KAUSTAV PAUL Vs. STATE OF MEGHALAYA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioner, an advocate by profession, appreciably has espoused the cause of the public which in essence is linked with the beauty and ambience of Shillong town. Taking note of the newspaper reports to the effect that large number of trees are proposed to cut down, has filed the instant Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

(2.) What triggered the proposal for cutting down of large numbers of trees is a mishap which happened unfortunately at Raj Bhavan. Due to incessant torrential rain and strong wind for several days eucalyptus tree fell down, three persons in the incident lost their lives. The said tragic incident occurred on 12.08.2017 immediately thereafter, the Forest department convened a meeting. Six inspection teams were formed to identify the trees posing serious threat and danger to public life and property. The said inspection teams prepared the report, on the basis of the report, 549 trees were identified as dangerous out of which 83 trees were posing serious threat to the lives of the people. It was also made public that any person can inform the Forest department by using helpline numbers regarding the trees posing danger to human life and properties.

(3.) The petitioner has highlighted that Shillong has all along been known as greenery, the presence of lush green forests and pine groves in every locality add to the beauty and ambience to town popularly known as "Scotland of the East".