Environment expert SK Malik of Dwarka's Youngsters Apartments at sector 6 has listed out his finding, analysis about the policy
With the rapid urbanization in the national capital, we are losing the green cover from many places. Not only it's the duty of our government but also the community to strike a balance between environment and development. I feel, no development should be there at the cost of our trees.
In Delhi, we have a detailed The Delhi Preservation Of Trees Act, which was implemented in 1994 but how many of us are aware of it? Probably, very few of us. No doubt the policy is comprehensive but I would like to give some suggestions for it based on my readings, findings and analysis which would help the system.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. EXISTING TREE DEFINITION
"Tree" means any woody plant whose branches spring from and are supported upon a trunk or body is not less than five centimetres in diameter at a height of thirty centimetres from the ground level and is not less than one meter in height from the ground level.
My Proposal
"tree" means any woody plant whose branches spring from and are supported upon a trunk or body is not less than Twelve and a half centimetres (5 Inches) in diameter at a height of thirty centimetres from the ground level and is not less than one & a half meter in height from the ground level.
2. EXISTING TREE TRIMMING GUIDELINES
Regular pruning/ general tending, branches of girth size less than 20 cms allowed no permission required. Light/heavy pruning branches more than 20 cms of girth not allowed without permission.
My Proposal
Regular pruning/ general tending, branches of Diameter less than 10 cms (Four inches) allowed no permission required. Light/heavy pruning branches Diameter more than 10 cms, not allowed without permission.
3. TRENCHES ON ROAD FOR CABLES & PIPES
When permission is given for laying Electric, Communication cables and pipes for water, gas, crude, fibre optics etc. Minimum distance from tree trunk shall be maintained. Drilling more than 30 cms. Manual digging more than 60 cms. Earth moving vehicles like JBC more than 90 cms
4. DELHI HIGH COURT ORDER OF 2009 DIRECTING BREATHING SPACE FOR TREES
Above order of the court to keep six feet by six feet, the concrete free area shall be incorporated.
5. CERTIFICATE ON BILL
Site engineer of agencies responsible for construction & repair of roads and footpath shall certify on contractor bill for payment that “No violation has been observed during project execution regarding Delhi Tree Act”.
6. ALL LAND OWNING AGENCIES SHALL NUMBER ALL TREES AND MAINTAIN STOCK REGISTER
No of trees, tree number's, type of trees on each road (left, centre, right) stating from & ending on a specific point.
7. REMOVAL OF DEAD or DISEASED TREES
Land cum tree owner shall inform in writing to Tree Officer of any tree is dead or infected by pest and cannot be cured within one month of observation. After taking permission dug the tree including root and burn or bury the infected portion within one month so that pest shall not spread to other trees in the vicinity. Pest is spreading in Dwarka due to this reason.
8. NEW PLANTATION MAY BE PREFERRED AS COMPARED TO TRANSPLANT IN LAND ACQUISITION CASES
Tree weighing less than 500 Kgs after trimming shall be only transplanted. For new plantation minimum, 16 square meters of land shall be mandatory.
9. TREE OWNER SHALL REMOVE METAL OR CEMENT GUARDS ON GROWTH OF TREE
10. TREE OWNER SHALL PROTECT TREES FROM PHYSICAL HARM, FIRE & PESTS
11. FOLLOWING SHALL BE TREATED AS OFFENCE
(Killing of Tree)Removing bark
Iron or Copper Nailing
Putting Strong Acids or Alkalies in Roots
Putting Huge Quantity of Urea in Roots, Burning Fire Beneath.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are his own and CitySpidey does not endorse them in anyway.
