Reprimanding the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) over its failure to implement effective measures to enhance green cover in the national capital, the Supreme Court on Monday said it would appoint an external agency to propose measures for the same.
The Bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih observed that on June 26, 2024, it had directed the Secretary of the Forest Department under the Delhi government to convene a meeting and discuss comprehensive measures to enhance the green cover of Delhi.
The department failed to make any satisfactory progress in this regard, the Court noted today, adding that it would appoint an external agency to suggest and oversee necessary measures.
The amici curiae were directed to suggest appropriate agencies for the task and listed the matter for further hearing on December 18.
Taking in view the extreme heatwave conditions caused due to loss in green cover, the Bench had directed the DDA and the GNCTD in June this year to implement the recommendations of a three-member expert committee to restore the green cover in Delhi.
The Apex Court had directed the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department to convene meetings and devise comprehensive strategies for increasing Delhi’s green cover.
The Bench was today informed that while the Delhi Forest Department had convened meetings, no report had been filed suggesting measures to enhance the green cover in Delhi.
When it inquired about the final solution proposed for enhancing the green cover, the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department, who appeared via video conferencing, stated that two meetings had been held and suggestions were discussed with experts & amici curiae. He added that an affidavit had been filed regarding these suggestions.
The Bench then remarked that the Forest Department did not do anything meaningful except convening meetings.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said that a report would be submitted in the matter.
When the Bench was about to rise after the hearing, Senior Advocate S Guru Krishnakumar, one of the amici curiae, stressed on the need for measures to curb the growing trend of multiple vehicles per household in Delhi.
The Senior Advocate contended that in Delhi, many people possessed as many as six cars, with every single person and every single child using a separate car.
He suggested amending the Motor Vehicles Act to impose additional taxes on households owning more than two cars, with revenue used to support public transport infrastructure. The Amicus further suggested that all public sector vehicles should transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
The top court of the country remarked in a lighter vein that the prices of newly-constructed houses were so high in Delhi and Mumbai that only those owning multiple cars could afford such accommodations.
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The Bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih observed that on June 26, 2024, it had directed the Secretary of the Forest Department under the Delhi government to convene a meeting and discuss comprehensive measures to enhance the green cover of Delhi.
The department failed to make any satisfactory progress in this regard, the Court noted today, adding that it would appoint an external agency to suggest and oversee necessary measures.
The amici curiae were directed to suggest appropriate agencies for the task and listed the matter for further hearing on December 18.
Taking in view the extreme heatwave conditions caused due to loss in green cover, the Bench had directed the DDA and the GNCTD in June this year to implement the recommendations of a three-member expert committee to restore the green cover in Delhi.
The Apex Court had directed the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department to convene meetings and devise comprehensive strategies for increasing Delhi’s green cover.
The Bench was today informed that while the Delhi Forest Department had convened meetings, no report had been filed suggesting measures to enhance the green cover in Delhi.
When it inquired about the final solution proposed for enhancing the green cover, the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department, who appeared via video conferencing, stated that two meetings had been held and suggestions were discussed with experts & amici curiae. He added that an affidavit had been filed regarding these suggestions.
The Bench then remarked that the Forest Department did not do anything meaningful except convening meetings.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said that a report would be submitted in the matter.
When the Bench was about to rise after the hearing, Senior Advocate S Guru Krishnakumar, one of the amici curiae, stressed on the need for measures to curb the growing trend of multiple vehicles per household in Delhi.
The Senior Advocate contended that in Delhi, many people possessed as many as six cars, with every single person and every single child using a separate car.
He suggested amending the Motor Vehicles Act to impose additional taxes on households owning more than two cars, with revenue used to support public transport infrastructure. The Amicus further suggested that all public sector vehicles should transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
The top court of the country remarked in a lighter vein that the prices of newly-constructed houses were so high in Delhi and Mumbai that only those owning multiple cars could afford such accommodations.
The post appeared first on .