Ensure No Offence Under State Trees Act Are Committed In Future: National Green Tribunal To Andhra Pradesh

Observing that as per Andhra Pradesh Water, Land and Trees Act, 2002 (APWLTA) the wrongdoer is penalised for cutting 150 years old four tamarind trees, the National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone) has directed the state officials to ensure that “no such offences are committed in future”.

The Tribunal found that one Kallingapatnam Gopal, had cut down the four tamarind trees nearby the site which was allotted for construction of Anganwadi which is classified as Ralla Gutta.

The bench of Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati said, “In view of the fact that in the State of Andhra Pradesh, APWALTA, 2002 is in force, the officials should be aware of the same and strictly enforce the same and should not have given a chance to the private individuals to approach this Tribunal for the violations of the same.”

The Tribunal was hearing the application filed by an NGO, Forum for Social Justice & Anti-Corruption seeking direction to the Andhra Pradesh to take action against the authorities who were allegedly acting in the interest of grabbers by allowing constructions of private buildings in Kummarigunta Village.

It was further alleged that 10 trees, which were more than 150 years old, were illegally cut down in Ralla Gutta, Saravakota Mandal, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, in the name of constructing an Anganwadi building.

However, it was found, after the committee report and inquiry, that Gopal had violated the APWALTA (Andhra Pradesh Water, Land, and Tree Act) of 2002 by cutting down the four 150 years old tamarind trees.

A fine of Rs. 5,000 was levied for each of the trees cut, and he was also directed to plant 40 trees in Aludu Village of Saravakota Mandal.

Case Title: Forum for Social Justice & Anti-Corruption (NGO) v. State of Andhra Pradesh & ors.

Appearance: Advocate D.V Rao for applicant and Advocate Madhuri Donti Reddy for respondents.

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