The National Green Tribunal has imposed an environmental fine of over Rs 2 crore on Banaras Hindu University for the illegal felling of 33 trees, including sandalwood. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board must now finalize the collection of these funds.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to pay an environmental fine exceeding Rs 2 crore. This action follows the illegal removal of 33 trees from the campus, among which seven were identified as sandalwood trees. The tribunal has instructed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to complete the assessment and collect the required compensation from the university within a three-month timeframe.
While the financial penalty addresses the loss of vegetation, the university has previously undertaken efforts to restore the green cover. According to findings from a joint committee tasked with reviewing the university's compliance, BHU planted approximately 978 saplings in 2025. Investigations showed that 859 of these plants were surviving, which university representatives noted met the tribunal’s earlier requirement to plant at least 20 saplings for every tree cut down.
Environmental Regulatory Updates in Tamil Nadu and Rajouri
In separate proceedings, environmental enforcement is intensifying in other parts of the country. The Madras High Court is currently examining the status of 24 unauthorized resorts and farmhouses located within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. These properties were identified as operating without the necessary permits, following earlier legal action taken against 42 similar establishments in the same region. While notices have been issued to the operators of these additional 24 properties, formal court proceedings are still in the preliminary stages.
Separately, the NGT has directed its attention toward the management of municipal waste in Jammu and Kashmir. The tribunal has questioned the local authorities regarding an uncollected environmental fine of Rs 545.28 lakh imposed on the Municipal Council of Rajouri. This fine was originally levied due to unauthorized waste dumping practices. The Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee has been asked to explain the delay in collecting these funds and why the council should not be forced to deposit the amount immediately to support environmental cleanup efforts. Investors and stakeholders in the hospitality and municipal sectors may monitor these trends as stricter regulatory enforcement on environmental compliance continues to gain momentum across different states.