Delhi High Court Sets Stricter Tree Felling Guidelines to Ensure Environmental Sustainability
Image Source: Deccan Herald
In a significant ruling aimed at protecting the environment, the Delhi High Court has laid down detailed guidelines for tree felling and compensatory plantation. The court’s directives, issued by Justice Jasmeet Singh on May 20, emphasize the importance of not only planting new trees but also ensuring their survival for at least five years.
Key Highlights of the Ruling:
- Compensatory Plantation Norms: Trees used for compensatory plantation must be at least six feet tall, five years old, and have a collar girth of at least 10 cm.
- Survival Guarantee: Applicants seeking to fell trees must ensure the survival of the compensatorily planted trees for a period of five years, including watering, maintenance, and general upkeep.
- Quarterly Reports: Applicants are required to file quarterly reports with the latest photographs to ensure compliance.
- Tree Officers’ Involvement: Tree officers must be involved from the planning stage of any infrastructure project that involves tree felling or transplantation.
- Ban on Heavy Pruning: Heavy pruning of transplanted trees, which often leads to their decline, has been banned.
The court’s ruling was in response to a contempt plea filed by climate activist Bhavreen Kandhari, who alleged non-compliance with a 2022 High Court order. The court has also modified its previous order, transferring the responsibility of judicial oversight for tree felling to the CEC for cases involving 50 or more trees.
In a related development, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa issued a separate set of guidelines on June 7, clarifying what constitutes an “emergency” that allows tree felling or pruning without prior permission. This move aims to balance public safety with environmental safeguards.
The court’s directives and the government’s guidelines are expected to go a long way in protecting Delhi’s environment and ensuring sustainable development.
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