NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Of Large-Scale Tree Felling In Madhya Pradesh Based On Media Report

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report highlighting large-scale tree felling in Madhya Pradesh. The Tribunal registered Original Application No. 20/2026 based on a news item titled “मध्य प्रदेश में इस साल 15 लाख पेड़ कटेंगे” published in Dainik Bhaskar on 08 January 2026.

The news report states that more than 15 lakh trees, aged between 50 to 100 years, have been cut or are proposed to be cut for various development projects such as roads, coal blocks, railways, and highway construction across districts including Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Singrauli, Khandwa, Vidisha, and Ujjain. It further notes that such extensive deforestation has contributed to deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.

Specific instances highlighted include cutting of 35,000 trees in Singrauli over 1397.54 hectares of forest land, proposed felling of 5.7 lakh trees in dense forest areas, 1.25 lakh trees for a railway project in Khandwa, 25,000 trees for the Bhopal–Kanpur Highway in Vidisha, and several thousand trees for road-widening projects in Bhopal, Indore–Ujjain, and Gwalior.

The Tribunal observed that the matter prima facie indicates violations of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and raises substantial issues regarding compliance with environmental laws.

The Bench, comprising Hon'ble Mr. Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Hon'ble Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member, impleaded senior authorities including the Director General of Forests, MoEF&CC, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Madhya Pradesh, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), SEIAA, Madhya Pradesh, and the Integrated Regional Office of MoEF&CC, Bhopal as respondents.

All respondents have been directed to file their replies by affidavit at least one week before the next hearing, which is scheduled for 09 March 2026

Click Here To Read/Download Order