Kullu: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought an explanation from Himachal Pradesh govt over the construction of a concrete platform around a more than 200-year-old banyan tree in a protected forest area in Kangra district, asking the state to clarify why the structure was built and with whose permission.NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava directed the principal secretary, forests, to file an affidavit explaining the position within six weeks.The case was filed in October last year by Paramjeet Mankotia, who alleged that a Tiyala (platform) had been built around an old banyan tree without permission in Sidhpurghar panchayat in Jawali subdivision of Kangra district.Mankotia’s petition said that the construction involved excavation up to depths of 4-5 feet and resulted in extensive concretisation around the tree, which had severely damaged its root zoneDuring the hearing, state govt argued that only limited work had been undertaken and that it involved construction of a small “protective sitting platform” around the banyan tree.The objective was to “safeguard and protect” the approximately 200-year-old tree, prevent soil erosion around its base and ensure public safety, govt said. “The intervention was undertaken as a preventive and protective measure, keeping in view the tree’s advanced age, heavy public footfall, its proximity to a govt school and recurring incidents of heavy rainfall and natural calamities in the region,” it said.It also informed the tribunal that construction has been stopped, and that this demonstrated the bona fides of the authorities and their respect for environmental concerns.However, NGT noted that there was no dispute that the tree is located in a protected forest area, hence the authorities must justify the construction. The next hearing is on Oct 30.
