The Supreme Court, expressing dissatisfaction with the Delhi government’s progress in enhancing the city’s green cover, proposed appointing an independent agency to address the issue. This comes as part of the ongoing hearing of a public interest litigation filed by lawyer and activist, has highlighted Delhi’s worsening air quality for decades.
Criticism of Delhi’s Efforts
The bench, comprising Justices, criticised the Delhi government for its lack of tangible action since the court’s directive in June 2024. While the government cited multiple meetings and ongoing planning efforts, the court observed no meaningful progress. The environment and forest department’s principal secretary, reported that six meetings had been held, but the court dismissed this as insufficient, emphasising the urgency of on-ground action.
Recommendations for Green Initiatives
To ensure impactful measures, the bench proposed involving agencies like the Forest Survey of India (FSI) and directed amicus curiae to suggest suitable entities by the next hearing on December 18. Additionally, the court referred to its June order, which mandated consultations with experts, including environmentalist, for devising a scientific and sustainable approach to increasing Delhi’s tree cover.
Broader Environmental Oversight
Beyond green cover, the court hinted at considering an order mandating the use of electric vehicles for government and state-owned organisations. It also addressed related environmental issues, including stubble burning and the enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which was recently invoked when Delhi’s air quality reached hazardous levels.
Tree Census and Accountability
The court is also monitoring a petition highlighting the alarming loss of trees in Delhi, with claims of five trees being felled every hour and over 60,000 removed in the last six years. It has called for a comprehensive tree census under the Delhi Tree Preservation Act to ensure accountability and prevent further deforestation.
The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the pressing need for immediate and scientific actions to combat Delhi’s environmental crisis, signalling a stronger stance against inaction.
