The National Green Tribunal has directed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to complete the recovery of ₹2.65 crore in environmental compensation from Banaras Hindu University within three months over the alleged illegal felling of 33 trees on its Varanasi campus. The Tribunal noted that the recovery process remained incomplete despite earlier directions and sought time-bound compliance.
Recovery Proceedings Still Pending
The case concerns the alleged removal of 33 trees from the university campus without the required statutory approvals. The trees reportedly included mango, Gulmohar and seven sandalwood trees.
The NGT had earlier imposed environmental compensation of ₹2.65 crore on the university. As the amount has not yet been recovered, the Tribunal has directed the pollution control board to complete the necessary legal formalities and enforce the recovery within the stipulated period.
The Tribunal also made it clear that delays in implementing its directions would not be acceptable. The UPPCB has been asked to submit a compliance report after completing the recovery process.
Plantation Cannot Replace Financial Liability
During the hearing, the Tribunal was informed that BHU had planted 978 saplings as part of compensatory afforestation. While acknowledging the plantation effort, the NGT said it could not be treated as a substitute for the statutory financial liability arising from the alleged environmental violation.
The Tribunal held that environmental compensation must be recovered independently of any remedial plantation undertaken by the institution. It observed that an entity found responsible for violating environmental regulations cannot avoid legal accountability solely by taking corrective measures after the damage has occurred.
The order reinforces the distinction between compensatory afforestation and monetary compensation. While plantation may help restore ecological balance over time, it does not automatically discharge the liability imposed for a statutory violation.
UPPCB Given Three-Month Deadline
The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board has been instructed to complete the recovery proceedings within three months and ensure that all procedural requirements are followed.
The NGT’s direction places responsibility on the pollution control board to enforce the earlier compensation order and prevent further delay. The case will now depend on the board’s compliance with the deadline and submission of the required report.
The latest order underlines that educational institutions and public bodies remain subject to environmental laws and may face financial consequences where trees are felled without the necessary approvals.
