In an original application filed before the National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi, alleging illegal tree cutting in Manchanda Farm in Chhatarpur, New Delhi, a Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member) issued notice to the respondents and directed the formation of a Joint Committee to ascertain the correct position of the matter.
The applicant alleged that respondent 9 had illegally felled trees in violation of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994. It was submitted that a complaint was made, after which the Range Officer, South Forest Division, with the approval of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) (South), passed a restraining order dated 30-10-2025. However, even then, the illegal felling of trees continued.
The Tribunal issued notice to the respondents and directed the applicant to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service at least a week before the next date of hearing.
Further, the Tribunal appointed a Joint Committee comprising the DFO, South, representative of the Regional Officer, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Lucknow, and District Magistrate, South District. The Tribunal stated that the District Magistrate, South District, would serve as the nodal agency of the Joint Committee.
The Joint Committee was directed to visit the site, ascertain the extent of the trees that have been cut, identify the persons responsible for cutting the trees, and ascertain if any valid permission had been obtained for the felling of the said trees. The Joint Committee was directed to submit a factual status report, along with its recommendations and suggestions, after six weeks.
The matter is now listed on 06-04-2026.
Appearances:
For Applicant(s) – Mr. Tarun Cummra
