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Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Uttar Pradesh govt proposes new law to decriminalise 293 minor offences
In a bid to create an industry-friendly atmosphere and remove irritants in the ease of doing business, the Uttar Pradesh government proposes to enact a new law to decriminalise 293 minor offences and replace the provisions for imprisonment with civic penalties The state government is working on bringing the new law on the pattern of the Jan Vishwas Adhiniyam that the Centre enacted in 2023, those aware of the development said. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE) Those aware of the development said the 293 provisions proposed to be decriminalised are part of nearly 15-20 acts and the proposed law would ensure that the penalties are commensurate with the seriousness of the crime. The Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, the laws for urban local bodies that include the municipal corporations, the Fire Services Act, the Tree Protection Act, labour laws and the laws for industry have provisions for imprisonment for minor offences. The proposed new law will decriminalise them. Under the proposed new law, there will be provisions for compounding of minor offences. The provisions for imprisonment up to about six months will be replaced by a fine of a few thousand of rupees or to a lakh or so. 'We propose to enact a new law to decriminalise 293 of 294 provisions of law as part of the state government's efforts to provide an industry-friendly atmosphere and relax provisions for the ease of doing business. No relaxation will be made in the provisions for imprisonment if the offence causes health hazards or directly affects human lives,' said a senior officer of the state government. The state government is working on bringing the new law on the pattern of the Jan Vishwas Adhiniyam that the Centre enacted in 2023, those aware of the development said. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has time and again asked the officers to remove irritants in the ease of doing business. Chief secretary SP Goyal also chaired a meeting convened on Tuesday to review the progress under the flagship Compliance and Reduction and Deregulation 2025 initiative. Efforts to ease the regulations and create an industry-friendly ecosystem are part of this initiative. A senior officer said the draft of the new law is being finalised and once approved by the state cabinet, the proposed legislation may be moved in the monsoon session of the state legislature commencing on August 11.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
‘Save 188-year-old banyan tree or scrap the building': HC slams NMC
1 2 Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Wednesday orally censured the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for insisting on transplanting a 188-year-old banyan tree reportedly obstructing an e-library project at Pachpaoli's Thakkargram locality. In strong remarks, the court asked whether NMC was determined to cut the tree at any cost and warned that it may pass orders halting the construction if alternatives to preserve the tree weren't considered. "If your intent is just to remove the tree for open space, parking, and a canteen, we will be compelled to pass appropriate directives. Either change the plan or don't build the structure," the bench verbally clarified while examining the layout of the project. The court emphasised that the tree stands in a corner, not at the centre of the plot, making design adjustments feasible. The directions came during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by environmentalist Preeti Patel and three others, who objected to the proposed felling or relocation of 1,374 trees for development projects across Nagpur, citing violations of the Tree Protection Act. One of their key objections concerned the banyan tree, which the NMC decided to transplant to the Nagpur University campus. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Say Goodbye to Itchy Scalp? Here's What Some People Are Doing Read More Undo Lawyer Mrunall Chakravarty represented the petitioners, while NMC was represented by advocate Gemini Kasat. The petitioners questioned the viability of that plan. "There is no guarantee the tree will survive if shifted," they argued, suggesting that the civic body was ignoring feasible alternatives. Earlier, the HC directed both the petitioners and NMC to consult with environmental experts to explore alternatives. Following the suggestions from the petitioners' side, NMC submitted its response, stating that 50% of the construction of the proposed three-storey e-library was already completed, and the tree now obstructed further development. Unimpressed, the court reiterated its position, pointing out that infrastructure cannot come at the cost of long-standing ecological assets. It then scheduled the next hearing for Friday granting NMC time to reconsider.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Time of India
Construction in Khalganga reserve forest sparks eco alarm in Doon
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dehradun: A gate was erected deep inside Khalanga reserve forest, causing concern among locals and environmentalists that commercial activity might soon follow. They warned the construction could damage the ecosystem, raise encroachment issues, and require forest offence act enforcement. By Saturday evening, a count by the forest department revealed that 22 trees and saplings had been affected during the construction activities. Activists have also called for a protest on Sunday at the spot. Colonel Vikram Singh Thapa, an area resident, said the video showed a gate placed deep in the reserve following which many locals reached the spot. In the video, a local woman was seen questioning the contractor who claimed that the land belonged to a man from Rishikesh and that workers were marking and fencing the 40 bigha plot for a future campsite. Thapa said local activists plan to file a complaint and have asked forest and revenue department officials to investigate the apparent sale of forest land. Eco-activist Sanjeev Srivastava said, "The property is surrounded by forest and dense Sal trees. No construction activity should have happened without permission, and if commercial activities start in the reserve forest, there will be no stopping them going ahead. Ideally, forest department should take back control of the land and provide due compensation to preserve the whole area." Mussoorie divisional forest officer Amit Kanwar said that following social media complaints, officials inspected the site and verified ownership with the revenue department. "Supreme Court guidelines make clear that even privately owned land within forest boundaries remains forest land, so commercial activity is prohibited there. A ground survey is under way to assess tree clearance, after which the department will take action under the forest offence act and serve notice to the owner," he said Forest department officials said the work was halted immediately on Friday evening after it was found to be taking place without permission. The department has written to the district administration seeking clarity on the boundary demarcation of the non-reserved plot. A case has also been registered against the landowner under the Tree Protection Act, 1976, for multiple forest offences, and he has been directed to restore the damaged forest land. On the orders of the divisional forest officer, a special patrolling team has been deployed to prevent such incidents from recurring in the Khalanga reserve forest. Eco-activists have demanded an immediate halt to all work and for the area to be restored. Meanwhile, social activist Anoop Nautiyal cautioned, "If such green dacoity can happen only 30 minutes away from the Clock Tower, we cannot even begin to imagine the destruction in remote corners of the state." The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority released a statement saying that inspections found no plots had been demarcated. In addition to its ecological value, Khalanga reserve forest holds significance for the Gorkha community and contains the Khalanga war memorial. This marks the 1814 Battle of Nalapani, when a small Gorkha force defended the Khalanga fort against a much larger British army. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Where are the trees to compensate for those felled at altar of devpt projects, ask activists
1 2 3 Bhopal: As a city expands and develops in an 'unplanned' manner, with construction and infrastructure projects emerging everywhere, the green cover of the city is the first casualty. Bhopal is a prime example of this trend, as per experts and activists. And as the green cover, which was once the pride of Bhopal, vanishes, a question that attracts the attention of environmental activists and common residents alike is about the effectiveness of compensatory afforestation, which is required to offset the loss to green cover by any 'development' project. As against one tree felled, four trees are required to be planted by the person or agency given permission to cut trees by the municipal corporation. So where are those lakhs of trees that should've been planted over the years and why is green cover diminishing if these trees are being planted? These are questions to which authorities have no definite answers for, activists say. Only in the two latest road projects—the Kolar road project, under which permission to cut as many as 4,105 trees was given, and the 11 Mile to Bangrasia road project, under which cut 1,377 trees were cut, environmental activists point out irregularities. 'RTI Reveals Delay' Environmental activist Nitin Saxena, who moved the green watchdog NGT over the huge loss to the environment due to these projects because there was no compensatory afforestation, said, "We wish to know whether the site of afforestation has been decided for planting of trees and if the agency, which cut the trees, has deposited the amount required to undertake afforestation with the social forestry department, which was once a part of the Capital Project Administration (CPA). " Saxena said that the PWD, which executed the Kolar road project, was required to pay Rs 1.26 crore to the social forestry department for compensatory afforestation to get an NOC from the BMC for cutting 4,105 trees, but the NOC was issued to PWD without depositing the amount. Saxena added that he asked the BMC under RTI whether the requisite fund was deposited by the PWD for afforestation, and the reply was that a notice was issued to PWD in Jan to deposit the amount. "More than 4,000 trees were cut, and they are still corresponding with the PWD to get the money for compensatory afforestation. Mind you, the project began in 2022, and it's 2025," Saxena said. Saxena said that he moved the NGT asking the tribunal to check the cutting of trees for the 11 Mile to Bangrasia (Ratanpur road project), and the NGT on Jan 1, 2025, directed that trees should only be cut according to law and if necessary, but the cutting of trees continued, and now 700 trees are being cut for road and stadium construction at Neelbad. "Our question is why the BMC commissioner, who is the tree officer entitled to allow the cutting of trees, has delegated his powers to a subordinate officer, which he can't do according to the Tree Protection Act (urban), and only the state govt can do it," said Saxena. Govt Depts Pass Buck BMC commissioner Harendra Narayan, when contacted for comments, said, "Our tree officer is additional commissioner Devendra Chauhan. You talk to him; he will be able to give you information." Chauhan, when asked whether the PWD has deposited the amount for compensatory afforestation against trees cut in the Kolar project and where the trees have been planted, said, "We only give permission for cutting of trees only when the social forestry department gives us NOC after money is deposited. I don't know about the Kolar project, but it's a matter between two govt departments; it will be done. As far as the site of afforestation is concerned, it's for the social forestry department to plant trees and not BMC." DFIO, social forestry, Nidhi Chauhan, when asked the same question, said, "I will have to see. I am new to the post. I can't tell you offhand whether the money was deposited or not. As far as the site of compensatory afforestation is concerned, we do face problems in getting land for afforestation. Getting NOC from the revenue department for the purpose is difficult at times. As far as the number of trees that have to be planted, if the girth of the trees is 30 cm or more, four trees are planted against a tree felled, and if it's less than that, we plant two trees. " 'Act Silent On Compliance' Advocate Harpreet Singh Gupta, who has appeared in several cases concerning environmental damage due to trees felling, when asked if there is any punitive action, said, "Tree Protection Act applicable in MP is silent over the issue. Permission to cut trees is given subject to the undertaking that compensatory plantation would be done, but there is no reference to punishment if undertaking is not adhered to."
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Tree felling near Sector 43 sparks outcry, audit demand
A large-scale tree felling drive along the busy corridor from Millennium City Centre to Golf Course Road has triggered outrage among residents and environmentalists, who allege that scores of mature trees are being axed with scant notice, transparency or legal scrutiny. Felling reportedly began earlier this week near Millennium City Centre metro station and has since advanced toward Vyapar Kendra. Locals say the operation—linked, they believe, to road-widening or utility-laying—is proceeding 'without signage, public consultation or displayed permits'. 'When I spoke to the contractor, he casually said all the trees on the road would be cut. It's shocking—no prior notification, no transparency,' said a Sector 29 resident, requesting anonymity. Neighbourhood groups from Sushant Lok and adjoining sectors have petitioned the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) and the Forest Department to halt the work. 'It is disheartening to see tree felling right before the monsoon… We urgently need a stronger Tree Protection Act in Haryana, similar to what Delhi has,' said Rashmi of Jeevantara Apartments, Sector 43. Residents have also flagged health concerns. 'The damage to the environment and health is irreversible. Authorities must act immediately,' warned Neelakandan of Sanskriti Apartments, Sector 43. 'Trees are being cut indiscriminately. The contractor claims to have permission, but we see no documentation,' added Vasu Sashti, another Sector 43 resident. Gurugram-based environmentalist Vaishali Rana called the exercise 'disturbing', arguing that development is being pursued 'without compensatory afforestation or public consultation', further imperilling the city's fragile urban ecology. 'Gurugram's urban ecology is already fragile—such actions push it closer to irreversible environmental degradation,' she said. Responding to the outcry, divisional forest officer RK Jangra confirmed the removal, stating that 'the project has formal sanction for the removal of 250 trees. We have obtained all the necessary clearances from the government. There is no alternative for developing this stretch without cutting these trees.' Jangra added that compensatory plantation would follow 'as per legal norms'.
