NGO expresses concern over trees being axed in Kurukshetra private society

Unhappy with the axing of trees at a private housing society, Green Earth Organisation, an NGO, working the field of environment, health, safety and sanitation, has sought action against the people involved in cutting of trees in an unscientific manner.

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The NGO through a letter to the National Green Tribunal, Deputy Commissioner-cum Chairperson, District Environment Committee Kurukshetra and District Forest Officer, has expressed its displeasure with the situation and threatened to file a case in the NGT if the cutting of trees was not stopped in the district and no action was taken against the those people axing trees.

Dr Naresh Bhardwaj, executive member of Green Earth, said “Everyone is aware that trees are important to control ambient temperature, provide clean air, control air dust, noise pollution and shelter to birds. Considering the importance of trees, especially in the cities, the National Green Tribunal has already banned unnecessary cutting of trees and unscientific removal of branches/ crown of the trees. Moreover, every citizen has duty to protect the environment and oxygen produced by the trees is life for all living creatures. Being a responsible citizen, we all need to protect our green trees and grow more in the greater interest of society and environment. But it is very unfortunate that a complete crown of fully grown green and sound trees is being removed brutally in the housing societies in Kurukshetra which is a irreparable damage to environment.”

“We have come to know that nearly 20 trees have been damaged. The willful violation of environment norms and the order of NGT and conditions of environmental clearance accorded by government departments and agencies. We have requested the authorities through a letter to hold an inquiry in the matter and to take strict action against the persons responsible for violations and damage of green trees. We have also requested them to kindly ensure that there isno cutting/crown removal of any trees or even no unscientific trimming/ removal of the crown of trees by anyone. If there is continued damage to the environment and no action is taken in this matter, Green Earth will be compelled to file an application before the NGT for appropriate remedies under the law”, he added.

The executive member said the NGO had submitted another complaint to the Deputy Commissioner, District Education Officer and District Elementary Education Officer after a board of the Education Department was found installed on a tree with the help of nails.

“The practice of hammering nails in the trees are damaging the trees and this is an act of willful violation of the norms of the Environment Protection Act rules and orders of the National Green Tribunal. Though we have received a message from the department that the boards have been removed, we have requested the authorities to ensure that no boards are installed on trees in future. The NGO has been running a campaign since May last year to remove hoardings and nails from the trees”, Dr Bhardwaj said.