Delhi govt issues SOP, reactivates Green Helpline to curb tree-related offences
New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) In a step towards environmental protection, the Delhi government has notified a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and reactivated the Green Helpline number 1800118600 for reporting offences related to trees, an official said on Monday.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the initiative as a historic decision aimed at safeguarding Delhi’s green cover and ensuring strict enforcement of tree protection laws, a statement said.
She said that the SOP has been notified by the Department of Forests and Wildlife under Section 33 of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994.
It establishes a robust, transparent, and time-bound mechanism for the prevention, detection, and prosecution of illegal felling, damage, and unauthorised activities involving trees, she said.
She added that the implementation of this SOP will ensure effective and accountable action in every case of violation.
The Chief Minister said that a strong, rapid response system has been developed under the SOP, enabling citizens to register complaints through a toll-free helpline, an online portal, and offline modes.
All complaints will be transmitted in real time to the concerned field officers to ensure prompt action. Quick Response Teams constituted at headquarters and division levels will reach the site within a stipulated time to prevent further damage and will collect evidence scientifically through geo-tagged photographs and videos, said the statement.
Chief Minister Gupta said that enforcement at the field level has been further strengthened under the SOP.
Officials of the Forest Department, including Beat Officers and Tree Officers, have been empowered to issue prohibitory orders to prevent violations, seize equipment used in offences, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies, enabling swift and effective action in cases related to tree protection, she said.
The Chief Minister said that to ensure round-the-clock monitoring, a Forest Control Room at the headquarters level and Division Control Rooms at the divisional level have been established, which will function 24×7.
These control rooms are equipped with the necessary infrastructure to facilitate continuous monitoring of complaints and ensure coordinated action with various emergency services.
The Chief Minister said that the government has reactivated the Green Helpline number 1800118600. In addition, the Green Helpline portal (https://ghl.eforest.delhi.gov.in) is fully operational.
These will be widely publicised to encourage greater citizen participation. The portal provides an accessible platform for lodging complaints and tracking their progress, she said.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision on environmental protection, the Chief Minister said that his approach of ‘development in harmony with nature’ serves as a guiding inspiration for the nation.
This SOP is a significant initiative in that direction, aimed at ensuring a clean, green, and safe environment for future generations, she said.
–IANS
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