SC seeks report from Aarey forest admin on action taken regarding felling of trees

The Supreme Court Tuesday sought report from Aarey Forest Administration on action taken by it regarding felling of trees and fires during lockdown. The bench comprising Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Krishna Murari was hearing a plea regarding the felling of trees in Aarey forest in Mumbai for setting up a car parking for Metro users.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today asked the Aarey administration to submit an affidavit in the court within six weeks regarding action taken by it against felling of trees.

It was informed to the top court on Tuesday that during the lockdown there were several instances of illegal tree cutting as well as forest fires and Aarey authority has also admitted to it.

For the felling of trees, FIRs were filed but forest fires comes under State Reserve Police Force and therefore, the authorities said that they could not do anything. It was told to the court that CEO of Aarey has taken cognizance of the matter but has taken no action.

In its earlier order, the court had extended its interim order of staying the felling of trees.

Maharashtra government appraised the court of the investigation that it has been carrying on against the illegal activities in the forest.

On being enquired about the number of trees cut, Maharashtra's advocate said that only few shrubs have been cut.

As per the Maharashtra government, the petitioner has also written to the state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray regarding the issue but has not given any information on which action can be taken.

The court said that it will call for records to be placed in 6 weeks and will hear the matter again after that.

The court was hearing a suo-moto matter regarding felling of trees in Aarey forest, Mumbai, to construct a car parking space for metro users.