Revelation tree cutting

In June 2023, for 2 days, workers employed by the AVFO Land Board, cut a total of 1,863 trees aged between 3-15 years old in Revelation Forest Sanctuary. Most of the trees were rare evergreen species which are slow growing and can take around 200 years to mature. The RA TDC wrote to the Secretary and the AVFO Land Board, copying several of Tamil Nadu’s ministers in the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change stating that “this has a huge impact, which unfortunately cannot easily be quantified, to biodiversity loss and a young, yet functional, ecosystem”. 

In an accompanying letter, the RA TDC urged the Secretary and the AVFO Land Board to consider the environmental impact of the current rushed implementation of the Master Plan, not just to Auroville itself but also in the wider context of the earth’s climate crisis. 

The RA TDC reminds people that all areas in Auroville fall under the ruling of the National Green Tribunal judgement of 28.04.2022, which states that no further construction is to be started in any area of the project (except the Crown where there are no trees) until proper township plans have been prepared, and prior Environmental Clearance has been granted. Hence, any activity in regard to cutting of trees or construction/development is in violation of this judgement.