Shillong, June 25: The Meghalaya High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of large-scale tree felling in the Lawsohtun area of East Khasi Hills District.
This development came to light during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) that initially sought to stop illegal or irregular felling of trees in and around the Lower New Colony area, Laitumkhrah.
The division bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh in its order has expressed deep concern and shock upon hearing the submission of the petitioner’s counsel, Paul, Senior Advocate, that indiscriminate and large-scale felling of trees had changed the entire landscape and environment of the area.
The Court directed the petitioner to file an affidavit bringing on record the facts and took suo motu cognizance of the development.
The State government filed a report dated June 20, 2025, stating that a State Level Committee had been constituted to implement the Court’s orders to stop illegal felling of trees.
However, the Court found that the Committee had delegated its duties to Divisional Forest Officers and taken little action itself.
The Court directed the Committee to make random visits and inspections of trees certified by the Divisional Forest Officer and verify the truth of the assertion.
The Committee was also directed to call for a report from the concerned Divisional Forest Officer regarding the allegation of large-scale illegal felling of trees in Lawsohtun area.
The Court ordered that no felling of trees or lopping of branches should be permitted until the Committee completes its exercise and takes decisions or approves decisions by Divisional Forest Officers.
“Till this exercise is completed by the Committee by taking decisions
or approving decisions by Divisional Forest Officers, it shall not permit any felling of trees or even “lopping off branches” unless it is absolutely satisfied that the condition of the tree is such that it poses an imminent danger to li fe or property or both,” it stated.
The Court directed the respondents to file a further status/action taken report by July 18, 2025, and listed the PIL for further hearing on July 22, 2025.
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