The National Green Tribunal has ordered the Rajasthan government to submit detailed, verifiable data on plantations and forest management after allegations of discrepancies linked to mining operations.
The matter was heard on April 24 by the tribunal's Central Zone Bench in Bhopal, comprising Judicial Member Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and expert member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi.
Applicant Tapeshwar Singh Bhati, appearing in person, challenged the forest department's submissions, alleging plantation claims were not backed by GPS coordinates and relied on photographs not linked to the stated sites.
In his application, Bhati alleged, "Certain mined-out pits were incorrectly classified as wetlands, and plantation activities were shown on land that does not qualify as wetland. These claims, if established, could indicate serious lapses in reporting and compliance by authorities."
Taking note, the tribunal directed the forest department to provide exhaustive data for the past five years, including the number and location of plantations, their survival rates and year-wise details. An official said, "It has also sought information on seeds sown, their survival, and any encroachments on forest land by the mining department. Financial disclosures, including funds deposited, expenditure incurred and remaining balances year-wise, have also been sought."
The bench noted, "Service of notice on one respondent remains incomplete and directed the applicant to take fresh steps. Counsel for the state sought additional time to file a response, which was granted. The matter is now listed for further hearing on July 21, 2026."
