Alleged Felling of 332 Trees and Environmental Violations Under Tribunal’s Scrutiny; Next Hearing on August 31
Face2News/Chandigarh :
The environmental controversy surrounding the proposed Bulk Market Project at Sector 56, Chandigarh, has reached a significant stage with the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, directing the Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, to appear virtually before the Tribunal and assist it in the matter.
The direction was issued in Original Application No. 158/2026 (IA No. 165/2026), Dr. Rajinder K. Singla vs. Union Territory of Chandigarh & Others . The matter was heard on 20 May 2026 by a Bench headed by Hon’ble Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, along with Expert Members Dr. A. Senthil Vel and Dr. Afroz Ahmad.
The Tribunal recorded that the applicant had informed it that Respondent No. 1 had refused to accept the notice and, being a contesting party, directed the Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, to appear virtually on the next date of hearing to assist the Tribunal.
The case raises serious questions regarding alleged compliance with environmental laws in connection with the approximately 44-acre Bulk Market Project, comprising 191 one-kanal commercial plots and 48 booth sites.
According to the application filed by whistleblower and RTI activist Dr. Rajinder K. Singla, the project allegedly falls within the ambit of Item 8(a)/8(b) of the EIA Notification, 2006, making prior Environmental Clearance necessary. The applicant has alleged that the project was undertaken without obtaining the requisite Environmental Clearance (EC), Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO).
One of the most serious allegations concerns the alleged felling of around 332 trees during preparatory activities. The application further alleges that no proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), public consultation or statutory environmental appraisal was undertaken before proceeding with the project.
Dr. Singla has urged the NGT to examine the alleged violations, undertake a comprehensive environmental assessment, direct appropriate ecological restoration, and impose environmental compensation under the Polluter Pays Principle, besides ensuring compliance with the precautionary principle, sustainable development and public trust doctrine.
The Tribunal, in its order dated 20 May 2026, also permitted the applicant to implead the Forest Department through its Secretary as a respondent. The Tribunal further recorded the submission of counsel for Respondents No. 2 and 4 that, since the tenure of Respondent No. 4 had ended, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) was responsible for granting Environmental Clearance. The Tribunal directed the applicant to forward the order to MoEF&CC, which was not represented despite service of notice.
The environmental questions were first raised by Dr. Singla through an RTI application dated 9 September 2025, seeking information regarding environmental approvals, tree felling and other project-related details. He alleges that the information was not furnished within the statutory period, ultimately compelling him to approach the NGT.
The Tribunal has now fixed 31 August 2026 for further hearing. The proceedings have assumed considerable significance as they concern alleged non-compliance with statutory environmental safeguards in a major urban development project in Chandigarh.
Dr. Singla has stated that the purpose of approaching the Tribunal is not to obstruct development, but to ensure that development takes place strictly in accordance with environmental laws and without compromising the ecological rights of the public and future generations.
Chandigarh
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