The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to submit progress reports on de-concretisation and protection of trees in the national Capital twice a year. NGT had earlier issued a show-cause notice to the South Delhi Municipal Corporation’s (SDMC) Commissioner asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for violating its order on felling of trees.
A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said, “We direct the Vice Chairman, DDA to take up one meeting at least once in six months...And progress report in relation to deconcretisation and protection of trees falling under the jurisdiction of different corporations, PWD, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board be prepared.”
“It is expected that the orders of the Tribunal would be carried out in its true spirit and substance and report must be filed twice in a year, by the Chairman, DDA and compliance report be filed before the Tribunal,” the Bench added.
NGT had earlier issued notice to SDMC Commissioner Puneet Kumar Goel citing violation of its April 2013 orders to public authorities not to carry out construction and repair within one metre radius of trees.
The green panel was hearing a plea filed by green enthusiast and lawyer Aditya N Prasad who said that SDMC was digging trenches for construction of new storm water drains in New Friends Colony in South Delhi without having any consideration for the trees on the roadside.
In April 2013, NGT had issued orders prohibiting excavation work within one metre of trees and ensure removal of any concrete structure surrounding trees within one metre.
It had directed public authorities like Municipal Corporations of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Transport Corporation, National Highways Authority of India that signboards, advertisements, boards and nails be removed from the trees.
In July 2013, the green panel had directed that provisions ensuring compliance of these directions be included in the contracts of roads and pavements.