Supreme Court referred to Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, which outlines the fundamental duties of every citizen.
In an important ruling emphasizing environmental conservation, the Supreme Court of India has reinforced the crucial role of both citizens and the state in protecting trees. This decision aligns with the growing global urgency to address environmental issues, particularly deforestation and biodiversity loss.
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On Tuesday, the Supreme Court, while addressing a case focused on the preservation of the Taj Mahal and its environs, urged the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to seek alternative methods instead of cutting down 3,874 trees for a road project in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ).
This directive was issued during a hearing of a public interest litigation aimed at protecting the iconic Taj Mahal and its surrounding area. Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, presiding over the bench, instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a detailed plan of the proposed Agra-Jalesar-Etah road’s alignment. Additionally, they requested the CEC to assess whether it would be feasible to preserve some of the trees slated for removal.
The court, in its judgment, specifically referred to Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, which outlines the fundamental duties of every citizen. The justices stated,
“As Article 51A mandates that it is the duty of every citizen to save trees, we also reiterate that it is also the responsibility of the state to ensure that maximum number of trees are protected.”
This statement underscores the dual responsibility shared by individuals and government bodies in the conservation of trees.
This emphasis on tree protection by the Supreme Court comes at a critical time when environmental degradation poses a significant threat to ecosystems and sustainable development. The court’s directive serves as a reminder of the legal and ethical obligations that both citizens and state authorities have towards environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the ruling is expected to influence future environmental policies and developmental projects. It highlights the need for integrating tree conservation in urban planning and development strategies, ensuring that environmental considerations are at the forefront of governmental decision-making.
In a related decision, the Supreme Court had previously allowed the removal of 12 trees within the TTZ to facilitate the construction of entry and exit points for a new petrol station in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This decision was made despite objections from an individual who sought legal action against what they claimed was the illegal removal of trees in the area.
