The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is taking a serious look at a report claiming that over 1.5 million trees could be cut down in Madhya Pradesh in 2026. This raises alarms about possible violations of several environmental laws, including the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
In response to this report, the NGT has asked various authorities, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and local forest officials, to explain the situation by March 9, 2026. The proposed tree cuts, primarily for road construction and coal development, could change the landscape in major cities like Bhopal and Indore.
Recent data shows that 35,000 trees have already been felled in the Singrauli block alone, affecting nearly 1,400 hectares of forest. There are also plans to cut trees for new railway projects and highways. In Gwalior, for example, 6,700 additional trees may be removed.
In a separate but related issue, illegal excavation and dumping of waste has been reported in Dhauj, Faridabad. An inspection by local officials revealed unauthorized digging and the dumping of solid waste, allegedly from a nearby landfill. The local administration has been monitoring this closely, and recent efforts have helped reduce further waste dumping.
Additionally, the MoEF&CC has been under scrutiny regarding the extension of deadlines for thermal power plants to meet new sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emission standards. The Supreme Court is also involved, questioning whether the standards for plants near Delhi can be altered and if compliance timelines can be tightened.
These situations highlight ongoing challenges in environmental oversight in India. Experts stress the importance of stringent enforcement to protect biodiversity and public health.
As communities grapple with these environmental issues, it’s clear that the balance between development and ecological preservation remains a pressing concern. For more detailed updates, you can check reliable news sources like Down to Earth, which covers such topics comprehensively.
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tree felling,Thermal Power Plants,Air Pollution,National Green Tribunal (NGT),Waste dumping,flue gas desulfurisation (FGD),Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
