Himachal Pradesh High Court Forms Committee To Verify Allegations Of Illegal Tree Felling Against Forest Officer

In its bid to address concerns regarding the alleged illegal felling of forest trees, the Himachal Pradesh High Court headed by Chief Justice M S Ramachandra Rao and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, has ordered the formation of an inquiry committee.

The committee will be responsible for verifying the claims made in a letter petition that in connivance with the Divisional Forest Officer concerned, roads are being laid in extremely dense forest areas in Shikari Kamrunag, without obtaining clearance under the Forest Conservation Act.

The High Court had taken suo moto cognizance of the letter addressed by one Raju from Mandi last year and had appointed Advocate Abhishek Dulta as an amicus curiae in the matter.

The petitioner alleged that illegal tree felling is being resorted to in these ecologically sensitive areas to construct roads.

Since the Respondents disputed the allegations, the Court has constituted a committee comprising the Deputy Commissioner of District Mandi, the Superintendent of Police of District Mandi, and the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, District Mandi to examine the veracity of the claims.

The respondent-authorities have been directed to fully cooperate with the committee, which is slated to file its report within three months. The matter will now be taken on October 10.

Case Title: Court on its own motion Vs. State of H.P. & others

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