NGT sets up panel to probe alleged illegal tree felling in Delhi’s Chhatarpur

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a joint committee to conduct a ground-level verification of allegations of illegal tree felling in South Delhi’s Chhatarpur area , directing it to submit a detailed factual report within six weeks.

The green tribunal was hearing a plea alleging that trees were unlawfully cut across several khasra numbers in Ambedkar Colony, Chhatarpur, in violation of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act. According to the petitioner, a private individual allegedly carried out the felling during night hours. A complaint was earlier lodged with the forest range officer, following which a restraining order was issued in October last year. However, the plea claimed that illegal cutting continued despite the order.

In its January 30 order, a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with expert member A Senthil Vel, said it was necessary to ascertain the actual situation at the site. The tribunal appointed a joint committee comprising the Divisional Forest Officer (South Delhi), a representative of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s Lucknow regional office, and the District Magistrate of South Delhi, who will act as the nodal agency.

The committee has been directed to visit the site and assess the extent of tree felling , including the number of trees cut, their species, girth and maturity , and the total green cover impacted . It will also identify the persons responsible , verify whether statutory permission was obtained , and examine whether the alleged violations occurred after the restraining order was issued.

Officials are also expected to assess the requirement for compensatory afforestation , including the number of saplings to be planted, plantation sites and maintenance obligations, if illegal felling is confirmed.

“The joint committee will submit the factual status report along with its recommendations and suggestions. Let this exercise be completed within six weeks and the report be filed immediately thereafter,” the tribunal said.

The NGT has also sought responses from the Delhi government, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, the Central Pollution Control Board, the South District Deputy Commissioner of Police and other authorities.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 6 , after the submission of the committee’s report.