Factual and action taken report on behalf of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Uttarakhand in compliance to the National Green Tribunal order, September 11, 2020.

The matter related to alleged violation of environmental norms in the construction of Kotila-Gawad-Suraikhet motor road in Almora district, Uttarakhand. It was said that a large number of trees have been damaged and illegally felled and other violations committed during the construction of the said road.

The Enquiry Committee constituted by the order of the DFO, Almora in its report, August 17, 2020 stated that a total of 399 trees of different species were found to have been illegally felled/damaged due to the construction activities of the said road. Further, instead of dumping much in the 3 designated dumping sites, the user agency (PWD Ranikhet, Construction Division) has dumped the much in Chantharia reserve forest.