Delhi: With L-G's approval, plan to chop 3,000 trees canceled
What's the story
Bringing huge relief to Delhiites, the Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has now officially cancelled the previous decision to cut down almost 3,000 trees to make way for seven central government colonies. Environment and forests minister Imran Hussain cited "violations" committed by NBCC, the state-run realty firm, as the reason behind the revocation. This move will save 2,276 trees from being chopped down.
Action
Environment Minister had "strongly recommended" the revocation to L-G
Lauding L-G's decision, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "A big step by Del govt to protect the lungs of Del. Delhi govt will embark upon massive tree plantation drive with active participation of people in coming weeks." Hussain added he had "strongly recommended" the revocation to the L-G, after a forest department inspection put the NBCC in dock for "serious violations".
Protests
Sarojini Nagar did a Chipko, Safdarjung citizens took out march
The government colonies were to come up in Sarojini Nagar, Netaji Nagar, Nauroji Nagar, Kasturba Nagar, Thyagraj Nagar, Srinivaspuri and Mohammadpur. Opposing the tree-cutting proposal, 1,500 people came out in unison in Sarojini Nagar last month, and did a modern-day Chipko Movement. This month, Safdarjung citizens took out a protest march. Even Delhi HC and NGT had opposed it and put the matter on hold.