The Supreme Court directed the formation of an expert agency to develop and implement a comprehensive afforestation plan for enhancing Delhi’s green cover, addressing ongoing environmental concerns.
New Delhi: In a move to increase Delhi’s green cover, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the formation of an expert agency to undertake a massive afforestation drive in the national capital.
A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan stated that the agency will be responsible for preparing and implementing a detailed action plan to enhance green cover in Delhi.
“We deem it necessary to appoint an expert agency to prepare an action plan for enhancing green cover of the area under the jurisdiction of GNCTD. When we say green cover, we intend that the massive afforestation drive to increase tree cover of the area covered by GNCTD,”
the Court said.
To ensure smooth execution, the Court directed the Forest Research Institute to submit an affidavit detailing the timelines for implementing the afforestation plan.
“A copy of this order shall be forwarded to Forest Research Institute. The institute shall file an affidavit setting out the timelines in following terms of the judgments. The agency will also set out in the affidavit requirement of funds required for the project so that necessary directions can be issued for payment of requisite amount to the agency,”
the Court stated.
The Supreme Court took up this matter after hearing a contempt of court petition alleging that hundreds of trees were illegally cut by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) without prior permission, following instructions from Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena.
During a hearing in December 2024, the Court criticized the Delhi Forest Department for failing to provide a plan for increasing the city’s green cover. The Court had warned that an external agency would be appointed if the government failed to take action.
Previous Court Orders on Delhi’s Green Cover
- In June 2024, the Court had instructed the Secretary to convene a meeting to discuss afforestation strategies.
- In December 2024, after the Delhi government failed to submit a report, the Court directed the Amicus Curiae to propose an agency to handle the afforestation project.
- On Monday, based on the Amicus Curiae’s suggestions, the Supreme Court formally appointed an expert agency.
This move is expected to bring greater accountability and structured planning to afforestation efforts in Delhi, which has been grappling with environmental concerns due to rapid urbanization.
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