In a significant move to strengthen environmental governance, the Government of the National Capital Territory (GNCT) of Delhi has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on May 17, 2025, for tree felling and transplantation under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994. This SOP aims to align urban development with ecological responsibility and enforces stricter scrutiny and accountability for tree removal in Delhi.
🏛️ Legal Framework & Intent
- The SOP is notified under Section 33 of the DPTA, 1994.
- Emphasizes that tree felling is an exception, not a norm.
- Reinforces public trust doctrine, linking it with Articles 21, 48A, and 51A(g) of the Constitution.
🌳 Key Definitions
- Tree: Any woody plant with branches supported on a trunk.
- Felling: Includes uprooting, cutting, burning, or damaging in any form.
📌 Key Provisions
1. Permission Process
- No tree to be felled without permission from a Tree Officer
- Emergency felling allowed only if life or property is at risk—with reporting within 24 hours.
- Permission for felling more than twice a year per hectare not allowed
2. Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Ownership proof & site details.
- Detailed enumeration with geo-tagged photos.
- Tree preservation plan.
- Compensatory plantation/transplantation site info.
3. Compensatory Plantation
- One tree felled = multiple saplings planted (exact number prescribed by govt).
- For ≤25 trees, applicant may plant directly or fund Forest Department.
- For >25 trees, applicant must provide land, bear plantation and 7-year maintenance cost.
4. Transplantation Rules
- Must follow Tree Transplantation Policy, 2020.
- Geo-tagging and progress monitoring via Forest Department portal mandatory.
🔎 Decision Process by Tree Officer
- Must visit site and assess alternatives (e.g., pruning).
- Trees to be marked: Yellow for transplant, Red for felling.
- Final decision issued as a “Speaking Order”, valid for 2 years.
🔍 Special Provisions for 50+ Trees
- Central Empowered Committee (CEC) approval is mandatory.
- Tree Officer forwards application to CEC, which can accept, reject or modify.
- Tree cutting cannot begin until compensatory plantation is confirmed.
- Illicit felling of 50+ trees must be reported to the CEC within 24 hours.
⚖️ Supreme Court Oversight
- The SOP is in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment dated December 19, 2024 in M.C. Mehta vs Union of India.
- All applications post-December 2024 must adhere to these SOPs, including pending ones.
The Following Annexures have been Introduced :
Annexure-1 Model indicative Permission Order under DPTA, 1994 for felling / transplantation of trees
Annexure-2 MODEL INDICATIVE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR TRANSPLANTATION/FELLING
This new SOP represents a decisive step by the Delhi government toward balancing urban expansion with environmental sustainability. It mandates accountability, transparency, and ecological restitution for every tree felled or transplanted—preserving Delhi’s green cover for future generations.
