India, Jan. 23 -- New Delhi

Only 859 of 1,063 saplings planted in compensatory afforestation across four parks in west Delhi's Paschim Vihar were found to be healthy, the forest and wildlife department told the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Saying that 204 plants had dried up, it said work is currently underway to replace them and emphasised the need for cleaning and employing tree guards to ensure their safety and survival.

In a status report dated January 20, the forest department told the NGT that a joint inspection was carried out with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on January 19 at the four parks.

"The height of trees planted in parks is approximately 4 feet to 5 feet. The remaining trees dried up, and replacement of dr...