"Ensure Compliance Regarding Sensitization, Training Of Officers To Ensure Protection Of Trees": High Court Tells Delhi Govt, Police

The Delhi High Court has told the Delhi Government as well as the Delhi Police to ensure due compliance regarding sensitization and training of officers and personnel responsible for ensuring protection of trees.

Justice Najmi Waziri took note of the fact that directions were issued in February and March this year to the governmental agencies and authorities in the city to be imparted training by the Delhi Government regarding the need of preservation of forests and trees.

Advocate Aditya Prasad, petitioner in the aforesaid case who was present in the court, submitted that two workshops were conducted by the Delhi Government, however, the second workshop was attended only about 20 police officers.

Accordingly, the Court directed:

"Surely, that would not be sufficient for the 164 police stations in Delhi. Let GNCTD and the Delhi Police look into the matter and ensure due compliance regarding sensitization and training of officers and personnel who in the first instance are to ensure protection of trees."

The Court was dealing with a petition alleging that 50 full grown trees were cut down without permission of the Tree Officer and that a large-scale construction was undertaken, which according to the South Delhi Municipal Corporation was unauthorized.

Perusing the photographs available on record, the Court noted that the rampant cutting of fully grown trees and large scale construction being carried out could not have escaped the attention of the local police as well as the concerned authorities.

In view of this, the Court directed that appropriate affidavits be filed by the respondent authorities on or before December 8, the next date of hearing.

"The affidavit, which may be filed by the Delhi Police, shall be first approved by the DCP concerned," it added.

On the Petitioner's submission that the construction activity was ongoing, the Court was assured by the Municipal Corporation that all construction at the site was stopped since it was in breach of the Building Byelaws.

The Court was also apprised that a letter was issued to the SHO concerned on November 16, 2021 in this regard.

"Let the SHO concerned provide requisite assistance to SDMC," the Court ordered.

Accordingly, the matter will now be heard on December 8.

The petitioner was represented by Advocates KC Mittal and Yugansh Mittal.

Title: PRATAP SINGH PARMAR v. DELHI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY& ORS.

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