The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a response within six weeks from the authorities, including a deputy commissioner of the Delhi Police, regarding the unauthorized cutting or pruning of trees in the old police station complex of Mangolpuri.
Delhi Police
The NGT was hearing a petition claiming that the Delhi Police had illegally cut or uprooted some trees near residential houses in the complex. It had earlier issued notices to the city government, the deputy conservator of forests, and the Delhi Police.
A bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava along with Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member A Senthil Vel noted that responses still needed to be received from the concerned authorities.
The bench acknowledged the submissions of the Delhi government’s counsel, who stated that only one or two trees were pruned and that she was yet to receive complete instructions on the issue.
Illegal Tree Pruning
As per the Forest department’s counsel, it was found that there was “illegal heavy pruning” of two neem trees and a peepal tree on the premises in October.
Inspector Nitin Kumar, representing the Delhi Police, informed the tribunal that the premises in question are under the control of the DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police), police control room (PCR) in ITO. He stated that he had no knowledge of the cutting or pruning of trees in the premises.
Directing that the DCP also be impleaded and issued a notice, the green panel ordered, “Respondents are directed to file their response or report within six weeks.”
The matter has been scheduled for further consideration on August 27, 2024.
