Delhi environment minister writes to L-G over felling of trees in South Delhi

Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain today wrote to Lt Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal, demanding that the felling of trees for NBCC construction projects in seven colonies here be immediately halted.

His demand comes amid protests over the government's plan to cut nearly 14,000 trees in seven colonies in South Delhi -- Sarojini Nagar, Netaji Nagar, Nauroji Nagar, Kasturba Nagar, Thyagraj Nagar, Srinivaspuri and Mohammadpur.

Hussain said the ongoing projects are "liable to be stopped due to violations".

"I have written to the Hon'ble LG of Delhi demanding immediate halt to felling of trees for NBCC construction projects till the matter is fully investigated given the seriousness of the entire matter," he said in a tweet.

Yesterday, a major protest was held against the decision with locals and activists launching their own 'Chipko Movement' -- a forest conservation movement where people in the 1970s embraced trees to prevent them from being cut down in Uttarakhand (then Uttar Pradesh).

In his letter to the L-G, Hussain said, "In view of the seriousness of the matter and the fact that the felling of trees may cause permanent loss, it is proposed that an immediate stoppage to felling of trees be ordered in the seven colonies."