Delhi Forest Panel Slams Department's Inaction on Deemed Forests
A special empowered committee, established by the Delhi High Court to oversee the protection and demarcation of deemed forests, has issued a sharp rebuke against the forest department for its persistent failures. In its latest meeting, the committee, chaired by retired Justice Najmi Waziri, highlighted that the forest department appears unaware of its responsibilities, despite nearly two years passing since the committee's formation.
Chronic Delays and Lack of Progress
According to minutes from the meeting held on January 7 and released on March 5, the committee noted that it has been almost 21 months since its inception, yet the forest department has not submitted any reports despite 16 meetings. The committee was formed in January 2024 following a Delhi High Court order on December 15, 2023, which mandated the protection of deemed and protected forest areas. The court tasked the committee with ensuring concrete steps for the preservation, reclamation, and enhancement of these forests.
Legal Challenges and Non-Cooperation
In April 2024, the court appointed retired Justice Waziri to head the committee to foster inter-departmental cooperation. However, in July 2025, the forest department challenged this appointment in the high court, a matter that remains sub judice. The committee's recent meeting revealed further issues, including forest rangers being sent as substitutes for key members like the chief conservator and deputy conservator of forests, indicating a lack of serious engagement.
Specific Failures and Concerns
The committee pointed out that the Public Works Department (PWD) provided data to the forest department in June 2024 for verifying forest area plantations along roads, but no verification has been conducted to date, with no reasons given. Additionally, the committee expressed alarm over reports that deemed forests have been recommended for diversion to other purposes by certain divisions, with approvals granted by the forest department in some cases. As the committee monitors the city's green cover, it emphasized the need to be informed about such diversions.
Call for Accountability
The minutes describe a pattern of consistent recalcitrance and non-cooperation from the forest department. In response, the committee has summoned the principal secretary of environment and forest to ensure compliance with the high court's orders. So far, senior forest officials have not responded to these concerns, raising questions about the department's commitment to environmental protection in Delhi.
