Attack On Pollution / Center's big decision- proposed 10 percent plantation on residential, commercial construction sites

The Environment Ministry has made a big proposal to reduce pollution in cities. Under this, at least 10 percent of their plots in residential and commercial construction sites have been asked to plant trees. The ministry on February 28 issued a draft notification on the Building Environment Management Regulations, 2022, seeking suggestions and objections from the public on the proposal within 60 days. These rules will be applicable to those projects which involve construction of new building projects and expansion, renovation or repair of old existing buildings having built up area of ​​more than 5,000 square metres. The draft notification states that at least one tree should be planted for every 80 sqm of land so as to ensure at least 10 per cent of the plot area under tree cover. Existing trees will be counted for this purpose.

Environment ministry guidelines

It states that topsoil should be removed only to a maximum depth of 20 cm from buildings, roads, pucca areas and areas proposed for outdoor services. It should be properly stored in designated areas and reapplied during the planting of proposed vegetation at the site. The ministry said that during the construction phase of the project no construction can be allowed on wetlands and water bodies and groundwater without the prior approval of the Central Ground Water Authority.