New Delhi: In a move that has sparked both administrative momentum and environmental concern, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has invoked Section 29 of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994, to provide a special area exemption for the upcoming General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) project in Kasturba Nagar Phase-II. The exemption allows the tree officer to assess a total of 8.9 hectares of land, significantly above the usual one-hectare threshold, where 856 trees are potentially affected.
The gazette notification, issued on June 13 and made public on Sunday, states that the decision has been taken “in public interest”, enabling the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to formally apply for permission to either fell or transplant trees – though this exemption does not grant any direct approval for such actions.
“This notification… shall not be considered as permission for transplantation/felling of trees,” it clearly notes.
Under normal provisions of Section 9(3) of the DPTA, tree officers can only review applications concerning land areas of up to one hectare. The latest exemption, granted under Section 29, expands that limit in order to fast-track critical infrastructure development.
Tree Officer Now Empowered to Review Larger Application
With the exemption in place, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (South Division), designated as the tree officer for this case, will now scrutinize the CPWD’s application under standard protocols. The officer is required to apply due diligence, minimize tree loss, and ensure compliance with Delhi Preservation of Trees Rules, 1996, and any applicable court orders.
Part of a Broader Redevelopment Plan
The Kasturba Nagar GPRA redevelopment falls under the Centre’s broader plan to revamp seven GPRA colonies in South Delhi. CPWD is managing four of these projects – two of which, Mohammadpur and Thyagraj Nagar, are already complete. Kasturba Nagar and Srinivaspuri are currently under construction.
- Phase 2 of Kasturba Nagar will include:
- 3,500+ housing units
- An anganwadi, coaching centre, banquet hall
- Podium parking and 25 residential towers
- Convenience shops
Pattern of Large-Scale Exemptions in June
This is the fourth such exemption issued by LG Saxena in recent weeks. Others include–
- 115.88 hectares at New Delhi Railway Station redevelopment (887 trees)
- 5.037 hectares at the Common Central Secretariat (476 trees)
- 2.16 hectares at Nand Nagri–Gagan Cinema flyover site (27 trees)
Opposition Reacts: “Environmental Disaster”
The decision has drawn criticism from environmentalists and opposition leaders. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav labeled it an “environmental disaster”, warning:
“The soul of Delhi resides in its slums, and its breath comes from its trees. If both are destroyed, Delhi will face an existential crisis.”
Despite the pushback, officials maintain that due process will be followed and no tree will be felled without a thorough review.
