Crime Today News
The Supreme Court issued contempt notice to the vice-chairman of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for the felling of more than 1,000 trees for the construction of an approach road between Chattarpur Road and SAARC University near Maidan Garhi.
A bench comprising Justice B R Gavai and Justice Sandeep Mehta noted that the DDA proceeded to fell trees for constructing the road despite there being an order from the court for not doing so.
While scheduling the matter for further hearing on May 8, the bench said that prima facie, they find that the action of DDA of felling the trees for constructing the road is in contempt of order passed by this court dated February 8 and March 4, 2024. Subsequently, it issued notice to the vice-chairman of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) calling upon to show cause why an action for committing contempt of order of this court be not taken against him.
The order followed after advocate K Parameshwar, appearing as amicus curiae, informed the court that despite an order of the Supreme Court prohibiting tree felling, the DDA has gone ahead with the chopping of the trees.
The Supreme Court on March 4 had denied permission to DDA to fell 1,051 trees saying that their application is very vague. The court had said DDA being instrumentality of the state, it is its duty to first make an attempt to protect the environment by praying for felling of only those trees which are absolutely mandatory.
The court remarked that the DDA must apply their mind whether alternatives can be examined to save the trees. It added that they want to construct the road through a forest but there is no permission obtained under the Forest Act.
The top court also ordered the DDA to re-examine the proposal by employing the experts in the field. The court said that the exercise to be undertaken by the DDA is necessary for ensuring that while public work is carried out, a minimum number of trees are required to be felled.
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