Chemicals use in tree felling in J&K forests: HC issues directions to PCF, CCF

Srinagar: The High Court has directed that the Principal Chief Conservator as well as the Chief Conservator of Forests to look into matter regarding usage of chemicals of the felling of trees in the woods in Jammu and Kashmir.

A bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Puneet Gupta passed the orders on the application, complaining use of chemicals which results in dying of trees.

“This aspect of matter needs to be examined by the Forest Department. Let a copy of this application be forwarded to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K, as well as to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, to ensure that the matter pointing out in the report regarding the dying of trees is looked into,” the court said, adding, “They shall conduct the physical inspection and take action in accordance with law and an action report shall be filed before the next date of hearing.”

Referring to a related matter, the court observed that Deputy Commissioner Baramulla had constituted a team of officers to conduct a spot verification and demarcation.

“It appears that other than appointing the Committee, no action seems to have been taken by the Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla. This is not compliance with the orders of this court,” the court said, adding, “We had passed a specific order on 10th of August, 2020 which has to be complied with.” The Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, the court said, was also required to ensure the inspection of the properties as complained in an application.

“The Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, shall also ensure that the orders which have been passed by this Court directing recovery of all properties which is in illegal and unauthorized occupation including encroachments are complied with,” the court said, adding, “He shall file an action taken report before the next date of hearing.”

The court made it clear that in case action taken report is not filed, “we shall be compelled to initiate proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act 1997 for non-compliance of our orders.”

“The Registry shall sent copy of this order to learned counsel for the respondents as also to the Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K; Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, and other concerned authorities for ensuring compliance.” (GNS)