(a) whether cutting of trees has any adverse effect on environment and climate change;
(b) if so, the number of trees cut down in Delhi during the last three years, yearwise;
(c) whether the policy of planting two trees for every tree cut was followed and if so, the places where trees were planted;
(d) if not, whether any action will be taken against the responsible persons; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)
(a) As per the information received from Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun, an autonomous body of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India, cutting of trees has adverse effect on environment and climate change. Published literature reveals that forests provide many environmental benefits/ecosystem services and play a major role in regulating water cycle, soil conservation, climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. Deforestation/cutting of trees influence wind flow, water vapour flow, absorption of solar energy and emission of greenhouse gases (especially carbon dioxide) thus clearly influencing local, regional and global climate.
(b) As per the report received from the Government of National Capital Territory, Delhi, total number of trees cut in Delhi during 2014-15, 2015-16 , 2016-17 for development activities and construction of buildings is as follows:
S. No. Financial Year Trees cut
1. 2014-15 6161
2. 2015-16 4689
3. 2017-18 4759
(c) to (e) As per provisions under Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, 10 tree saplings are planted and maintained till its establishment against tree felling permission for a tree. Out of 10 saplings, 5 saplings are planted and maintained by Department of Forests and Wildlife, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi on degraded forest land and Gaon Sabha land etc available with the Department and the remaining saplings are planted and maintained by the User Agency allowed for tree felling permission. The details of tree planted by the Department in last three years are given in the Annexure.
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