The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation (HPPCL) not to fell trees standing over disputed land and not to utilise forest land for non-forest activities until further orders. The NGT's interim order comes with regard to the Corporation's construction of Integrated Kashang Hydel Project in Kinnaur district.    

Forest clearance to the 120 mw (stage 1 and 2) Kashang power project was challenged at the national green tribunal by one Devi Gyan Negi a resident of Lippa village in Kinnaur, and representative of Paryavaran Sanrakhsan Samiti, a local organisation that has been resisting diversion of forest lands to the project.    

The order comes close on the heels of another important judgment passed on November 7 this year by the national green tribunal in relation to forest clearances. The tribunal had ordered that subsequent to grant of clearance by the Ministry of Environment it is incumbent upon the State government to pass a reasoned order transferring and/or allowing the land in question for being used for non-forest purpose.