‘In place of a forest, it’s all concrete’: Delhi HC calls for removal of encroachment in Southern Ridge

“You will show me what action you have taken. In place of a forest, it’s all concrete,” Justice Singh told the official.

The official thereafter assured the court that appropriate action would be taken to ensure the Southern Ridge is restored to its natural forest by removing the encroachment.

While the court said it is reposing its faith in the official, it further said if there is any non-compliance with court orders, it will initiate contempt.
The HC was hearing a plea against encroachment on 300 hectares of land in the Southern Ridge. Advocates Gautam Narayan and Aditya N Prasad assisted the court in the matters.

With respect to the Central Ridge, Justice Singh said the court will not allow the movement of motor vehicles through a road inside the forest which houses the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Delhi station, and asked the Centre to come forward with a “viable solution” to access the premises.

While the Centre’s counsel, Kirtiman Singh, said there is a “strategic reason” why the station was in the forest and that it’s “best kept there”, the HC said, “That is fair. No one is asking you to compromise on the security of the nation or development of science. But you need to find a solution.”
The Centre’s counsel said he will have it considered, if there is a way around it.

The HC also suggested employees working at the ISRO station could either walk to the station, use bicycles or work in shifts.

The HC also noted that despite clear directions in an order passed last month, the Deputy Conservator of Forest (West) had not taken steps for confiscating a truck of the Delhi Police which was found entering the Central Ridge and dumping material. Justice Singh said in case the truck is not confiscated within seven days, DCF West will be liable for contempt.