- Tribunal seeks documents from NHAI
Bhopal: The stay order on the felling of thousands of trees along the Ayodhya Bypass in Bhopal will continue for now. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) heard the matter on Thursday and directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to submit documentary proof within two days regarding the withdrawal of its appeal from the Supreme Court. Until then, the ban on tree felling will remain in force, providing immediate relief to environmentalists and petitioners.
The case pertains to the widening of the Ayodhya Bypass from Asaram Chowk to Ratnagiri Tiraha into a 10-lane road at an estimated cost of Rs 836.91 crore. The 16-kilometre-long project involves the proposed cutting of 7,871 trees aged between 40 and 80 years. In December, nearly half of these trees were felled within just three days, triggering strong public opposition and protests, including a symbolic ‘Chipko movement’ by environmental activists. The issue was subsequently taken to the NGT, which imposed a stay on December 22.
No documents were presented by NHAI
During the hearing of Nitin Saxena vs NHAI, the petitioner’s counsel informed the tribunal that NHAI had challenged the earlier NGT order in the Supreme Court. On grounds of judicial propriety, it was requested that the matter not proceed until the Supreme Court’s position was clear. Although NHAI’s counsel claimed orally that the appeal had been withdrawn, no documents were presented. Taking a firm view, the NGT ordered NHAI to submit official proof within two days.
The tribunal clarified that if the appeal has not been withdrawn, it will await the Supreme Court’s decision before continuing the case. Meanwhile, the stay on tree felling will continue, keeping thousands of trees on the Ayodhya Bypass safe for the time being.
