An Act to provide for the preservation of trees

DELHI PRESERVATION OF TREES ACT, 1994

The pressures of exponential population growth coupled with the consequential urban growth and infrastructure development the forests in NCT of Delhi had dwindled to a mere 22 sq km in 1993. This rampant deforestation eventually manifested in the devastating environmental degradation of the city. Hence, in order to protect and preserve the trees and thereby safeguard the environment, the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA) was passed on 12th October 1994 by the legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

The Act includes provisions for:

• The preservation of all trees within its jurisdiction
• Carrying out census of the existing trees and obtaining, whenever considered necessary
• Development and maintenance of nurseries, supply of seeds, saplings and trees to persons