Delhi Ridge Tree Felling | DDA Transferred Rs 46 Crores To Forest Dept For Afforestation, GNCTD Chief Secretary Tells Supreme Court

In the Delhi Ridge Tree Felling contempt case, the Chief Secretary of the Delhi government has filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court detailing steps taken towards compensatory afforestation/plantation in compliance of the Court's earlier directions.

The affidavit states that a meeting was held on 29.09.2025 under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary with the DDA Vice-Chairman, Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) and other Forest Department officials, wherein DDA informed that it has transferred Rs. 46.13 crores to the Forest Department for carrying out plantation & maintenance (up to 7 years) as per demand.

The case pertains to the felling of trees in the Delhi ridge forest to widen road for the the CAPFIMS Paramilitary Hospital in violation of the Supreme Court's orders. Following that, the Court had initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against the DDA officials.

On May 28, the Supreme Court constituted a Committee to frame an afforestation plan, which the Forest Department was to implement under its supervision. The entire cost of the afforestation was directed to be borne by the DDA. The Court also directed the identification of 185 acres of land, details of which were to be reported to the Committee.

In September, DDA informed the Court that the requisite land had been allotted and trees for afforestation identified. Likewise, Forest Department, GNCTD stated that the land had been handed over to the department. Hearing the parties, the Court called for a detailed report from the Forest Department with regard to the suitability of 185 acres of land allocated. Insofar as the Forest Department claimed that the allocated land was not fenced, and therefore, some more funds may be required from DDA, the Court asked the Department to raise the demand and file an affidavit in case of any reluctance on part of DDA.

In compliance of the Court's orders, Chief Secretary, GNCTD has now filed an affidavit detailing the subsequent developments. It mentions that the work of the Boundary wall for the Forest Department is generally carried out by the Irrigation & Flood Control Department but they take time to complete work in such cases. As such, it has been decided that DDA, which has a dedicated Engineering Department, will construct the boundary wall wherever required, upto a minimum height of 6 ft.

The affidavit further states that nodal officers have been nominated by the Forest Department and DDA to implement the measures recommended by the Committee and restore the capital's green cover. In terms of the Court's directions, the officers shall also ensure filing of a jointly signed bi-annual compliance report before this Court, duly supported by photographic and video documentation, evidencing status and upkeep of afforested areas.

It is also stated that the preliminary layout plan has been finalized by DDA. As such, District Magistrate (South), GNCTD has been instructed to start identification process of affluent persons who may unduly benefit from the road widening project launched to facilitate access to the CAPFIMS Paramilitary Hospital. In accordance with the Court's directions, this is to impose a one-time levy on such persons, commensurate with the cost of construction.

The affidavit was filed through AoR Rahul Shyam Bhandari.

Case Title: BINDU KAPUREA Versus SUBHASISH PANDA AND ORS., MA 1652/2025