Overview
- The tribunal ordered urgent listing in New Delhi and directed all parties to appear before the Principal Bench.
- The December 22 stay on felling remains in force as the NGT sought documentary proof within two days that NHAI withdrew its Supreme Court appeal.
- The case involves a proposed 16‑km, 10‑lane Ayodhya Bypass where an estimated 8,000 to 12,000 trees could be affected.
- Petitioners alleged nearly 2,000 trees were cut after the ban, conflicting with earlier official claims that about 1,000 had been felled.
- NHAI’s project director said its legal team will decide whether to proceed before the Principal Bench or approach the Supreme Court, as Bhopal’s civic chief pledged investigations including a reported Boat Club incident.