Green tribunal tells govt to free trees of nails, concrete

The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday ordered various departments of the Centre and the state government to free trees in the Capital of nails, hooks, rods, boards and advertisements.

The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday ordered various departments of the Centre and the state government to free trees in the Capital of nails, hooks, rods, boards and advertisements. The tribunal also ordered all trees be de-choked of cement.

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While hearing a petition filed by tree activist Aditya N Prasad, the tribunal had on March 21 asked these departments to respond by April 23. Now they have been given two weeks to file replies. The matter will be heard next on May 17.

Rajiv Dutta, lawyer for the petitioner, said, “The tribunal has said concrete surrounding trees within one metre of the stem should be removed and trees should be looked after. It said due precaution is to be taken in future that no concrete is put within one metre of a tree during any construction or repair work.”

The departments that will execute the order include: Delhi’s forest department, all civic and land-owning agencies, union ministries of urban development, environment and forests, human resource development, besides the National Highways Authority of India and Delhi Transport Corporation.

“The tribunal said public authorities have failed to discharge their duties and fulfill obligations. It is the obligation of the state to provide a healthy environment and redress injuries to trees,” Dutta said.