The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the Secretary of the Forest Department, compelling the provision of several pieces of information regarding tree felling permissions and encroachment removal in forested areas within a two-year timeframe. The order mandates the disclosure of permissions granted by the Tree Officer to entities such as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Public Works Department (PWD), and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for tree felling activities between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2024. Additionally, the court has requested details on the number of trees felled by each authority during this period.
Furthermore, the court has sought information on the number of trees replanted in lieu of those felled, along with the quantity of wood sold and the corresponding revenue generated. Importantly, the destination of the funds obtained from wood sales is also to be disclosed. This comprehensive data is to be provided within a four-week period, with the next hearing scheduled for July 22.
The backdrop of this directive lies within the context of ongoing PILs addressing the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. The court, taking suo motu cognizance of this pressing issue, has appointed an amicus curiae to assist in the proceedings. Senior advocate Kailash Vasudev, acting as the amicus curiae, underscored the absence of adequate information on afforestation efforts by the concerned authorities. Consequently, Vasudev urged the court to issue the necessary directives to rectify this informational gap.
