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The SPG flagged a tabebuia argentea tree at Gaj Dwar of Parliament as a security risk. It will be transplanted to Prerna Sthal after Delhi Forest Department’s approval.
A fully grown Tabebuia argentea tree at Gaj Dwar, a gate frequently used by PM Modi, was flagged by the SPG as a potential security hazard. (X)
The Special Protection Group (SPG) has flagged a lone tree standing at the Gaj Dwar, one of the six gates into the new Parliament building and often used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a security risk, and will soon be transplanted within the complex itself.
The decision to transplant the full-grown tabebuia argentea tree has been taken jointly by several agencies, including, the Delhi Forest Department, which must approve the move, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which is the main construction agency of the Central government, and the Special Protection Group (SPG), which is in charge of the Prime Minister’s security, news agency PTI reported.
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As per the official documents accessed by the news agency, it all began when the SPG flagged the fully mature Tabebuia argentea tree—also referred to as the silver trumpet tree and distinguished by its vivid yellow flowers—as a possible hindrance on the VVIP route.
The process to transplant the tree, marked Number 01, will soon begin with the Delhi Forest Department giving its permission, subject to “strict conditions,” following the request by the CPWD, which cited the SPG’s security concerns.
“As the Monsoon session has just concluded, the tree is likely to be transplanted next week,” an official told PTI.
As per the report, Prerna Sthal, which houses the statues of national icons and freedom fighters that were earlier at different places on the premises, has been selected as the new location for the tree.
“Tree transplantation site proposed at near IG4 Prema Sathal (sic), Parliament House, was inspected by concerned field staff on 21.07.2025 and was found suitable and sufficient for transplantation of 01 nos. of tree,” the news agency reported citing the documents.
The tree, about seven years old, grows quickly, needs little care, and thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, which is why it is commonly seen in gardens, along roads and in other public spaces.
According to officials, the CPWD has already paid the forest department Rs 57,000 as a refundable security deposit. With clearance from the forest department, new saplings must be geotagged, maintained for seven years, and have an annual status report submitted to the department.
“The order also makes it clear that any transplantation beyond the approved tree will be treated as a violation of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act and may lead to withdrawal of permission,” according to the order.
The decision came a day after a 20-year-old man attempted to scale a wall of Parliament House near the Red Cross Road at IG-2 gate by climbing a tree adjoining the boundary wall.
The individual, who was identified as Ram Kumar Bind from Uttar Pradesh’s Bhadohi, was detained by the security forces present on the premises.
Multiple central agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Special Cell of Delhi Police, are questioning him to ascertain his motive.
(With inputs from PTI)
About the Author
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More
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