Permission to South Delhi projects revoked

New Delhi: In a “big step”, the Delhi government on Friday revoked its permission given to the public sector construction firm NBCC for felling trees for its colony redevelopment projects in South Delhi.

The government withdrew the tree felling permission granted the to NBCC for colony redevelopment projects at Netaji Nagar, Nauroji Nagar and East Kidwai Nagar, according to a Delhi government statement.

“A big step by Del govt to protect the lungs of Del. Delhi govt will embark upon massive tree plantation drive with active participation of people in coming weeks (sic),” tweeted chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. The decision to revoke tree felling permission will help in saving 2,276 trees from being cut by NBCC, said the statement.

Environment and forests minister Imran Hussain said he had “strongly recommended” revoking the permission to NBCC in a file sent to lieutenant-governor (L-G) Anil Baijal.

“The file was received on Tuesday. The L-G accorded his approval to the minister’s recommendation in accordance with the provisions of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act 1994,” said the statement.   

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had alleged that the Centre’s projects for redevelopment of seven South Delhi colonies will lead to felling of 17,000 trees.

Mr Hussain had cited “violations” committed by NBCC as the ground for recommending revocation of trees felling permission.

“It is strongly recommended that tree cutting permission to the user agency may be revoked in all these General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) colonies and penal action applicable as per law may be initiated,” the minister had stated in a letter to Anil Baijal.

A forest department inspection report had found that NBCC had committed “serious violations” including cutting of 3,000 trees, added the statement.

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