The ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project in the heart of Delhi has encountered a significant setback, with reports revealing that approximately 43% of the trees that were transplanted have unfortunately perished. This stark revelation was presented to Parliament by the Union government during a session on Thursday, raising concerns among environmentalists and citizens alike.
Launched in 2019, the Central Vista project aims to transform a key stretch of central Delhi, which includes notable constructions such as the new Parliament building, the vice president’s residence, the central secretariat, and the new Prime Minister’s Office. While the project is touted by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a step forward in urban development, critics have labeled it a “vanity project,” questioning its priorities amidst pressing social and environmental issues.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, addressed the Lok Sabha, stating that out of the 3,609 trees that were relocated to facilitate the project, a staggering 1,545 have died. The data shows that the majority of these trees were uprooted from various key areas: 1,734 from the central secretariat site, 402 from the new Parliament area, 390 from the vice president’s enclave, and 143 from the new Prime Minister’s Office and residence.
In an effort to mitigate the environmental impact caused by the removals, Sahu also highlighted that compensatory measures are in place, with 24,450 new trees planted at the NTPC Eco Park in Delhi’s Badarpur region and an additional 1,730 trees in Ghitorni. This replanting operation is legally mandated to offset the loss of greenery as a part of environmental compliance.
Moreover, the minister disclosed that a significant budget of Rs 5.2 crore has been allocated for the tree transplantation and compensatory planting activities, covering the financial years 2023-2024 to 2025-2026. This spending indicates the government’s acknowledgment of the importance of maintaining ecological balance, although the high mortality rate of the transplanted trees raises questions about the effectiveness of these efforts.
The Central Vista project has been under heavy scrutiny since its inception, with various stakeholders raising alarm over the ecological ramifications of such large-scale construction. As more details emerge regarding the fate of these transplanted trees, it is clear that the project’s environmental stewardship will remain a contentious issue, prompting calls for more sustainable practices in the pursuit of urban development.
