The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Central Zone Bench at Bhopal has taken serious cognisance of allegations regarding large-scale failure in compensatory tree plantation and alleged misuse of government funds near forest areas in Kota district, Rajasthan.
The bench, comprising Justice Shiv Kumar Singh (Judicial Member) and Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi (Expert Member), was hearing an original application filed by Tapeshwar Singh Bhati against the Rajasthan government and others.
The application raised concerns over illegal encroachment and failure to restore approximately 2,375.86 hectares of forest land related to the mitigation measures scheme developed for National Highway-27 (NH-27), including plantation sites from Lakhawa I to VIII.
During the hearing, it was brought to the tribunal’s attention that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had deposited ₹25.72 crore with the Central Empowered Committee as part of statutory forest clearance conditions. These funds were intended for compensatory actions such as constructing stone masonry walls, fencing, and large-scale tree plantations.
However, inspection reports submitted by senior forest officials revealed that the plantations had largely failed, with the survival rate of saplings being negligible. The reports also indicated attempts to conceal previous failures by undertaking new re-plantation activities, raising serious questions about compliance and accountability.
The tribunal observed that these findings point to gross negligence, serious implementation lapses, and potential misuse of public funds, resulting in significant environmental damage and loss of forest cover.
Given the gravity of the matter, the NGT issued notices to all respondents and directed Arijit Banerjee, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Forest Force Head) of Rajasthan, to conduct a personal inquiry into the case.
The tribunal also ordered disciplinary action against officials found responsible for the lapses.
Additionally, the bench instructed the preparation and implementation of a fresh plantation plan covering at least 400 hectares, along with strict monitoring to ensure the survival of the plantations.
A detailed plantation and restoration plan with an action report has been sought before the next hearing, which is scheduled for March 16, 2026.
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