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The Delhi High Court has reaffirmed its stance against granting permission for tree felling in order to construct houses. This decision comes as a continuation of its August 31 order, in which the court had previously emphasized the Delhi government's commitment to refrain from granting tree felling permissions to individuals. The court had also mandated that any necessary permissions for significant projects must be communicated to the court until the next hearing date, and this arrangement is set to persist.
In a recent development, the Delhi government has been given a two-week period to provide a comprehensive report on the status of transplanted and replanted trees in the capital city. Justice Jasmeet Singh, presiding over the case, is keen to ascertain whether the processes of transplantation and replantation have been successful in preserving the city's green cover.
During this interim period, the directives outlined in the August 31 order will remain in force, prohibiting the granting of permissions to fell trees for residential construction purposes. The court has scheduled further hearings on this matter for October 6.
The case before the court centres around a petition seeking contempt action against government officials who, despite clear and explicit court directions issued in April 2022, have failed to comply with the order that mandated a thorough justification for the felling of even a single tree. The petitioner, Bhavreen Khandari, represented by advocate Aditya N Prasad, filed an application urging an expedited hearing of the contempt plea. The petitioner's contention is that, despite the court's April 2022 order, the authorities have continued to grant tree felling permissions in a seemingly reckless manner.
The Delhi High Court's unwavering commitment to preserving the city's greenery underscores the significance of environmental conservation in urban development. By refusing to grant tree felling permissions for residential construction, the court is taking a stand to safeguard the city's natural resources and mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation.
The court's insistence on transparency and accountability in the tree felling process is a crucial aspect of its approach. In its April 2022 order, the court had specifically required government officials to provide clear and justifiable reasons for any tree removal. This requirement aims to ensure that tree felling is a last resort, undertaken only when absolutely necessary for legitimate and essential projects.
The two-week deadline given to the Delhi government to furnish a detailed report on transplanted and replanted trees indicates the court's commitment to monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of tree conservation efforts. This scrutiny is essential to determine whether the transplantation and replantation processes are successful in preserving the city's green cover and maintaining its ecological balance.
As the case progresses, it will be of considerable interest to environmentalists, policymakers, and residents of Delhi who are concerned about the city's environmental health. The Delhi High Court's continued vigilance in this matter serves as a reminder of the vital role the judiciary plays in environmental protection and sustainable urban development. It also underscores the importance of adherence to court orders and the need for accountability in the management of natural resources in densely populated urban areas like Delhi.
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