Order of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of M. C. Mehta Vs Union of India & Others dated 09/05/2018. The prayer in the application is for permission to cut 234 trees to complete the project of laying of conduit pipe line to enable the Ganga water to reach Agra for the purpose of supply of drinking water to Agra city in the coming summer months.

CEC was asked to look into the averments made in the application and submit a report. The report apprises that as the project is in public interest, that the felling of trees is unavoidable for laying of the pipeline and the project authorities have offered to undertake planting of 2500 trees in Shekhoopur Mandapur Village in the designated land at project cost in lieu of the 234 trees now marked for felling, the CEC recommends that the Apex Court "may consider granting permission for felling of 234 trees in District Agra and District Mathura to implement the project of laying conduit pipeline under the Agra Water Supply (Ganga Jal)" falling in the TTZ in the State of Uttar Pradesh subject to certain conditions.

Counsel appearing on behalf of U.P. Jal Nigam assured the Court that the recommendations made by the CEC will be adhered to and followed in letter and spirit. He also assures that the trees that are required to be planted will be looked after. Supreme Court directs U.P. Forest Department to look into this because it has come to the notice of the Court that the mortality rate of trees being planted towards afforestation work in some places is as high as 80%.