Guwahati, June 26 -- The Delhi High Court has issued comprehensive directions to ensure the effective implementation of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the felling and transplantation of trees in the national capital.

Justice Jasmeet Singh, while hearing a contempt plea, emphasized that the SOP must not remain a mere formality but must be enforced in spirit to achieve its intended environmental objectives. The Court underlined the constitutional right of citizens under Article 21 - the right to live in a clean and pollution-free environment.

As part of the newly issued guidelines, the Court directed that the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) or Tree Officer must be involved from the very beginning of any project plann...