NGT Orders Delhi Govt Report After 28 Trees Felled in Chattarpur

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on July 24 directed the Delhi government to file an action taken report regarding the illegal felling of 28 trees and alleged forest land encroachment at Ambedkar Colony in Chattarpur.

The directions came after the tribunal reviewed findings from a joint committee that was constituted on January 30. The panel had been set up following a plea by an applicant who alleged that trees were being unlawfully cut down at a farm situated in the Chattarpur area.

According to the joint committee's report, an inspection of the site identified a total of 125 trees on the property. Of these, 28 trees—comprising species such as neem, peepal, siris, and subabul—were found to have been chopped down without obtaining required permission from the designated tree officer. Additionally, the committee confirmed that there was encroachment on forest land at the location.

In its submission to the tribunal, the Delhi government stated that revenue records confirmed the land was classified as forest land. Officials further informed the NGT that action is being initiated against those responsible for the encroachment.

Taking note of the government's response and the committee's findings, the green tribunal directed the state government to file its status report within six weeks.