NEW DELHI (Sunday, March 29, 2026) — The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken serious note of alleged massive environmental degradation in the Kothal Gate area of Dehradun. Following a petition that claims illegal activities have persisted for over a decade, the tribunal has ordered the immediate formation of a joint committee to investigate tree felling, forest encroachment, and unauthorized mining.
The Allegations: Defiance of “Stop Work” Orders
The case, heard by the principal bench in New Delhi, stems from an application filed by Pradeep Sharma. The petition details a long-standing pattern of ecological damage attributed to a private developer.
- Primary Accused: Jain Developers.
- Core Allegations: Large-scale illegal felling of trees, unauthorized mining operations, and encroachment onto protected forest land.
- Regulatory Failure: The petitioner submitted that these activities have continued unabated despite a formal “Stop Work” notice issued as far back as 2014.
- Judicial Observation: A bench led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava noted that the case raises “significant questions” regarding environmental compliance and the enforcement of regulatory standards.
The Joint Investigative Committee
The NGT has mandated a time-bound probe by a panel of high-ranking officials. The committee is tasked with verifying the claims on the ground and identifying those responsible.
| Committee Composition | Key Mandates |
| Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) | Conduct a comprehensive site inspection. |
| Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Uttarakhand | Assess the true extent of environmental damage. |
| District Magistrate (DM), Dehradun | Recommend specific remedial and punitive actions. |
Timeline: The committee must submit its detailed findings report within eight weeks.
Protection for the Petitioner
In a significant move, the NGT addressed the petitioner’s claims of harassment. The tribunal has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Dehradun, to provide appropriate security cover to Pradeep Sharma upon his request, ensuring his safety as the legal proceedings move forward.
Next Steps
The tribunal has issued formal notices to all respondents in the case. The next hearing is scheduled for July 17, 2026, by which time the joint committee’s report will be on record to guide further judicial action.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “NGT forms panel to look into tree felling, encroachment and illegal mining in Dehradun” (March 29, 2026).
- The Week: “NGT crackdown: Unraveling eco-violations in Dehradun” (March 29, 2026).
- National Herald: “Dehradun: NGT forms panel to probe tree felling, encroachment, illegal mining” (March 29, 2026).
- Outlook Business: “NGT Forms Panel to Look into Tree Felling, Encroachment and Illegal Mining in Dehradun” (March 29, 2026).
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