NGT raps PWD for chopping 40 trees at Rao Tula Ram Marg

The National Green Tribunal has pulled up the Public Works Department (PWD) for chopping 40 trees for widening of a road at the Rao Tula Ram Marg and summoned its senior officials, warning them that they may have to pay for transplantation of remaining trees.

“There were 51 trees and you chopped of 40 trees without even considering that those can be transplanted in nearby green areas. Did you conduct a study or the impact of chopping of trees? All officials, including deputy conservator of forests, should be present on the next date of hearing,” a bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar said.

The Bench, while posting the matter for on Monday, said if the officials are unable to give satisfactory replies, they may be asked to pay for the transplantation of the remaining 11 trees.

“Those were big trees that you chopped for widening of road and now you have exposed the roots of the remaining 11 trees, which will eventually lead to their death. If you would have transplanted the trees, their would have been 90 per cent chance of their survival,” the panel told the Public Works Department (PWD) officials.

The Bench was hearing a petition filed by one Aditya N Prasad alleging that concretisation of trees in various parts of Delhi is resulting in weakening of roots and eventually death of trees.