NGT Directs UP Board to Recover ₹2.65 Crore from BHU for Illegal Felling of 33 Trees
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to complete proceedings for collecting an environmental compensation of ₹2.65 crore from Banaras Hindu University (BHU). This follows BHU's illegal felling of 33 trees, including seven sandalwood trees, on its campus.
On August 11 last year, the NGT had initially ordered the UPPCB to assess and recover the compensation within three months. However, the board failed to comply within that timeframe. The Principal Bench of the NGT, comprising Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Afroz Ahmad, issued the renewed directive while hearing an execution application filed by advocate Saurabh Tiwari, who sought enforcement of the earlier order.
During the proceedings, counsel for the UPPCB submitted that the board was in the process of levying the compensation, with calculations already disclosed in an affidavit. The court noted this and extended the deadline, directing the UPPCB to complete the proceedings within three months from the date of the July 7 order.
As part of compensatory measures, BHU planted 978 trees of different species in 2025, of which 859 were found to be surviving in good condition, according to a report submitted to the tribunal. The university's counsel pointed out that the number of surviving saplings exceeds the plantation requirement specified in the tribunal's earlier order.
The NGT's order underscores the tribunal's commitment to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring accountability for unauthorized tree felling. The case highlights the importance of compliance with environmental regulations by educational institutions and other entities.
