‘Large-scale hill cutting and illegal tree felling’ case: NGT directs HP pollution panel to file compliance report on recovery of environmental compensation

The case was originally disposed of by the tribunal on August 27, 2024, with directions to the HPSPCB to compute environmental compensation and take punitive action.

The NGT had held that Walia was liable to pay environmental compensation and instructed the HPSPCB to determine the amount and recover it within three months. It also asked the Board to initiate punitive and remedial measures to restore the environment damaged due to the illegal felling of trees. The HPSPCB was further directed to file a compliance report by December 15, 2024.

In response, the HPSPCB submitted a report dated December 13, 2024, stating that it had calculated an environmental compensation of Rs 3,83,870 in consultation with the Forest Department. The assessment was based on a methodology framed by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board for evaluating damage caused by illegal tree cutting.

The compensation was imposed on Walia, wife of Ram Parkash Singh, Director, Group Colonizer Private limited, a resident of Basant Vihar, Rakar Coloney, Una, through an order issued on December 12, 2024.

However, the NGT observed that further directions were required and has now listed the matter again for appropriate orders. The Registry has been directed to issue notice to the HPSPCB, asking it to furnish an updated compliance report.

The case will be heard next on January 30, 2026.