Recently, I appeared pro bono and argued in matter relating to environmental issue of de-concretization of trees. The Petition has been filed by an Activist Mr. Aditya Prasad before the National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi. The Tribunal issued Notice on the first date of hearing.
On the very next date i.e. on 23.4.2013, the Hon’ble Tribunal directed all the public authorities, more particularly Municipal Corporation of Delhi, DDA, DTC, DMRC, NHAI and all Government respondents in the Petition including the Director General of CPWD, the Chief Engineer, PWD, to ensure :
- All the sign boards, names, advertisements, any kind of boards or signages, electric wires and high tension cables or otherwise are removed from the trees forthwith.
- They shall also ensure that the concrete surrounding the trees within one metre of the trees are removed forthwith.
- The Departments/authorities concerned shall take all and every prohibitive measures to prevent the defacing of the trees in any manner.
- All the respondents whose boards are fixed on the trees shall be prosecuted by the respective authorities under in accordance with the relevant law.
Various Newspapers have reported the aforesaid issue and Directions made by Green Tribunal in respect of preserving our most valuable living asset i.e. Trees.
