Sun Nov 10 20:07:04 UTC 2024: ## Kanwar Yatra Route Construction in Uttar Pradesh: NGT Orders State to Clarify Tree Felling
**New Delhi, November 11, 2024:** The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to clarify the number of trees being felled for the construction of a new Kanwar Yatra route. A joint committee constituted by the NGT has reported that 17,607 trees have already been cut in Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar districts for the project.
The State government initially planned to cut down 1,12,722 trees for the route, but has revised the number to 33,776. The NGT has asked the state to confirm if this revised number was calculated according to the U.P. Protection of Trees Act, 1976.
The tribunal has also demanded an affidavit from the Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, outlining the exact number of trees to be felled, adhering to the provisions of the U.P. Tree Protection Act.
The NGT expressed concern over the environmental impact of the project, stating that the joint committee should complete its investigation and submit a final report without delay. The tribunal will continue to hear the case regarding the alleged felling of trees for the Kanwar Yatra route.
First Piper 