Amroha Illegal Tree Felling Sparks Outrage: Senior IPS Officer Akhtar Rizvi Among Those Under Investigation for Environmental Breach
An incident of illegal tree felling in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, has triggered widespread public anger and an official inquiry after it was discovered that two large mango trees were cut down without permission. The case has taken a serious turn with the inclusion of a senior IPS officer, Akhtar Rizvi, among those being investigated for violating environmental laws.
Illegal Cutting of Two Mango Trees Reported
The violation occurred on November 6 in the Mahuva village area, behind Kashiram Colony. Officials who visited the site found that two mature mango trees—measuring approximately 175 cm and 245 cm in thickness—had been felled. While one tree’s wood had already been removed from the site, part of the other remained. The incident took place on plot number 160, owned by Mr. Atiqur Rehman and his family, residents of Maulana Mohalla.
According to the preliminary inquiry, several family members—identified as Mr. Azimulshan, Ms. Imrana Begum, Ms. Shadmani Begum, Mr. Md. Azim, Mr. Md. Akhtar, Mr. Md. Athar, Mr. Md. Afzal, Mr. Md. Adil, and Mr. Md. Fazil—were linked to the incident. Investigators stated that a local contractor, Mr. Ayaz (son of Mr. Arman), had been engaged to cut the trees with the consent of the owners.
Senior IPS Officer Named Among Accused
In a development that has drawn significant attention, the investigation report also lists senior IPS officer Mr. Akhtar Rizvi, currently posted with the Delhi Police, as one of the accused. He and several of his relatives allegedly gave verbal consent for the tree felling without obtaining the required clearance from authorities.
The involvement of a high-ranking police officer in an environmental violation has provoked sharp public reactions, reigniting debates about accountability and equal enforcement of environmental laws regardless of status or rank.
Environmental Laws Breached
The official probe confirmed that cutting trees without prior approval constitutes a violation of environmental protection and forest conservation regulations. Investigators have seized the remaining timber and collected on-site evidence to aid legal proceedings.
Authorities underscored that such acts not only breach statutory provisions but also harm the local ecology, threatening soil stability, climate balance, and biodiversity. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to strict enforcement of environmental rules to deter future violations.
Police Launch Formal Investigation
A case has been officially registered at the Amroha Rural Police Station. Investigators are working to determine who authorized the cutting and where the removed timber was taken. The inquiry will include questioning of the contractor and property owners, with police assuring that the process will be fair, transparent, and evidence-driven.
Public Response and Environmental Awareness
Local residents have expressed shock over the alleged involvement of influential individuals in the case. Environmental activists, on the other hand, have praised the authorities for taking action, emphasizing that unregulated tree cutting can have long-term ecological consequences, including rising temperatures, soil erosion, and declining biodiversity.
Officials and environmental organizations have called upon citizens to view tree protection as a shared civic duty, reinforcing the government’s ongoing efforts toward sustainable and lawful environmental management.
Push for Stronger Enforcement and Accountability
The Amroha incident has underscored the urgent need for stronger environmental monitoring systems and stricter accountability mechanisms at the grassroots level. The state government’s prompt registration of the case reflects a clear stance—violations of environmental norms will not be tolerated, regardless of an offender’s position or influence.
