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Supreme Court Demands Accountability in Reforestation Efforts for Delhi Ridge After Unauthorized Tree Felling
Keywords: Delhi Ridge tree felling, Supreme Court, DDA reforestation, unauthorized tree cutting, ecological restoration, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Ridge preservation, Forest Survey of India, environmental monitoring, Aravalli Hill range,
In a recent hearing, the Supreme Court of India directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to clarify its measures to restore the Delhi Ridge area following reports of unauthorized tree felling. The Court, emphasizing the need for rigorous monitoring, sought details on replanting efforts and the establishment of an independent mechanism to ensure the survival of newly planted trees. The Supreme Court’s intervention aims to safeguard the Delhi Ridge, a vital ecological region under constant threat from urban expansion and environmental violations.
Background of the Case
The Delhi Ridge, an extension of the ancient Aravalli Hills, covers approximately 7,784 hectares and is divided into four administrative zones: South, South-Central, Central, and North. This rocky and forested expanse, often referred to as Delhi’s “green lung,” is critical for maintaining the capital’s environmental balance. Concerns arose recently when allegations surfaced that nearly 1,670 trees were felled in the Ridge area for an approach road project. The DDA has contested this number, reporting only 642 trees cut. However, a petition filed in the Supreme Court accused DDA officials of contempt for allegedly unauthorized deforestation, seeking strict action against those responsible.
In May, the Supreme Court ordered the Forest Survey of India (FSI) to survey the area and assess the environmental impact of the felled trees. The FSI’s findings highlighted the significant environmental damage caused, intensifying calls for accountability and ecological restoration.
Supreme Court’s Directives
During the hearing, a bench comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra underscored the importance of a strict reforestation and monitoring mechanism to ensure the success of restoration efforts. The Court proposed a “100:1” replanting ratio—requiring that for every tree cut, 100 new trees should be planted within the Ridge area. Such stringent measures, the Court noted, are necessary to counterbalance the ecological damage caused by the unauthorized felling and to promote long-term sustainability in the region.
To enforce these measures, the Court instructed the DDA to implement an independent monitoring mechanism, specifically designed to verify the survival rates of planted trees. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing the petitioner, presented the FSI’s findings and stressed the need for an accountable, transparent reforestation approach. Sankaranarayanan argued for a robust process to ensure that future restoration efforts align with ecological preservation goals.
Next Steps and Potential Actions
The Supreme Court has mandated both the DDA and the petitioner to submit an update on replanting progress, monitoring mechanisms, and any remedial measures taken by the DDA by the next hearing on November 8. Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized the Court’s commitment to preserving the Ridge’s ecological integrity and hinted at issuing specific, enforceable directions in the upcoming hearing.
The Importance of Protecting Delhi Ridge
As one of the last remaining green belts in Delhi, the Ridge serves as an ecological buffer, absorbing carbon dioxide, filtering pollutants, and supporting biodiversity. Rapid urbanization and infrastructural projects have often encroached on this sensitive area, with the recent unauthorized tree felling underscoring the urgent need for protective legal interventions.
For the DDA, the Supreme Court’s directives necessitate a shift toward more transparent and accountable environmental practices, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like the Ridge. The ruling also serves as a reminder for urban developers and local authorities across India to prioritize environmental considerations and adhere strictly to legal guidelines.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s directives for the Delhi Ridge reflect a broader judicial approach to prioritize ecological restoration and accountability in public development projects. The upcoming hearing will be crucial in shaping the future conservation framework for the Ridge, ensuring that environmental violations are met with both corrective action and preventive strategies to safeguard this critical green expanse.
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Ashutosh Dubey
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