National Green Tribunal extends stay on tree felling till July 27

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday extended till July 27 its order to maintain status quo on tree felling in seven South Delhi colonies by the housing and urban affairs ministry and the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC).

A bench comprising Justice R.S. Rathore and expert member S.S. Gabrayal granted more time to the ministry of environment and forests, department of forests of AAP government, Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and others in the case.

During the hearing, the NBCC sought clarification of the July 2 order passed by the NGT, directing that there shall be no cutting or destruction of the trees till further order by this tribunal. The counsel for the NBCC said the order only related to felling of trees and not on civil construction going on at the project site in Nauroji Nagar here.

He argued that work has completely halted on the site and a loss of Rs 25 lakh per day was being caused due to the NGT’s order.

The bench, however, refused to pass any order and asked the parties to file their replies, while posting the matter for hearing on July 27.

On the last date of hearing, the tribunal had said not a single tree would be cut and status quo be maintained on tree felling till further orders.

The green panel had directed the project proponents to make a categorical statement and inform it about the exact number of trees proposed to be cut for the redevelopment project for about half a dozen colonies.

“Therefore, even though we give sufficient time to the project proponent to file their replies to the interim relief, but we are satisfied that a prima facie case is made out for grant of ad-interim order in the nature of protective order so as to protect environment ... And its preservation is essential.

“Hence applying the precautionary principle, we direct the Respondent No. 1 and 2 to maintain status-quo,” the bench had said.     

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