T N GODAVARMAN THIRUMALPAD Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The State of M.P. should file its response to the reply/additional affidavit which has been filed in April 2000 by Mr Santosh Bharathi. Response to be filed within two weeks. List on 1-5-2000. IAs Nos. 419 and 420

(2.) It has been explained by Mr Mukul Rohatgi that as far as NMDC is concerned, it has complied with its obligation inasmuch as about 1300 hectares were required to be afforested by NMDC over a period of ten years and the same is being done. With regard to the balance area of 7000 hectares Rs 40 crores have been paid to the State of Madhya Pradesh for carrying out afforestation in the degraded forest area which is not under the control of NMDC and which is revenue land.

(3.) The State of Madhya Pradesh will file an affidavit indicating as to what steps it has taken with regard to afforestation on its having received the said Rs 40 crores. The State might consider entrusting the job to M.P. Rajya Van Vikas Nigam Limited with the task of afforestation specially in areas like waste land which are in plenty in the State of M.P.