On 1st March (Friday): The Delhi High Court is currently conducting an inquiry into allegations of deforestation in the Central Ridge area by the Army. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, overseeing a petition for Ridge preservation, has requested the Army’s responsible officer furnish an affidavit, cautioning against activities that may lead to deforestation. Despite government denial, lawyers acting as amici curiae have reported the unauthorized clearing of approximately 25 acres of land.
New Delhi, March 1st, 2024: The Delhi High Court has directed the Army to address accusations of clearing greenery from the Central Ridge area within the national capital’s cantonment zone.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, overseeing a petition for Ridge preservation and conservation, instructed the competent officer of the stationed Army unit to submit an affidavit. He also cautioned military authorities against activities that might lead to deforestation.
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While the Central Government’s counsel refused the claims of tree-felling by the Army, Justice Rao Gedela advocated for remedial measures like afforestation, emphasizing the ecological value of trees in Delhi. Lawyers Gautam Narayan, Prabhsahay Kaur, and Aditya N Prasad, acting as amicus curiae, informed the court of unauthorized clearance spanning approximately 25 acres observed during their visit last month.
The Central Government’s counsel representing the Army unit clarified that while renovations were underway for an existing boundary wall, no tree-felling occurred. The commanding officer responded to the tree officer following a show cause notice.
The court emphasized the importance of the Army unit’s response via affidavit before any decisions are made. It also advised against further actions potentially leading to deforestation in the Central Ridge. Additionally, the court requested the Tree Officer to issue an appropriate order within a week regarding the notice served to the unit, and sought a status report from the Delhi government counsel.
While the central government counsel denied tree-felling by the Army, the judge suggested that ameliorative measures like afforestation be carried out in the area, saying,
“In Delhi, every tree planted is more valuable than gold.”.
In a submitted note, the amici curiae highlighted findings from a Google Earth analysis, revealing barren land within the Central Ridge with marked vehicle tracks. The Ridge, an extension of the Aravalli hill range, is divided into four administrative zones, totaling approximately 7,784 hectares.
“Before any order is passed on the notes, it appears to be apposite to ask the Army unit present in the area to respond by filling an affidavit,” the court said.
“In the meantime, it would be advisable to not carry out further steps that may result in deforestation in the Central Ridge,” stated the court.
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The contentious area lies within the Army Polo Club/Grounds, marked by cleared patches devoid of vegetation and enclosed by barbed wire fencing along the perimeter.
The court scheduled the next hearing for March 15 to further address the matter.
