India, June 27 -- The Delhi high court has laid down detailed guidelines for tree officers and authorities undertaking infrastructure projects to ensure the effective implementation of the Delhi government's new standard operating procedure (SOP) for tree felling, transplantation, and compensatory plantation, in a move aimed at safeguarding the Capital's green cover.

The SOP, issued by the forest department on April 24, mandates tree officers to inspect any site for which felling permission is sought to assess whether it is essential, and directs project authorities to seek clearance from the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) if 50 or more trees are involved.

It also sets compensatory plantation norms and caps th...