NGT Directs South Delhi Tree Officer to Prevent Unauthorized Tree Felling

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently directed the Tree Officer of South Delhi to prevent any future incidents of tree felling without permission from the Forest Department.

The NGT addressed a petition concerning the cutting of trees in Okhla village of Jamia Nagar.

Acting Chairperson Justice S K Singh, along with judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel, acknowledged a report from the Deputy Conservator of Forest (South)/Tree Officer indicating that five-six trees were cut without permission, leading to the issuance of a show cause notice to the property owner. According to the counsel for the Delhi government, three Neem and Pilkhan trees were planted to replace the felled trees, and measures were taken to prevent further tree cutting in the area.

The tribunal stated that since the Tree Officer had already taken appropriate action based on the inspection report and local rules, no further action was necessary. However, it directed the Tree Authority to ensure that unauthorized tree cutting does not recur in the area without the order and authority of the Forest Department.