Delhi Implements Stricter Guidelines for Tree Transplantation to Enhance Survival
In a significant move to address the alarming low survival rates of transplanted trees, the forest and wildlife department in Delhi has announced that it will now empanel only agencies equipped with specialized tree transplanter machines and certified arborists. This decision aims to improve the success of tree relocation efforts across the capital.
Current Survival Rates Highlight Urgent Need for Change
Recent data from the department reveals a troubling trend: out of 1,357 trees transplanted between 2019 and 2022, only 578, or approximately 42.5%, survived. This issue is not isolated to Delhi alone. A response from the Centre in the Lok Sabha this month indicated that nearly 43% of trees transplanted for the Central Vista redevelopment project perished post-transplantation. Specifically, of the 3,609 trees relocated, 1,545 did not survive, underscoring a widespread challenge in urban forestry management.
New Expression of Interest Sets Rigorous Standards
The department has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) dated April 16, inviting agencies to apply for empanelment under new, stricter criteria. Interested agencies must own at least one commercially manufactured tree transplantation machine capable of handling trees with a girth of 150 cm or above. These machines are designed to carefully dig out and lift entire trees along with their roots and soil, minimizing damage compared to traditional methods like backhoe loading, which often harm roots and cause transplant shock.
Additionally, agencies must employ qualified personnel, including a minimum of one certified arborist or arboriculturist and one trained tree transplantation machine operator. The EoI encourages hiring additional experts such as horticulturists, soil scientists, environmental specialists, or landscape professionals to further enhance transplantation outcomes.
Government Commitment and Accountability Measures
Delhi's Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, emphasized the government's preference for transplanting trees over felling them, stating, "We will bring in professionals who have transplanter machinery and are trained in precise transplantation." To ensure accountability, the EoI mandates that agencies submit regular monitoring reports detailing the number of trees transplanted, their survival status, and maintenance actions taken.
Failure to comply with guidelines, damage to trees, or inadequate survival rates could result in penalties of up to Rs 57,000 per tree. Currently, six agencies are empanelled for tree transplantation, and they will also need to meet these new criteria to continue their work.
Policy Framework and Expert Concerns
Delhi's tree transplantation policy stipulates that a minimum of 80% of trees affected by development projects must be transplanted, with an 80% survival rate required post-transplantation. To further investigate the low survival rates, the Delhi government has requested the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun to conduct a study on the transplantation process.
However, tree activist Bhavreen Kandhari expressed skepticism, noting, "A one-size-fits-all, machinery-driven empanelment approach risks repeating past failures of tree transplantation, where low survival rates exposed the limits of contractor-led, engineering-centric models that overlooked ecological expertise, post-transplant care, and accountability." She advocated for a comprehensive Tree Preservation Policy instead.
Looking Ahead: A Shift Towards Sustainable Urban Greenery
This initiative represents a critical step towards enhancing Delhi's urban greenery and environmental sustainability. By integrating advanced technology with expert knowledge, the department aims to not only increase tree survival rates but also set a precedent for other cities facing similar challenges. As urban development continues, such measures are essential for balancing growth with ecological preservation.
