PWD, Forest deptt have failed to adopt proper methodology: NGT

The National Green Tribunal today said Public Works Department (PWD) and Department of Forest have failed to adopt proper methodology for transplantation of trees for construction of elevated road from Vikaspuri to Mukarba chowk resulting in degradation of environment.
The observation came after the counsel for PWD told the Tribunal that it was not possible for it to save or transplant trees that will be felled during construction of elevated road project.
A bench, headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, directed both the departments to file a proper affidavit in this regard within two weeks from today.
"It is clear from the records and even as now admitted by Mr Buxy, Conservator of Forest, that the Department of Forest and PWD both have failed to adopt proper methodology for transplantation of trees which they had already transplanted. This has resulted in dual damage.

"First that the value of the trees has been lost and secondly there has been degradation of environment. In the documents placed before us now, it is evident that despite subsequent directions of the Tribunal and even the assurance given by these Departments only one species of trees has been planted, thus further causing damage to environment," the bench said.
The Tribunal, however, allowed the cutting of trees by Forest Department along the elevated road project saying the entire process would be videographed.
"In the interest of the project, we permit the Department to transplant or remove the trees if it is absolutely essential but would maintain due records thereof and videography," the bench said.

The Tribunal was hearing a plea by P C Prasad who has challenged the clearance granted to the elevated road project to cut over 1,400 trees in the entire Vikas Puri-Mukarba Chowk stretch of the Outer Ring Road.