The National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench at Bhopal has directed the forest authorities in Madhya Pradesh to carry out a State-wide tree census and implement geo-tagging of trees following allegations that 700 trees were illegally felled in an ecologically sensitive area for the construction of a cricket stadium and a road.

The tribunal, comprising Judicial Member Sheo Kumar Singh and Expert Member Afroz Ahmad, also sought a fact-finding report from a joint committee. The committee will include representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the State Pollution Control Board, and the Additional Chief Conservator of Forests, all based in Bhopal.

Further, the NGT directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) of Madhya Pradesh to establish a High-Level Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC) to scrutinize proposals involving the felling of more than 25 trees for development projects. The committee is also expected to recommend appropriate compensatory afforestation measures.

Addressing the alleged felling of 700 trees for the stadium project, the tribunal remarked:

“It will take a minimum of 70 to 100 years to regenerate the green cover destroyed by cutting 700 trees. This large-scale destruction adversely impacts the environment and human life. Therefore, compensatory afforestation must be calculated in proportion to the lifespan and oxygen-producing capacity of the trees felled.”

The directions were issued in response to a petition filed by Nitin Saxena, who alleged that the trees were cut in violation of the Madhya Pradesh Vrikshon Ka Parirakshan (Nagariya Kshetra) Adhiniyam, 2001. According to Saxena, the construction is taking place within the catchment area of the ecologically significant Bhoj Wetland—a Ramsar site—near the Neelbad-Barkheda Nathu area in Bhopal.

Taking cognizance of the matter, the tribunal noted that a substantial question relating to environmental law had been raised and passed several key directions:

• Mandatory Geo-Tagging: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) must ensure all trees in the State are geo-tagged, including their location, species, and count. This data must be published and submitted to the Chief Conservator of Forests.

• State-Wide Tree Census: A city-wise and district-wise tree census is to be conducted across Madhya Pradesh under the supervision of the PCCF or an officer appointed by them.

• Tree Felling Regulations: Authorities were directed to strictly ensure that no trees are cut without approval from the competent authority.

The tribunal also referred to a news report published in Patrika on May 6, 2025, highlighting a disturbing decline in Bhopal's green cover—from 66% in 1990 to just 4% in recent years (2018 figures stood at 9%).

In light of the serious environmental concerns raised, the NGT has sought a response from the forest department regarding the alleged felling of 700 trees. The matter will next be heard on July 23, 2025.

Advocates Harpret Singh Gupta, Pratipal Singh Gupta, Shubham Rawat, Nancy Chaturvedi, and Srajan Jain appeared on behalf of petitioner Nitin Saxena.