NGT Mandates Inspection and Remedial Action for Dehradun's Concreted Trees
In a significant environmental intervention, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive to officials in Dehradun, ordering them to conduct a thorough inspection of the widespread concreting around tree trunks across the city. The tribunal has granted a four-week deadline for the submission of a detailed action-taken report, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this critical issue.
Plea by Environmental NGO Triggers Tribunal Action
The directive emerged during the hearing of a plea filed by the non-governmental organization Citizens for Green Doon (CGFD). The NGO presented compelling allegations that trees throughout Dehradun are being encircled with non-pervious materials, including tiles and cement, which severely impede water seepage into the soil. This practice directly contravenes established tree preservation norms designed to protect urban greenery.
To substantiate their claims, the group submitted geo-tagged photographs as evidence, providing visual documentation of the violations. Upon reviewing the submission, the tribunal acknowledged that the "issue warranted on-ground verification" and instructed officials to assess the full scale of the problem before reporting back with their findings and proposed corrective measures.
Historical Context and Previous Complaints
Counsel representing the applicant informed the tribunal that this matter has a history of prior complaints. Initially raised with authorities, the issue was withdrawn in May 2023, with permission granted to approach concerned officials directly for remedial action. Subsequently, in May 2025, representations were made to multiple authorities, yet no concrete action has been taken to date, highlighting persistent enforcement gaps.
Taking cognisance of the recurring problem, the tribunal referenced its earlier directions in landmark cases such as ‘Aditya N Prasad vs Union of India’ and ‘Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action vs Deputy Commissioner’. These precedents mandate the removal of concrete within at least a one-metre radius around tree trunks, a crucial measure to ensure tree survival and promote healthy growth by allowing proper water percolation and root aeration.
Specific Tribunal Directives and Local Impact
On March 30, the tribunal directed the applicant to file a fresh complaint, accompanied by supporting photographs, to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and the concerned urban local body. This step aims to formalize the grievance and trigger official accountability.
In Dehradun, the issue of concretisation around tree bases has been repeatedly flagged by environmental groups and residents, particularly in the context of urban development projects like footpath upgrades and roadside beautification works. Activists have consistently alleged that such initiatives often encase tree trunks in cement and tiles, restricting essential water percolation and compromising tree health. This violates established norms that require a permeable soil buffer to protect urban trees.
Despite numerous complaints and representations submitted to authorities over recent years, residents report that enforcement has remained inconsistent and inadequate. The problem continues to resurface across multiple parts of the city, underscoring the need for sustained monitoring and strict adherence to environmental regulations to safeguard Dehradun's green cover and ecological balance.
