By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 5: The High Court of Meghalaya has directed the state government to ensure stricter scrutiny of tree-felling applications in Lower New Colony, Laitumkhrah, emphasising the need for detailed justification before granting approvals.
The directive came in response to a PIL filed by one Geraldine G Shabong, seeking to prevent illegal or irregular felling of trees in the area. The bench, comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh, reviewed an affidavit submitted by the state authorities, which provided details of pending applications for tree felling. The court noted that all applications currently under consideration cited the reason of trees posing a danger to human life, with requests ranging from the removal of two trees to as many as eighty-nine in a single application.
While acknowledging that “danger to life and property” is a valid reason under the Meghalaya Tree (Preservation) Rules, 1976, the court stressed the need for applicants to provide detailed explanations on how each tree constitutes a threat. It directed the state authorities to instruct every applicant to submit additional documentation specifying the exact nature of the risk posed. The court further ordered that government officials must conduct on-site inspections to verify these claims before making any decision.
The judges also emphasised that preservation should always be prioritised over removal.
If a tree is found to pose a risk, authorities should first consider trimming its branches or partially cutting it rather than felling it entirely. Only in cases where the danger is imminent and substantial should immediate felling be permitted.
Until further orders, the court has imposed a temporary ban on the felling of trees unless they pose an immediate and severe threat that could cause significant damage.
The state government has been directed to process all applications following these new guidelines and submit a compliance report before the next hearing on April 9, 2025.
