HC seeks response on illegal felling of over 300 pine trees in Sirmaur dist

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh high court has taken suo motu cognisance of the illegal felling of over 300 pine trees in the Shillai area of Sirmaur district in the first week of March, and directed the state govt to submit a detailed reply by May 5. The matter was heard before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi, following a public interest litigation prompted by a communication from students from Shillai, who highlighted the large-scale tree felling in the region. The bench observed that photographs attached to the letter clearly indicated widespread cutting of trees.During the hearing, the court issued notice to the state govt, and the govt counsel requested time to file a reply, explaining why such extensive felling occurred and whether any permissions were obtained. The pine trees were cut in broad daylight using saw machines just near the petrol pump in Shillai, with photos and videos circulating widely on social media, sparking public outrage over environmental violations in the ecologically sensitive area. MSID:: 129635411 413 |