TH Impact: NGT takes cognisance of The Hindu article on trees chopped and burnt near Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu
The Hindu
NGT takes suo moto cognisance of trees felled near Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, orders probe into illegal activity.
The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo moto cognisance of a report published by The Hinduthat several trees have allegedly been felled and burnt near the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu district.
On May 14, The Hindu had published an article ‘Environment activists alarmed as trees chopped and burnt near Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu’. The article highlights that the Mundrote Forest Range, where the alleged illegal activity took place, is known for its rich flora, including 6,000 species of trees and plants. It further highlights that the burning of trees could have resulted in a forest fire with potentially serious ecological repercussions. The area is recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka and is characterized by dense evergreen forests that have largely remained untouched.
The bench has impleaded the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Karnataka, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change and Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate, Kodagu district.
The environment activists in Kodagu had alleged that the accused have cleared more than five acres of reserve forest and also the Forest Department has failed to control this kind of activities over the time.
“As per the article, the Kodagu district is suffering from environmental issues for some time now. This year, amidst a severe drought, several trees were allegedly felled and burnt near the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in the Mundrote Range of the Padinalkunadu Reserve Forest,” NGT stated in the order.
“The matter indicates violation of the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment,” the NGT order noted.
Meanwhile, following The Hindu report, on May 15, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre had ordered a probe led by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, into alleged felling and burning of several trees.
Tiruvannamalai removes 450 metric tonnes of waste from Maha Deepam day in a two-day cleanup by 2,300 workers.
Chennai Metrowater raises tanker tariffs and removes trip caps to address rising production costs and enhance bulk water supply.
Tamil Nadu commits to enhanced collaboration with the National Green Tribunal for effective environmental governance and protection initiatives.
On Ambedkar's death anniversary, CM Rekha Gupta highlights his enduring ideals of social harmony, equality, and justice.
The Banyan launches the Keshav Desiraju Lived Experience Repository in Chennai to preserve mental illness narratives across various formats.
MetLife Stadium will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19, with 104 matches across North America.
Former IAS officer Pradeep Sharma sentenced to five years for money laundering, causing ₹1.20 crore loss to the government.
The Dr. Mrs. YGP Centenary Annual Festival of Music and Dance launched at PSBB, celebrating classical arts and education.
CMC hosts a torch rally with 125 volunteers in Vellore to celebrate 125 years of dedicated service.
Government Women's Polytechnic in Nellore faces urgent repairs, yet funds remain unrequested due to budget constraints, risking student safety.
Author Salma and ‘Ervadi’ S. Radhakrishnan honored with Kaviko award at a ceremony in Vellore, receiving recognition and cash prize.
Mangaluru police arrest four individuals and seize half a kg of MDMA worth ₹50 lakh intended for local youth.
Uddhav Thackeray calls for appointing Leaders of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly, stressing the need for constitutional compliance ahead of the Winter Session.