Environment : Preservation of Delhi Ridge and Morphological Ridge - Supreme Court issues directions

Supreme Court Mandates Creation of Statutory Delhi Ridge Management Board Aims to Protect Delhi's Green Lungs by Removing Encroachments and Preserving Morphological Ridge

In a landmark judgment dated November 11, 2025, the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, has directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to establish the Delhi Ridge Management Board (DRMB) under statutory authority. This decisive step is aimed at safeguarding the ecological and geographical integrity of the Delhi Ridge, famously known as the "Green Lungs" of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.

The DRMB will function as a single-window authority responsible for the preservation, scientific management, and ecological restoration of the Delhi Ridge and Morphological Ridge. The Supreme Court underscored the urgent necessity to remove encroachments that have been threatening the ecological balance of the Ridge areas. The Court's decision mandates that the DRMB, once constituted, will be tasked with ensuring the removal of encroachments and undertaking afforestation to maintain the Ridge's role in providing ecological services to Delhi.

The Supreme Court emphasized that the DRMB needs statutory backing to ensure accountability, transparency, and efficient functioning. The court highlighted that the current setup of multiple committees overseeing Ridge-related issues has led to overlapping jurisdictions and conflicting outcomes. By providing statutory authority, the court aims to streamline decision-making processes and enable the DRMB to operate effectively.

In addition to the removal of encroachments, the DRMB will focus on the identification and preservation of the Morphological Ridge, a crucial ecological feature. The Board will include representatives from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to enhance coordination and strengthen environmental oversight.

The judgment also mandates the formation of a Standing Committee within the DRMB to handle day-to-day affairs, ensuring regular meetings with experts in conservation. This move aims to facilitate continuous and focused efforts towards the protection and enhancement of the Ridge ecosystem.

The Supreme Court has directed the DRMB to submit periodic reports to the Court and maintain transparency by publishing reports and public notices on its website. The Court has called upon all authorities within the NCT of Delhi to support the DRMB in fulfilling its mandate.

This judgment marks a significant step towards preserving Delhi's ecological heritage and underscores the judiciary's commitment to environmental conservation.

Statutory provision(s): Environment Protection Act, 1986 Section 3(3), Indian Forest Act, 1927, Delhi Land Reforms Act, 1954, NGT Act, 2010, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Right to Information Act, 2005

T. N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2806663