Tree census takes off in south Delhi to preserve green cover
HEADCOUNT Move aims to ensure concretisation of tree trunks can be avoided so that they don’t choke and die
In June this year, a Delhi HC-appointed amicus curiae had recommended that a tree census must be conducted by the forest department before agencies approve an infrastructure project in the city
Gulmohar Park
Vasant Vihar In 2005-06, the New Delhi Municipal Council did count the roadside trees in the VIP zone, studied their health and also got itself a tree ambulance PADMAVATI DWIVEDI, activist RPS Colony
Corporation and PWD.
After numbering all the trees in their respective jurisdiction, the agencies concerned will have to file a report, which will include details about the location of a particular tree along with information about whether it has been deconcretised and if not the expected time in which the work is likely to be completed along with the reasons for the same. Other relevant details about the tree will also be mentioned in the report.
“It’s wonderful to see trees being numbered which can help in future de-choking actions. The Residents of Sarvodaya Enclave were the first to conduct a tree census in 2011 Greater Kailash IV Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the environment ministry have adopted the right approach of numbering trees and collecting data. This is the first time that the trees inside the colonies are being numbered by the municipal corporation in south Delhi,” activist Padmavati Dwivedi, who conducted the first tree census of the Capital in a residential colony, said.
In a meeting last month, DDA vice- chairperson Arun Goel had asked all agencies to file a report by the end of the month on the number of trees under their jurisdiction. The report will eventually be submitted to the National Green Tribunal.
The Department of Environment has also directed DDA to follow the model used by the New Delhi Municipal Council and start a tree census in areas under its jurisdiction. According to senior environment department officials, NDMC is the only greening agency in the Capital which has conducted a tree census till date and therefore the DDA has been asked to take data from the municipal council, and start a census with the various community and district parks in its jurisdiction.
It’s wonderful to see trees being numbered which can help in future de-choking actions.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the environment ministry have adopted the right approach of numbering trees and collecting data.
Sources said BJP leaders are also displeased with the controversy leaving an imprint on neighbouring Bihar, where the party is locked in a fierce poll battle with a grand alliance of Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (United) and Congress.
With leaders such as Nitish Kumar attacking the BJP over the issue to woo the Muslim and lower caste vote, the BJP wants to send a clear message that it doesn’t endorse such violence. “This was serving no purpose for us in the party and those in the government,” a BJP office bearer said.
The lynching has left the nation shocked and stoked communal passions in the region with the BJP coming under searing criticism from activists, writers and opposition parties, who say the party is intentionally driving a wedge between communities on the beef issue for electoral benefits.