The Rajasthan High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a critical environmental issue, stepping in to protect 1.19 lakh trees due to be cut in Baran District’s Shahbad Block.
The trees are to make way for a Pumped Storage Project, sparking concerns about ecological balance, carbon emissions, and flora and fauna preservation.
Citing newspaper reports, the Division Bench of Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Munnuri Laxman expressed worry about the project’s potential impact on climate change, soil erosion, and environmental degradation.
The proposed afforestation site in Jaisalmer District, 712 km away, is deemed inadequate, soaking only 3500 metric tons of carbon dioxide compared to Baran’s 22.5 lakh metric tons.
Referencing Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to a green and healthy environment, the court emphasized the state’s responsibility to protect and preserve the environment.
The bench referred to the landmark judgments by the Supreme Court and the Sikkim High Court.
The court has issued notices to the Union of India, Rajasthan’s Environment and Forest Department, and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, seeking responses on alternative solutions to save the trees.
It has appointed senior advocate Sandeep Shah and advocates Lakshya Singh Udawat and Mehali Mehta as amicus curiae to assist in the case.
No interim order was passed, but the court requested assurances that no trees would be cut for at least 15 days, pending further review.
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