DU's Hansraj College slapped with Rs 90,000 fine for felling trees in premises

Delhi University's Hansraj College has been asked to pay a big fine for indiscriminate felling of trees in its premises.

Its Principal, Dr. Rama, has been ordered to deposit Rs 90,000 for felling three trees of Sheesham and Guler in July 2016. An order to this effect has been brought out by the 'Delhi Forest and Wildlife Department' on February 2, asking her to comply within 15 days.

College authorities said that this was for the purpose of setting up a very large porta cabin, which now accommodates roughly 12 staff rooms, department rooms and administrative offices. Incidentally now, this has a first floor also.

The order, signed by Deputy Conservator of Forests (North), Anamika, says: "After several hearings were held in the case in year 2016?an offence under the Delhi Tree Preservation Act (1994) as committed by Dr. Rama has been admitted by her that the said trees were cut and she is ready for compounding of the offence." 'Under Section 21 of the Act, she is hereby directed to deposit `90,000 through DD within 15 days of the receipt of this order. She shall ensure that no tree is cut by her in future without obtaining permission from Tree Officers as required under DTP Act.'

Dr. Rama told Mail Today, "We have not cut any trees and this case is still ongoing." The complainant, Sonya Ghosh, said, "These were very big and old trees of Sheeshum and Guler and should have been accommodated in the structures and not sacrificed."

Felling and pruning of trees anywhere in Delhi, without seeking explicit permission from the government, is illegal.

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Capital greens reduced to ashes, trees cut and sent to crematoriums