Forest dept fines CPWD ₹60,000 for damaging a tree in Thaygraj Nagar
NEWDELHI: The forest department has imposed a penalty of ₹60,000 on the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) after an inspection by forest officials revealed that the agency had damaged at least one tree in Thaygraj Nagar by dumping concrete debris around it.
“A notice was issued to the CPWD on July 31 after allegations surfaced that trees were being cut and damaged, violating the orders of the Delhi high court that no tree was to be felled at the redevelopment sites in south Delhi. A penalty was imposed on CPWD after an inspection revealed that it had damaged at least one tree,” a forest department official said.
Environment activists had lodged at least four separate complaints against CPWD and National Buildings Construction Corporation (India) Limited for cutting and damaging trees. While one complaint each was lodged at Kotla Mubarakpur and Safdarjung Enclave police stations, two complaints were lodged at the Sarojini Nagar police station for damaging trees in Thyagraj Nagar, Netaji Nagar and Nauroji Nagar.
“We met environment minister Imran Hussain on July 18, after which the minister ordered an inquiry. A team of forest officials inspected the sites and found at least one tree was damaged by CPWD in Thyagraj Nagar. A hearing was held on Monday after which the penalty was imposed,” Prerna Prasad, a member of the Citizens4trees forum.
Hindustan Times contacted at least two senior CPWD officials who were aware of the developments but they refused comment.
After HT reported in June that 16,500 trees were proposed to be felled for the redevelopment of central government colonies, it led to a public outcry and the high court stayed the felling of trees.
One of the patrolling teams found trees were being damaged by contractors in Thyagraj Nagar. “Even though the tree (no. 125) was not cut, concrete debris was being dumped all around it. The tree was heavily damaged and was almost uprooted. Another tree was also cut, but the CPWD claimed that it had applied for permission to fell it in May, before the high court order,” Balram Chaudhury, a member of the patrolling team, said.