By TC News Desk
Agartala, 5th September 2024: In a detailed discussion during the second day of the Assembly’s monsoon session, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma revealed that a total of 11,460 trees have been felled over the past two years and eight months to facilitate the widening of national highways across Tripura.
Responding to a query from Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, Minister Debbarma explained, “Based on the order of the National Green Tribunal, a guideline has been framed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Forest Conservation Division, New Delhi, as per letter F.No.11-306/2014-FC. (pt) dated August 28, 2015. This guideline simplifies the procedure for granting permission to fell trees standing on forest land diverted for linear projects under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. The State of Tripura is adhering to these guidelines.”
In a supplementary question, Roy Barman sought clarity on the number of trees that would be felled in the future for highway expansion, particularly from Champaknagar to Hatai Kotor (formerly Baramura) hills. Minister Debbarma responded, “The Forest Department does not want to cut trees. We are committed to protecting trees, but there has to be balanced development. The department has received proposals from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for highway expansion, and based on certain rules and regulations, the authority has to fell trees.”
Highlighting the environmental impact, Debbarma added, “The frequent floods are a result of forest destruction, leading to deteriorating catchment areas. In the winter season, the rivers in the state will dry up.”
Roy Barman further inquired about the specific number of trees to be chopped from Champaknagar to Baramura hill, expressing concerns that the destruction of forests could lead to the drying up of the Howrah River. He urged the government to avoid felling more old trees in the Baramura range to save the environment.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath shed light on government initiatives, stating, “The Planning and Coordination Department has framed new rules. If a tree is felled, then 10 trees need to be planted for the construction of new roads and buildings.”
Summarizing the discussion, Minister Debbarma noted, “On July 5, five lakh trees were planted in a single day, and an additional 76 lakh trees will be planted in the next one to two months.”
The Assembly session highlighted the delicate balance between development and environmental conservation, with the government emphasizing its commitment to reforestation and sustainable development.
