Delhi HC Directs Delhi Government To Take Decision On Complaint Filed Over Alleged Missing Of 77 Trees From Sarvodaya Enclave

The petition was filed by Bhavreen Kandhari, an environmental activist alleging that over 77 trees were found missing in the area within a span of seven years.

The Court has directed that a reasoned and speaking order be passed by the DCF (South) & Tree Officer, South Division, Department of Forests & Wildlife upon the complaint which was filed by Kandhari in December 2020.

The counsel appearing for the Delhi Government stated that it has no objection to deciding the Petitioner's complaint swiftly.

The Court did not give any opinions on the claims, however, it asserted that if the petitioner was aggrieved by the orders passed by the authorities, it would be open for her to take legal recourse as per law.

In her petition, Kandhari had alleged that she had registered a complaint with the concerned official after two tree censuses were conducted in Sarvodaya Enclave in 2011-2012 and 2018-2019 through which it was found that 77 trees were missing from the area.

Through her plea, it was argued that a recommendation was made to plant 1000 trees in the colony after the 2011-2012 census was conducted so that the green cover in the area is maintained. However, the 2017-18 census showed that the number of trees in the colony had dropped from 784 to 731 trees over a time of 7 years, in spite of planting 21 new trees.

Kandhari pleaded that no action was taken by the authorities concerned on her complaint which was filed on 8 December 2020 under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994.

It was stated that she was exercising her power accorded under Article 51(A)(g) of the Constitution of India to protect and improve the natural environment.

The Petitioner was represented by lawyers Aditya N Prasad and Dhriti Chhabra in the proceedings.

With PTI Inputs