What are the laws preventing tree felling in Delhi?

Sub: Environment

Sec: Env legislation and org

Context:

On June 26, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to enhance the national capital’s green cover amidst an extreme heat wave.

Extent of Green Cover:

According to the ‘India State of Forest Report 2021’ (ISFR), Delhi has the largest forest cover among seven major megacities, with 195 sq. km, followed by Mumbai (110.77 sq. km) and Bengaluru (89.02 sq. km).
Delhi’s forest cover constitutes 13.15% of its geographical area, while its tree cover spans 147 sq. km (9.91%).
Despite extensive urban development, Delhi’s overall green cover has increased from 151 sq. km (10.2%) in 2001 to 342 sq. km (23.6%) in 2021.

Protection of Trees:

The Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994 provides legal protection to trees against actions that could harm their growth or regeneration.
Section 2 (h) of the Act defines “to fell a tree” to include severing the trunk, uprooting, cutting, burning, or any other damaging method.
Section 8 mandates no tree or forest produce can be removed without prior permission from the ‘Tree Officer’, even on the privately owned property.
Violating the Act may result in imprisonment for up to one year, a fine up to ₹1,000, or both.
The Act establishes a ‘Tree Authority’ for tree censuses, managing nurseries, and reviewing construction proposals.
Delhi’s Tree Transplantation Policy, 2020 mandates 80% of identified trees for felling must be transplanted. An affidavit revealed only 33.33% survival rate of transplanted trees.

Significance of Urban Forests:

Urban forests act as carbon sinks, essential for cities with unhealthy air quality indices like Delhi.
Trees reduce the urban heat island effect by lowering temperatures through shading and evapotranspiration.

Source: TH