Delhi to Ease Kikar Felling Rules for Faster Development Projects

• Delhi government plans to remove invasive kikar (Prosopis juliflora) from the list requiring felling permission.
• Kikar obstructs infrastructure projects like road widening, drainage, and the Delhi Sports University in Mundka.
• A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will guide identification, removal, and disposal of kikar, minimizing environmental impact.
• The move aims to facilitate development works and protect native tree species by focusing on invasive ones.
• Currently, DPTA, 1994, Section 8 mandates prior permission for felling, with emergency exceptions.

Why It Matters: Delhi govt to simplify kikar tree removal, boosting development and protecting native species.