Shimla, July 19: The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to approach the Supreme Court to seek a stay on the ongoing felling of apple trees during the eviction of encroachments from forest land.
The decision was taken during a high-powered committee meeting chaired by Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi. The state also plans to file a petition in the Supreme Court under the Godavarman case, seeking relief similar to that granted to other states, particularly with regard to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Minister Negi expressed the government’s concern over the cutting of apple trees during the monsoon season, highlighting the potential loss to orchardists and environmental damage. He added that the disposal of felled trees has also become a logistical issue. “The government is not opposed to removing illegal encroachments,” he said, “but carrying out tree felling during heavy rains is neither practical nor environmentally sound.” The Advocate General has been instructed to take necessary legal action in this regard.
Additionally, the state government is pressing the Centre to amend the FCA Act of 1980. A petition related to this demand will be submitted as part of the Godavarman case, with the hope of securing relief for Himachal Pradesh.
Jagat Singh Negi also appealed to landless residents who are dependent on forest land for livelihood to avail benefits under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. He stated that thousands of people in the state could get their traditional land rights regularized under the Act, but a lack of awareness has prevented many from applying.
The minister also accused the central government of discriminatory behavior in disaster relief assistance. He said that the full amount of the ₹1,500 crore relief package sanctioned for the 2023 disaster has yet to be released. The Centre has reportedly placed a condition that the state must first spend ₹500 crore before the remaining amount is disbursed.
