Kerala High Court PIL Seeks Ban on Cutting Mature Trees Without Official Permission
A significant Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Kerala High Court, demanding stringent measures to protect mature trees from unauthorized destruction. The petition calls for a directive to ensure that no tree aged 10 years or older is cut, felled, or destroyed by private individuals or entities without obtaining prior permission from competent authorities.
Court Seeks Responses from Central and State Governments
A bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar has taken up the petition and sought instructions from both the central and state governments. The matter has been adjourned to March 12 for further proceedings. The petitioners, led by P V Chandrasekharan of Kannur and five others, are advocating for robust environmental safeguards.
Petitioners Demand Afforestation and Restoration Efforts
In addition to the ban on tree cutting, the petitioners are seeking a directive for the state government to implement comprehensive afforestation programs. They emphasize the need for planting trees with maximum oxygen-producing capacity (OPC) and high ecosystem services, such as carbon sink value. The petition proposes that these efforts be carried out under the strict supervision and monitoring of the court to ensure effectiveness and transparency.
Allegations of Greed-Driven Deforestation
The petition highlights serious concerns about the current state of deforestation in Kerala. It alleges that extensive forests and healthy, robust trees of considerable age are being indiscriminately cut down. This destruction is often driven by greed for private profit or justified under the guise of infrastructural development and similar grounds. The petitioners argue that such actions are causing irreversible harm to the environment.
Emphasis on Environmental Legacy and Rights
A core argument in the petition is that trees and vegetation possess a stronger legacy, rights, and claims over Mother Earth or nature than humans. The document stresses that these natural entities deserve proper consideration and protection. The failure to acknowledge this has reportedly led to severe environmental consequences, including climate change, ozone layer depletion, and a rise in chronic illnesses such as cancer and diseases affecting the heart and liver.
Call for Implementation of Committee Reports
To address these issues, the petitioners urge the immediate implementation of recommendations from key environmental reports. Specifically, they reference the Gadgil Committee Report and the Kasturirangan Committee Report, which provide guidelines for sustainable development and conservation in ecologically sensitive areas. The petition asserts that giving effect to these recommendations without delay is crucial for mitigating environmental damage and promoting long-term ecological balance.
