Delhi govt notifies tree transplantation policy announced in October

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had on October 9, approved the transplantation policy for the preservation of trees in the Capital. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had said the state government was determined to protect the city’s environment and added that the move would put a check on trees being felled for development work.

The Delhi government on Wednesday notified the tree transplantation policy (2020) that was announced in October this year, under which at least 80% of trees affected by a construction project will have to be transplanted. Construction agencies will also have to ensure that 80% of transplanted trees survive after being relocated.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addressing a press conference at his residence in New Delhi. (HT Photo)

The policy also mandates that 10 saplings be planted for every tree cut for development projects.

“No tree shall be unnecessarily removed in the area identified for development projects by the applicant. Trees should be properly preserved, and no trees should be unnecessarily removed in development projects,” Delhi government said in a statement on Wednesday.

“When on-site preservation is not possible, scientific transplantation of all the affected trees shall be the new norm instead of felling of trees. At least 80% of the trees that are affected by developmental activities and cannot be preserved on-site shall be required to be transplanted,” the statement added.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had on October 9, approved the transplantation policy for the preservation of trees in the Capital. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had said the state government was determined to protect the city’s environment and added that the move would put a check on trees being felled for development work.

“To ensure maximum chances of survival of saplings or trees planted through the compensatory plantation, it shall be mandatory for all trees planted to be a minimum of six feet in height and area as well as individual seedlings/trees to be geo-tagged,” the government statement said.

A government spokesperson said the policy notifies a proper procedure that is required to be followed for tree transplantation at any project site.

“A tree survey shall be carried out at the time of project feasibility assessment and site identification to obtain the required information for developing site planning and tree preservation proposals. The applicant shall select one of the technical agencies among the agencies empanelled for carrying out tree transplantation work,” the spokesperson said.