New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has disposed of an original application raising concerns over the concretisation of tree trunks in Dehradun and directed the applicant to file a fresh representation, along with supporting photographs, to the divisional forest officer (DFO) and urban local body concerned.
A bench of Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel was hearing the matter urging deconcretisation of tree trunks in Uttarakhand.
The green body was hearing a plea regarding the widespread concretisation around trees using impermeable materials, such as non-pervious tiles, in violation of established tree-protection norms. The applicant had submitted photographic evidence with geo-coordinates to support the claims.
The applicant’s counsel highlighted that applications raising the same grievance were filed earlier, but were withdrawn on May 8, 2025, as the applicant was directed to approach the authority concerned to raise the grievance and seek action. The applicant made a representation to several authorities on May 28, 2025, but no action was taken.
The tribunal took note of the matter and reiterated its earlier directions in the case of Aditya N Prasad Vs Union of India that had mandated removal of concrete within at least a one-metre radius of tree trunks to ensure their survival and healthy growth. It supported its stance by citing two more judgments of the principal bench of the NGT, directing authorities to act in accordance with the earlier orders.
The tribunal allowed the applicant to submit a fresh representation, along with supporting photographs, to the DFO and the head of the urban local body concerned.
Upon the receipt of such representation, the authorities have been directed to take appropriate action after ascertaining the status of concretisation of the trees reflected in the photographs within four weeks. They have been directed to document this in the action-taken report that will be submitted to the registrar general.
The tribunal emphasised that a failure to comply with these directions may lead to further consideration of the matter. PTI MDB RC
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