NGT Pulls Up Authorities over Delay in Action on Illegal Tree Felling in Panipat

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Bench, New Delhi, on September 18, 2025, examined a grievance relating to the illegal cutting of trees in Sector 11, HUDA, Panipat, Haryana.

The matter arose in Jagdish Kalra v. Haryana State Pollution Control Board & Ors. (Original Application No. 1176/2024), where the applicant complained that a mature Peepal tree had been illegally axed and two other trees heavily pruned within a public park.

The Bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), noted that despite clear evidence, the authorities had delayed taking meaningful action. The Municipal Corporation of Panipat, in its reply dated 4 March 2025, admitted that one Peepal tree had been felled below the stem and that heavy pruning of two other trees had been carried out in the park in question.

Photographs submitted to the Tribunal confirmed that the trees had been affected, although the pruned trees had subsequently grown new leaves.

The record showed that the incident took place on July 9, 2024.

According to the Corporation, the Executive Engineer had issued a letter on July 25, 2024 to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Chandnibagh Police Station, Panipat, requesting initiation of action against the culprits. Another letter was sent on January 13, 2025.

However, the FIR was eventually registered only on 25 January 2025, more than six months after the incident. Even then, the case was filed against “unknown persons” despite contemporaneous reports identifying those involved.

The Tribunal was informed that FIR No. 61 of 2025 was registered under Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. The investigation was assigned to Head Constable Virendar Kumar of the Haryana Police. The Municipal Corporation assured the Tribunal that it would provide all necessary assistance to the investigating officer.

Counsel for the applicant highlighted the inaction, pointing out that despite evidence of the felled tree and protests from local residents, the authorities failed to name the responsible party.

A newspaper report dated July 12, 2024 recorded that after public protests, a tractor trolley used in the illegal cutting was abandoned by the violators at the site.

The report further noted that the incident had been brought to the attention of the Deputy Commissioner of Panipat, Dr. Virender Kumar Dahiya, who had directed registration of an FIR. Despite this, no timely action was taken, and the case proceeded at a slow pace.

The Tribunal expressed concern over the delay and the lack of seriousness shown by the authorities. It observed that waiting for six months to register an FIR, and then proceeding against unknown persons despite obvious clues, reflected poorly on the commitment of officials to environmental protection and enforcement of law.

The Bench remarked that such an approach undermined accountability in cases of illegal tree felling, which directly affects ecological balance and community well being.

In response, counsel representing the Deputy Commissioner sought a week’s time to obtain further instructions.

The Tribunal granted the request and directed the Deputy Commissioner to file an appropriate response within the stipulated period. The matter has been listed for further consideration on October 8, 2025.

The case underscores the Tribunal’s continuing emphasis on ensuring that environmental violations, particularly those involving destruction of green cover, are dealt with promptly and effectively.

By calling out administrative delay and requiring direct accountability from senior officials, the order reflects the NGT’s approach of combining judicial oversight with enforcement responsibility at the district level.

The next hearing will determine the steps to be taken against those responsible and assess whether the investigation is proceeding in line with the Tribunal's directions. The outcome will also test the accountability of local authorities in safeguarding urban trees and parks against illegal activities.

Case Title: Jagdish Kalra v. Haryana State Pollution Control Board & Ors.

Bench: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member)

Date of Order: September 18, 2025