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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has expressed its displeasure over the delay by the state government in framing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to involve its forest department in the planning of infrastructure projects that require the felling of trees. Justice Jasmeet Singh questioned the government’s slow pace, asking, “If you want the people of Delhi to suffer, say so, we will put it in the order. Why are you dragging your feet?”
The high court stated that if the government had any objection to involving its forest department, it should say so, otherwise, it should clear the SOP. The court also demanded an affidavit detailing steps taken to empower the tree authority and directed that the file relating to the framing of SOPs be presented at the next hearing.
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In March, the high court first ordered the adoption of an SOP, emphasizing that attempts must be made to coexist with nature. It stated that permission for cutting trees should be the last resort, and the SOP should also address the requirement of granting permission before any private construction involving tree felling. The order came in response to a petition regarding permissions granted by three officers without proper orders. Last year, the court ruled that no permission for tree felling would be granted in the national capital.
The high court instructed the government counsel that the SOP should mandate a site visit by the concerned official to examine if the trees could be saved. For infrastructure projects, the forest department should be involved in the planning to suggest alternatives to tree felling. The court stated, “SOP be planned by the Delhi govt authorities in consultation with certain lawyers.”
The need for an SOP arose from a notification issued by the Delhi government allowing the removal of 422 trees for an approach road to a university, which resulted in several trees being felled.
