SC calls cutting of trees in protected ridge by DDA a ‘brazen act’

The Supreme Court on Wednesday found the inability of the Delhi Development Authority, an autonomous body under the Central government, to unearth information or official records to shed light on whether Lieutenant Governor of Delhi V.K. The court directed the DDA to immediately ascertain the whereabouts of the felled trees and its parts and communicate the information to the Tree Officer concerned under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994. The Bench found it even more “shocking” that the Delhi government chose to “usurp” the powers of the Tree Officer to permit the DDA to cut the trees. The court further issued notice to the Tree Authority while directing the Tree Officer concerned to file an affidavit, also by July 11, explaining lack of action against the “gross violation” of the DDA. “The Tree Officer has to immediately initiate action by seizing the felled trees and parts… The DDA has to render full cooperation to the Tree Officer for the seizure and forfeiture,” the court directed.