SC Raps DDA Over Ridge Tree Felling Plan
Top court demands proof of plantation before allowing fresh tree cutting for CAPFIMS road project.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th Jan: The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) over its plea seeking permission to fell 473 trees in the Delhi Ridge area for a road project leading to the Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (CAPFIMS).
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the authority on compliance with earlier directions related to large-scale tree cutting in the region. The court sought concrete proof of plantation for the 1.65 lakh trees reportedly felled earlier across 18 pockets.
“We don’t want AI-generated forests,” the Chief Justice remarked, stressing that no fresh permissions would be granted unless the court was satisfied about on-ground compliance of plantation and restoration.
Raising concerns over environmental safeguards, the bench asked, “You are seeking permission to cut another 473 trees. How many were cut earlier? What about compliance concerning the earlier felling of 1.65 lakh trees across 18 pockets?”
Responding on behalf of the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a compliance affidavit had been filed. However, the Chief Justice insisted on concrete evidence and directed the authorities to place photographs on record.
Counsel for the DDA submitted that progress details had been placed on record for 18 sites spanning 185 acres. The bench then sought specific details on the number of saplings actually planted so far.
The counsel said more time had been granted for completing the work and that boundary demarcation was in progress, with time given until March 31.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the slow pace, the Chief Justice asked about the quality of soil and the nature of plantation being undertaken, observing that larger trees would require deeper pits and proper soil conditions.
The Solicitor General flagged practical difficulties, stating that existing saplings might have to be relocated to facilitate road construction.
Amicus Curiae Advocate Gopal S told the court that plantation was undertaken only after the Supreme Court’s earlier directions, following tree cutting by the DDA without prior permission.
The matter will be heard next on January 19.
