The Delhi High Court today asked the city government what action it has taken after permitting PWD to remove 51 trees from Subroto Park to Rao Tula Ram (RTR) flyover to widen the road for easing vehicular congestion on that stretch of the outer ring road.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath told the Delhi government what was the use of passing orders allowing removal of trees when the same were not being implemented.
The court also expressed its displeasure over delay in completion of the project and directed the city government to file an affidavit in a week stating what steps it has taken for removal of the trees and completion of the road widening project.
The bench said the latest affidavit of the government only says that it gave permission for removal of the trees, but does not state what action has been taken thereafter.
It listed the matter on July 8 for further hearing.
Delhi government, represented by advocate Raman Duggal, said there was delay in removal of trees as the Public Works Department (PWD) had not yet identified the sites where re-plantation of some of the removed trees and compensatory afforestation has to be carried out.
It has said in its latest affidavit that of the 51 trees, 40 are to be felled and 11 have to be replanted.
According to the affidavit, permission for felling and removal of the trees was granted on May 21.
Duggal said there was a 90 day period for carrying out the exercise of removing the trees.
The court was hearing a hearing a PIL seeking direction to the PWD to complete the road widening work immediately.
Petitioner Vishal Raj Sehijpal told the court that while the poles and bus stops, which were hindering the road widening, have been removed, the debris are still lying there.
He also said that the road has been made in-between the trees.
