Noida: Residents of Century Apartment in Sector 100 have claimed that several mature neem trees have been cut down without permission — some as recently as Wednesday — to clear the view for an advertising unipole on the 75-metre road in front of the housing complex.Pawan Yadav, a resident of the sector, said around seven trees, aged 10-12 years, were felled in the past two years and some were damaged while they were being trimmed. He said the locals, who had been nurturing the trees for years, demanded an investigation into the matter, especially since laws regulate the cutting of trees in the state.Under Uttar Pradesh Protection of Trees Act, 1976, felling or removing regulated timber or fruit trees in the state, including in regions like Noida, requires prior written permission from the competent forest authority. Unauthorised tree felling can lead to imprisonment of up to six months, fines of up to Rs 1,000 (or higher penalties/compensatory actions ordered under specific judicial or zonal rules like the Taj Trapezium Zone), alongside the seizure of timber and equipment.Yet, Yadav said, trees had been cut in Sector 100 in an apparent violation of the law.
Pawan Yadav, a local, said some trees got completely damaged while they were being trimmed
“The destruction of these trees that took years to grow represents a grave act of environmental negligence,” Yadav, who is also the treasurer of Federation of Noida Residents Welfare Associations, said. He demanded the identification of those responsible for this damage and legal action against the guilty parties.He added that the tree felling showed an apparent contradiction in govt policies. “While on one hand, Noida Authority is promoting planting of trees, on the other, mature trees are being cut down for commercial purposes,” he said.Meanwhile, director of Noida Authority’s horticulture department Anand Mohan Singh said they have taken note of the matter and an investigation into it would start soon. He confirmed that no permission was sought from the department to cut down the trees.When contacted, district forest officer Rajnikant Mittal told TOI that they have been informed of the issue and action will be taken against those found guilty. “A case has been filed by the forest department and due action will be taken as per the rules under the tree protection Act,” he said.Apart from an investigation into the cutting of trees, Yadav also asked authorities to look into the authorisation process for the advertisement pole.If any irregularities or violations of regulations are found, he insists that the board should be removed without delay. “Environmental conservation is not just about planting new trees; it’s equally crucial to protect the trees that have stood for years,” said Yadav.Earlier in June, a similar incident was reported when about 60 trees were cut in Sector 105, for which an FIR was registered. However, questions persisted regarding subsequent action. The recent incident in Sector 100 has once again raised the question whether the response to the illegal felling of trees will be limited to an investigation and the filing of an FIR.
