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Journalism of Courage
Delhi government has so far given permission to the Delhi Metro to fell 29,360 trees for execution of its various projects in the capital. Delhi Metro Railways Corporation has sought felling of another 7,508 trees for its projects coming up in Phase II, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit told the Assembly today. She was replying to a question raised by BJP member Puran Chand Yogi. The chief minister said that the Metro has been planting ten trees for each felled tree as per government norms to restore the city’s green cover. To another query, she said efforts will be taken to ensure that minimum number of trees are grounded to roots while executing the project connecting New Delhi railway station to airport.
The metro line will pass through the ridge area near Sardar Patel Marg in New Delhi area. Quoting the figures available from the Forest Department regarding illegal felling of trees, Dikshit said in the eleven months of fiscal year 2007-08, at least 99 cases have been registered against the offenders while 17 cases have been compounded.
“We have collected Rs 3,72,300 as a fine from the offenders for illegal felling and not planting trees during the same period,” she said. In the previous year, the government had garnered Rs 1,50,383 as fine and registered 95 cases against the offenders.
