The patch in front of Rajesh Maggu's house
Two officers from the Noida Forest Department visited Jal Vayu Vihar in Sector 21, Noida, on October 4 to investigate an act of vandalism that occurred about a week back.
According to City Spidey report, one day, 79-year-old Rajesh Maggu found all the plants in the triangular patch of land in front of her house uprooted. She said she had planted these over five long years and that she cared for these like her children. She claimed this act of vandalism was the work of her neighbour, Saifali Mittal, who lived in the apartment next to hers.
Maggu further alleged that this act was carried out in collusion with the society RWA. She had also sent a complaint about Mittal to the horticulture department of Noida Authority.
The two officers sent by the forest department, Anil Sharma and Rajesh Tewatiya, said their initial investigation revealed roots beneath the soil, proving that plants had indeed existed in the area. They also understood that the plants had been recently uprooted. The officers said they also intended to talk to Mittal and the RWA members.
“The investigation is in progress, and we can share further details only after the entire process is over,” Tewatiya said.
When City Spidey asked what action the department was planning to take if indeed the accused were found guilty, the officers said that according to rules, if someone uprooted a plant, they had to plant two more and take care of them. A penalty of up to Rs 50,000 could also be imposed.
