The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government to complete compensatory afforestation before allowing the cutting of trees for the Agra Airport project. A bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka gave the state four weeks to file a compliance report, warning of serious consequences if conditions are not met.
Afforestation Mandate Before Tree Cutting
The court emphasized that no trees should be cut unless 4,130 saplings are successfully planted and 100 trees relocated, as recommended by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). The court warned that failure to comply with these conditions could result in the demolition of the construction.
During the hearing, Justice Oka noted that many trees had already been felled for the project without fulfilling compensatory afforestation requirements. The court raised concerns over the non-compliance and stated that a contempt of court order could be issued.
Four-Week Compliance Deadline
Despite a previous order to file a compliance report within four weeks, the UP government has not done so. The bench reiterated that compensatory afforestation must be completed before further tree cutting. The Agra Airport project involves constructing a new civil enclave on 145 acres in Dhanoli, Balhaira, and Abhaypura villages, with the first phase focusing on the airport and the second on expanding the taxi track.
The court’s next step depends on the state’s adherence to the afforestation conditions.
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