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Delhi Unveils Emergency Tree Removal Guidelines to Balance Safety and Sustainability

The rules allow immediate action on dangerous trees in emergencies with mandatory reporting to ensure accountability.

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Overview

  • Guidelines permit tree removal or pruning without prior approval when trees pose immediate threats to life, property, or traffic.
  • Agencies and residents must report emergency removals within 24 hours to the Tree Officer, including photos, geo-coordinates, and justification via the DPTA e-Forest portal.
  • The Department of Forest & Wildlife framework clarifies situations requiring urgent intervention, such as trees blocking roads, damaging structures, or interfering with infrastructure.
  • Tree Officers gain authority to address hazardous trees proactively during routine inspections under the new procedures.
  • Misuse or false reporting of emergency removal triggers strict legal penalties under forest protection laws.