Today(on 16th May),The Supreme Court ordered Delhi and three other states to cease new mining permissions in the Aravalli range without its approval, and has also rebuked the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for unauthorized tree cutting in the Ridge area, an extension of the Aravallis.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 16th May), The Supreme Court of India has taken a firm stance against the unauthorized cutting of trees in Delhi’s ecologically sensitive Ridge area by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). This action has stirred widespread public outcry and legal consequences, leading to the initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against DDA officials.
Background :
The Ridge area in Delhi, known for its dense forests and vital role in maintaining the city’s ecological balance, has been subjected to unauthorized tree felling. This incident came to light when the DDA admitted to the Supreme Court that 458 trees had been axed on forest land in South Delhi to widen an 11-kilometer road connecting Chhatarpur with South Asian University. The Supreme Court, in response, emphasized the severe nature of this environmental infringement, describing it as a “grossly illegal and contemptible act.”
The bench, comprising Justices AS Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, deemed the DDA’s actions as “intentional disregard of this court’s orders and defiance of the law” and “interference in the administration of justice.” The court had previously turned down DDA’s application for cutting the trees, making this act a clear contempt of the court’s orders.
ALSO READ: Supreme Court Slams DDA for Violating Court Order on ‘Unauthorized Tree Felling’ in Delhi Ridge Area
The court remarked-
“We believe that for every tree cut by the DDA, 100 new trees should be planted.”
highlighting the necessity for compensatory afforestation. The Supreme Court has directed the DDA vice chairman to disclose the names of all responsible officers to ensure accountability and appropriate action.
The Supreme Court has added the Ridge Management Board as a respondent in the case, issuing a criminal contempt notice with a response deadline of June 24. Additionally, the court has directed the Forest Survey of India, located in Dehradun, to inspect the affected areas and evaluate the damage, providing a comprehensive assessment of the number of trees felled and the ecological consequences.
Furthermore, the bench mandated that the DDA chairman dispatch a team to verify whether road construction activities in the Ridge area have ceased, ensuring a halt to all related operations.
In addition to the environmental directives, the court has mandated the DDA to cover the fees and expenses incurred by the Forest Survey of India. This move underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring accountability and remedial action for the unauthorized tree felling. The Ridge Management Board has also been advised to refrain from undertaking any projects without the court’s permission.
ALSO READ: Unauthorized Felling of 1,000 Trees | SC Issues Contempt Notice to DDA Vice-Chairman
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court had directed Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat not to grant any new mining permissions in the Aravallis without its approval. This directive aimed to balance environmental protection with the livelihoods of those engaged in mining activities, ensuring that existing mining operations with valid permits and licenses could continue.
