The Supreme Court is addressing the “Taj Trapezium case” concerning illegal tree felling in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura-Vrindavan corridor. The court lifted a stay on the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited project after confirming tree planting compliance. Future hearings will focus on penalties for felling 454 trees and implementing a Tree Census to safeguard environmental standards.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is actively addressing the “Taj Trapezium case,” focusing on illegal tree felling in the Mathura-Vrindavan corridor of Uttar Pradesh. This case involves multiple aspects, including the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) project and compliance with environmental obligations.
The Court had earlier stayed the RVNL’s railway project between Mathura and Jhansi due to non-compliance with a directive to plant 50,943 trees. On Monday, the Court was informed that RVNL had fulfilled this obligation. The bench lifted the stay and stated:
“We have reviewed the report on the compliance of the order dated May 13, 2022. The CEC report confirms that the planting of 50,943 trees has been completed. Consequently, we lift the stay order issued on October 14 concerning the project.”
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The focus now shifts to the felling of 454 trees in the Mathura-Vrindavan corridor.
The Court also reviewed the Central Empowered Committee’s (CEC) recommendations regarding penalties and accountability for illegal tree felling. A contempt notice was issued against Shiv Shankar Agarwal, currently in jail.
Justice Oka noted,
“They have acknowledged that the felling of trees occurred. Who will pay the fine of Rs 1 Lakh?”
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing some former landowners, argued that the penalty should not apply to those unaware of the felling. However, Justice Oka clarified:
“Unless the penalty is paid as per the CEC’s recommendation, the land in question will remain unchanged.”
The matter is scheduled for further review on January 25, with a specific notice issued to Shiv Shankar Agarwal.
The Court highlighted the importance of a Tree Census to address illegal felling effectively. Justice Oka remarked:
“We intend to pass some orders regarding the ‘Tree Census’ for both Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. While the Preservation of Trees Act in UP is silent on the census aspect, Delhi’s Act addresses it.”
The Additional Solicitor General, Aishwarya Bhati, was directed to recommend the authority for handling the Tree Census. This matter will be taken up on December 19.
The Court also addressed the need to reconsider penalty provisions under the Uttar Pradesh Protection of Trees Act, 1976. Justice Oka observed that penalties could be tailored specifically for the Taj Trapezium area:
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“Please also inform us about the suggested penalty amount to be imposed.”
The Supreme Court’s proceedings emphasize accountability for environmental violations while setting a precedent for future measures. As the case progresses, the focus will remain on balancing infrastructure development with ecological preservation, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental standards.
This pivotal case will resume hearings on December 19 and January 25, addressing both immediate penalties and long-term protection mechanisms.
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