Report clarifies regulatory approvals and environmental concerns following felling of 234 trees on century-old campus in Srinagar, as ordered by NGT
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (J&K PCC) has submitted a detailed compliance report to the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the felling of 234 trees on the premises of Amar Singh College, Srinagar.
The report follows an NGT directive dated October 15, 2024, issued in response to concerns raised in The Hindu report on March 22, 2024, which highlighted widespread public distress over the removal of the trees.
According to the compliance report, the decision to fell the trees was made following due process, with approval from the J&K Higher Education Department.
The Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry Division, Srinagar, had conducted an official assessment and advised that the trees be auctioned through the J&K Forest Development Corporation. The removal was carried out under existing government guidelines, which allow institutions to remove trees that pose a threat to life or property, provided the necessary regulatory procedures are followed.
The report also refers to a 2022 government order, which recommended phasing out certain tree species, including female poplars, due to concerns over their health impact and their location near sensitive urban areas such as hospitals and schools. It further states that ornamental shrubs or trees that do not grow excessively tall should be planted in place of the removed trees.
While the compliance report asserts that the tree felling followed proper regulations, concerns remain regarding its environmental impact. The matter is now before the NGT for further deliberation, with environmental activists and concerned citizens awaiting the tribunal’s response on whether additional action or mitigation measures will be required
