https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

UP: NGT Seeks Clarification from Forest Dept Over Illegal Felling of 980 Trees in Closed Greater Noida Factory

Tribunal Expresses Concern Over Lack of Regulatory Framework for Tree Felling on Private Lands
Indian Masterminds Stories

Greater Noida: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken serious note of the alleged illegal felling of more than 980 trees within the premises of a long-shuttered DCM factory in Greater Noida, demanding an explanation from the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. The factory in question has remained non-operational for over 22 years.

The matter came to light following a petition filed by noted environmentalist Vikrant Tongad, who raised concerns about large-scale deforestation taking place without oversight or authorization. During the proceedings, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) of Uttar Pradesh submitted an affidavit on May 9, acknowledging that 980 trees were indeed felled, primarily acacia, eucalyptus, and neem species.

Only Three Trees Fall Under ‘Prohibited’ Category

The affidavit clarified that only three neem trees fall under the restricted species category as per a government notification dated January 7, 2020, which regulates the cutting of certain tree species even on private land. The remaining 977 trees are considered exempt under current rules—highlighting a significant gap in environmental oversight.

Seized Timber and Environmental Concerns

According to the Forest Department’s report, the wood from the felled trees – measuring 52.359 cubic meters – has been seized and is currently being stored securely at the Surajpur nursery. However, the tribunal expressed concern that the felling was carried out without any environmental monitoring or regulatory intervention, raising questions about the efficacy of the current forestry laws in Uttar Pradesh.

Tribunal Flags Legal Loophole

In a stern observation, the NGT noted the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework in Uttar Pradesh to monitor or control the felling of trees—even those of exempt species—on private lands. This regulatory vacuum has made it possible for tree cutting to go unchecked, even when it involves large-scale environmental impact.

“Out of the 980 trees cut, 977 were felled without any environmental monitoring whatsoever,” the tribunal remarked.

Legal Proceedings Ongoing

The applicant’s counsel has requested time to submit previous Supreme Court and NGT rulings that may be relevant to the case. The next hearing has been scheduled for September 17, 2025.

Environmentalists have hailed the NGT’s intervention but continue to demand stronger, clearer regulations for tree felling on private property – especially when it occurs at such large scales and in sensitive or urbanizing regions like Greater Noida.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Char Dham highway
Urgent Appeal to Supreme Court: Activists and Experts Demand Review of Char Dham Highway Project Amid Rising Himalayan Disasters
NTPC
Dividend Alert: NTPC Declares ₹3,248 Crore Final Dividend for FY25, Total Payout Climbs to ₹8,096 Crore
Tourism day Incredible India
Netflix to Promote Indian Tourism for Free in Groundbreaking Deal with Government; OTT-Tourism Model Launched on World Tourism Day
Mohan Yadav
Madhya Pradesh to Promote Biodiversity Globally, Says CM Mohan Yadav at Wildlife Board Meet
PM Modi CM Nitish Kumar
Rs. 7,500 Crore Transferred to 75 Lakh Women in Bihar Under CM Women Employment Scheme: PM Modi & CM Nitish Launch DBT Initiative
Varanasi Solar Rail Tracks 2
PM Modi Approves ₹2,192 Crore Doubling of Bakhtiyarpur–Rajgir–Tilaiya Rail Line to Boost Connectivity in Bihar
CM Pushkar Singh Dhamu
Uttarakhand CM Dhami Orders SIT Probe into UKSSSC Exam Irregularities, Appeals for Youth Vigilance & Assures Transparent Recruitment
NTPC Green
NTPC Green Energy Commissions 25 MW Solar Project in Bhuj, Gujarat, Raising Total Renewable Capacity to 7,407 MW
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Siddhartha Saxena UPSC CAPF
How Siddhartha Saxena Cracked UPSC CAPF AIR 326 Against All Odds
Dr. S.K
Technology Meets Ecology: IFS Dr S K Srivastava’s Game-Changing Innovations in Forest Management | Eco Warrior Awards 2025 Interview
IFS Uttam Kumar Sharma Interview
From Extinction to Exhilaration: The Untold Story and Future Vision of Project Cheetah | Led by IFS Uttam Kumar Sharma | Eco Warrior Awards 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Abhay Daga IPS UPSC Success Story
IIT Graduate, Microsoft Alum, Actor, to Cracking UPSC CSE: The Story of Abhay Daga
Read the inspiring journey of Abhay Daga, an IIT graduate, Microsoft alum, and actor, who cleared UPSC...
Rishav Awasthi MPPSC Risabh Awasthi MPPCS
Family’s Dream, His Determination: How Small-Town Dreamer Rishav Awasthi Conquered MPPSC 2024 with Rank 2 | Exclusive
After two failed attempts, Rishav Awasthi secured Rank 2 in MPPSC 2024, driven by family support, self-study,...
Harshita Dave MPPSC 2024
The Girl Who Turned Dreams Into a Deputy Collector Post at 22: Meet MPPSC 2024 Women Topper Harshita Dave
At just 22, Harshita Dave topped MPPSC 2024, becoming the women topper and securing Rank 5. Her journey...
Social Media
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
Parag Madhukar Dhakate
Relentless Rains Wreak Havoc in Dehradun: IFS officer PM Dhakate Warns Citizens Amid Flash Floods
Cloudbursts in Dehradun triggered flash floods. IFS officer Dr. PM Dhakate warned citizens to stay indoors...
Forest Guard Tiger Encounter
Tigers Clash in the Wild as Forest Guards Capture Rare Footage , Retired IFS Mohan Pargaien Posts Viral Video
Retired IFS officer Mohan Pargaien shares viral video of three tigers brawling in Ramnagar, as forest...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Char Dham highway
Urgent Appeal to Supreme Court: Activists and Experts Demand Review of Char Dham Highway Project Amid Rising Himalayan Disasters
NTPC
Dividend Alert: NTPC Declares ₹3,248 Crore Final Dividend for FY25, Total Payout Climbs to ₹8,096 Crore
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Siddhartha Saxena UPSC CAPF
Dr. S.K
IFS Uttam Kumar Sharma Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT