Supreme Court committee nod to remove 25 trees for NDRF headquarters in Delhi’s Ridge-like area

Among the remaining trees, it added, 15 will be transplanted within the construction site, and 10 will be felled.

The land where compensatory plantation needs to take place has been identified at Ghumanhera village.

“Considering the national importance of the project…”, it may be recommended for approval, the commitee underlined.

“The project site has a periphery of approximately 400 meters. A green belt shall be developed along the entire periphery with a double-row plantation of about 250 indigenous tree species…Additionally, another 50 indigenous trees shall be planted along the internal roads proposed to be constructed,” read one of the conditions set up by the Committee.

Other conditions include depositing the mandated Ridge Management Board fund, which is 5% of the project cost, proportionate to the area falling within Ridge, permissions need to be obtained before felling or transplantation of trees as per the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994. This also needs to be carried out under supervision of the Delhi Forest Department.

Compensatory plantation of 10 saplings of indigenous species on non-forest land which are 10-12 feet tall also need to be undertaken for each tree felled, transplanted or pruned.