New Delhi: The Supreme Court has taken a strict position on the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) petition seeking permission to cut or transplant 473 additional trees in the Aravalli Morphological Ridge area.
The request was made to facilitate road widening and improved access for the Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (CAPFIMS). The bench headed by Chief Justice Suryakant made it clear that no orders would be passed in haste until full compliance with previous directives is confirmed.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice questioned the DDA, asking, “What happened to the earlier 1,16,000 trees? How many new saplings have been planted and how many of them have survived?”
He emphasised that more than one lakh trees cannot be planted in a single day and that proper land excavation and preparation must be completed first. The court stated, “We will not allow any action until we are sure that our instructions are being followed.”
Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, representing the DDA, informed the court that construction of the boundary wall around the ridge forest is nearly complete. Due to restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the work is expected to be finished by 28 February.
He added that road widening is necessary because the current road is narrow, and CAPFIMS serves the armed forces. At present, only outpatient services are available, and accommodation for trucks and other vehicles is essential.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted the hospital’s importance, noting that it was recognised in previous rulings, but the narrow road necessitates this step. He also mentioned that the plants on the road can be transplanted.
The Chief Justice, stressing environmental protection, acknowledged the hospital’s need but pointed out that there are approximately 1,60,000 trees in the area. He insisted on a zero percent mortality rate for the trees and suggested planting fast-growing species like peepal, neem, jamun, and amaltas. He also noted that saplings planted recently can be successfully transplanted.
Gopal Shankar Narayan, the petitioner’s lawyer, stated that they intend to plant trees and are currently in the initial stages of this process.
The court directed the DDA to submit a detailed report, compliance status, and a comprehensive action plan. No new permissions will be granted without these documents. The next hearing is scheduled for 19 January, and until then, all tree cutting or related activities will remain suspended.
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