VARANASI, Aug. 13 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to plant 20 saplings in lieu of each tree fell illegally and directed UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to evaluate the cost of trees felled illegally and recover a fine from the BHU for hacking of the trees illegally. A plea was filed by advocate Saurabh Tiwari in March 2024, alleging that in the name of development, a large number of trees have been illegally cut within the BHU campus, resulting in the destruction of numerous trees. The applicant also alleges that even Chandan trees (sandalwood trees) have been illegally removed in collusion with the university authorities. Tiwari says, "The NGT bench comprising chairperson Justice Prakash Srivastava, Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert member Dr A Senthil Vel passed the order directing the BHU to plant 20 saplings in lieu of each tree felled." On its part, on February 28 this year, BHU also filed reply taking the stand that, as against the permission for cutting of 180 trees, the University has cut 155 trees from 2022 till date. The BHU said that seven sandalwood trees were found to be stolen on 2 separate occasions on October 6, 2018 and October 13, 2023 and FIRs in respect of the same were lodged. Meanwhile, the order read, ".Thus, in view of the above analysis, we are of the view that not only the Respondent No. 2- University (BHU) should plant at least 20 trees against each tree which has been found to be illegally cut but must also pay the environmental compensation for the illegal felling of trees..."...