THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI

Deeply distressed and concerned by the destruction, disruption and disturbance caused by uprooting of trees due to the 'severe storm' yesterday, the Lt Governor, Shri V.K. Saxena has asked for thorough review and rectification of the causes so that such incidents are not repeated.

Even as experts blamed "concretization" around tree bases/roots and "unscientific approach" towards maintaining the green cover, the LG had, right on the first day in office directed officials to scientifically prune trees above 45 feet of height and and 10 feet above the surface. Research worldwide and empirical evidence all across showed that such pruning not only strengthens the trees and make them healthier but also prevents their natural drying up, he had underlined. The LG had also asked officials to ensure that the requirement of deconcretising of one square meter around the bases be ensured meticulously. 

Up till late yesterday night over seeing the removal of debris and clearing of roads along with Senior Officers concerned, the LG reiterated that exercise of pruning and clearing of base of trees should be undertaken immediately and completed at the earliest.

The LG laid emphasis on pruning of all weak, diseased and unevenly grown trees immediately. During his inspection on Thursday, Shri Saxena ordered trimming of the weak branches, mostly hanging over the roads, that posed a serious threat to the commuters. Shri Saxena has also instructed civic bodies to identify the trees whose roots have weakened due to concretization of pavements and take necessary steps to improve the health of such trees. 

He also requested  officials of NDMC, MCD, PWD, DJB, Environment & Forest Deptt. and Traffic Police etc to ensure result oriented seamless inter department/agency coordination that went beyond writing letters and reminders.