NGT dissatisfied over lack of response to video evidence of alleged illegal logging
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has denied allegations of recent large-scale tree felling in the ecologically sensitive areas of Tosamaidan (Budgam) and Gulmarg (Baramulla), in a factual report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
However, the tribunal has flagged the state’s failure to respond directly to video and photographic evidence submitted by the petitioner, Advocate Ashiq Ahmad Magray, highlighting the uprooting of thousands of trees.
The matter, registered as Original Application No. 913 of 2024, accuses authorities of turning a blind eye to forest destruction allegedly caused by illegal logging, tourism infrastructure projects, and the operations of the Gulmarg Gondola cable car system.
The Forest Department in its report claimed that Tosamaidan had suffered ecological degradation during its use as an Army firing range from 1986 to 2014, which restricted forest patrolling. It said that since regaining control of the area, it had initiated extensive eco-restoration under CAMPA, planting 1.49 lakh saplings over 207 hectares between 2018 and 2024.
Officials also cited the creation of the Tosamaidan Development Authority, the booking of 43 timber smugglers under the Public Safety Act, and the establishment of control rooms to prevent further damage.
On Gulmarg, the Forest Department maintained that no forest land has been transferred to the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) except for 0.125 hectares for a solid waste treatment plant. It said the construction and renovation of hotels and huts are regulated under the J&K Building Operations Act of 1998, and there was no evidence of forest destruction linked to the Gulmarg Gondola project.
Interestingly, the report acknowledged limitations in solid waste management, noting that the existing 3 MT treatment plant is inadequate, especially during tourist seasons. A proposal for a 25 MT plant worth ₹14.4 crore has been submitted, with efforts underway to curb plastic waste and educate service providers.
Despite the state’s detailed submission, the NGT noted that the government had not responded specifically to the recent tree-felling captured in the applicant’s video. The tribunal has allowed time to rectify procedural defects in the report and ordered the government to provide a copy to the applicant for a rejoinder.
