Mindless Deforestation: Supreme Court Imposes Hefty Fine of Rs 1 lakh per tree
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark directive emphasizing the grave consequences of unauthorized tree felling, underscoring its impact on environmental sustainability. In a recent case involving the cutting of 454 trees within the protected Taj Trapezium Zone, the court imposed a stringent penalty of Rs 1 lakh per tree to deter such actions and ensure ecological accountability.
The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, deemed illegal tree felling as an environmental crime that causes long-lasting harm to ecosystems. The court noted that the destruction of trees is worse than the loss of human life due to its pervasive impact on biodiversity, climate stability, and human well-being.
Following the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the court called for replantation measures to restore the green cover in affected areas. The directive also stressed that violators must bear the costs of these restoration efforts, holding them accountable for their actions.
This judgment sets a strong precedent for environmental preservation, highlighting the judiciary’s role in combating deforestation and promoting sustainable practices. It reflects the need for stringent laws and proactive measures to safeguard natural resources against exploitation.
