Don't cut trees till July 19, says NGT
New Delhi, July 2 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday stayed the felling of trees in Delhi till July 19. A bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim also issued notices and sough details from the NBCC, which is redeveloping infrastructure in south Delhi, the Rural Development Ministry, Delhi Jal Board and the Environment Ministry.
"Keeping the high court's order in mind, (maintain) status quo on the felling of trees," the green court said.
On June 25, the Delhi High Court barred NBCC, a central government construction company, from cutting trees till July 4.
Observing that "felling of trees severely impacts and destroys environment", the NGT said "NBCC should give us clear cut answer about felling of trees and the details of the project" and sought details till July 19, the next date of hearing.
The order came on a petition filed by Delhi-based organisation Green Circle. It is estimated that 16,500 trees will be axed for the project, of which over 2,000 have already been felled.
NBCC has objected to the figure of 16,500 trees in the NGT, saying that "the numbers are myths, not right".
According to NBCC, approximately 13,000 trees will have to be axed in Delhi's southern region -- also one of the greenest areas -- in the plan to redevelop three residential colonies to construct 25,000 new flats and a parking space for about 70,000 vehicles.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
