Environmental report highlights green gains, fewer crimes

Delhi’s latest environmental progress report has revealed an impressive rise in the city’s greenery and an equally sharp fall in reported wildlife crimes.

According to the Delhi State Indicator Framework 2024, Status Report on Sustainable Development Goal 15, which focuses on protecting life on land, the national capital has recorded a steady expansion of its green cover over recent years.

The data shows that Delhi’s tree cover has grown remarkably, increasing from 7.49 per cent of its geographical area in 2015 to 11.87 per cent in 2023. This surge reflects the impact of large-scale plantation drives, urban forestry efforts, and community participation in greening projects.

Forest cover has also shown steady improvement, rising from 12.73 per cent in 2015 to 13.17 per cent in 2023. While the increase may appear modest, environmental experts consider it a significant gain for a densely populated city like Delhi, where even small patches of green can help improve air quality and biodiversity.

However, the report highlights a puzzling trend in wildlife protection. The number of wildlife crime cases detected and reported annually has dropped sharply, from 143 cases in 2021–22 to just 27 in 2023–24. This represents an 81 percent decline, leaving officials debating whether this is a sign of genuine progress or a gap in reporting and detection.

Some officials view the steep fall as a major success, suggesting that strict enforcement and greater public awareness have helped curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Others warn that it could point to under reporting or weaker ground level monitoring. Interestingly, the number of cases registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, has remained consistent, with 27 cases recorded in 2023–24, matching the number of crimes detected.

Environmental Science professor Sunil Kumar welcomed the findings, calling them a sign of positive change in Delhi’s ecological approach. “The consistent increase in green cover shows that Delhi is finally aligning growth with sustainability. These gains are not just about numbers, they reflect an environmental awakening among citizens and authorities alike,” he said.

“The report positions Delhi as moving steadily toward achieving its Sustainable Development Goal of protecting terrestrial ecosystems. Yet the sharp decline in wildlife crime detection has prompted calls for a deeper look into enforcement and reporting mechanisms,” he added.