Delhi HC investigates officials over damage to century-old trees

On Thursday, the Delhi High Court requested responses from three city government officials concerning a petition that seeks contempt charges against them. The officials are accused of damaging “heritage” trees, some over a century old, to widen a road, in violation of court orders.
The petitioner claimed that these officials breached judicial mandates that require government departments to ensure minimal environmental harm during projects. Moreover, tree officers must provide justifications when granting permission for tree felling.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Justice Jasmeet Singh stated that the cutting down of such historic trees without due diligence is a “shocking state of affairs.” Notices were issued to the public works department (PWD) and forest department officials regarding the contempt plea. They were also instructed to maintain the current situation until further notice. The case is scheduled for a hearing on January 15.
Rohit Bhatnagar, the petitioner, represented by advocate Aditya N Prasad, mentioned that numerous trees along Lok Marg/Om Mandir Marg were stripped down to their main trunks earlier this month. About 15 of these were slated for removal, following an order from the forest department to accommodate road expansion.
Bhatnagar’s plea emphasised the historical significance of these trees, terming them “Heritage Trees”. They were planted during colonial times, stretching from Kingsway Camp to the Coronation Pillar. This area hosted the Delhi Durbar in 1877 and King George V’s coronation in 1903. “Although Delhi lacks a formal policy on ‘Heritage Trees’, the importance of preserving such trees is undeniable,” argued the petition.
Furthermore, the petition criticised the order for tree felling as lacking transparency and details. It did not specify the reasons for the felling nor did it explore alternatives to save the trees, which contradicts previous court orders.