SC SEEKS REPORT FROM AAREY FOREST ADMINISTRATION ON ACTION TAKEN REGARDING FELLING OF TREES AND FOREST FIRES DURING LOCKDOWN

The Supreme Court yesterday has sought report from Aarey Forest Administration on action taken by it regarding felling of trees and fires during lockdown due to COVID-19 Pandemic.

The bench comprising Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Krishna Murari was hearing a Plea regarding the felling of trees in Aarey Forest in Mumbai for setting up a car parking for Metro users.

During yesterday’s hearing Senior Advocate Anitha Shenoy appearing for Vanashakti informed the bench that during the lockdown, there were several instances of illegal felling of trees and fires. She further informed that FIRs were filed regarding illegal felling of trees, but regarding forest fires it was said that it comes under State Reserve Police Force, and said that the authority cannot do anything.

Adv. Shenoy urged the Court to take strict action regarding it. She further submitted that, “CEO of Aarey is cognizant of it but hasn’t taken action”.

Adv. Rahul Chitnis appearing for State of Maharashtra submitted that the Petitioner had written directly to the Chief Minister and that they do not have any information on regarding it.

The bench has directed the Forest Administration to place their records with in a period of 6 weeks.

By  Shubhi Singhal of LCD