Govt issues SOP to protect trees, boost green cover
Determined to protect the environment, the Delhi Government has notified a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address offences related to trees. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the initiative as a historic decision aimed at safeguarding Delhi’s green cover and ensuring strict enforcement of tree protection laws.
Sharing details, CM said on Monday that the SOP has been notified by the Department of Forests and Wildlife under Section 33 of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994. It establishes a robust, transparent, and time-bound mechanism for the prevention, detection, and prosecution of illegal felling, damage, and unauthorised activities involving trees. She added that the implementation of this SOP will ensure effective and accountable action in every case of violation.
The Chief Minister informed that a strong, rapid response system has been developed under the SOP, enabling citizens to register complaints through a toll-free helpline, an online portal, and offline modes. All complaints will be transmitted in real time to the concerned field officers to ensure prompt action.
Quick Response Teams constituted at headquarters and division levels will reach the site within a stipulated time to prevent further damage and will collect evidence scientifically through geo-tagged photographs and videos. Rekha Gupta stated that enforcement at the field level has been further strengthened under the SOP. Officials of the Forest Department, including Beat Officers and Tree Officers, have been empowered to issue prohibitory orders to prevent violations, seize equipment used in offences, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies, enabling swift and effective action in cases related to tree protection.
The Chief Minister said that to ensure round-the-clock monitoring, a Forest Control Room at the headquarters level and Division Control Rooms at the divisional level have been established, which will function 24x7. These control rooms are equipped with the necessary infrastructure to facilitate continuous monitoring of complaints and ensure coordinated action with various emergency services.
Rekha Gupta stated that the Government has reactivated the Green Helpline number 1800118600. In addition, the Green Helpline portal (https://ghl.eforest.delhi.gov.in) is fully operational. These will be widely publicised to encourage greater citizen participation. The portal provides an accessible platform for lodging complaints and tracking their progress.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision on environmental protection, the Chief Minister said that his approach of ‘development in harmony with nature’ serves as a guiding inspiration for the nation.
She noted that, inspired by the efforts of the Central Government towards achieving the goals of a Green India and sustainable development, the Delhi Government is also taking concrete steps. This SOP is a significant initiative in that direction, aimed at ensuring a clean, green, and safe environment for future generations.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the Delhi Government is fully committed to protecting the capital’s green assets and will ensure strict, transparent, and time-bound action against violators of tree protection laws.
She also appealed to citizens to actively participate in environmental conservation and promptly report any violations to the concerned authorities so that timely and effective action can be taken.
