HC poser to govt on steps taken to preserve forests

Admitting a plea seeking efforts to safeguard the forest area, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Centre and State governments to submit details about the extent of forest area that has been devastated and deforested so far. It has also sought information about forest fires recorded in the last decade and efforts taken to prevent them in future.

Stating that the court was aware that the forest area was being encroached upon for commercial activities and even for residential purposes, a division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice S S Sundar said, “Deforestation is taking place without any control, with the connivance of officials who are supposed to safeguard the forest area.” Because of the mindless felling of trees, the ozone layer has depleted throughout the world, resulting in global warming, the bench added.

The Bench noted that the full consequence of global warming was not yet known, and pointed out that it may even lead to the destruction of the very world itself. It then posed a series of questions, which included details of the projects initiated by the Union Government for the purpose of preserving the forest and to grow more trees.

The Bench sought details about the forest fires that occurred during the past 10 years and the steps taken for preventing forest fires. It also sought to know whether the Centre and State government were involving other organisations and private companies, which are interested in preserving ecology, in their efforts to make the country greener.

The plea has been posted to April 8 for further hearing.