Mangolpuri tree felling: NGT holds Delhi Police accountable, orders compensatory plantation
National Green Tribunal
(NGT) has directed Delhi Police to carry out and maintain compensatory plantation for the illegal felling of a peepal tree and unauthorised pruning of two neem trees in the Mangolpuri area.
Police have also been instructed to ensure the survival of the saplings for at least five years.
The order follows a complaint filed by a local resident, alleging tree damage during renovation work at the Mangolpuri police station complex, carried out through a private contractor.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava had earlier, in March 2024, directed Delhi Forest Department to inspect the site.
In its affidavit filed in March 2025, the department confirmed violations under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994.
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"During inspection, it was observed that the offence of illegal pruning and felling had been committed without the required permission of the tree officer under the DPTA," the department stated, adding that a fine of Rs 1 lakh had been imposed and paid by the contractor involved.
In its reply, Delhi Police asserted that the old police station complex in Mangolpuri was undergoing certain changes and thus remained vacant under the care of the caretaker.
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. The reply further stated that the work order for changes and repair of the broken tin shed on the premises was given to a contractor, and the labourers of the contractor pruned the trees obstructing the repair work of the tin shed without obtaining any permission.
The reply also reveals that the police issued an explanation notice to the caretaker, who failed to prevent unauthorised pruning of branches of the trees.
The tribunal noted that 25 saplings of peepal and pilkhan trees have since been planted as part of compensatory afforestation. In its order dated Aug 14, the NGT stated: "We are of the opinion that the requisite action under the DPTA has been taken, and the compensatory plantation has been carried out. Police officials are directed to ensure the survival of the planted saplings for a period of five years."
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