NGT orders filing contempt agnst Delhi govt for felling trees

National Green Tribunal today directed the filing of a contempt petition against Delhi government for defying its orders not to cut trees, as it expressed concern over alleged felling of nearly 400 trees in a residential colony in north east Delhi.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Swatanter Kumar, while directing the Public Works Department to not cut the remaining 25 trees till they are transplanted, also took away the city government's right to reply, saying a status report filed by them earlier will be considered as their response.
"Don't cut remaining trees till you (PWD) transplant," the bench said while posting the matter for hearing on December 21, with a direction to the petitioner to file a contempt petition against the government.

During the hearing, the counsel appearing for the city government told the bench that it had permission to cut 263 trees, of which 25 still needed to be cut. He also said that 37 trees were being transplanted.
The petition, filed by advocate S D Windlesh, alleged that in a service lane of four square metres in a Yamuna Vihar colony, the PWD had cut nearly 400 trees without permission to widen the road.
It said the service lane had a 15 metre-long lush green belt of trees which attracted residents in the mornings for walking, jogging and enjoying fresh air, but all of it was detroyed.

In its earlier orders in September and October, the tribunal had restrained the Delhi government from felling trees till further directions.