Delhi to declare heritage trees; first list in 2 weeks

The Capital's trees will soon get a special status. Delhi's tree authority has formed a committee to prepare a list of trees that can be considered as heritage properties. The committee - set up in 2007 for the protection of trees - will submit its list in two weeks for the authority to take a call on notification. Darpan Singh reports. Listing the heritage green members

The Capital's trees will soon get a special status. Delhi's tree authority has formed a committee to prepare a list of trees that can be considered as heritage properties. The committee - set up in 2007 for the protection of trees - will submit its list in two weeks for the authority to take a call on notification.

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"Heritage trees will get a treatment similar to that accorded to protected monuments. In case of a conflict, building plans will have to be altered. It will be really difficult for a person or an agency to harm the special-status trees," said a member of the authority.

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So which are the front-runners? "We're basically looking at species that have withstood the pressures and pollution of Delhi and are best suited for the local climate. They have to be bird-friendly, conducive to nesting and fruit-bearing."

"Around 200 trees die every year due to lack of proper upkeep. Such a special status will go a long way in improving the green protection," said a senior forest department official.