New Delhi Grants Approval for Tree Transplantation in Four Projects

The Ridge Management Board (RMB) has given the green light to four development projects, which collectively entail the felling or transplantation of 106 trees.

Among the approved projects is the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's (DMRC) plan to divert traffic for the construction of the Neb Sarai metro station under phase IV. Temporary permission has been granted to divert traffic along two roads in the Southern Ridge area. Additionally, construction projects for the headquarters of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at Vasant Vihar, as well as the construction of two underground reservoirs and the replacement of old pipelines in New Rajinder Nagar, have received approval from the board.

However, the implementation of these projects is contingent upon approval from the Central Empowered Committee and the Supreme Court.

DMRC had previously expressed concerns regarding traffic congestion due to the inadequate capacity of internal roads diverted for construction activities. After being deferred in a meeting last September, DMRC's request to divert traffic was approved by the RMB in a meeting held on April 30.

The approved traffic diversion routes involve the temporary use of ridge reserved forest land and morphological ridge land. DMRC has committed to taking necessary measures to prevent encroachment on the ridge forest land and to restore it to its original condition after the completion of construction.

While the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has been granted permission for pipeline replacement in Naraina Vihar, no trees will be cut for this project. However, for the construction of underground reservoirs in Naraina and New Rajinder Nagar, DJB plans to fell 64 trees and transplant 22 trees for the latter.

Additionally, the construction of the NDRF headquarters in Vasant Vihar, covering an area falling under a morphological ridge, necessitates the felling of 20 trees.

Final approval for these projects will be subject to scrutiny by the Central Empowered Committee and the Supreme Court.

ET