The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Describing the Central Ridge as Delhi’s “green heritage,” the Delhi High Court emphasized that it must not be allowed to deteriorate, especially given the city’s severe pollution issues. The court expressed serious concern over the area being used as a garbage dump and the unauthorized felling of trees and removal of shrubs.
The court directed the forest department and local authorities to prevent any further garbage dumping or removal of vegetation in the Central Ridge without explicit permission. The bench, led by Justice Mini Pushkarna, issued this order on May 6 after noting photographic evidence of extensive garbage dumping and blackened soil, indicating fires that destroyed vegetation.
The Central Ridge, part of the Aravalli hill range in Delhi, is a vital green area divided into four administrative zones: south, south-central, central, and north, covering a total area of approximately 7,784 hectares. The court highlighted the essential role of the Central Ridge in maintaining the city’s environmental balance and green cover, which is crucial as Delhi grapples with dangerously high pollution levels.
“The Central Ridge cannot be allowed to be degenerated in this manner by felling of trees and removal of the shrubs, when the city is already grappling with the pressing issue of rising pollution levels, which have attained dangerous proportions. Further, it is also appalling to note that the Central Ridge, which is our green heritage, is being used as a dumping ground of garbage and other waste materials,” the court stated.
The bench ordered the forest department to explain how tree felling and garbage dumping were permitted in the Central Ridge and requested an action taken report within two weeks. The court noted that forest officials had previously assured adequate monitoring to prevent such activities, yet significant tree felling and barren areas were observed.
Justice Pushkarna highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is a very serious state of affairs… Considering the aforesaid grave lapses in maintaining the precious green cover in the Central Ridge, the Forest Department is directed to submit an explanation as to how and in what manner, the felling of trees and dumping of garbage and other waste materials, has been allowed to take place in the Central Ridge.”
The court directed the Deputy Conservator of Forests (West Division) to appear via video conferencing on May 24 to discuss the issue further.