Pranav B Prem

The National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), has issued notice in an original application alleging illegal tree felling in Chhatarpur, New Delhi, and directed the constitution of a Joint Committee to ascertain the factual position on the ground.  The application alleged that illegal tree cutting had taken place at Manchanda Farm bearing certain khasra numbers in Ambedkar Colony, Chhatarpur, in violation of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994. It was contended that respondent no. 9 had cut the trees during the night and that photographs were placed on record in support of the allegations.

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The applicant further submitted that a complaint had been made to the authorities, after which the Range Officer of the South Forest Division, with the approval of the Divisional Forest Officer (South), issued a restraining order dated 30.10.2025. Despite this, it was alleged that the illegal felling of trees continued.  Taking note of the allegations, the Tribunal issued notice to the respondents and directed the applicant to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next date of hearing.

To ascertain the correct position at the ground level, the Tribunal directed the constitution of a Joint Committee comprising the Divisional Forest Officer, South; a representative of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Lucknow; and the District Magistrate, South District. The District Magistrate was directed to act as the nodal agency for the Committee.

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The Joint Committee has been directed to visit the site, ascertain the extent of trees that have been cut, identify the persons responsible for the felling, and determine whether any valid permission existed for such cutting. The Committee has also been directed to submit a factual status report along with its recommendations and suggestions within six weeks.  The matter has been listed for further hearing on 6 April 2026. 

Appearance

Applicant: Mr. Tarun Cummra, Advocate

Cause Title: Jogha Singh & Ors. V. Government of NCT of Delhi & Ors. 

Case No: Original Application No. 73/2026

Coram: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member)