Madhya Pradesh High Court Halts Tree Cutting in Bhopal Amid Environmental Concerns

Court mandates permission for any tree-related activities, demands presence of officials and photographic evidence of transplanted trees.

In a significant move to safeguard the environment, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has imposed a strict prohibition on the cutting, pruning, or transplantation of trees in the city of Bhopal without explicit permission from the Court. This order comes in light of rampant tree cutting under the guise of transplantation, which has raised serious concerns about environmental protection and adherence to the Madhya Pradesh Protection of Trees Act (Urban), 2001.

The judgment was delivered by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf, who took cognizance of the widespread deforestation activities allegedly conducted under the pretense of development projects. The Court expressed dismay over reports indicating that authorities have resorted to novel methods of cutting trees by claiming transplantation, without following legal protocols.

During the proceedings, learned Amicus Curiae Shri Amalpushp Shroti highlighted the attempted cutting of 244 trees to make way for residential complexes. Reports from local media revealed that authorities were circumventing the need for permissions by opting for transplantation, which reportedly involves stripping trees of all branches and leaves, only to relocate the tree trunks.

Further evidence presented included a communication dated 30th October 2025, from the Executive Engineer, Vidhan Sabha Building Controller, detailing the uprooting of trees for construction purposes. The Court noted that this practice seems to be an excuse for collecting wood rather than a genuine effort to preserve the vegetation.

The Court's directive mandates the personal presence of key officials from various departments, including the Commissioner of Municipal Corporation Bhopal, Executive Engineer PWD, and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, among others, for the next hearing scheduled on 26th November 2025. These officials are required to present photographs of all transplanted trees to ensure transparency and accountability in their actions.

The judgment also referenced a news article from the Dainik Bhaskar, dated 17th November 2025, which reported the cutting of approximately 8000 trees for a railway project, further underscoring the urgent need for judicial intervention.

This ruling by the Madhya Pradesh High Court not only reinforces the importance of environmental conservation but also serves as a reminder of the legal obligations under the Madhya Pradesh Protection of Trees Act (Urban), 2001. As the city of Bhopal continues to develop, the Court's order highlights the critical balance between urban expansion and environmental stewardship.

Statutory provision(s): Madhya Pradesh Protection of Trees Act (Urban), 2001

In Reference v. State of Madhya Pradesh, (Madhya Pradesh)(Jabalpur)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2811662