The Uttarakhand High Court has issued a significant order, directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of illegal construction activities within the Corbett Tiger Reserve, coupled with the reported felling of approximately 6,000 trees to facilitate the establishment of a tiger safari.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Alok Kumar Verma underscored the gravity of the accusations, implicating high-ranking state authorities, including former forest minister Harak Singh Rawat. The court expressed its refusal to remain a passive observer in the matter.
Furthermore, the court articulated its belief that mere suspensions of certain officials would not suffice to address the issue. Consequently, it mandated full cooperation from all state authorities in facilitating an impartial CBI inquiry.
The court's directive was unequivocal: "We are satisfied that the material on record does disclose a prima facie case calling for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Therefore, the present matter is referred to CBI for proper and uninfluenced investigation in accordance with law."
This order materialized within the context of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) petition initiated by the court itself, in addition to a plea filed by a Dehradun resident named Anu Pant.
The court was apprised of the unauthorized construction activities encompassing administrative buildings, internal roads, service roads, guard huts, and animal holding areas within the ecologically sensitive zones of Corbett. Initially, the authorities claimed that only 163 trees had been felled for this purpose. However, subsequent reports revealed the staggering figure of nearly 6,000 trees.
Despite several inquiries aimed at scrutinizing the role of officials involved and potential legal violations, the court noted a lack of substantial action against the erring individuals.
Meanwhile, a report furnished by a Central Empowered Committee, established by the National Green Tribunal, implicated the then-forest minister, Harak Singh Rawat, in orchestrating illegal constructions and unauthorized structures within the tiger reserve. The report also implicated the then-Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kishan Chand.
According to the report, Kishan Chand had a questionable history of engaging in similar irregularities and was allegedly handpicked by the minister. The report asserted that the minister disregarded advice from the State vigilance department, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), and the Head of Forest Force (HoFF), who had cautioned against appointing Kishan Chand to sensitive positions.
Advocate Abhijay Negi represented the petitioner, Anu Pant, in this case.
Legal representation for the State of Uttarakhand was provided by Special Counsel Atul Sharma, Additional Chief Standing Counsel Rajeev Singh Bisht, and Standing Counsel Gajendra Tripathi. The Union of India was represented by its Standing Counsel VK Kapruwan.
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TAGS: Uttarakhand High Court CBI probe illegal construction Corbett Tiger Reserve tree felling former forest minister suo motu PIL Dehradun resident unauthorized construction Central Empowered Committee National Green Tribunal Divisional Forest Officer Harak Singh Rawat sensitive posts advocate Anu Pant state authorities environmental violation ecologically sensitive zones.
