NEW DELHI: The forest department has slapped a fine of Rs 33.4 lakh on the Public Works Department (PWD) for damaging nearly 80 trees and removing others.
In an order by the deputy conservatory of forest, Central forest division, the PWD has been asked to plant 820 saplings. The forest department noted that PWD damaged 79 trees by exposing their roots and three others by removal at Vikas Marg. The department, in an order dated March 8, asked PWD to pay the penalty within 15 days. The order came following an investigation after a resident complained about the damage.
The forest department also issued a warning that no more trees should be felled or pruned without permission.
“Also 820 trees should be planted within six months of this order and be successfully maintained for seven years. The 820 saplings shall be 6-7 feet tall of native species, such as Arjun, Jamun, Gular, Pilkha, Neem, Amaltash, etc (sic),” the order added.
Meanwhile, tree activists pointed out that similar offences had taken place in the past too.
“Recently, PWD was asked to pay a fine of over Rs 38 lakh for damaging 380 trees in Vasant Vihar through concretisation. Officials are seldom booked or punished in such matters even as the department pays up with public money. When such matters are heard in courts, the officers concerned are often absent with their department’s lawyers requesting them not to be called. We feel that unless officers are held accountable, such offences will continue,” said Bhavereen Kandhari, a tree activist and member of Delhi Tree SOS.
