Delhi Government Rolls Out Comprehensive SOP to Address Tree-Related Crimes
In a significant move to safeguard the capital's green cover, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Monday that the Delhi government has officially notified a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) designed to combat tree-related offences. This initiative, established under Section 33 of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, aims to create a more robust and transparent system for environmental protection.
Establishment of 24x7 Control Rooms and Quick Response Teams
The newly implemented SOP includes the creation of a forest control room at the headquarters level, along with divisional control rooms at the divisional level, all of which will operate around the clock. These facilities are equipped with the necessary infrastructure to ensure continuous monitoring and coordination with various emergency services. Additionally, quick response teams have been formed at both levels to handle incidents in real time, ensuring prompt action on the ground.
Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that this framework establishes a time-bound mechanism for the prevention, detection, and prosecution of illegal activities such as tree felling and damage. "The implementation of this SOP will ensure effective and accountable action in every case of violation," she stated, highlighting the government's commitment to transparency and efficiency.
Enhanced Powers for Officials and Citizen Engagement Tools
Under the new guidelines, forest department officials, including beat and tree officers, have been empowered to issue prohibitory orders to prevent violations, seize equipment used in offences, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies. To facilitate citizen participation, the government has reactivated the green helpline at 1800118600 and made the portal ghl.eforest.delhi.gov.in fully operational.
"These platforms will be widely publicized to encourage greater citizen involvement," Gupta noted. "The portal provides an accessible way for people to lodge complaints and track their progress, aligning with the Prime Minister's directions and showcasing our dedication to protecting Delhi's green assets."
Background and Activist Concerns
The draft SOP was initially prepared in 2023, with the Delhi High Court directing the forest department to notify it in 2024. This move comes after sustained scrutiny by the judiciary and repeated complaints from citizens about unchecked tree loss. However, activist Bhavreen Kandhari expressed cautious optimism, welcoming the policy but pointing out implementation challenges.
"It is a delayed response to ongoing issues," Kandhari remarked. "Courts have already flagged gaps, including failures to act on complaints and provisions that could be misused, leading to indiscriminate cutting. The real concern is not the absence of rules but the consistent failure to enforce them, and accountability must be fixed at the officers' level."
Despite these concerns, the SOP mandates that all complaints be transmitted in real time to field officers, with quick response teams required to reach sites within a stipulated period to prevent further damage and collect evidence through geo-tagged photographs and videos. This structured approach aims to enhance enforcement and protect Delhi's environmental heritage for future generations.
