Supreme Court Orders Compensatory Plantation on 185 Acres in Delhi Ridge by March 2026
DDA and Forest Department told to plant 1.67 lakh trees across 18 sites
Apex Court stresses urgent action to restore Delhi’s green lungs
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: November 05, 2025 — The Supreme Court of India has issued a strong directive in the Delhi Ridge tree-felling case, ordering the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Forest Department to complete compensatory afforestation on 185 acres of land by March 2026. The move follows the felling of hundreds of trees in the protected Ridge area to build a wider access road for the Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (CAPFIMS), a new hospital for paramilitary personnel and the public.
The Court emphasized that Delhi, already battling severe air pollution, cannot afford further loss of green cover. A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan, and Joymalya Bagchi directed that the plantation must be carried out in a time-bound manner and monitored closely.
Background of the Case
- The Delhi Ridge is an ecologically sensitive zone, often called the “green lungs” of the capital.
- Trees were felled to make way for a wider road leading to CAPFIMS.
- Environmentalists and citizens raised concerns, leading to a contempt petition before the Supreme Court.
- The Court had earlier faulted the DDA for illegally felling trees without proper approvals.
Court’s Directions
- 185 acres of land must be handed over immediately for plantation.
- 1.67 lakh saplings are to be planted across 18 different sites in Delhi, instead of one single location.
- March 31, 2026, deadline fixed for completion of plantation.
- An expert committee will oversee the process and suggest additional sites if needed.
- The Court noted that winter is not suitable for plantation, hence the extended timeline.
Justice Surya Kant observed that scattered plantation across multiple sites would be more beneficial for Delhi’s ecology than concentrating all trees in one area.
Why This Matters
- Delhi’s air crisis: The capital faces hazardous air quality every winter. More trees can help absorb pollutants.
- Ecological balance: The Ridge is home to diverse flora and fauna; compensatory plantation helps restore lost biodiversity.
- Accountability: The order holds government agencies responsible for environmental damage.
- Urban planning: The case highlights the need to balance infrastructure development with ecological protection.
Implementation Plan
- The Forest Department and DDA have identified 18 land pockets across Delhi, covering about 168.88 acres so far.
- The remaining land will be finalized soon to meet the 185-acre target.
- Plantation will begin after winter, with species suitable for Delhi’s climate.
- The Court has asked for regular progress reports to ensure compliance.
Expert and Public Reactions
- Environmentalists welcomed the order but stressed that plantation must be scientific, with native species that can survive Delhi’s harsh climate.
- Legal experts said the ruling reinforces the principle that development cannot come at the cost of ecology.
- Citizens’ groups urged strict monitoring, noting that survival of saplings is as important as planting them.
Broader Context
- Delhi has lost significant green cover due to construction projects, road widening, and real estate development.
- The Supreme Court has repeatedly intervened in environmental matters, from Yamuna floodplain encroachments to air pollution control.
- Experts argue that compensatory afforestation often fails if saplings are not maintained, making long-term monitoring essential.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s directive in the Delhi Ridge tree-felling case is a landmark step in holding authorities accountable for environmental damage. By mandating compensatory plantation on 185 acres by March 2026, the Court has sought to restore Delhi’s green cover and mitigate its worsening air crisis.
The success of this initiative will depend not just on planting trees, but on ensuring their survival and growth. As Delhi struggles with toxic air and climate challenges, this ruling could set a precedent for balancing development with ecological responsibility.