NGT show cause notice to SDMC chief on tree felling

The National Green Tribunal today issued show-cause notice to the South Delhi Municipal Corporation's (SDMC) Commissioner asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for violating its order on felling of trees.
A bench headed by Justice Sonam Phintso Wangdi issued notice to SDMC 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 green enthusiast and 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 road sides.

"A complaint regarding the aforesaid damage was recorded by a local resident at the police station New Friends Colony on May 31 however no action was taken by the police to stop the violation of the directions of this tribunal and the work has continued unabated.
"Stay the works being undertaken by SDMC and direct it to examine the lay outs of the drains so that adequate space is left around the trees and direct the contemnor to cover the exposed roots with soil and further more fill soil/humus wherever it has been removed," the plea said.
In April 2013, NGT had issued orders prohibiting excavation work within one meter radius of trees and to ensure removal of any concrete structure surrounding trees within a meter.

It had directed public authorities like Municipal Corporations of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Transport Corporation, National Highways Authority of India that signboards, advertisements, boards and nails be removed from trees.
In July 2013, the green panel had directed that provisions ensuring compliance of these directions be included in contracts of roads and pavements.