The Supreme Court of India has put a firm hold on the Delhi Development Authority's (DDA) fresh application to cut down hundreds of trees in the ecologically sensitive Delhi Ridge area. The apex court stated it will not permit any further tree felling for road widening until it is fully satisfied that its previous directives on compensatory plantation have been meticulously followed.
Court Demands Concrete Proof of Reforestation
Presiding over a two-judge bench, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alongside Justice Joymalya Bagchi, made the court's stance unequivocally clear. The bench was hearing a DDA plea seeking permission to cut 473 additional trees to widen the approach road to the Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (CAPFIMS). The CJI emphasized, "We will not allow anything to happen unless we are satisfied that our directions have been complied with."
The court shifted focus from the hospital's requirements, which it stated it had already addressed, to the critical issue of reforestation. The bench pointedly asked about the number of trees planted to replace those already cut and demanded visual evidence. "We need a complete report on what steps have been taken in all the 18 spots so far, and what you are going to do?" the CJI asked, adding that the court wanted to see photographs of the sites.
Background of Contempt and Ongoing Compliance
This stern position stems from a May 28, 2024, order where the Supreme Court held former DDA Chairman Subhashish Panda and other officials guilty of contempt for unauthorized tree felling in the Ridge for the same project. The court had then issued a series of directions, including mandatory compensatory afforestation.
Representing the DDA, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued the current 14-meter-wide road is too narrow for trucks carrying medical supplies, limiting the hospital to only an Outpatient Department (OPD) so far. On compliance, Mehta and senior advocate Maninder Singh informed the court that 185 acres had been identified and possession handed over for afforestation, with boundary wall construction slated for completion by February 28, 2026. They added that tenders have been issued for plantation work across 18 sites within this land.
Assurances Sought, Future Hearing Scheduled
The amicus curiae, senior advocate Guru Krishnakumar, and advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan, representing the original petitioner, raised concerns that the DDA also intended to uproot previously planted saplings. In a lighter remark, the CJI noted, "...Those saplings were planted out of fear of contempt," underscoring the need for genuine ecological restoration.
The CJI stressed that forestation in the 18 identified pockets is "extremely important" and could have a positive, long-lasting impact. He also cautioned, "We do not want these 18 pockets as AI-generated forests," seeking tangible results. The Solicitor General assured the court he would obtain detailed instructions and report back.
Asserting that nothing will be allowed in haste, the Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for January 19, 2026. The DDA's application remains in limbo until the court verifies the ground reality of its past orders.
