The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday granted an interim stay on the proposed felling of nearly 200 trees at Rani Sarai near Regal Square in Indore for the city’s metro rail project, citing ecological concerns and the impact on wildlife, particularly thousands of parrots that roost there.
The Division Bench comprising Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi issued the stay while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Priyanshu Jain, president of the Indore chapter of the animal welfare organisation People for Animals.
The court noted in its order:
“As an interim measure, it is directed that no tree shall be cut or transplanted…..until the next date of hearing.”
The matter is now listed for hearing on February 16, 2026.
Petitioner Priyanshu Jain highlighted that approximately 200 old and densely-leaved trees located along a key road in Indore are being targeted for removal to facilitate the construction of a metro rail bridge. According to the petition, these trees are a natural nesting and roosting site for thousands of parrots (or parakeets), and their destruction would result in irreparable harm to local biodiversity.
Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Lavesh Saraswat argued that the proposed action would not only cause “irreversible environmental degradation” and “loss of green cover” but also disturb the ecological balance in the area. He further submitted that the authorities have failed to comply with several statutory mandates under:
- The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
- The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
The court has also issued notices to the central and state governments, as well as other relevant authorities, seeking their response.
The Indore Metro Rail Project, which has been under construction since 2019, aims to build a 31.32-kilometre-long corridor to improve urban transport in the city. However, the project has run into repeated difficulties, particularly in congested residential and commercial zones.
Initially estimated at ₹7,500 crore, the cost of the project is expected to rise significantly due to design modifications and relocation challenges.
Environmentalists and citizens have raised alarm over the lack of consultation and environmental due diligence, especially in ecologically sensitive urban zones.
The case will be heard next on February 16, by which time the authorities are expected to file their replies. Until then, the interim order restrains any action involving the cutting or transplantation of the identified trees.
