Supreme Court Rebukes Delhi Forest Department Over Green Cover Negligence

The Supreme Court criticized the Delhi government's forest department for insufficient measures to enhance the city's green cover. It highlighted the department's lack of interest and directed the principal secretary to explain steps taken by October 15. The critique follows a contempt petition related to tree felling.

The Supreme Court on Monday sharply criticized the Delhi government's forest department for failing to provide a comprehensive plan to increase the city's green cover, citing a 'complete lack of interest' and a 'lacklustre' approach.

A bench of Justices AS Oka and Augustine George Masih directed the department's principal secretary to appear virtually on October 18 and submit a personal affidavit detailing measures taken by October 15. The court underscored that the directive was essential for the residents of Delhi, not for the judiciary.

The court's dissatisfaction stems from a contempt petition reporting illegal tree felling and inadequate actions by the forest department. Despite a pending matter before another bench, the court stressed that compliance in this specific case should not be neglected.

(With inputs from agencies.)