Saplings planted last year in Mehrauli park damaged due to dumping

Mehrauli Archaeological Park that houses over 250 monuments has fallen prey to unchecked dumping of garbage and debris. Just last year, residents along with Delhi

Mehrauli Archaeological Park that houses over 250 monuments has fallen prey to unchecked dumping of garbage and debris. Just last year, residents along with Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) horticulture department had planted about 150 saplings here. However, half of these have been damaged due to encroachment and dumping of garbage.

Rampant encroachment and dumping of construction waste are affecting the green cover at Mehrauli Archaeological Park. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)

“Ironically, the saplings, which were ruined, were planted right next to a signboard that mentions its a DDA land and shouldn’t be used for dumping garbage. Heaps of malba was dumped on the spot in the past year,” said Anil Handa of Mehrauli.

Read: Civic agencies conduct mega plantation drive in South Delhi

The RWA has also complained several times about trees being illegally chopped down here. The park is under DDA and the monuments are protected by ASI. Despite, the historical and environmental value attached to the place, it is fast turning into a dumping ground for the commercial units functioning in the vicinity.

Residents also alleged that builder and land mafia have don’t let the park be cleared and are routinely using it for dumping malba.

Sandeep Bali, RWA president, said, “We have filed at least five RTIs against the rampant encroachment depleting the park’s green cover, but in vain.”

Read: Water scarcity, broken boundary walls hamper growth of saplings