Imphal, June 26 -- The Meghalaya High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings after learning of extensive and unchecked tree felling in Lawsohtun, East Khasi Hills, which has reportedly caused severe environmental and landscape degradation.

A Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh, heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Tuesday that initially aimed to halt illegal tree cutting in Lower New Colony, Laitumkhrah.

As hearings progressed, the Court expanded the scope of the PIL to cover the entire East Khasi Hills district, and eventually, similar concerns across all districts of the state.

The Bench noted that the state government had failed to submit the action-taken report it had previously re...