Payoshi Bisht, Pune
The Delhi High Court released a statement on Thursday afternoon, August 24, on the construction of a concrete road in the central ridge area of the city. The statement ordered the city authorities to take corrective measures against the act or be held in contempt. The central ridge is an extension of the lush green Aravalli Hill range, situated in New Delhi. Being a heavily forested area, it has been divided into four parts: north, central, south-central, and south. The four parts make a total of around 7,784 hectares of tree cover.
The situation came to light when the court was hearing a case involving issues of tree plantation, and the amicus curiae (a lawyer appointed friend of the court for assistance) informed the court about the presence of construction machinery such as road rollers, JCBs, and bulldozers in the zone. Lawyers Gautam Narayan, Aditya Narayan Prasad, and Prabhsahay Kaur have been appointed amicus curiae.
Justice Jasmeet Singh has questioned the authorities about the situation and directed them to take corrective measures per the court’s orders.
“Get instructions on (construction of the road. In case you don’t take corrective measures, we will initiate contempt. Nothing happens in Central Ridge. No pruning (of trees),” the court said.
During the hearing, the court stated that the maximum areas suited for the plantation of trees should be identified, and the funds issued for their maintenance should be appropriately utilised. The court has registered the matter for a further hearing scheduled for August 28 and ordered the authorities to work on the corrective measures.