Transplant of 32 trees for airport work gets go-ahead

New Delhi: Delhi forest department has granted permission for the transplantation of 32 trees for the expansion of the apron facilities at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, while prohibiting any tree-felling, according to an official order.The permission was granted on Jan 22 under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, for expansion of the airport's apron Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) area.
Though the applicant initially sought permission to cut or transplant 34 trees, the forest department allowed the transplantation of 32 trees, prohibiting any tree-felling in the area. It also directed compensatory plantation of 320 saplings. "The compensatory plantation site proposed was inspected by the concerned field staff and was found suitable and sufficient to plant 320 tree saplings," said the order, adding that saplings will be maintained for seven years. "Each tree planted or transplanted will be geo-tagged, and the details of the plantation carried out will be uploaded on the portal of the forest department. 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," said the order. It added that the applicant deposited Rs 18.24 lakh for carrying out the transplantation and maintenance.