The Madhya Pradesh High Court constituted a high-powered expert committee to study and evaluate the process of tree translocation undertaken as part of the Thatipur Re-densification Project in Gwalior. The petitioners had challenged their eviction from government quarters and raised concerns about environmental degradation due to the redevelopment.
Taking note of the State’s submissions that tree translocation had a success rate of 80–90% and that over 4,000 saplings had been planted with the assistance of the Forest Department, the Court emphasized the need for scientific scrutiny and documentation. Experts Dr. Arvind Shukla (Vice Chancellor, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agriculture University), Dr. Nimisha Jadon (Head, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, Jiwaji University), forest and planning officials, and an IIITM Gwalior professor were appointed to form a committee.
The Committee has been directed to prepare a Concept Note on tree translocation practices specific to the Gwalior region, considering factors like topography, climate, and soil conditions. Additional Advocate General Vivek Khedkar was appointed as the coordinator. The committee may also seek expert input from Dr. Ayyanadar Arunachalam, Director, ICAR-CAFRI, Jhansi.
The matter is listed for further hearing on 11 August 2025. Meanwhile, the translocation agency hired by the Housing Board has been directed to file its report detailing the methods and results of the translocation efforts.
Appearances:
Petitioners: Shri Utkarsh Bajpai
Respondents: Shri Vivek Khedkar-AAG alongwith Shri Vijay Sundaram – Government Advocates for Respondents No. 1, 2 & 5/ State
Shri K.S. Tomar/ Advocate for Respondents No. 3 & 4
