The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter relating to chopping down and burning of trees near the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu district of Karnataka.
The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item dated 14.05.2024.
As per the article, the Kodagu district is suffering from environmental issues for some time now. This year, amidst a severe drought, several trees were allegedly felled and burnt near the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in the Mundrote Range of the Padinalkunadu Reserve Forest.
The news item highlights that the Mundrote Forest Range, where the alleged illegal activity took place, is known for its rich flora, including 6,000 species of trees and plants. It further highlights that the burning of trees could have resulted in a forest fire with potentially serious ecological repercussions. The area is recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka and is characterized by dense evergreen forests that have largely remained untouched. It alleges that the accused have cleared more than five acres of reserve forest.
It is alleged in the article that the Forest Department has failed to control this kind of activities over the time.
The above matter indicated Bench violation of the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment.
“Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter in suo-motu exercise of power has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.”
Hence, Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. A. Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
i. Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Karnataka .
ii. Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change.
iii. Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate, Kodagu.
The Bench issued notice to the Respondents.
Since the matter relates to the Southern Zonal Bench, Chennai, therefore, the Bench transferred the matter to the Southern Zonal Bench for appropriate further action.Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Southern Zonal Bench and the matter is listed on 06.09.2024.