ORDER

1. Issue raised in this application is running of illegal Saw Mills in the villages of Tehsil – Lalsot, District - Dausa, Rajasthan which is giving rise to felling of trees both in forest area as well as in the revenue area as several saw mill owners are continuously flouting the settled environmental principles by illegally carrying out sawing activities in the area in question.

2. It is further alleged that these saw mills are operating illegally without the permission of the concerned authorities. The electricity connections have also been obtained by these saw mills illegally and there has been a massive cutting of trees damaging the forest and green cover.

3. Hon’ble the Supreme Court of India in Civil Original Jurisdiction Writ Petition (Civil) No. 202/1995 T.N. Godavarman Thirumulkpad Vs. Union of India & Ors. decided on 12.12.1996 considered the term Forest as defined in Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and with a view to check further deforestation which ultimately results in ecological imbalance directed the authorities as follows:-

We further direct as under:-

I - GENERAL

1. In view of the meaning of the word “forest” in the act, it is obvious that prior approval of the Cen