Delhi's trees are in crisis, and while severe storms and weather events are often blamed, the root cause lies in human actions and systemic failures. Recent events in May 2025, including severe thunderstorms that uprooted or damaged over 350 trees, resulting in property damage, power outages, and even fatalities, have highlighted the urgent need to address the underlying issues that make Delhi's trees so vulnerable. It’s not just the storm; it’s us.

One of the most significant contributing factors is the widespread concretization around the base of trees. This practice, where cement is poured around the trunks, effectively chokes the roots, cutting off aeration and preventing water from percolating into the soil. Ecologists have pointed out that trees rely on feeder roots in the upper soil layers for moisture and nutrients, and these roots cannot survive under concrete due to lack of oxygen. Despite a National Green Tribunal order from 2013 and a Forest Department notice in 2019 directing authorities to remove concrete from around trees, the practice persists. Merely leaving a one-meter radius free of concrete is insufficient for sustainable root growth, as trees need extensive feeder roots to absorb soil nutrients. The limited width of pavements further restricts root spread, exacerbating the problem.

Improper or irregular pruning is another critical issue. Incorrect pruning techniques can mechanically destabilize trees, making them more prone to cracking and falling. Contractors often lack proper training in arboriculture practices and fail to treat pruned areas with medicines, leaving them vulnerable to fungal infections and decay. This can hollow out the trunk and weaken the tree's structure over time.

Furthermore, the selection of tree species and their plantation practices contribute to the problem. Hasty and unplanned plantations, often driven by pressure to meet targets without considering expert advice, lead to the selection of unsuitable species for specific areas. For example, non-native species like Gulmohars, which are brittle and unbending, are more likely to fall during storms. Even neem trees, which are well-suited to Delhi's climate, can be vulnerable due to their dense canopies acting like sails that resist winds, causing them to break.

Termite infestations, particularly in Delhi's semi-arid regions with sandy soil, also pose a significant threat. Termites hollow out trees internally, weakening their structure and making them susceptible to uprooting. The lack of regular tree health studies and updated data on tree conditions further compounds the problem, preventing timely intervention and treatment.

The consequences of tree loss extend beyond the immediate damage caused by falling trees. The loss of trees results in habitat destruction for birds and animals, reduces shade and increases the urban heat island effect, and diminishes the city's overall ecological balance. The disappearance of native species like Palash, Doodhi, Barna, Peelu, and Roheda further highlights the scale of biodiversity loss.

In response to the increasing number of tree falls and the alarming decline in Delhi's green cover, the Delhi government has taken some steps to strengthen environmental governance. A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued for tree felling and transplantation under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994. This SOP aims to align urban development with ecological responsibility and enforces stricter scrutiny and accountability for tree removal. As of May 2025, any request for felling 50 or more trees now requires approval from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), appointed by the Supreme Court. While tree officers can still grant permissions for felling or transplanting 49 or fewer trees, the new SOP aims to establish transparency and a structured framework for tree removal activities.

However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on their proper implementation and enforcement. The recent storms have exposed the gap between policy and practice, highlighting the need for greater accountability and a more proactive approach to tree preservation. This includes regular tree health assessments, proper pruning and maintenance, the removal of concrete around tree bases, and the promotion of native tree species. Changing urban lifestyles and integrating nature-based solutions into city planning are also crucial for creating a more sustainable and resilient urban ecosystem.