Why not frame law over cutting and planting trees, HC asks govt

The High Court (HC) on Monday issued a rule asking the government to explain in four weeks why it should not be directed to formulate an eco-friendly law, rules, regulations, or policy for cutting and planting trees.

It also asked authorities concerned to explain why their inaction and apathy in this regard should not be declared illegal.

In response to a writ petition, the HC bench comprising Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque issued the rule.

Secretary to Environment Ministry, Director General of Environment Department, Chief Conservator of Forests, Director of Dhaka Metropolitan Office under DoE, and Divisional Forest Officer in Kushtia have been made respondents in the petition to reply to the rule within four weeks.

Supreme Court lawyer Md Tanvir Ahmed filed the petition with the HC seeking necessary directives in this regard.

Earlier on May 2, the lawyer served a legal notice on the government, asking it to formulate environment-friendly law for cutting and planting trees and to take immediate steps to reduce heatwave and temperature across the country.

He sent the notice after Bangla daily Ittefaq published two reports on April 24 and 25 on felling 3,000 trees in Kushtia. The notice took note of another report published on Prothom Alo on April 29, which said 90 percent of Dhaka was in danger due to the heat wave.