NGT Reviews Actions Taken in Plea Over Illegal Tree Felling and Park Damage

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Bench in New Delhi has reviewed compliance in a case concerning illegal tree cutting, damage to the boundary wall of a park, and environmental degradation caused by construction activities in violation of norms.

The case was initiated by applicant Birender Sangwan and came up before the Tribunal on September 15, 2025.

The matter stemmed from Original Application No. 439 of 2023, in which the applicant raised concerns about indiscriminate tree felling, destruction of a park's protective wall, and dust pollution due to unregulated construction.

On January 25, 2024, the Tribunal had disposed of the application after directing multiple government bodies, including the Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), to take specific corrective measures.

When compliance with these directions remained incomplete, the applicant revived the matter through Miscellaneous Application No. 129 of 2024.

The Tribunal then issued notices to respondents, requiring them to file compliance reports and demonstrate action taken.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Respondent No. 4, informed the Tribunal that it had deposited environmental compensation of Rs. 3,00,000 with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. The payment was made in three separate demand drafts of Rs. 1,00,000 each, dated May 2, 2024.

This deposit was in accordance with earlier orders holding DMRC accountable for its role in causing environmental damage.

The Public Works Department, Respondent No. 1, confirmed that it had paid costs of Rs. 10,000 to the Tribunal and deposited Rs. 1,00,000 as environmental compensation. However, the department mistakenly deposited this compensation amount with the Registrar of the Tribunal instead of the DPCC.

The Tribunal has now directed its Registrar General to ensure the transfer of the Rs. 1,00,000 to the DPCC so that the funds are properly utilized for environmental purposes.

The Delhi Development Authority, Respondent No. 10, had yet to comply with the Tribunal’s earlier order imposing a penalty of Rs. 10,000, dated April 7, 2025.

Counsel for the DDA undertook before the Bench that the penalty would be deposited within one month.

While the DDA did not file an additional written status report, its counsel stated that the demolished walls of the park had been reconstructed and that plantation and restoration activities in the park were ongoing.

The Tribunal also noted compliance regarding compensation to the applicant. As per the order dated January 25, 2024, the DPCC was required to pay Rs. 50,000 to the applicant as costs.

Counsel appearing for DPCC confirmed that this amount had already been transferred to the applicant.

The Bench, after reviewing these developments, concluded that most of the corrective measures ordered in January 2024 had either been implemented or were actively in progress. The payment of environmental compensation by DMRC, partial compliance by PWD, assurance by DDA, and disbursement of costs by DPCC indicated that the original directions of the Tribunal were substantially fulfilled.

Given this state of compliance, the Tribunal disposed of Miscellaneous Application No. 129 of 2024, observing that no further orders were required.

The decision marks the closure of compliance review in a case that spotlighted illegal tree cutting and the need for accountability in construction related environmental violations.

The Tribunal’s order also underscores the continuing importance of strict compliance mechanisms in such matters; By directing transfer of compensation funds to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and ensuring accountability from agencies like PWD, DMRC, and DDA, the Tribunal has reiterated that financial penalties and restorative actions are not merely symbolic but are designed to mitigate environmental harm.

Case Title: Birender Sangwan vs Ministry of Public Works Department & Ors.

Bench: Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member), Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member)

Date of Order: September 15, 2025