An inspection by the Forest and Wildlife Department found 80 trees were damaged during trenching work by the Public Works Department (PWD) for street beautification at Vikas Marg, near Laxminagar, east Delhi. The department, which held a hearing at the direction of the Delhi High Court on Tuesday, also found that three trees were felled without permission, while 80 trees had their roots exposed.
It has now asked the project’s executive engineer to appear in person with tree officials at the next hearing on Friday and explain why PWD has twice violated a work restriction order issued by the forest department in October 2021.
A forest official investigating the case said the department will conduct a new inspection of the area on Wednesday to assess whether more trees were damaged. “No permission was sought from us…if the agency is unable to provide justification, criminal action can be taken against persons with disabilities,” the official said.
A PWD official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the work was part of a street beautification project in Delhi: “Our officers will be present at the next hearing and will be able to provide more information to the Forest Department if required.”
Complete News Source : Hindustan Times
