NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has given his consent to a proposal for constructing a new maintenance shed for Vande Bharat trains. In order to clear the construction site, the Railways submitted a proposal to remove and relocate 78 trees, which has been approved by Kejriwal. However, he has stipulated that the Railways must plant 780 new saplings as a condition for the approval.
Kejriwal emphasized the urgent need for modern infrastructure in the Railways and highlighted that this approval will enhance the nation's facilities. Furthermore, he assured that the development will not adversely impact Delhi, and in order to compensate for any trees affected, a tenfold compensatory plantation will be mandated.
The proposal has been approved by the Chief Minister and will be presented to the Lieutenant Governor (LG). Kejriwal is bound by the aid and advice of the government on this matter.
The Delhi Government has clarified that the transplantation of trees will be carried out around the designated project site. They have also requested the Railways to ensure no damage occurs to any trees on the site except those explicitly identified and approved by the government. Violating this provision will be considered an offense under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act.
To mitigate the environmental impact, the Railways will be required to plant ten times the number of trees removed or transplanted. Approximately 2,140 new tree saplings will be planted on identified land parcels within three months of receiving permission to shift the trees.
The Railways will be responsible for the maintenance of these trees for the next seven years in accordance with the guidelines set by the Delhi Government.
As per the approved proposal, a variety of tree species suitable for Delhi's soil and climate will be planted as replacements. These include Neem, Amaltas, Pipal, Pilkhan, Gular, Bargad, Desi Kikar, and Arjun, among others. These species will be planted as saplings ranging from 6 to 8 feet in height on non-forest lands.
Regarding the transplantation process, the Railways has been instructed to commence the procedure immediately upon meeting the necessary conditions. It is expected to be completed within six months, and a report will be submitted to the Tree Officer for supervision.
Vande Bharat 8-Coach train on Lucknow-Ayodhya-Gorakhpur Route soon