New Delhi, Feb. 4 -- The National Green Tribunal has ordered a joint fact-finding inspection to verify allegations of illegal tree cutting at a private farm in Chhatarpur, South Delhi, after claims that trees were felled despite an existing restraint order issued by forest authorities.

The Tribunal was hearing an application alleging unauthorised felling of trees in some farms near Ambedkar Colony, Chhatarpur. The applicants claimed that the trees were felled at night in violation of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, and that the activity continued despite official intervention.

Taking note of the submissions, the NGT Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr A Senthil Vel, Expert Member, recorded that the appli...