SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya has constituted a committee to examine the trees referred by the Commissioner in its report and make a specific report about the status of the said trees and the course of action considered appropriate after necessary scientific studies.
During the hearing on Thursday, in continuation of the submissions made by the petitioner K Paul on the last couple of dates, Dr. K P Mohapatra, Principal Scientist Forestry, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Shillong and Dr. S K Singh, Scientist, Botanical Survey of India, Shillong were present in the Court.
After having further heard the petitioner and Government Advocate and having taken into account the immediate requirements in this matter, it appeared proper that an Advisory Committee be constituted for the assistance of this Court.
Accordingly, the Advisory Committee, comprising of S Ashutosh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (R&T) and Climate Change, and Dr. K P Mohapatra, Principal Scientist Forestry, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Shillong, was constituted.
The Committee may submit its report latest September 11.
Dr. KP Mohapatra, whose services are being taken for this matter, shall be provided all the necessary logistic support by the Government of Meghalaya. The matter relating to his honorarium shall be considered at the later stage.
The petitioner was also asked to supply a copy of the report of Commissioner to the expert Dr. KP Mohapatra.
The matter has been listed for hearing on September 13.