Delhi High Court Directs Protection of Trees Near Historic Monuments

The Delhi High Court mandated authorities to prevent tree cutting on land adjacent to Mazar-e-Ghalib and Chaunsath Khamba monuments. The directive came after an NGO's plea highlighted the illegal removal of century-old trees for unauthorized construction. Authorities must ensure due process is followed, with status reports due in two weeks.

On Thursday, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to ensure that no trees are cut without due process on land adjoining the protected monuments of Mazar-e-Ghalib and Chaunsath Khamba.

The court was responding to a petition by Hazrat Nizamuddin Welfare Association, an NGO, that highlighted the illegal cutting of 100-year-old trees near the entrance of Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.

Justice Sanjeev Narula issued a notice to relevant authorities, including the deputy conservator of forests (South), the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and the CEO of the Delhi Waqf Board, asking them to file status reports within two weeks.

(With inputs from agencies.)