Supreme Court: More Trees in Delhi Best Way to Fix Air Pollution

The Supreme Court believes planting more trees is the only real way to fix Delhi's bad air. This is a long-term plan to help millions breathe better.
By Newsroom | Environment, India |

The Supreme Court of India has stated that increasing the number of trees in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) is the most effective and lasting way to deal with the region's persistent air pollution. The court made these remarks while discussing issues related to tree cutting and the need for more greenery.

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Background

Delhi and its surrounding areas frequently experience very poor air quality, especially during certain times of the year. This has led to significant health concerns for the millions of people living there. Various efforts have been made over the years to address this problem, but the pollution levels remain a serious challenge.

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  • February 2023: The Supreme Court assigned the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun the task of preparing a plan to increase green cover in Delhi and to count all existing trees. This was part of the MC Mehta pollution case.

  • March 2023: FRI submitted a draft plan.

  • Recent Hearings: The Supreme Court has been examining issues, including the appointment of environmental experts and cases of tree felling. This includes a case where trees were cut in the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) ridge area to build an access road for a hospital.

Court's Observations on Tree Planting

During recent hearings, the Supreme Court emphasized that expanding green cover is a fundamental and long-term solution for Delhi's air pollution.

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  • Sustainable Solution: The court stated that planting more trees is the only sustainable and long-term method to combat worsening air pollution.

  • Effective for AQI: The Chief Justice noted that increasing the green cover is one of the most viable and effective ways to improve the Air Quality Index (AQI).

  • Substantive Intervention: The court viewed enhancing greenery not just as a superficial action but as a significant, long-term approach that can genuinely reduce pollution.

Issues Raised in Court

The court's remarks were made in the context of specific legal matters concerning trees and environmental protection.

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  • Tree Felling for Development: The court discussed cases where trees were cut for development projects, such as widening roads to improve access to a hospital for paramilitary personnel.

  • Expert Committee: The court addressed the need to fill a vacancy in an expert committee that advises the Delhi government on planned tree planting.

  • Concerns over DDA: In a contempt petition against the DDA Vice Chairman, the court noted a lack of trust and highlighted that tree felling continued for several days despite a court order against removing trees without permission.

"When we are fighting for the improvement of AQI, increasing green cover is one of the most viable, effective and long drawn solution," commented the Chief Justice.

Actions and Plans

The court has been overseeing actions related to increasing green cover and compensating for tree loss.

  • FRI's Action Plan: The court was informed that FRI submitted a draft plan in March last year, but constructive hearings on it have not occurred since.

  • Compensatory Afforestation: In a case involving the widening of a road in the Southern Ridge, the court allowed the DDA to proceed but mandated that for every tree felled, five saplings must be planted.

  • Expert Committee Oversight: The court has been involved in reconstituting an expert committee tasked with supervising compensatory afforestation projects.

Expert Insights

While direct quotes from external experts are limited in the provided data, the Supreme Court's own statements reflect a consensus on the importance of afforestation.

  • Chief Justice Surya Kant: Emphasized that mass tree plantation is the most effective strategy to combat air pollution and is the optimal and permanent solution for improving Delhi-NCR's air quality.

  • Amicus Curiae: Senior Advocate Guru Krishna Kumar, assisting the court, highlighted the ongoing need for tree planting and raised issues regarding the expert committee's composition.

Conclusion and Future Steps

The Supreme Court has clearly identified the expansion of green cover through large-scale tree planting as the most significant and lasting strategy for improving Delhi-NCR's air quality. While acknowledging the need for development and access to essential services like healthcare, the court has underscored that environmental protection and adherence to judicial orders are paramount.

  • Long-Term Focus: The court's consistent emphasis is on sustainable, long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

  • Oversight of Afforestation: The court will continue to oversee afforestation programs and ensure compliance with directions on planting and preserving trees.

  • Need for Hearings: The lack of constructive hearings on FRI's action plan suggests a need for renewed focus and judicial intervention to expedite the implementation of greening strategies.

  • Addressing Distrust: The concerns raised regarding the DDA indicate that efforts will be made to rebuild trust and ensure transparency in environmental matters.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did the Supreme Court say is the best way to fix Delhi's air pollution?
The Supreme Court said that planting more trees in Delhi and the nearby areas is the most effective and lasting way to deal with the bad air quality.
Q: Why does the Supreme Court think planting trees is so important?
The court believes that increasing the number of trees is the only way to make sure the air quality improves for a long time. It is seen as a very good and lasting solution.
Q: What actions have been taken before the Supreme Court's latest comments?
The court asked the Forest Research Institute to make a plan to plant more trees and count existing ones in February 2023. A draft plan was given in March 2023.
Q: What other issues about trees did the court discuss?
The court also talked about cases where trees were cut down for building things, like a road to a hospital. They also discussed the need for experts to help with tree planting plans.
Q: What happens if trees are cut down for new projects?
In one case, the court allowed a road to be built but said that for every tree cut down, five new trees must be planted to replace it.
Q: What is the main goal of the Supreme Court's focus on trees?
The main goal is to create more green areas in Delhi to permanently reduce air pollution and improve the health of people living there.