For Every Tree Removed, Ensure Two Are Grown: Allahabad HC To UP Govt On Construction For Jal Shakti Mission

The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh authorities to plant two trees in place of every tree removed for the construction work under the Jal Shakti Mission to supply water to people.

A Lucknow bench of Justice DK Upadhyay and Justice Saurabh Srivastava passed the order on a PIL moved by one Anil Kumar.

Advocate Piyush Pathak appeared for the Petitioner while Advocate Dilip Kumar Pandey appeared for the Respondents.

The petitioner alleged that in Gram Panchayat Bargawan of Sitapur, the officers were getting trees cut illegally to clear the land for the installation of an overhead water tank and a bore well under Jal Shakti Mission.

"In case removal of any tree is inevitable, the same will be done only with requisite statutory permission from the forest department and for one such removal of a tree, two trees shall be planted by the government authorities and it must be ensured they acquire full growth", said the Bench.

The state counsel apprised the bench that only five plants were uprooted as it was necessary to clear the area for transportation

At this, the bench disposed of the PIL and expressed the hope that the officers would abide by the law.

Cause Title: Anil Kumar v. Union Of India Thru.Secy.Ministry Jal Shakti Deptt. Drinking Water And Sanitation New Delhi And Ors.

Click here to read/download Judgment

With PTI inputs