A day after National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) got green signal from the ministry of environment to fell nearly 17,000 trees for redevelopment of seven colonies in South Delhi, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) today struck down the permission, and said no trees would be cut till July 19. Delhi news
“Keeping the High Court’s order in mind, maintain status quo on the felling of trees,” NGT said. The same order is to be followed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which is redeveloping four out of the seven colonies.
The green tribunal also issued notices to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Central Pollution Control Board, CPWD, North Delhi Municipal Corporation and others, asking them to file their response before the next hearing on July 19.
The green panel has also asked the concerned authourties to provide the exact number of trees that are to be felled for the redevelopment project.
NGT’s directive came after hearing a plea by NGO, Chetna, seeking a stay on the proposed felling of trees. The petitioner claimed that environment clearance was granted for seven general residential colonies without taking into account adverse impact on the ecology.
It further claimed that planting of saplings at another location as compensatory afforestation is a fallacious idea and would not have any positive impact.
