SC accepts panel recommendations on green cover

The Supreme Court on Friday accepted a set of recommendations made by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), including creating a customised module which would contain data on details of projects requiring cutting of trees, the number of trees to be felled or translocated and compensatory plantation to tackle dwindling green cover in the Capital.

The apex court was hearing a matter regarding enhancing the green cover in Delhi and creating a mechanism for it.

In its report filed in the top court, the CEC has recommended creation of a customised management information system (MIS) module on which data shall be uploaded by the project proponents on a regular basis for ensuring proper and timely compliance of the orders passed by the court on issues related to the Delhi Ridge.

The Ridge is an extension of the Aravalli hill range in Delhi and is a rocky, hilly and forested area. “We accept the recommendations and direct the CEC to act upon the recommendations,” a Bench of Justices AS Oka and AG Masih said after perusing the committee’s report.

“We hope that the Delhi Government has stopped exercising powers of the tree authority,” the Bench observed, adding, it was earlier seen that such power was being exercised by the government.

The CEC, in its report, has recommended that data including details of projects, the number and species of trees to be felled or translocated, relevant court orders along with conditions that need to be complied with, compensatory plantation and subsequent maintenance activities shall be uploaded on the MIS module by the project proponent on a regular basis.