Today (March 13): The Delhi High Court has directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to assume responsibility for tree maintenance in the capital city.
New Delhi: Today (March 13), the Delhi High Court directed the Public Works Department (PWD) for its apparent inability to maintain trees along the city’s roadsides. Justice Jasmeet Singh, presiding over the case, emphasized that the department cannot claim helplessness regarding tree upkeep.
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The issue arose during a hearing concerning the plantation of trees in Delhi, financed through the “Green Delhi Account.” The court demanded detailed information regarding the nearly four lakh trees reportedly planted by the PWD.
Last year, the court mandated the authorities to plant a minimum of 10,000 trees across the city using funds exceeding Rs 70 lakh, accumulated from defaulting litigants in various cases.
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An amicus curiae assisting the court revealed that despite earlier claims of land scarcity hindering afforestation efforts, news sources indicate that the PWD has successfully planted 3.9 lakh trees. However, the neglect of 400 trees along the Ring Road resulted in their demise, highlighting a severe lack of institutional commitment.
“The judge reminded the government lawyer of the municipal authority’s responsibility, stating that expressing helplessness is not acceptable,” remarked the judge.
Regarding the plantation of new trees at the site, the court instructed the government lawyer to document the specifics of the 3.9 lakh trees planted by the PWD.
“Before the next hearing on March 19, the court directed the PWD to provide evidence of the reported 3.9 lakh trees planted,” the judge added, scheduling the matter accordingly.
Justice Singh, seeking accountability, challenged the PWD’s explanations. The government’s legal representative cited challenges such as vehicle-induced damage, yet the judge reminded them of their municipal responsibilities, dismissing any expression of helplessness.
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Assurances were made regarding the replacement of the perished trees, with the court demanding comprehensive documentation of the PWD’s tree planting endeavors.
