Air Pollution: Delhi High Court Seeks Forest Department's Response Over Encroachment In Asola Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary, Central Ridge

The Delhi High Court has sought response of Delhi's forest department on the status and extent of encroachment in city's Asola Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary and Central Ridge.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora said that in case stay orders have been passed restraining removal or demolition by any Court, the same shall be annexed with the affidavit.

“Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) through the Department of Conservator of Forests, Department of Forests and Wildlife shall file a short affidavit explicitly stating either the extent of encroachment or the fact that there is no encroachment in Asola Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary and Central Ridge,” the court directed.

The bench was dealing with a suo motu public interest litigation initiated in 2015 on the issue of air pollution in Delhi.

The court also directed the Amicus Curiae, Senior Advocate Kailash Vasdev, to file a supplementary note within two weeks.

The matter will now be heard on March 05.

Last year, a coordinate bench had said that the national capital is losing its forest cover drastically.

The amicus curiae had referred to the photographs of Delhi, highlighting the loss of forest cover especially in the areas around Asola sanctuary, airport and the President's house.

He had also brought to the attention of the court the issue of unauthorised colonies in various areas, including the Central Ridge.

Title: COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION (AIR POLLUTION IN DELHI) v. UNION OF INDIA & ORS

Click Here To Read Order