Give plan to remove colony from Asola sanctuary area: Delhi HC to govt

The bench sought a proposal from the Delhi government within two weeks on the steps and timelines for removal of the encroachment. The bench also noted that the committee constituted to remove encroachments on forest land had not yet given its report on the demarcation of “forest” areas. The bench warned it would be “forced” to “take action and send officers to jail” if the directions of the courts were not complied with.

A suo motu PIL was taken up by the HC last year on air pollution in the city. The court had noted that destruction of forest cover was a major cause of increased pollution. DPCC told the court there had been a decline in pollution levels compared to last year, but could not give the reasons for it. The court asked the DPCC to file a report. “… If the decline is due to human efforts, then it can be commended and replicated. If it is due to act of God, then God will have to be commended,” the bench commented.