After prohibiting construction and repair within one metre radius of trees, the National Green Tribunal has directed Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to submit progress reports on deconcretisation and protection of trees in the capital twice a year. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also directed the DDA vice-chairman to hold a meeting “once in six months“ with officials of various municipal corporations and other agencies on the matter. “We direct the vice-chair man, DDA, to take up one meeting at least once in six months...and that a progress report in relation to deconcretisation and protection of trees falling under the jurisdiction of different corporations, Public Works Department, New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Cantonment Board be prepared. The report must be filed twice in a year before the tribunal,“ the bench said. NGT had earlier issued showcause notice to South Corporation's commissioner asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for violating its order on felling of trees. It had issued notice to commissioner Puneet Kumar Goel citing violation of its April 2013 orders to public authorities not to carry out construction and repair within one metre radius of trees. The green panel was hearing a plea filed by lawyer Aditya N Prasad who said that SDMC was digging trenches for construction of new storm water drains in New Friends Colony in south Delhi without having any consideration for the trees on the roadside. In April 2013, NGT had directed public authorities like the municipal corporations, DDA, DTC, National Highways Authority of India that signboards, advertisements, boards and nails be removed from the trees. In July 2013, it further said provisions ensuring compliance of these directions be included in the contracts of roads and pavements.