The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Delhi government over allegations that underground metro-related construction in Karol Bagh is damaging mature trees and green space.
A bench led by Justice Jasmeet Singh issued notices to the authorities while hearing a petition filed by advocate Arpit Bhargava. During the hearing, the court observed that officials could not “turn a blind eye” to the alleged damage and said that things should be removed only as necessary.
The petition concerns construction activity on DDA land behind the petitioner’s house near Deshbandhu Gupta Road in Karol Bagh. According to the petition, the site contains a large number of old and fully grown trees, and construction connected with underground metro work is adversely affecting the trees and the surrounding green area.
The petitioner has alleged that iron and steel rods and other construction materials are being cut and prepared at the site using machines. The petition says the resulting smoke, dust and other pollutants are settling on the leaves of nearby old trees and on the ground, causing damage to the vegetation.
The petition also alleges that several trees were harmed during the creation of a boundary for the underground construction work. It specifically refers to old and large peepal trees and claims that complaints about alleged illegal tree cutting and damage were submitted to the concerned authorities but did not result in action.
The court has been asked to direct the authorities to stop activities that are damaging trees during construction and to take necessary action. The petition further claims that the continuing work is adversely affecting the green area behind the residences and may constitute a violation of provisions of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act.
The court’s notice places the responsibility for responding on the DDA, DMRC and Delhi government. The authorities will be required to address the allegations and explain the position regarding the construction activity, the affected trees and the complaints cited in the petition.
The matter is scheduled to be heard next on 6 October. The supplied report does not state whether the court has ordered an immediate halt to the work or issued any interim direction beyond seeking responses from the authorities.