The court also proposed that the agency launch a large-scale tree plantation drive in Delhi.
Supreme Court’s Stern Stance on Delhi Tree Felling: A Call for Environmental Accountability
Introduction
In a landmark move, the Supreme Court of India has taken a strong stance against the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for the unauthorized felling of trees in the Ridge forest area of the national capital. This incident has highlighted the critical importance of environmental protection and the judiciary’s role in holding authorities accountable. The court’s recent directives emphasize the need for immediate corrective actions, including a large-scale tree plantation drive in Delhi.
The Court’s Firm Stand
On June 24, 2024, the Supreme Court bench led by Justices A S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan made it clear that environmental destruction cannot be tolerated. The court was responding to a suo-moto contempt case against DDA Vice Chairman Subhashish Panda. The justices criticized the DDA for its “brazen acts” leading to the destruction of valuable trees, emphasizing that such actions cannot be brushed aside.
Justice Oka remarked, “If the authorities are not performing their statutory and constitutional duties of protecting the environment, the court has to give a clear and loud signal to all authorities that the environment cannot be damaged in such a fashion.”
The Gravity of the Situation
The Ridge forest in Delhi is a crucial ecological zone, acting as the city’s green lung. The unauthorized felling of 1100 trees following a visit by Delhi LG VK Saxena has raised significant environmental and legal concerns. The court’s strong response reflects the gravity of the situation, highlighting the need for stringent measures to prevent further environmental degradation.
Accountability and Immediate Actions
The Supreme Court has demanded a clear response from the DDA regarding the orders for tree felling allegedly issued by LG VK Saxena. The court underscored that the Vice Chairman of DDA, Subhashish Panda, cannot order the felling of trees without seeking court permission, pointing to serious procedural lapses.
In its directive, the court stated, “We are not going to take this lightly. If the authority (DDA) is not going to conform to the protection of the environment, this court has to come to the rescue and affirm clearly that environment protection cannot be taken lightly.”
A Path Forward: Tree Plantation Drive
One of the court’s notable proposals is the launch of a large-scale tree plantation drive in Delhi. This initiative aims to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the unauthorized tree felling and contribute to the city’s overall green cover. Such efforts are crucial, especially as Delhi grapples with severe heatwaves and deteriorating air quality.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decisive action against the DDA sets a precedent for environmental accountability. It serves as a reminder that statutory and constitutional duties towards environmental protection are paramount. The proposed tree plantation drive is a positive step towards restoring Delhi’s green cover, but it also underscores the need for continuous vigilance and stringent enforcement of environmental laws.
As the matter awaits further hearing on June 26, the court’s intervention offers hope for a more robust approach to environmental conservation in Delhi and beyond. Authorities must heed this call for accountability and work towards sustainable and ecologically responsible governance.