Trees pruned in city; experts say wrong to do so in summers

Even as the NDMC maintained that it was a routine exercise, tree activists called it “inopportune” and said they would to file a complaint.

A number of trees were heavily-pruned by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Friday in several pockets of the national Capital, such as Tolstoy Road, Laxmi Bai Nagar and Chanakyapuri even as experts said peak summer is not the right time for the task.

A number of trees were heavily-pruned by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Friday in several pockets of the national Capital, such as Tolstoy Road, Laxmi Bai Nagar and Chanakyapuri even as experts said peak summer is not the right time for the task. (Vipin Kumar/HT PHOTO)

Even as the NDMC maintained that it was a routine exercise, tree activists called it “inopportune” and said they would to file a complaint. “Every year, civic agencies mindlessly take up pruning activities during summer, which is the most crucial time for growth of trees. Heavy pruning in hot weather mostly leads to death of trees, We plan to file a complaint in the matter,” Rajiv Suri, member, Delhi Tree SOS, said.

Another environment activist, Padmawati Dwivedi, said, pruning in most cases is done unscientifically. “It is shocking that trees are being chopped round the year, including in summer when they offer shade,” she said.

According to experts, winter is the scientifically the right time for pruning trees.

S Chellaiah, director (horticulture), NDMC, said that this is a is a routine process and the drive will continue for a month. “We are only targeting small and low-hanging branches which obstruct signages and pedestrian movement. We are not cutting big branches,” Chellaiah said.

The aim of the exercise is to ensure there is no obstruction in view up to 12ft height, he said.

“At several places, tree branches block street lights, creating dark spots. Places near Metro stations, bus stops and toilets should be properly lit and hence pruning was necessary,” he added.