Srinagar, April 4 -- The notice was issued following a petition filed by RTI and environmental activist Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat through his counsel, Advocate Saurabh Sharma. The petitioner has urged the NGT to intervene and prevent the large-scale felling of fruit and non-fruit-bearing trees across 4,500 kanals of Karewa land, which belongs to seven villages in Newa and its adjoining areas.

Dr. Bhat's petition highlights the ecological importance of the site, stating that it serves as a habitat for migratory birds such as the European bee-eater, Kashmir flycatcher, White-capped bunting (Emberiza stewarti), Common Cuckoo, and Jacobin Cuckoo, as well as wildlife including the Himalayan Red Fox, porcupines, and leopards.

The case was listed...