SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that no permission has been granted for the cutting or felling of trees within its jurisdiction over the past five years, in response to a case triggered by reports of large-scale tree felling on a historic Amar Singh College campus.
In its official response filed before the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal in Original Application No. 360/2024, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation stated that the Tree Authority has not issued any approval for cutting, felling, or removal of trees from the financial year 2020–21 up to 2024–25.
The matter pertains to a news report highlighting the alleged felling of 234 trees on a century-old Amar Singh College campus in Kashmir, which had raised environmental concerns and prompted legal scrutiny.
According to the response, the Tree Authority—constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000—has not granted permission to any individual or department for tree removal during the raid period.
The SMC further submitted that a formal mechanism for processing applications seeking permission for tree felling, including the prescribed format and fee structure, has already been forwarded to the government and is currently under examination.
The corporation assured the tribunal that it remains committed to enforcing environmental laws and will implement the prescribed procedures immediately after approval from the government.
The response has been supported by an affidavit filed by SMC Commissioner Faz Lul Haseeb (IAS), affirming that the statements made are based on official records and that no material facts have been concealed.
The case continues to be heard by the NGT as concerns over environmental degradation and urban tree cover in Srinagar remain under focus.
