Supreme Court Questions Tree-Felling Process in Delhi City

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The Supreme Court questioned the Delhi Tree Authority’s protocols for tree-felling permissions, following concerns over unchecked deforestation and unauthorised felling in the capital.

Supreme Court Questions Tree-Felling Process in Delhi City

Concerns Over Tree-Felling Permits:

  • The Supreme Court questioned the process and safeguards in place for tree-felling in Delhi, focusing on the Delhi Tree Authority (DTA) and tree officers.
  • The inquiry arose from an application by Delhi resident Bhavreen Kandhari, who highlighted that over 60,000 trees were felled between 2015 and 2021 without sufficient mechanisms for preservation.
  • Kandhari noted an alarming rate of tree loss, estimating five trees are cut every hour in the city.

Delhi Tree Preservation Act Under Scrutiny:

  • Justice Abhay S Oka’s bench sought clarification on procedures followed by the four tree officers and the DTA under the Delhi Tree Preservation Act (DTPA), 1994, scheduling the matter for further hearing on November 22.
  • Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued that the DTA has convened only eight times since its creation in 1995, questioning its commitment to tree preservation.
  • Section 7 of the DTPA mandates DTA to protect trees and critically review government projects to safeguard existing green cover.

Concerns on Unapproved Tree-Felling:

  • Recent scrutiny followed the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) felling of 1,670 trees in Delhi’s southern ridge, which exceeded the 470-tree permit granted by the DTA.
  • A Forest Survey of India report revealed the discrepancy between approved and actual tree-cutting numbers, leading to a contempt petition against DDA.
  • The Supreme Court deferred this petition to a later date, with calls for improved oversight and safeguards to prevent unauthorised tree-felling in Delhi.

    Sources Referred:

    PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times