DB disposes PIL seeking protection of environment by stopping destruction of 40,000 trees

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: In a Public Interest Litigation filed by Paryavaran and Wasteland Development Cooperative Society and others praying for taking cognizance of incident with regard to cutting of trees by directing respondents and the Administration of Union Territory of J&K to protect environment by stopping the destruction of 40,000 trees in village Chak Rakhawalan, Nagrota District Jammu for any purpose or by any agency, individual or group of individuals, whatsoever, a Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court comprising Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Rajesh Sekri after hearing both the sides disposed of the writ petition instead of keeping it pending by directing respondents to consider and decide the representation within a period of four weeks.
In the PIL it was submitted that from an expert committee which will look after the said matter and submit a detail report and ensure stopping the destruction of 40,000 trees in village Chak Rakhawalan, Nagrota District Jammu and sought specific directions to make sure that destruction of 40,000 trees in area Village Chak Rakhawalan, Nagrota District Jammu may be stopped. Directions to the Administration of Union Territory of J&K were also sought to formulate policies so that trees are not unnecessarily cut for future events. It was further submitted that before filing writ petition, the petitioners have approached the LG of Jammu and Kashmir by way of a representation dated January 22, 2022, but till date, nothing has been conveyed to the petitioners. DB further observed that petitioners are at liberty to approach the Court again in case of any adversity or the failure on the part of the respondents to decide the representation within the stipulated time frame.