The Punjab and Haryana High Court has recently disposed of a Public Interest Litigation seeking direction to the respondent-authorities to ensure that no paver/cemented concrete is laid down on the berms of the roads in SAS Nagar, Mohali . The PIL also requests concrete which lies on the roads should be removed for providing breathing space of two meters to each tree.
The PIL has been filed by NGO “Save My Trees” Foundation (India) through its Convener & Secretary.
Counsel who appeared for the respondent-Municipal Corporation, SAS Nagar, Mohali has filed a return and stated that on 18.02.2020, the authorities concerned have taken the following decision:-
“i) All the sign boards, names, advertisements, any kind of boards or signages, electric wires and high tension cables or otherwise be removed from the trees forthwith, to avoid any mishappening.
ii) Also ensure that the concrete surrounding the trees within one meter of the trees be removed forthwith and all the trees be looked after well and due precaution be taken in future so that no concrete or construction or repairing work is done at least within one meter radius of the trunk of trees.
iii) Take all and every prohibitive measures to prevent the defacing of trees in any manner whatsoever, only its trimming in accordance with law be done.
iv) Boards fixed on the trees shall be removed.”
Counsel for the Petitioner submitted that in view of the decision taken by the authorities, the grievance of the petitioner in respect of SAS Nagar, Mohali stands satisfied. He, however, submitted that the representation made by the petitioner to respondents may further be directed to be considered and decided by the authorities expeditiously.
Counsel appearing on behalf of respondents assured the High Court that the representation filed by the petitioner shall be considered and a decision thereon would be taken by them expeditiously in accordance with law and result thereof would be communicated to the petitioner.
In view of the statement made by counsel for respondents the Division Bench of Chief Justice Ravi Shanker Jha and Justice Arun Palli disposed of the Petition.