The Delhi High Court expressed its displeasure regarding the tree cutting in the Southern Ridge area for the construction of a road near the South Asian University. The court suggested that if authorities intend to transform the capital into a desert-like area, they should officially state so in an affidavit. Justice Jasmeet Singh termed the situation “painful” and expressed regret for the lack of compliance with judicial orders concerning Ridge conservation. He emphasized his disappointment, stating that he could only sympathize with the affected individuals.
The court was addressing a case concerning permissions granted by tree officers for tree felling without providing speaking orders. Last year, it had decreed that no tree felling permissions would be granted in Delhi. During the hearing, advocate Aditya N Prasad, representing the petitioner, pointed out that numerous trees had been cut down following a notification issued by the Delhi government permitting the removal of 422 trees for the construction of an approach road to the South Asian University.
The court reprimanded the deputy conservator of forest (DCF), present virtually at the hearing, for being unaware of the tree felling when the matter was previously discussed. Justice Singh criticized the lack of awareness and expressed frustration at the seeming disregard for the people of Delhi. The DCF informed the court that the forest department hadn’t granted permission for tree felling in this instance. The Delhi government’s counsel explained that the law permits the government to exempt certain areas from the requirements of prior permission for tree felling, which was the basis of the notification.