Green Tribunal Probes Illegal Tree Felling in BHU Campus

The National Green Tribunal has set up a committee to investigate claims of illegal tree felling in Banaras Hindu University. The Tribunal was responding to allegations that numerous trees, including sandalwood, have been cut down despite protests. The committee is tasked with ascertaining the validity of these claims and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

The National Green Tribunal has formed a panel to investigate allegations of illegal tree felling within the Banaras Hindu University campus in Varanasi.

The tribunal was addressing a plea claiming that several trees, including sandalwood, had been cut down on the 1,300-acre campus despite student protests.

A recent order by a bench led by National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava has highlighted the substantial environmental concerns raised.

''To verify the allegations and determine the number of trees felled, and whether any permissions were obtained prior, and if compensatory plantations were conducted, we find it necessary to form a committee comprising of the regional office, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest, and the Divisional Forest Officer, Varanasi,'' the order stated.

The bench also included Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member A Senthil Vel.

The committee has been directed to visit the site, verify the situation, and submit its report.

The case is scheduled for further proceedings on October 11.