Delhi HC issues contempt notices to DDA V-C, forest dept principal secy for ‘felling 1,000 trees’

A single-judge bench of Justice Jasmeet Singh took note of photographs submitted by counsel for petitioner Aditya Narayan Prasad in an inspection that was carried out along with the Conservator of Forests, and said that “about 1,000 trees have been cut” at the said location.

Justice Singh said that this was “even more shocking” as the Supreme Court on March 4, in an application filed by the DDA seeking permission to fell/ translocate trees, had observed that it was “very vague” and directed the authority to “re-examine its proposal” and ensure that the there is minimum felling of trees.

“Despite the same, 400 trees have been cut on DDA land and 700 trees on the Southern Ridge. This clearly shows total apathy to the orders passed by the court and violation of the same. For the said reasons, issue contempt notice to the Vice-Chairman, DDA, and the Principal Secretary, Forest Department (GNCTD). They will file an affidavit as to why contempt action should not be taken against them. The affidavit will be filed within a week from today,” directed Justice Singh.

The court also directed the authorities to ensure that no further trees are felled in the Southern Ridge, which is a reserved forest; and listed the matter on April 1.

Prasad had submitted that on February 14, the Delhi government issued a notification wherein an area of 4.9955 hectares was exempted for construction of the approach road. He, however, said that on inspection, he found that even before final orders were issued, around 1,000 trees were cut on the said location.

On August 31, 2023, the counsel appearing for the GNCTD had said that “till the next date of hearing, no permission for felling of trees for any individual will be granted, and any permission required for important projects will be intimated to the court”.

Meanwhile, in another plea concerning 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”.