Pune: Residents Decry Delay As NGT Schedules Hearing on Wanowrie Forest Tree Felling For May 22

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), a body overseeing environmental issues, has taken stern steps regarding tree felling in the Wanowrie forest area. The western bench of the NGT had sent  show cause notices to the District Collector’s office for failing to attend a hearing on the matter. Additionally, they have requested the Forest Department to provide details on the permission process for cutting trees.

The hearing scheduled today, April 26 has now been postponed. The news has not gone well among the residents as well as many environment lovers as they feel that the justice to common is delayed unnecessarily. 

Advocate Kshitija Sarangi Moreshwar represented the applicants in court, where she highlighted the urgency of the case and insisted on issuing notices to all relevant parties. Originally adjourned due to staffing issues, the case is now rescheduled for a hearing on May 22, 2024.The court ordered that both the direct applicants and the Tribunal’s Registry must inform all parties involved about the rescheduling and ensure a service affidavit is recorded accordingly.

The controversy centers on the alleged unauthorized removal of approximately 100 Gliricidia trees, leading to the case being escalated to the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) western bench.In an initial hearing, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests defended the tree felling by classifying Gliricidia Sepium as an invasive species. However, the NGT has requested further details to determine if prior permission was needed for the felling.The NGT also noted the lack of participation from the District Collector’s office at the hearing and indicated that failure to appear at the next session could result in summons being issued.

The NGT’s involvement stems from a media report about tree felling in a reserve forest area in Wanowrie, designated for an eco-park. The Maharashtra Eco-tourism Development Board plans to build a 4-acre eco-tourism park behind Ruby Hall Clinic. Allegations from residents claim around 100 Gliricidia trees were felled for this project, with further accusations against the Forest Department for extensive tree cutting in the vicinity.

Submission made by Adv Kshitija Moreshwar Sarangi that the respondents are on the verge of completion of work for the park and we are waiting for justice. It is further submitted that forest and administrative authorities are least bothered to appear before the Hon’ble Tribunal Pune, but carrying the project. It shows their lenient behavior towards justice systems. It was adjourned for 30 th July 2024, after request of counsel it is preponed for May 22, 2024 when Adv Kshitija Moreshwar Sarangi showed her willingness to send notice to all respondents and file the service affidavit.