NEW DELHI (Saturday, March 28, 2026) — The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken serious cognisance of alleged large-scale environmental violations in the Kothal Gate area of Dehradun. The tribunal has ordered the formation of a high-level joint committee to investigate claims of illegal tree felling, forest land encroachment, and unauthorised mining linked to a private developer.
The Allegations: Decades of Non-Compliance
The case was initiated by an application from Pradeep Sharma, who alleged that Jain Developers had been operating in blatant violation of environmental laws.
- Persistent Violations: The applicant claimed that despite a “Stop Work” notice issued by authorities as far back as 2014, illegal activities have continued unabated.
- Ecological Damage: Allegations include the felling of thousands of trees, encroachment on sensitive forest tracts, and illegal extraction of minerals in the Mussoorie-Dehradun hills.
- Petitioner Harassment: The tribunal noted that the applicant had reported harassment. Consequently, the NGT directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Dehradun, to provide security cover to Sharma upon request.
[Image: Map of Dehradun highlighting the Kothal Gate area and its proximity to protected forest zones]
The Joint Committee’s Mandate
A bench led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava underscored that the case raises “substantial questions” regarding environmental governance.
| Committee Members | Key Responsibilities |
| MoEF&CC Representative | Ensure compliance with Central environmental and forest laws. |
| Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Uttarakhand | Verify forest land boundaries and count felled trees. |
| District Magistrate (DM), Dehradun | Assess local land records and unauthorised mining activities. |
Deadlines:
- Site Inspection: The committee must conduct a thorough physical verification of the Kothal Gate site.
- Report Submission: A comprehensive findings report must be submitted within eight weeks.
- Next Hearing: The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing for July 17, 2026.
Broader Context: Uttarakhand’s Ecological Strain
This intervention follows a series of NGT orders aimed at curbing unregulated development in Uttarakhand’s fragile ecosystem.
- Kainchi Dham: In January 2026, the NGT issued similar directives regarding waste management and illegal constructions near the famous shrine in Nainital.
- Mussoorie Carrying Capacity: The tribunal has been closely monitoring the “carrying capacity” of hill stations like Mussoorie and Dehradun to prevent Joshimath-like land subsidence incidents.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “NGT forms panel to look into tree felling, encroachment, illegal mining in Dehradun” (March 28, 2026).
- The Week: “NGT orders probe into Dehradun eco-violations; panel to report in 8 weeks” (March 29, 2026).
- National Herald: “Dehradun: NGT forms panel to probe tree felling, encroachment, illegal mining” (March 29, 2026).
- Devdiscourse: “NGT Crackdown: Unraveling Eco-Violations in Dehradun” (March 29, 2026).
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