Indian Express 21.04.2010
70,000 trees cut in Ghaziabad’s lone forest, says ministry report
Pragya Kaushika Tags : ghaziabad forest tree cutting case, delhi Posted: Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 at 0040 hrs
Ghaziabad: An investigation by the Ministry of Environment and Forest has found that more than 70,000 were felled in the Sai Upwan, the only forest in Ghaziabad.The inquiry report, submitted by the regional wing of the MoEF, has also noted mismanagement and irregularities in ensuring proper re-plantation by the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation and the district Forest department. The report held the corporation officials responsible for the illegal felling of trees and extensive pollution in the area, while holding that the “district Forest department had no control over the area”.
“We have found that huge part of the forest has been converted in to a garbage dumping ground, which has caused extensive damage to the trees. The sewage water has also covered few parts of the forest,” the report noted.
The site survey of Sai Upwan was conducted in August 2009.
The report said though forest officer claimed that no transit permit was granted for transportation of timber and wood from the area, the actual condition of the forest suggested otherwise.
According to Municipal Councillor Rajendra Tyagi who had lodged a complaint against the felling of trees, the forest area of Sai Upwan was developed by the municipal corporation between 2002 and 2005. The corporation claimed to have planted over 2 lakh trees.
The forest is also in the vicinity of the Hindon Air Force station.
Councillor Tyagi said strict criminal action should be taken against those were responsible for destruction of the forest.
