In the backdrop of the continuing embargo on non-forest activities in notified ridge areas and the requirement of judicial clearance under the forest and environmental protection framework, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking prior approval for the diversion and regulated use of forest land situated in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli Ridge Zone of Delhi.
The petitioner sought permission to fell 473 trees as part of a proposed infrastructure project, subject to compensatory afforestation in accordance with statutory norms. It further sought approval for the transplantation of 2,519 saplings to an alternative site, with assurances regarding their survival and post-transplantation monitoring.
DDA submitted that the proposed measures were consistent with the principles of sustainable development and inter-generational equity, which have been repeatedly underscored by the Supreme Court in environmental jurisprudence. The application also sought leave for the construction of an access road through approximately 0.79 hectares of the Morphological Ridge to facilitate connectivity to a hospital established for the treatment of personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces.
The petitioner further sought permission for the use of nearly 2.97 hectares of forest land for allied purposes, contending that the project served an essential public purpose and was integral to public health infrastructure.
The Authority placed reliance on the regulatory regime under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; and relevant notifications governing ridge areas, while also invoking the Supreme Court’s precedents in TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India and subsequent cases, which mandate strict scrutiny of forest land diversion while allowing limited exceptions for projects of overriding public interest, subject to stringent safeguards.
The matter is expected to be examined in light of the Apex Court’s consistent position that ecological preservation of the Aravalli Ridge, recognised as the green lung of the capital, cannot be compromised except in exceptional circumstances, and only upon demonstrable compliance with statutory requirements, environmental impact considerations, and compensatory mechanisms.
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