Uttarakhand HC orders CBI probe into illegal felling of 6,000 trees in Corbett

The Uttarakhand High Court has issued an order for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the unlawful constructions and the felling of approximately 6,000 trees within the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR). The court emphasized that all state authorities must fully cooperate with the CBI during the investigation to ensure its fairness and effectiveness.

This significant decision by the High Court comes following two cases under its purview. The first was filed by Anu Pant, a resident of Dehradun, while the second case was initiated by the High Court itself, taking note of media reports regarding illegal constructions and tree felling in CTR on October 27, 2021.

The court's judgment, delivered by a division bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Alok Kumar Verma, was reserved on September 1 and announced recently. The cases revolve around allegations of unauthorized structures, tree cutting, and construction of access roads in CTR.

The CBI inquiry was ordered based on the principle that there is prima facie evidence warranting a thorough and unbiased investigation. The court cited the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, noting that tree felling exceeded the approved limit of 163 trees for the Tiger Safari. Additionally, construction work commenced without the necessary Stage II approval under the same Act.

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Importance of the CBI inquiry

The court's decision is seen as a significant step towards shedding light on the alleged irregularities within CTR, which is known for its high population of tigers. Gaurav Bansal, a Supreme Court advocate and wildlife activist who initially filed a petition regarding these issues in the Delhi High Court, welcomed the CBI inquiry. He highlighted that the investigation could reveal the extent of misconduct involving senior officials in an area renowned for its tiger population.

The Forest Survey of India reported that a total of 6,093 trees had been felled in CTR, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) conducted an inquiry in response to the court's directives. The NTCA committee inspected CTR between September 26 and 30, 2021, and submitted its report on October 22, 2021. This report recommended a Vigilance Inquiry against officers involved in unauthorized construction activities, which the state government initiated on November 9, 2021. However, this Vigilance Inquiry remains pending.

Furthermore, a committee appointed by the National Green Tribunal reported that construction activities within CTR, including administrative buildings, internal roads, service roads, guard huts, and animal holding areas, were carried out without appropriate approvals and budgetary provisions. It also revealed that tree felling exceeded the authorized limit.

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The High Court stressed that merely suspending some officers and issuing charge sheets is insufficient in light of the serious allegations against senior authorities. The CBI inquiry is expected to provide an independent and transparent investigation into these matters, which have implications for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. The court deemed it essential to ensure accountability and a thorough examination of the situation.