A bench of Justices A S Oka and A G Masih welcomed the CEC’s recommendations and instructed the committee to proceed. The court emphasized that the Delhi government should cease exercising tree authority powers and expressed concern over past misuse of such authority.
![[Illegal Tree Felling] "We Hope Delhi Govt. Ceased its Tree Authority Powers": SC Approves Centre's Recommendation to Develop Customized Module in Delhi](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-373.png?resize=770%2C431&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: On Friday (6th Sept), the Supreme Court accepted recommendations from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) aimed at preserving the green cover in Delhi.
These recommendations include the creation of a customised management information system (MIS) module to track details of projects requiring tree cutting, the number of trees to be felled or relocated, and compensatory plantations.
A bench of Justices A S Oka and A G Masih endorsed the CEC’s recommendations and instructed the committee to proceed. The court emphasized that the Delhi government should cease exercising tree authority powers and expressed concern over past misuse of such authority.
The bench also noted that out of 15 cases where tree-felling permissions were granted, the necessary conditions were not followed. The court allowed the CEC to issue notices to these project proponents, instructing them to upload compliance data within three months. Non-compliance could lead to contempt proceedings.
This decision arose during a case concerning measures to enhance Delhi’s green cover and establish a compliance mechanism.
“We accept the recommendations and direct the CEC to implement them,” stated a bench of Justices A S Oka and A G Masih after reviewing the committee’s report.
The bench also noted,
“We hope that the Delhi government has ceased exercising tree authority powers,”
referencing past issues with the government’s use of these powers.
The Ridge, an extension of the Aravalli hill range in Delhi, is a rocky and forested area divided into four administrative zones—south, south-central, central, and north—covering approximately 7,784 hectares.
The CEC’s report advises that project proponents must regularly upload data to the MIS module, including project details, the number and species of trees affected, court orders, and requirements for compensatory planting and maintenance.
Additionally, the report suggests granting project proponents a six-month grace period to adhere to the court’s conditions for tree felling approvals. During this period, new proposals should be held in abeyance. If compliance is not met within the grace period, the Supreme Court may impose appropriate punitive measures.
The CEC report proposed that project proponents regularly upload relevant data, such as project details, the number and species of trees affected, and related court orders, onto the MIS for proper monitoring. The report highlighted the need for timely compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders, particularly in matters concerning the Delhi Ridge, an extension of the Aravalli range, which spans around 7,784 hectares.
The CEC further recommended granting project proponents a six-month grace period to comply with court-imposed conditions for tree felling. Failure to do so within the allotted time could result in punitive actions.
