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Delhi HC issues notice over 1000 trees illegally felled in southern ridge

The Delhi High Court sent a contempt notice to the DDA and Forest officials for cutting down 1,000 trees on Southern Ridge land.

By Ground report 21 Mar 2024

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Delhi HC issues notice over 1000 trees illegally felled in southern ridge

The Delhi High Court sent a contempt notice to the DDA and Forest officials for cutting down 1,000 trees on Southern Ridge land. The court also ordered that no more trees be cut in the Southern Ridge. The Supreme Court has also dismissed the DDA's application to fell or move trees.

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Justice Jasmeet Singh observed that the authorities' conduct was in 'total violation' of court orders against cutting down trees. He asked the officials to file an affidavit stating why they should not face action for contempt.

The court noted that someone cut 400 trees on DDA land and 700 on forest land, blatantly disregarding the court's directives. Moreover, the court gave orders to the officials to ensure that no one fell further trees in the Southern Ridge, underlining the importance of compliance with environmental regulations.

Justice Singh expressed shock, noting that the Supreme Court's observation on March 4 that the application filed by the DDA seeking permission to fell/translocate trees was “very vague” made the situation even more shocking. The Supreme Court had directed the authority to re-examine its proposal, ensuring minimum felling of trees.

"Despite the same, someone has cut 400 trees on DDA land and 700 trees on the Southern Ridge. This demonstrates total apathy towards the court's orders and their violation. Issue a contempt notice to the Vice-Chairman, DDA, and the Principal Secretary, Forest Department (GNCTD) for these reasons. They must file an affidavit explaining why the court should not take contempt action against them. Someone must file this affidavit within a week from today," Justice Singh directed.

"Despite a notification issued by the Delhi government last month, lawyers involved in the case highlighted that someone cut down the trees on approximately 4.9 hectares of land, earmarked for road construction, prematurely."

"On August 31, 2023, the counsel appearing for the GNCTD said, "The court will not grant permission to any individual for felling trees until the next hearing date, and if any permission is required for important projects, the court will be informed".

Meanwhile, in another plea concerning the alleged “illegal felling” of trees in Janakpuri last week, the HC asked the Forest Department to indicate “how and why permission has been granted for the pruning of branches with 45 cm girth”. The MCD’s counsel stated that the authority “is not taking any pruning action till the next date of hearing”.

The matter would be heard next on April 1.