Delhi High Court: No pruning of trees till Forest Department has SOP on compliance under DPTA

The Delhi High Court in the case Bhavreen Kandhari Versus Shri C. D. Singh And Ors observed and has directed all the Deputy Conservator of Forests, DCFs in order to ensure that no pruning of trees is undertaken till the Department of Forest and Wildlife has guidelines or SOP in order to ensure that the exercise is being done and monitored in accordance with the provisions of Delhi Preservation of Trees Act.

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The bench headed by Justice Jasmeet Singh in the case stated that the Department of Forest shall ensure an eligible and responsible person is present to supervise the same.

In the present case, the court was hearing the contempt petition filed in connection with the orders passed by the court in a matter concerning preservation of trees in the national capital.

It has been argued before the court that the officials failed to follow the directions issued by court requiring the Tree Officers to spell out reasons for permitting the felling of trees.

The counsel, Advocate Aditya N Prasad appearing for the petitioner, Bhavreen Kandhari, apprised the Court about the permissions granted by DCF, South Forest Division for light and heavy pruning of trees.