Delhi govt issues SOP to curb tree-related offences; violations will not be tolerated: CM

The Delhi government has taken an initiative for the protection of environment by notifying a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address offences related to the trees.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has described the initiative as historic, aimed at safeguarding Delhi’s green cover by ensuring strict enforcement of tree protection laws.

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Sharing details of the SOP, Gupta said it has been notified by the Department of Forests and Wildlife under Section 33 of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994 to devise a robust, transparent and time-bound mechanism for the prevention, detection, and prosecution of illegal felling, damage and unauthorised activities involving trees.

She added that the implementation of this SOP will ensure effective and accountable action in every case of violation. A strong rapid response system has been developed under the SOP, enabling citizens to register complaints through a toll-free helpline, an online portal, and offline modes.

All such complaints will be transmitted in real time to the concerned field officers to ensure prompt action. The Quick Response Teams constituted at headquarters and division levels will reach the site within a stipulated time to prevent further damage and will collect evidence scientifically through geo-tagged photographs and videos.

According to Gupta, enforcement at the field-level has been further strengthened with the forest officials, including Beat Officers and Tree Officers empowered to issue prohibitory orders to prevent violations, seize equipment used in offences, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies.

A Forest Control Room at the headquarters level and Division Control Rooms at the divisional level have been established, which will function 24×7, and ensure round the clock monitoring.

The government has reactivated the Green Helpline number 1800118600, and in addition to that, Green Helpline portal (https://ghl.eforest.delhi.gov.in) is fully operational.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision on environmental protection, CM Gupta said that his approach of ‘development in harmony with nature’ serves as a guiding inspiration for the nation.

Gupta reiterated her government’s commitment to protecting the capital’s green assets and will ensure strict, transparent, and time-bound action against violators of tree protection laws.