Supreme Court Bars DDA from Cutting More Trees Until 1.6 Lakh Saplings Are Planted

The Supreme Court of India has refused the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) request for permission to cut 473 trees in the South Ridge area. The top court made it clear that DDA will not be allowed to fell any more trees until it plants 1.6 lakh trees across 185 acres in the national capital.

DDA had sought approval from the Supreme Court to widen the road leading to the Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences, which involved cutting 473 trees and diverting 2.97 hectares of forest land. The plan also included transplanting 2,519 plants to other locations. These plants had been hurriedly relocated in order to avoid contempt proceedings for felling trees without prior SC permission.

Court Emphasizes Environmental Compliance

The Supreme Court had earlier agreed in principle to the plan, acknowledging that the road leads to a super-specialty hospital providing world-class treatment to severely injured paramilitary personnel. However, the court had imposed strict conditions, instructing authorities to identify plots within the capital where small forested areas could be developed to reduce pollution.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Senior Advocate Maninder Singh highlighted the work done by the Forest Department after DDA transferred 185 acres of land. However, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sunil Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi rejected the progress report as outdated and directed the Forest Department to provide an updated report on tree plantation.

CJI Suryakant emphasized that no permission to cut trees would be granted until the required plantation is completed and requested a status report within two weeks.

The Supreme Court’s directive reinforces the importance of balancing developmental needs with environmental protection in the rapidly urbanizing capital.