NGT Committee Uncovers Illegal Tree Felling at Chhatarpur Farm, Recommends Strict Penalties
A committee appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has uncovered a significant environmental violation in Delhi's Chhatarpur area. The panel found that the owner of a farm in Chhatarpur illegally felled or damaged 28 trees, directly contravening the provisions of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994.
Investigation and Findings
The matter came to light after a resident of Chhatarpur filed a formal plea before the NGT in January. The complainant stated that despite lodging a complaint with the forest department, which subsequently issued a restraining order in October of the previous year, the unauthorized tree felling continued unabated.
In response, the NGT constituted a joint committee comprising the Deputy Conservator of Forests (South), a representative from the Regional Officer of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Lucknow, and the District Magistrate of South District. The tribunal explicitly directed this committee to visit the site, assess the extent of the damage, identify those responsible, and determine whether any valid permissions had been obtained for the tree felling.
The committee conducted a thorough site inspection on February 13. In a detailed report dated March 6, the District Magistrate confirmed the findings: 28 trees had been illegally felled, damaged, or subjected to attempted chopping "without obtaining permission under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act." The report unequivocally held the farm owner responsible for these actions.
Recommended Penalties and Compensation
The joint committee has proposed stringent measures to address this environmental transgression. In line with an order issued by the Supreme Court of India, the panel recommended imposing a substantial penalty of Rs 1 lakh for each tree that was felled.
Furthermore, the local Tree Officer has directed the responsible farm owner to undertake compensatory afforestation. The officer has mandated the planting of 250 saplings of native species as a form of environmental restitution for the damage caused.
Ongoing Legal and Investigative Actions
The investigative process remains active. A letter dated February 9 was issued from the Tree Officer's office to the Station House Officer in Mehrauli, formally requesting necessary assistance to conduct a more detailed investigation into the incident. This step underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the violation of Delhi's tree preservation laws.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in urban environmental conservation and the critical role of judicial and administrative bodies in enforcing protective legislation. The NGT's proactive stance and the committee's detailed recommendations signal a firm commitment to upholding ecological laws and ensuring accountability for environmental damage in the national capital region.
