National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday set up an independent inquiry under noted environmentalist MC Mehta into the alleged illegal felling and sale of 4,000 trees in the special eco-sensitive zone near the Taj Mahal. A former district forest officer (DFO) is allegedly responsible for the loss of these trees.

NGT also asked the chief forest conservator of Agra zone AK Jain, who levelled the allegations against former DFO NK Janu, and the state government to file affidavits in the matter. A response has also been sought from former DFO NK Janu.

Mehta, well known for taking various environment-related issues to the Supreme Court seeking reduction in industrial pollution that was causing the yellowing of the Taj Mahal, will now visit Agra and check ground realties before submitting a report to the NGT. An expert team comprising members from Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) will accompany Mehta.............Read more

Source web page: Times of India