New Delhi: On Monday, June 24, the Supreme Court sharply criticised the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for its involvement in the illegal felling of trees in Delhi’s Ridge area, raising serious environmental concerns. The apex court interrogated the housing authority, questioning if the tree cutting was carried out under directives from the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi. The court did not shy away from indicating that it may include Delhi LG V.K. Saxena in the contempt proceedings against the DDA officials.
This legal confrontation stems from a contempt notice issued by the Supreme Court in May, following a plea alleging the unlawful felling of thousands of trees in the Ridge area. The suo motu contempt case is currently being heard by a vacation bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan. The case was specifically initiated against DDA Vice Chairman Subhashish Panda for contravening the Court’s previous orders prohibiting tree felling.
During the proceedings, the court expressed its shock and disappointment, stating, “It is very shocking if the trees were cut despite knowing that it cannot be done without the permission of the SC.” The bench categorically asked senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing the DDA, if the LG had personally visited the site and directed the tree felling.
The court’s interrogation was pointed: “We are dealing with a very serious issue. 1100 trees, you are taking it very casually? Ask your officer who issued these directions… Is it the chairman? Then we are making him a party. Now you are blaming the junior officers. Is it not done by LG? Tell us straight. Obviously, it is done after the visit of the LG,” the Court asked advocate Singh.
The bench also inquired if the inquiry committee appointed in a previous order had investigated the details of the LG’s site visit before the tree felling occurred. The court’s order stated, “We direct the Vice Chairman to state before the Court, after perusing the record, whether any official record is available regarding the site visit made by the Hon’ble LG on 3rd Feb and whether anything is recorded on what transpired during the visit of the Hon’ble LG. We need a clear statement of facts from the Vice Chairman.”
The Ridge area, often referred to as Delhi’s lungs, holds significant ecological importance, spanning 35 kilometres and serving as a crucial habitat for diverse species of flora and fauna. This extension of the Aravalli range is part of the Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor and acts as a natural barrier against the hot winds from Rajasthan.
The Supreme Court’s rigorous examination underscores the critical need to protect Delhi’s green cover, particularly in the Ridge area, which is vital for maintaining the city’s environmental balance.
