NGT takes action on forest land status in Pune following news report
NGT takes action on forest land status in Pune following news report
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated Suo Motu action in response to a report published by Hindustan Times on August 28, 2024. The article, titled “Forest Dept struggling to regain 14,000 hectares of land in Pune,” highlighted significant challenges faced by the Pune Forest Department in reclaiming forest land.
In the report, it was revealed that the Pune Forest Department has identified over 30,000 hectares of reserve forest land. Of this, they have successfully reclaimed 20,000 hectares from the Revenue Department. However, about 14,000 hectares remain with the Revenue Department. The reclamation process is hindered by various challenges, including litigation, encroachments, and lease proposals. In some areas, permanent structures such as buildings and slums have been established on forest land, complicating eviction efforts.
On September 19, the NGT’s principal bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, and expert member A Senthil Vel, registered a Suo Motu case. The tribunal noted that the news report indicates potential violations of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It also raised concerns about compliance with environmental norms.
The NGT directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC), the principal conservator of forests, and the District Magistrate of Pune to submit their responses by October 4, one week before the next hearing. The case has been transferred to the Western Zonal bench for further proceedings.
