“We have refused permission unless we do an on-site inspection and see the actual situation,” said the Conservator of Forests The Delhi Government is all set to go for massive cutting down of trees to pave the way for flats for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) at Bawana, promised under Rajiv Rattan Awas Yojana. The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructural Development Corporation (DSIIDC), the agency undertaking the project, has sought permission of the department of Forests and Wildlife to cut down around 7,000 trees which are coming under the proposed site of construction. Senior officials of the department said that the permission has not been granted so far and is kept on hold. "We have refused to give permission unless we do an on-site inspection to see the actual situation. We might reduce the number by bringing some changes in the plan," said Dr Suneesh Buxy, Conservator of Forests. He said that the department has scheduled a visit on June 22 for the inspection. The file has been moved to the Deputy Commissioner office in West Delhi. While objecting to the massive cutting down of the trees, the officials said that they had suggested to the DSIIDC to shift their site for construction of houses. "We wanted them to look for some alternative space, but they are insisting on choosing the same land," said Buxy. According to the rules of Forest Act, every tree cut down for any developmental project, it becomes mandatory for the authorities to plant ten trees. Generally, the trees are planted at far-off places on a land usually provided by the Delhi Development Authority, which the officials think would not solve the purpose. "Cutting down trees in a particular part of Delhi and planting them kilometres away will not balance the ecology even if it is ten times in number," explained Buxy. However, the DSIIDC is of the opinion that the trees will be planted around the colony which would enhance the greenery of the area. The Delhi Government had promised 60,000 houses for the EWS before the Commonwealth Games under Rajiv Rattan Awas Yojna. Of these flats, only 15,000 have been constructed, which have not been allotted either. Another 7,000 were proposed to be built at Bawana.