Taking strong objection to high tension cables encircling around trees, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed power distribution companies in the national Capital to remove these wires expeditiously.
A Bench headed by Justice U D Salvi said, “Tata Power Delhi Distribution limited, BSES Rajdhani Power limited and BSES Yamuna Power limited shall continue to remain obliged to remove wires twined around the trees or any part of it within their licensed areas falling in NCT Delhi and such work shall be completed within next 20 weeks.”
The green panel also directed these companies to cooperate with civic authorities concerned in trimming the branches of trees which touch the overhead wires.
The Bench was hearing a petition filed by advocate Aditya N Prasad alleging that concretisation of trees in various parts of Delhi was leading to weakening of the roots and eventually their death.
On March 23, the tribunal had slammed discoms for putting high tension cables on trees, with the green panel warning of action against their top bosses if the wires were not removed.
It had also directed all municipal corporations and departments concerned to file their compliance reports regarding deconcretisation of trees within two weeks.
Meanwhile in a separate case, amid continuous threat to green belt from increasing commercial activities, the NGT also directed South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to finalise an action plan on preservation of trees in the stretch located along Mehrauli-Badarpur Highway in the city’s Saket area.
A Bench headed by Justice MS Nambiar said, “The DC of South Zone (SDMC) is directed to convene a meeting to prepare an action plan in consultation with the Residents’ Welfare Association concerned as well as the applicants and finalise action plan for maintenance of existing trees and planting of fresh trees and submit a report before the Tribunal within four weeks.”