SMC Tells NGT No Permission Granted for Tree Felling in Last 5 Years | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that no permission has been granted for cutting or felling of trees within its jurisdiction over the past five years.

The submission was made in response to a case arising from reports of large-scale tree felling at the historic Amar Singh College campus.

In its reply filed before the Principal Bench of the NGT in Original Application No. 360/2024, the SMC stated that its Tree Authority has not issued any approval for cutting, felling, or removal of trees from the financial year 2020–21 to 2024–25.

The case pertains to a report alleging felling of around 234 trees on the century-old Amar Singh College campus, which triggered environmental concerns and legal scrutiny.

According to the SMC, the Tree Authority, constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000, has not granted permission to any individual or department for tree removal during the said period.

The corporation further submitted that a formal mechanism for processing applications seeking permission for tree felling, including the prescribed format and fee structure, has been forwarded to the government and is currently under examination. It assured the tribunal that it will implement the procedure once it receives approval from the government.

The response has been backed by an affidavit filed by SMC Commissioner Faz Lul Haseeb (IAS), stating that the information provided is based on official records and no material facts have been concealed.

The matter is under consideration before the NGT. (KNO)