The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Delhi government to explore the feasibility of geotagging trees as part of the ongoing tree census in the national capital. The directive aims to strengthen monitoring efforts and curb repeated violations related to illegal tree felling.
The green panel, led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, was hearing a matter concerning unauthorized tree cutting in the green belt near Naharpur village in Delhi. In its May 15 order, the bench—which also comprised Judicial Members Justice Sudhir Agarwal, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, and Expert Member Afroz Ahmad—acknowledged the Delhi government’s counsel’s submission that a tree census is underway in compliance with a Supreme Court directive.
The tribunal emphasized the need for technological integration in forest management, particularly through digitalisation and geotagging. “The competent authority will explore the feasibility of geotagging of trees in that exercise, if not already included,” the bench said.
Geotagging refers to embedding geographical coordinates—such as latitude and longitude—into digital records of individual trees, making it easier to track and monitor their status over time.
The court also noted that First Information Reports (FIRs) had been lodged and punitive action taken in several cases of illegal felling. However, there currently exists no mechanism to identify whether the same individual has committed such violations multiple times.
According to the government’s counsel, the digitalisation of tree records would allow for better tracking of offenders and identification of repeat violators. “On instructions, she submits that this exercise will be completed within three months,” the court recorded.
The NGT has scheduled the matter for further hearing on September 22, urging authorities to expedite the implementation of monitoring mechanisms.
The tribunal’s intervention marks a significant step towards improving urban forest governance in Delhi, where rapid urbanization has often come at the cost of environmental degradation.
