India, June 16 -- The Delhi Forest Department has directed government departments and civic agencies not to act on a June 6 notification that permitted the felling or pruning of trees in certain circumstances without prior approval, after the Delhi High Court stayed its operation. In a circular, the department informed authorities that the court had ordered no action be taken under the notification until further directions. The notification had allowed immediate removal or pruning of trees obstructing roads, drains, railway tracks and Metro infrastructure, as well as dead or dangerous trees, with Tree Officers to be informed later. The High Court observed that the notification appeared to allow tree felling for developmental works without adequate safeguards or consideration of alternatives. The order has been circulated to agencies.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.