Pranav B Prem

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Tree Officer of the concerned district in Delhi to take prompt remedial and punitive action under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, over allegations of illegal felling of trees in the Civil Lines area. The order was passed by a Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member) in Original Application No. 517/2025, filed by Ravi Kant Sharma, who appeared through Advocate Sanjay Gupta. The matter was heard by the Principal Bench at New Delhi on October 13, 2025.

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Background

The applicant had approached the Tribunal alleging illegal felling of four to five mature trees located within the compound of House Nos. 1-E/45 and 1-D/45, Mall Road, Civil Lines, Delhi – 110054, as well as in the adjoining area outside the premises. It was alleged that certain private respondents were responsible for cutting down the trees without obtaining the mandatory permission required under Section 8 of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994. The applicant submitted photographic evidence and local representations to support his claim that the trees were healthy and mature, and that their felling resulted in significant loss of green cover in the locality.

Proceedings Before the Tribunal

During the hearing, counsel for the applicant referred to a complaint dated September 1, 2025, which had been submitted to the Deputy Conservator of Forests of the concerned district—who also functions as the designated Tree Officer under the 1994 Act. The complaint sought immediate action against the individuals allegedly responsible for the unauthorized felling of trees. Taking note of this, the Tribunal observed that the applicant had already approached the competent statutory authority, and that the legal framework under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994 specifically vests the responsibility of inquiry and enforcement with the Tree Officer.

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Tribunal’s Observations and Directions

The Bench emphasized that the Tree Officer is legally duty-bound to verify the correctness of the allegations raised in the complaint and to take appropriate action, including penal measures, if illegal felling is substantiated upon inspection or inquiry. “The Tree Officer is required to ascertain the correctness of the allegation made in the complaint and, if the allegation is found to be correct, he is required to take appropriate remedial and punitive action in accordance with the provisions of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994 against the persons responsible for the illegal felling of trees,” the order stated. The Tribunal further directed that the entire process be completed expeditiously, preferably within three months from the date of receipt of the order. With these directions, the Tribunal disposed of the original application.

Appearance

Appellant: Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Adv. for Applicant (Through VC)

Cause Title: Ravi Kant Sharma v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Ors.

Case No: Original Application No. 517/2025

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