The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter of alleged cutting of trees for development of an eco-tourism on the reserve forest land in Wanowrie, Maharashtra.
The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item appearing in the daily newspaper dated 12.01.2024.
As per the news item, Maharashtra Ecotourism Development Board is constructing an eco-tourism park on the reserve forest land in Wanowrie, behind Ruby Hall Clinic and the said park will be spread over 4 acres, but as per the allegation of residents, Board had felled around 100 gliricidia trees for constructing the park. The residents also alleged that the Forest Department has rampantly cut most trees in the vicinity over 10 days.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of environmental norms.
“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, the Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr. A Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
i. Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (HoFF), Maharashtra.
ii. District Collector/District Magistrate, Pune.
Since the matter relates to the Western Zonal Bench, Pune , therefore , the Bench transferred the matter to the Western Zonal Bench for appropriate further action. Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Western Zonal Bench and the matter is listed on 18.04.2024.