The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has shifted a case involving the alleged illegal felling of approximately 90 trees in Dholpur, Rajasthan, to its Central Zone Bench in Bhopal. The issue revolves around the use of heavy machinery to uproot mature trees in a residential area, sparking environmental concerns. Initially heard by the NGT’s Principal Bench in New Delhi, the case, registered as Original Application No 124/2026, stemmed from a letter petition by Ram Naresh Sharma, a resident of Housing Board Colony in Dholpur.
The complaint alleged that on October 15, 2025, about 90 mature trees, including various valuable species like mango, peepal, and banyan, were cut down using JCB machines in a garden near Housing Board Colony. These trees, nurtured over more than two decades, served as vital greenery for the locality. The petitioner accused Rajasthan Housing Board officials, in collusion with local authorities and land mafia, of removing the trees after the land was designated for residential purposes.
During the recent hearing presided over by Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. A. Senthil Vel, the applicant was absent. Despite the non-appearance, the Tribunal granted an adjournment to provide another chance for participation. Given that the incident occurred in Rajasthan, falling under the NGT Central Zone Bench’s jurisdiction, the case was directed to be transferred to the Bhopal Bench for further proceedings. Scheduled for March 27, 2026, the case will scrutinize environmental breach allegations and assess the legality of tree removal.
