Delhi Forest Department Grants Permission for Tree Transplantation at IGI Airport
The Delhi forest department has officially sanctioned the transplantation of 32 trees to facilitate the expansion of apron facilities at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. This decision, made under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, strictly prohibits any tree-felling in the area, ensuring environmental conservation while supporting infrastructure development.
Approval Details and Compensatory Measures
The permission was granted on January 22 for the expansion of the airport's Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) area within the apron. Initially, the applicant had requested permission to either cut or transplant 34 trees. However, the forest department carefully reviewed the proposal and allowed only the transplantation of 32 trees, explicitly banning any tree-felling activities.
In line with environmental safeguards, the department has mandated compensatory plantation of 320 saplings. An official order stated, "The compensatory plantation site proposed was inspected by the concerned field staff and was found suitable and sufficient to plant 320 tree saplings." The saplings will be maintained for a period of seven years to ensure their healthy growth and survival.
Technological Monitoring and Financial Commitment
To enhance transparency and accountability, each tree planted or transplanted will be geo-tagged. Detailed information about the plantation activities will be uploaded to the forest department's portal. The order further specifies, "Yearly progress of plantation (geo-referenced photographs with date) will be uploaded against the concerned tree-felling permission by the agency carrying out the plantation."
Financially, the applicant has deposited Rs 18.24 lakh to cover the costs associated with the transplantation and ongoing maintenance. This investment underscores the commitment to balancing urban expansion with ecological responsibility, setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects in the region.
