New Delhi: The upcoming Dwarka Sports Campus project, planned at Sector B Dwarka, has sparked controversy after reports emerged that nearly 2,035 trees could be affected to make way for the multi-sports arena.
Following a complaint, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) initiated an inquiry into the matter. According to the Delhi Forest Department, no illegal tree felling has taken place so far, and a majority of the trees on the site are vilayati keekar (prosopis juliflora). Officials also clarified that as compensatory plantation, nearly 20,000 native trees have already been planted.
The sports complex is being developed through a public-private partnership between the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and a private builder.
However, local residents continue to allege that trees were cut without proper permission, prompting authorities to increase on-ground monitoring to prevent further violations.
Environmental activists argue that while compensatory plantation is welcome, the loss of thousands of trees in Dwarka, Delhi NCR, could worsen air pollution and urban heat island effects.
