NGT seeks Centre, Delhi govt replies

The alleged felling of more than 1,000 trees for a proposed international exhibition cum convention centre ( IECC) in Dwarka has come under the scanner of National Green Tribunal, which sought a response from the central and Delhi governments.

A bench, headed by the chairperson justice Swatanter Kumar, issued notices to the Union ministry of environment and forests, AAP government, Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation and Delhi Pollution Control Committee on a plea alleging felling of trees for the ` 26,000- crore project.

The bench also comprising justice Jawad Rahim, asked the concerned parties to file their reply within 10 days and listed the matter for further hearing on Dec. 11.

The tribunal made this observation, while hearing a plea filed by Shobhit Chauhan, a city resident, seeking the project’s “complete review” in a bid to protect trees from being chopped.

During the hearing, the lawyer appearing for the applicant, said at a time when pollution levels in the city have touched severe levels, it was necessary that trees be saved, as they act as natural air filters. To maintain ecological balance, he also demanded compensatory plantation around Dwarka.

With an overall built- up space of 1.02 million square metres, the IECC will house exhibition halls, convention centres, banquet halls, an arena, a financial centre, hotels, food and beverage outlets among others. The IECC, coming up in Sector 25, will be able to host 5,000 to 10,000 delegates at any given time.

◗ The lawyer appearing for the applicant, said, at a time when air toxicity levels have gone up, it was necessary to save trees as they act as natural air filters