Man booked for axing trees

Chopping two trees for constructing a house proved costly for a resident of Sector 40 of the city on Wednesday.

Chopping two trees for constructing a house proved costly for a resident of Sector 40 of the city on Wednesday.

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He has been booked for axing the trees without seeking permission from the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) or the forest department.

The trees were adjacent to Chetan Yadav’s plot, falling in the green belt.

He allegedly cut the trees for storing bricks and other construction material.

Yadav, however, admitted that he did not seek permission from the authorities concerned before cutting the trees.

Though Huda officials have registered a complaint, no action has been taken so far.

“We have registered a complaint and have summoned the plot owner on Thursday. Strict action will be taken against him,” said Dinesh Chander, junior engineer, Huda.

“Nobody can chop trees without seeking permission. It is a dual offence as along with axing trees, the person also contributed to deteriorating the environment,” said Davinder Rao, ranger officer, forest department.

“Though we have not received information in this regard, the person will be challaned for the act,” he added.

The district had nearly three lakh trees in 1999, which reduced to 1.32 lakh in 2011.