Stay on cutting of trees in Uday Shankar park extended

The National Green Tribunal today extended the stay on any construction and tree felling till further orders in Uday Shankar park in Greater Kailash-II area here.
A bench headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar restrained the Horticulture Department or any other authority from felling of any tree in the park.
"We restrain Horticulture Department or any person, authority from felling of any tree in that area till further orders of the Tribunal. The inspection team shall also find out where is the wood of the 10 trees stated to have been cut lying in the area," the bench said.
The bench directed the tree officer along with applicant in association with Horticulture Department to count and state as to how many trees are there at the site.

It also directed the Forest/Horticulture Department to plant additional 50 trees and bring evidence thereof before the Tribunal on August 8, the next date of hearing.
The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by Greater Kailash II Welfare Association seeking directions for restoration of the environment in the park and restraining the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) from making any constructions and cutting of trees in it.
In their petition, it had claimed that the land was reserved for recreation purposes, and is now being converted and put to use for construction of MCD staff workers accommodation and commissioner's bungalow.

The tribunal had, on July 2, ordered a stay on any construction and tree felling by SDMC in the park and issued notices to SDMC.