Delhi Forest Department Takes Action Against Cantonment Board for Tree Damage
The forest department in New Delhi has officially registered a case against the Delhi Cantonment Board for allegedly damaging trees while constructing a drain, in clear violation of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act. This legal action underscores the department's commitment to enforcing environmental protections in the capital.
Investigation and Findings
In a February 10 order, the tree officer of the west forest division detailed that a complaint was received on February 2 regarding trees being concretised and their roots damaged at Kotwali Road in the Delhi Cantonment area. Beat officials promptly inspected the site and confirmed the allegations, validating the complaint.
After receiving the report from beat officials, proceedings under the 1994 Act were initiated, as it was evident the board was liable for punishment under sections 8 and 24, according to the department's order. The case was registered, and a notice was issued to the board seeking its clarification on the matter.
Remedial Measures Ordered
The tree officer directed the office assistant of the board, who appeared in the hearing, to plant 50 native trees. Each tree must be at least six feet in height, with a spacing of three metres between them at a suitable site. A compliance report has been requested to ensure adherence to this directive.
If any tree is found to be concretised within a radius of one metre, it shall be removed immediately, the report stated. Failure to comply with this order will trigger provisions under the Act, potentially leading to further penalties.
Complaint Details and Environmental Impact
Verhaen Khanna, president of the New Delhi Nature Society, who lodged the complaint with the forest department, provided specific observations. It was noted that numerous trees were damaged, with their roots cut and exposed due to deep trenching or excavation, removal of earth, and construction work within two metres of the tree trunks. The excavation appears to have been conducted using an earth-moving machine, highlighting the severity of the environmental harm.
No immediate response has been received from the Delhi Cantonment Board regarding this case, leaving questions about their accountability and future actions. This incident raises concerns about urban development practices and their impact on Delhi's green cover, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of tree preservation laws.
