SUCCESSFUL REMOVAL OF A DANGEROUS TREE

          An interesting case came to light when this Authority received a letter reference no. DSLSA/ADR Wing/NLA/Misc.appl./2019/8020 dated 04.09.2019 from Delhi State Legal Services Authority, forwarding a request of one Sh. K. Rajagopalan Nair, R/o. H.No. 380-B, Pocket-2, Mayur Vihar, Phase-1, Delhi-110091 (Mob. No. 9868453719) for removal of a dangerous tree in front of his house by putting the matter for settlement before Lok Adalat scheduled on 14.09.2019. On receipt of the letter, Ld. Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Shahdara promptly issued notice to both the applicant as well as respondent i.e. Deputy Director, Horticulture, EDMC to appear on 12.09.2019 for pre-litigation Lok Adalat sitting.

Both the parties duly appeared before this Authority on the date so fixed. The applicant who was visibly distressed, produced a copy of one order dated 07.02.2019 passed by Deputy Conservator of Forest, North Forest Division directing Respondent to remove the said dangerous tree in front of the house of applicant. However, it was submitted on behalf of the applicant that despite passing of more than 6 months nothing has been done by the respondent and the tree in question is in a very bad shape and poses serious risk to residents and passers-by. Applicant further stated that he is more than 75 years old and trying hard for last more than an year for removal of the tree in question but to no avail.

Keeping in view, the gravity of circumstances and apathy of Department concerned, Ld. Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Shahdara, directed the respondent to comply with the order dated 07.02.2019 at earliest. The Assistant Director Horticulture, EDMC who was present at pre-litigation Lok Adalat sitting undertook to comply the orders within a day and duly removed the tree as per prescribed conditions. The applicant duly recorded his statement before National Lok Adalat on 14.09.2019 towards satisfaction of the complaint and got the matter successfully disposed off. He further thanked the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Shahdara for prompt and effective intervention in his matter.