Shillong, Nov 17: In a major relief to the State government, the Meghalaya High Court has withdrawn its order for setting up of a committee to deal with felling of trees in the State.
The High Court’s division bench of Justice Hamarsan Thangkhiew and Wanlura Diengdoh in an order passed today recalled the order passed on April 9 this year and also asked the State government to adhere to the existing laws, rules and standard operating procedures before granting permission for felling of trees.
Today’s order came after the State government told the High Court about the implications of the April 9 order.
The government said that several projects with external funding related to eco-tourism and agriculture have been stalled due to the court’s order passed on April 9.
It also said that these projects are time bound and involve financial liabilities.
The High Court in its order passed on April 9 has directed the State government to form a committee to examine the applications for felling of trees. The order also suspended all pending applications related to various projects involving cutting of trees.
