Mohali: Even 3 yrs after NGT orders, concrete removed from around 41% trees so far

Since last month, the Mohali municipal corporation has removed concrete blocks within a one-metre radius of 3,379 trees, after former MC commissioner KK Garg failed to comply with National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) 2019 orders pertaining to protection of trees

The Mohali municipal corporation has removed concrete blocks within a one-metre radius of 3,379 trees since last month, when a Mohali court summoned former MC commissioner KK Garg for failing to comply with National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) 2019 orders pertaining to protection of trees.

In November 2019, NGT had disposed of a complaint by Mohali-based NGO Environment Protection Society and directed municipal authorities in Mohali to take various steps for protection of trees. (HT File)

As of 2019, as many as 11,919 of 40,925 trees in Mohali were packed with concrete. It was on October 28 when the court of judicial magistrate Jagjit Singh asked Garg to appear before it on November 29, and till then, concrete had been removed from around only 1,600 trees.

Incumbent MC commissioner Navjot Kaur said, “We are doing our best and will remove concrete from around all trees in Mohali within 14 days.”

In November 2019, NGT had disposed of a complaint by Mohali-based NGO Environment Protection Society and directed municipal authorities in Mohali to take various steps for protection of trees.

However, the society moved court in February this year through its president HS Minhas, a retired chief engineer from the Punjab irrigation department, seeking action against Garg, who was MC commissioner from December 2019 to May 2022, for failing to protect trees.

Minhas had submitted that the former commissioner completely failed to protect the environment, resulting in cruelty towards trees and irreparable damage to society. The damage to trees had left a permanent wound on the environment, it added.

Under Section 26 of the NGT Act, whoever fails to comply with any order/award/decision of the tribunal will be punishable with jail up to three years or fine up to ₹10 crore or both. In case the failure or contravention continues, additional fine can be imposed.

What NGT ordered in 2019

Removal of concrete/bitumen/paver blocks within one metre of trees without damaging their roots

No construction/concreting/repairing work within one metre radius of trees

Measures to prevent defacement of trees in any manner

Immediate removal of all signboards, advertisements and cables

Replacement of trees that died due to the concretisation

Maintenance of enumeration register of existing trees that should be updated annually

Senior municipal officers will be personally responsible for carrying out the order.