Supreme Court Puts Complete Ban on Felling of Trees in Forests of Himachal Pradesh
In a step to guarantee the security of "the significant and valuable forests of Himachal Pradesh", the Supreme Court, in a between time request, has put a total restriction on felling of trees in the state. A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra forced the restriction on the experts, which have been engaged under the FRA (Forest Rights Act) to permit felling of trees, not surpassing 75 trees for each hectare, for creating offices, for example, roads, emergency clinics, schools and so forth. In the matter of diversion where confirmation has been given by the DFOs (Divisional Forest Officers) however felling of trees has not been done, no felling of trees will occur till next date of hearing," expressed the between time request given on Monday by the Bench including Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Deepak Gupta. The following date of hearing is 1st April. Among the requests was additionally one which expressed that no redirection of the forests lands apportioned to a Protection Working Circle in any Working Plan under FRA and FCA must happen till the following date of hearing.