Uproar over tree felling in Crossing Republik; attempt to cut down trees on a large scale under the guise of pruning thwarted; Forest Department investigation reveals irregularities
Ghaziabad. An incident regarding the felling and pruning of trees along the footpaths and near the intersection in the Crossing Republik police station area has come to light. Local journalist Ravindra Arya alleged that about five trees were being cut or pruned at the site; two had been severely lopped, while an attempt was being made to remove one tree entirely from the roots.
According to Ravindra Arya, he immediately recorded a video of the scene and halted further cutting. He then attempted to contact the contractor responsible for the work. At the behest of one Amit, calls were made to Deepak and Rajpal to inform them of the situation and discuss the matter, but it is alleged that the contractor did not answer the phone. Subsequently, Arya visited the local police station and filed a written complaint.
The complainant alleges that trees in the area are routinely cut and pruned in this manner every year without the necessary permissions or adherence to prescribed standards. It is alleged that on this occasion, too, large branches and significant portions of the trees were cut down rather than undergoing routine pruning; the complaint notes that tree sections measuring up to 10 inches in diameter were removed.
Ravindra Arya met with the District Magistrate, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), and Ghaziabad Forest Department DFO Isha Tiwari to lodge a formal complaint. Following the complaint, and acting on DFO Isha Tiwari’s instructions, Forest Department official Nimi Kushia was directed to visit the site to conduct an inspection and assess the condition of the cut trees. Forest Department Team, Including Inspectors Nitin and Rathi, Conducts Survey
During the investigation, concerned officials from the Forest Department, including Inspectors Nitin and Rathi, conducted a survey at the site. The survey revealed that an excessive number of trees were being cut under the guise of pruning. According to the complainant, only five trees had been felled before intervention halted the operation. It is alleged that the individuals involved intended to cut the trees down completely (from the root).
Proposal to Initiate Legal Action Under Forest Department Sections 4/10
According to the complainant, there is a proposal to register a case against the individuals involved under Sections 4/10 of the Forest Department regulations. However, official confirmation regarding the filing of the case and action under these specific sections is still pending via departmental statements or records.
Ravindra Arya states that the felling of trees at the site—despite a complaint having been lodged with DFO Isha Tiwari—is a serious matter. He notes that following the complaint, a survey was conducted under the direction of Forest Department field officer Nimi Kushia, which uncovered the issue of excessive tree cutting disguised as pruning.
Questions Raised Regarding Trolley’s Number Plate
According to Ravindra Arya, the felled tree sections were loaded onto a trolley. It is alleged that the trolley lacked a visible RTO-issued number plate. This aspect has also been included as a point of investigation in the complaint.
The complainant asserts that adherence to NGT orders and established environmental standards is mandatory. Consequently, the Forest Department must investigate the authorization under which the tree cutting was being carried out and determine whether relevant regulations were violated.
The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Crossing Republik police station in Ghaziabad. The on-site investigation by the Forest Department, based on videos and other evidence provided by the complainant, is considered crucial to the case. It will now become clear through the departmental inquiry and official action whether the necessary permission for the felling had been obtained and what action is taken against the individuals involved.
Report: Ravindra Arya
