Question : NORMS FOR REMOVAL OF TREES

(a) the norms/procedure to be followed for removing trees planted in residential areas of Delhi;

(b) whether residents in Delhi are permitted to remove trees on their own planted in front of residential areas which poses danger to lives and properties;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether some cases of removing trees in residential areas without permission/ intermission have come to the notice of the Government;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the penalty imposed/punishment awarded by the concerned agencies in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) Removal of trees in Delhi requires permission under the Delhi Preservation of Tree Act (DPTA) 1994.

(b) & (c) Section-8 of Delhi Preservation of Tree Act (DPTA) 1994 provides that in case of any tree which can cause danger to life or property or traffic, the owner of the land may take immediate action to fell such tree and report the fact to the Tree Officer within twenty-four hours of such felling.

(d)to (f) As per the information received from the Government of NCT of Delhi, 76 cases of unauthorized felling/ removal of trees involving 230 trees were registered during the year 2012-13. Out of these 76 cases, 21 cases were compounded for Rs. 10.20 lakh, and 6 cases were referred to the Courts/ Police.