Dwarka RWA told to plant 70 saplings for illegal tree felling

The tree officer has directed the residents' welfare association of Navrattan Apartment in Dwarka's Sector 23 to plant 70 saplings after seven trees were illegally felled, violating the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994. The directive came in a report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) dated July 28, following a complaint received on May 19.

Proceedings have been initiated against the apartment's president, secretary, and a member. The saplings must be of native mixed species such as neem, bargad, peepal, pilkhan, and arjun, at least six feet tall, with a nursery life of five years and a collar girth of at least 10 cm. The RWA must maintain them for seven years and submit quarterly progress reports with geo-tagged photographs.

The apartment president claimed the trees were dry and dangerous, but the tree officer said the legality of the felling will be examined during proceedings.