NGT Flags Poor Sapling Survival in Madhya Pradesh

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Central Zone Bench in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has taken a stern view of the poor survival rate of saplings planted over the last five years. The Tribunal has directed the concerned departments to replace all dead saplings and ensure 100% survival.

The NGT bench, comprising Justice Shiv Kumar Singh and Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi, was hearing a petition filed by environmentalist Nitin Saxena against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and others. The petition highlighted the issue of poor maintenance and survival of saplings planted along national highways in Madhya Pradesh.

According to the reports submitted by the NHAI, Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB), Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the divisional forest officer (DFO), the percentage of surviving saplings is extremely low. The NGT termed this situation as completely unacceptable and remarked that compensatory plantation was carried out, but the environment has suffered a net loss due to the dead saplings caused by a lack of maintenance.

The DFO's report revealed that the Forest Department had no concrete explanation for not initiating plantation work during the 2026 monsoon season, despite receiving funds in 2025. The NGT has directed all concerned departments to submit a comprehensive status report within 30 days and scheduled the next hearing for October 6.

The Tribunal's order emphasizes the need for accountability and proper maintenance of planted saplings to ensure their survival. The poor survival rate of saplings not only affects the environment but also wastes public funds. The NGT's directive is expected to bring about a change in the approach of the concerned departments towards plantation and maintenance of saplings.

The issue of poor sapling survival is not limited to Madhya Pradesh and is a common problem across the country. The NGT's order sets a precedent for other states to take similar action and ensure that public funds are utilized effectively for environmental conservation.

In recent years, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote afforestation and environmental conservation. However, the success of these initiatives depends on the effective implementation and maintenance of planted saplings. The NGT's order highlights the need for a more proactive approach towards environmental conservation and the importance of accountability in ensuring the success of such initiatives.

The NGT's directive is a significant step towards promoting environmental conservation and ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively. The order is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and will serve as a model for other states to follow.

In conclusion, the NGT's order emphasizes the need for accountability and proper maintenance of planted saplings to ensure their survival. The poor survival rate of saplings is a significant issue that affects the environment and wastes public funds. The NGT's directive is expected to bring about a change in the approach of the concerned departments towards plantation and maintenance of saplings and promote environmental conservation in Madhya Pradesh and across the country.