Chaini Parwani –
Published On: November 10, 2021 at 11:14 IST
The Delhi High Court while highlighting ‘Victimization of Trees’ directed the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) and the AAP Government to submit an Affidavit on why hundreds of trees had been concretized in South Delhi.
The Court was hearing a Petition seeking preservation of trees and negligence of agencies to comply with Orders passed by Courts and the National Green Tribunal against concretizing of trees.
The Court noted that “Right up to the tree trunk, nails had been embedded and metallic wires been strung along the trees.”
Further Justice Najmi Waziri stated that “This was evident Victimization of the Trees and pointed out that SDMC, which maintains the streets inside residential colonies, would have noted it but has, for reasons best known to it, allowed the callous affair to fester for years.”
The Court further directed the Deputy Commissioner, SDMC, to submit an Affidavit explaining “How this unfortunate state has come about” and made it clear that the Executive Engineer and Director (Horticulture) concerned would also secure responsibility and take corrective measures.
The Petition was filed by environment activist Bhavreen Kandhari, alleging victimization of trees and illegal activities.
The Court further noted that “Concretization of the street is unmindful of the directions of this court and that of the NGT. It shows disregard of the law not only by the municipal corporation, but by the road maintaining Agency – Public Works Department.”
The Petition stated that instead of taking charging against the Offenders on the complaint lodged to the tree officer, Notice was announced to the Vasant Vihar Welfare Association, which was actually involved in preserving the trees in the colony.
After observing the efforts by the Residents, including Children and Senior citizens, the Court noted that “The efforts of the Residents’ Welfare Association for preserving the ecology of the area should be encouraged.”
The Court further Adjourned the Matter for next week when it would investigate the stand of the Agencies.
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