NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognisance Of Report On Large-Scale Felling Of Over 15 Lakh Trees In Madhya Pradesh

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting large-scale felling of trees across Madhya Pradesh for infrastructure and industrial projects, noting that the issue raises serious concerns regarding compliance with environmental laws.

Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr A. Senthil Vel said, "The news item highlights that in Madhya Pradesh more than 15 lakh trees of 50 to 100 years have been cut for various projects which include road coal block, construction etc., especially in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and other places including in Singrouli trees have been cut. On account of such destruction of trees the AQI level is rising."

The news item also mentions that in Singrouli Block 35,000 trees have been cut in 1397.54 hector forest land. In 1335.35 Hector there was dense forest further 5.7 lakh trees are proposed to be cut. In Khandwa Kargol 1.25 lakh trees are proposed to be cut for railway project. In Vidhisha 25,000 trees are proposed to be cut for Bhopal Kanpur Highway. In Indore - Ujjain 3,000 trees are proposed to be cut, it noted.

It was reported that in the Singrouli Block alone, around 35,000 trees were cut across 1,397.54 hectares of forest land, much of which constituted dense forest spread over 1,335.35 hectares. Additionally, nearly 5.7 lakh more trees are proposed to be cut in the area. In Khandwa's Kargol region, about 1.25 lakh trees are proposed to be felled for a railway project.

Other projects mentioned include the proposed cutting of 25,000 trees in Vidisha for the Bhopal–Kanpur Highway, 3,000 trees for the Indore–Ujjain project, 7,871 trees in Bhopal for a 10-lane road project, and large-scale cutting in Gwalior where 3,000 trees have already been felled and 6,700 more are proposed to be cut.

Taking note of the contents of the report, 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. It further said that the issue raises substantial questions relating to compliance with environmental norms and the implementation of laws listed under the scheduled enactments.

Accordingly, the NGT impleaded the following authorities as respondents in the matter including Director General of Forests, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Madhya Pradesh Forest Department.

The Tribunal issued notice to all respondents, directing them to file their responses by way of affidavit at least one week prior to the next date of hearing. It further directed that if any respondent files a reply directly without routing it through counsel, such respondent shall remain virtually present to assist the Tribunal.

The matter is listed for March 09.

Title: News Item Titled " मध्य प्रदेश में इस साल 15 लाख पेड़ कटेंगे" Appearing in Dainik Bhaskar Dated 08.01.2026

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