HC judge to inspect Central, Southern Ridge to assess extent of afforestation, tree-felling

The Delhi High Court has said it will carry out a “physical examination” of the Central Ridge and Southern Ridge in order to assess the extent of afforestation and cutting of trees in the area.

Justice Jasmeet Singh, while dealing with a plea concerning the well-being of trees in the national capital, took into account the “conflicting claims” with respect to plantation and cutting of trees by the Delhi government authorities and the amicus curiae in the matter and asked the parties to assemble in his chamber on the morning of July 17 to then “jointly proceed for physical inspection”.

The Ridge, an extension of the Aravalli hill range in Delhi, is a rocky, hilly and forested area. It has been divided into four zones — south, south-central, central and north — for administrative reasons. These four zones make up a total area of around 7,784 hectares.