Aizawl: A day before World Environment Day, the Mizoram government faced severe criticism from environmental advocates for allowing tree felling in front of the Assembly Speaker’s bungalow in Aizawl.
The incident has sparked outrage among local NGOs and environmentalists.
The Centre for Environment and Social Justice (CESJ) reported the felling of several trees in front of the Assembly Speaker’s official residence to the District Forest Officer (DFO) in Aizawl.
A leader of the CESJ voiced deep concerns about the incident. “While we are working hard to spread awareness on the importance of trees and conservation of forests, and while there is an awakening of environmental concerns, the government, which is expected to take steady action in this line, is involved in the felling of trees in an important government office. This is of serious concern,” the leader stated. The CESJ believes this act represents neglect and disrespect for the law.
The Mizoram government has established clear regulations regarding tree felling on forest lands, non-forest lands, and within municipal areas. These rules, published in a gazette with the approval of the Governor and the Mizoram Assembly, specify which trees can be legally removed. The CESJ argues that the felling of trees at the Assembly Speaker’s residence, which is not a private residence, was conducted in violation of these laws.
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The CESJ’s statement emphasized that while both the public and government departments face penalties for disobeying tree felling guidelines, the breach of these rules at the residence of a senior lawmaker is particularly egregious. “It is wrongful that the Mizoram Assembly Speaker’s residence, which is not his private residence, had trees felled in objection to the law. This shows a disrespect for the law,” the statement read.
On June 4, the CEJ filed a formal complaint with the DFO in Aizawl, demanding action. The organization warned that if no action is taken, they will file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and pursue legal action against the Environment, Forests & Climate Change (EF&CC) department.
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