Pranav B Prem

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Zone Bench at Bhopal, has directed the Madhya Pradesh forest authorities to conduct a State-wide tree census and initiate geo-tagging of all trees in the State. The direction comes in response to allegations that approximately 700 trees were illegally felled for the construction of a cricket stadium and a road near the Bhoj Wetland, a Ramsar site of international ecological importance.

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The Tribunal, comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh (Judicial Member) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member), was hearing Original Application No. 68/2025 (CZ) filed by Nitin Saxena. The plea alleged that the construction of a cricket stadium and a road in the Neelbad-Barkheda Nathu area of Bhopal, within the catchment area of the Bhoj Wetland, led to the unlawful cutting of trees in violation of the Madhya Pradesh Vrikshon Ka Parirakshan (Nagariya Kshetra) Adhiniyam, 2001.

The applicant highlighted that the Bhoj Wetland is protected under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, which were specifically implemented by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 2022 to preserve the Upper and Lower Lakes in Bhopal. The plea contended that the stadium was being constructed without approval from the Town and Country Planning Department (TNCP), and that part of the land was reserved for a proposed lake.

The Tribunal noted that the cutting of trees in the wetland’s catchment area could lead to severe ecological consequences and stated that “it will take a minimum of 70 years to 100 years to again re-generate or re-create the green cover created by cutting of 700 trees.” It stressed that the destruction of so many trees would adversely affect the environment and human life. It observed that compensation through afforestation should be proportionate to the lifespan of the trees and the oxygen they generate. Taking cognizance of the allegations, the NGT constituted a Joint Committee comprising the following:

1. A representative from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Integrated Office, Bhopal)

2. A representative from the Central Pollution Control Board, Bhopal

3. A representative from the Additional Chief Conservator of Forests, Bhopal

4. A representative from the Madhya Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, Bhopal

The State Pollution Control Board was appointed as the nodal agency for coordination and logistic support. The committee has been asked to submit its report in a searchable PDF format by email, ahead of the next hearing on 23 July 2025.

The NGT issued a series of directions aimed at strengthening forest conservation and accountability mechanisms across Madhya Pradesh. It ordered the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to constitute a High-Level Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC) to examine any proposals involving the felling of more than 25 trees. The CEC is also tasked with exploring alternatives to such felling, ensuring strict compensatory afforestation, and monitoring the survival of planted trees for up to five years.

Further, the Tribunal directed the PCCF and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) to ensure mandatory geo-tagging of trees so that accurate digital records—covering location, species, and count—can be maintained and reported to the Chief Conservator of Forests. The data is to be made publicly accessible.

In addition, a city-wise and district-wise tree census is to be conducted and monitored by the PCCF. The Tribunal also ordered that no trees shall be cut without proper sanction from the competent authority, and in case of violation, immediate legal action must be taken.

In view of the applicant’s reference to media reporting published in Patrika on 6 May 2025, the Tribunal also noted with concern that the green cover in Bhopal has drastically declined over the years—from 66% in 1990 to just around 4% in 2025. This, the Tribunal stated, is alarming and requires urgent redressal through forest protection and sustainable planning measures.

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The Tribunal placed reliance on several Supreme Court judgments, including M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath [(2000) 6 SCC 213] and MK Ranjitsinh v. Union of India [2024 INSC 280], which emphasized the fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment under Article 21 of the Constitution. It affirmed that the right against the adverse effects of climate change is a natural extension of the right to life and equality. The matter has been listed for further hearing on 23 July 2025, by which time the committee’s fact-finding report is to be submitted.

Appearance

For Applicant(s): Mr. Harpret Singh Gupta, Adv. along with Mr. Pratipal Singh Gupta, Adv. Mr. Shubham Rawat, Adv. Ms. Nancy Chaturvedi, Adv. Mr. Srajan Jain, Adv.

Cause Title: Nitin Saxena V. Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation Limited & Ors.  

Case No: Original Application No. 68/2025(CZ)

Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheo Kumar Singh [Judicial Member], Hon'ble Dr. Afroz Ahmad [Expert Member]

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