Tree at Parliament’s Gaj Dwar to be Shifted After SPG Raises Security Concerns
K N Mishra
23/Aug/2025

What’s Covered Under the Article
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SPG flagged a fully grown silver trumpet tree at Parliament’s Gaj Dwar as a security risk since it stood along the Prime Minister’s entry route.
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The tree will be transplanted to Prerna Sthal inside Parliament, with CPWD planting 10 new saplings as part of compensatory afforestation.
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The Forest Department has approved the relocation with strict conditions including geo-tagging, monitoring, and long-term maintenance.
A significant development inside the Parliament complex has unfolded with the decision to relocate a fully grown silver trumpet tree situated at Gaj Dwar, one of the six main entry gates of the newly constructed Parliament building. The move comes after the Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for safeguarding the Prime Minister and other high-level dignitaries, raised an alert over the tree’s positioning, calling it a potential security concern.
The Gaj Dwar entrance holds particular importance as it is frequently used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to access the Parliament premises. The SPG, in its internal assessment, observed that the tree, catalogued as Tree Number 01, posed a possible obstruction along the VVIP route. In matters of security, even natural elements within close proximity of such routes are scrutinized carefully, as they could hinder visibility, emergency movements, or create vulnerabilities.
Approval Process and Interdepartmental Coordination
Following SPG’s red flag, the matter was forwarded to the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which is responsible for the maintenance and infrastructure management of Parliament. To execute the relocation, CPWD sought clearance from the Delhi Forest Department, as mandated by law for any tree felling or transplantation within the capital.
The Forest Department, after careful review, has granted permission under strict regulatory conditions. These include:
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Compensatory plantation of ten native saplings such as neem, amaltas, peepal, bargad, sheesham, and arjun.
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Geo-tagging of each sapling to ensure tracking and transparency.
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Mandatory maintenance of the transplanted tree and newly planted saplings for a minimum of seven years.
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Submission of annual progress reports by CPWD to the Forest Department.
In addition, CPWD has deposited a refundable security fee of ₹57,000, which will be returned only if the plantation and maintenance norms are satisfactorily adhered to over the specified period.
New Location: Prerna Sthal
The tree’s new designated site is Prerna Sthal, an important part of the Parliament complex where statues of India’s most revered national leaders and freedom fighters are installed. A field inspection conducted on July 21 declared this site suitable for transplantation. The choice of Prerna Sthal aligns with the vision of preserving the environmental sanctity of the Parliament complex while ensuring that security guidelines are not compromised.
The silver trumpet tree, approximately seven years old, is considered resilient, requiring minimal upkeep while thriving in well-drained and sunlit conditions. Experts believe that with proper care during the transplantation process, the tree has a high chance of survival at its new location.
Balancing Security and Environmental Responsibility
This incident underscores the delicate balance between national security and environmental sustainability. While the SPG’s concerns highlight the criticality of maintaining a secure, obstruction-free environment around VVIP routes, the Forest Department’s stringent conditions ensure that ecological impact is minimized.
The compensatory afforestation clause is particularly significant. By mandating the plantation of ten saplings of indigenous varieties, authorities aim not only to offset the ecological cost of transplantation but also to contribute positively to Delhi’s green cover, which has been under pressure due to rapid urbanization and infrastructural expansion.
Timeline of Action
The relocation is expected to take place shortly after the Monsoon Session of Parliament concludes. This timeline ensures that parliamentary proceedings remain unaffected and that the transplantation process can be carried out under favorable conditions.
Symbolic Importance
Beyond logistics and procedural details, the episode carries symbolic significance. The decision reflects how every aspect of the Parliament complex, including its natural environment, is carefully regulated to balance heritage, security, and ecology. The transplantation to Prerna Sthal also ensures that the tree continues to exist within the Parliament campus, preserving its historical connection to the site, while reducing risks along the Prime Minister’s access route.
Conclusion
The shifting of the silver trumpet tree at Parliament’s Gaj Dwar illustrates a case where security imperatives intersect with environmental stewardship. With SPG’s intervention ensuring safety and the Forest Department’s regulations safeguarding ecology, the move is being carried out in a structured and responsible manner. The CPWD’s compliance through compensatory plantation, geo-tagging, and long-term care reflects an effort to create a sustainable solution that upholds both security and green values.
In the coming months, as the tree takes root at Prerna Sthal and the new saplings begin to grow, this decision will stand as an example of how governance can balance the demands of modern security with the responsibilities of ecological preservation. The relocation is not merely a technical exercise but a demonstration of India’s commitment to harmonizing progress, safety, and sustainability within its most important democratic space.
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