.Taking a serious view of the matter, the tribunal noted the application raises substantial questions regarding compliance with environmental norms. “Applicant appearing virtually submits that in the report of the forest department it has come to light illegal felling of trees took place but in spite of that no action has been taken by the authorities. In support of the plea, the applicant has placed on record certain photographs along with the letter petition. OA raises substantial questions relating to compliance with environmental norms,” the order said.The applicant has been instructed to serve the notices to the respondents and submit proof of service prior to the upcoming hearing.
