NGT Takes Suo Moto Cognisance of Illegal Tree Felling in Kodagu

Journalist Darshan Devaiah Ballachanda from The Hindu reported allegations of illegal tree felling and burning near the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu district. File Photo

New Delhi: The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo moto cognisance of a report by Darshan Devaiah Ballachanda, a senior journalist working for The Hindu. Mr. Darshan Devaiah's report revealed allegations of illegal tree felling and burning near the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu district.

The report highlights that the Mundrote Forest Range, where the alleged activities took place, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosting around 6,000 species of trees and plants. The article emphasizes that the burning of trees in this area could have triggered a forest fire, posing significant ecological threats. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region's dense evergreen forests have largely remained pristine and untouched.

In response to the report, the NGT has impleaded several authorities, including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Karnataka, the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, and the Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate of Kodagu district.

"The Kodagu district has been grappling with environmental issues for some time now. This year, amidst a severe drought, several trees were allegedly felled and burnt near the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in the Mundrote Range of the Padinalkunadu Reserve Forest," the NGT stated in its order.

The tribunal's order further noted that the matter indicated potential violations of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. "The news item raises substantial issues relating to compliance with environmental norms and the implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactments," the NGT order observed.

Mr. Darshan Devaiah Ballachanda is a multimedia journalist based in Bengaluru and currently working as Principal Correspondent for The Hindu. His report has drawn significant attention to the ongoing environmental challenges in Kodagu district, prompting immediate legal and administrative scrutiny

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