With the new rules framed by the Hon’ble Delhi High Court & NGT, it has become quite cumbersome to get the pruning done. Earlier, tree branches up to a diameter of 15 cm could be pruned by horticulture department of MCD or PWD.
Now, after the new rules, permission has to be obtained from forest department even for light pruning. Any violations attract heavy fines.
Keeping the requirement of sun shine during winter for senior citizens & for healthy growth of trees, SBWS submitted a list of around 63 trees to the DD, horticulture, MCD on 3 Oct 23. After some follow up, we were informed that permission has been accorded for the same.
Pruning exercise, which is entrusted to contractors by MCD, started in our block on 24th Nov.23.
The message was flashed in various groups of residents, informing them about the pruning with an advisory to remove the cars from those lanes where pruning was planned. List of trees with locations was also shared. On an average 4-5 trees are pruned in a day. The big challenges before the RWAs are:
1. Removal of cars.
2. Control & diversion of traffic.
3. Getting a shut off from BSES for those locations, where the tree branches are entangled in O.H. wires.
Many residents, in spite of knowing the schedule, started posting the list of trees in front of their houses. “Sifarish” also started pouring in, asking for priority treatment to a select few.
Some residents & outsiders started clicking pictures of the pruning. Some protested that why it is being done!!!
However, majority of the residents supported the move & appreciated the efforts of SBWS.
Next challenge was to get the cuttings removed from the streets. Combined with the efforts of MCD & SBWS park staff, debris were removed as soon as possible.
S Block has around 540 trees (Mostly numbered), some of which have outgrown.
It has been proved scientifically that annual pruning, just like a haircut is good for the health of trees. Still some people protest & raise a hue & cry. The exercise is still on till the time of going to the press.
