NGT Directs Action Over Illegal Tree Felling in Delhi’s Civil Lines Area

The National Green Tribunal 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 Tribunal observed that the statutory framework under the 1994 Act clearly vests the responsibility of inquiry and enforcement with the Tree Officer and directed that the exercise be completed expeditiously, preferably within three months.

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 counsel Mr. Sanjay Gupta. The matter was heard by the Principal Bench in New Delhi on October 13, 2025.

The applicant had approached the Tribunal alleging the 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, and also along the adjoining area outside the premises. It was alleged that certain private respondents were responsible for cutting down the trees without obtaining the mandatory permissions required under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994.

According to the pleadings, the act of tree felling was in violation of statutory obligations imposed by Section 8 of the Act, which prohibits any person from felling or causing to be felled any tree without the prior approval of the Tree Officer.

The applicant also relied upon photographic evidence and local representations to support his claim that the trees were mature and healthy and that their felling had resulted in the loss of local green cover.

During the course of the hearing, the counsel for the applicant drew the Tribunal’s attention to a complaint dated September 1, 2025, which had been submitted to the Deputy Conservator of Forests of the concerned district, who functions as the designated Tree Officer under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994. The complaint had sought immediate action against the individuals allegedly responsible for the unauthorised felling.

Taking note of this, the Tribunal observed that since the applicant had already approached the competent authority under the 1994 Act, the statutory mechanism must be allowed to function in accordance with law.

The bench emphasised that the Tree Officer is duty-bound to verify the correctness of the allegations raised in the complaint and to initiate appropriate proceedings, including penal measures, if the illegal felling is substantiated upon inspection or inquiry.

The order further clarified that the Tree Officer is expected to complete the process as early as possible and submit findings after due verification of the complaint. The Tribunal directed that this exercise be concluded preferably within a period of three months from the date of receipt of the order.

With these directions, the National Green Tribunal disposed of the original application. However, by reinforcing the duty of the Tree Officer to act swiftly and decisively, the order underscores the Tribunal’s continuing stance that environmental violations concerning tree felling and urban greenery cannot be overlooked merely as local disputes.

The Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, forms the core of Delhi’s urban environmental protection framework. It mandates prior permission for felling, pruning, or transplantation of trees and empowers Tree Officers to conduct inspections, issue notices, and prosecute offenders.

The Act was enacted to safeguard the capital’s green cover, which has come under increasing threat due to rapid urbanisation, construction projects, and unauthorised development activities.

The present order reiterates the importance of institutional accountability under the Act, ensuring that environmental grievances are resolved within the statutory framework. The Tribunal’s insistence on timely completion of the inquiry seeks to reinforce public confidence in the mechanisms meant to protect the city’s trees and promote environmental governance in the National Capital Territory.

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

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

Date of Order: October 13, 2025