Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding felling of trees, Delhi, 03/09/2020
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Satish Sharma Vs GNCT of Delhi & Others dated 03/09/2020 regarding felling of trees (40-50) by Sajjan Singh Yadav in connivance with the officers of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for making furniture. A report was sought from Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PPCF), Delhi by the NGT.
Illegal felling of trees at Bungalow number 1, Hasanpur Tower (Near Nehru Park) premises of Delhi Jal Board, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi was received by the Delhi Forest and Wildlife Department.That subsequently DCF (South) was directed to inspect the site. Staff of the Tree Offence Cell, South Division inspected the site and reported illegal felling of 3 trees and illegal pruning of 10 trees in the aforementioned property owned by Delhi Jal Board.
The matter was processed as per the provisions of Delhi Preservation Of Tree Act 1994. Subsequently a Speaking Order dated May 05, 2020 was issued compounding the offence conditional to the payment of Rs. 3,80,000 (Rs. 60,000 for each tree illegally felled and Rs. 20,000 for each tree illegally pruned) and plantation of 500 trees of native tree species such as Neem, Bargat, Peepal, Amaltas etc of 5 to 6 feet height by Delhi Jal Board by the end of June 2020.
The Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) reported that in compliance to the conditions of compounding the case the amount of Rs. 3,80,000 was deposited by Delhi Jal Board but no compliance of the plantation of the 500 trees.
The NGT directed that further action be taken by the DJB within one month, which would be overseen by the PCCF, Delhi.