The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has sought a detailed explanation from the Himachal Pradesh forest department regarding the construction of a protective platform around an approximately 200-year-old banyan tree located in a protected forest area in Kangra district.
The stated purpose was to protect the tree, prevent soil erosion around its base and ensure public safety. The tribunal noted that it was not disputed during the hearing that the banyan tree is located in a protected forest area. In view of this, the NGT has asked the authorities to justify how the platform around the existing tree was constructed and what permission, if any, was obtained for undertaking the construction. The tribunal has specifically directed the principal secretary, forest, government of Himachal Pradesh, to clarify the position by filing an affidavit within six weeks.
During the hearing on August 11, the bench comprising justice Prakash Shrivastava, chairperson and expert member Afroz Ahmad, considered the response filed on behalf of the forest department and district authorities in which it was said that the work involved only a small protective sitting platform (tiyala) around the existing banyan tree. The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 30, 2026.
